[TreblaX]

So I've been looking for a pair of headphones around the $100-150 maybe $200 price range and so far every search has lead me back to the Sennheisers.  I'd be mostly listening to music and watching movies with these headphones and it seems that the sound quality, aesthetics, comfort, and sound stage are all great.  I'd really love to find a pair of headphones with better overall quality (the four things I just listed) for around the same price.  Any suggestions?

 

[PurpleAngel]

Audio Technica ATH-AD900X.

 

[kramer5150]

I think MDR-MA900 is worth a look.  Like your HD558 its an easy to drive option.  Every once in a long while they can be found for a little over $200.  If you can stretch it I think it could be a little extra  $$ well spent.

 

[serman005]

It sounds as though the can you are describing in many ways is, in fact, the HD598. HD598s can be had for next to nothing right now thru amazon. Have you checked them out? They are probably a  significant upgrade from the 558 (un-modded 558, that is) and something you may really enjoy very greatly once you hear them. amazon has a liberal return  policy--you could return them if you didn't want to keep them--no problems. Food for thought. Good Luck!

 

[TreblaX]

Everyone says AT's ATH-AD700X and 900X are great for gaming because of the soundstage but as for music, not so much.  I've heard and read a lot of people saying that the bass if practically nonexistent and for people who've owned both, many have preferred the HD558's.
 
For the MDR-MA900's, I was interested in them but they seem to be discontinued by the manufacturer.  I'm not sure why but yeah.

 

[appsmarsterx]

I think, MA900 is still in production in Japan.

 

[bikerboy94]

Save some money HD558 used like new from authorized dealer full warrant $87.50 shipped. I just got Senn Momentums from them for $110.00 shipped brand new just no retail box. I also bought my HD558s from them new.
 
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004FEEY9A/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used&m=A134C7TMP2R0RJ
Fast shipping too. Ordered Sat hand Wed. I love my HD558s.

 

[bikerboy94]

P.S I did contact Senn there are factory authorized.

 

[TreblaX]

So basically what im still hearing is overall the sennheiser hd 5x8 are tge best overall cans at that price. With the sony ma900s at 2x the price of the 558s and the 900x 1.5x the price and not as good for music, I really wanna find something that can compete.

 

[Thunderkiss]

You won't be disappointed with the Sennheiser HD 558.
 
Have used mine for gaming, movies & music. For the money, they are fantastic.

 

[kramer5150]

I wouldn't read too much into the lack of further recommendations... beyond what it is.  The problem here is the ~$150 ball park is more or less just an entry level / first step into headfi.  Most members make that first step with one maybe two different cans in this price and then they scale everything up to something more $$$.  Few members simultaneously own multiple "amp-less"  cans in this price range, which is why I think you're not getting many counter-recommendations.
 
To throw some more options out there...
DT880/770 in 32 ohm
AKG K240s in 55 ohm
T50RP, you can mod them to custom tailor the sound and comfort levels
Grado SR60-125e, Very comfy with ear zonk G-cush pads

 

[TreblaX]

Any recommendations on entry level amps and headphones that could accompany the amp well?

 

[appsmarsterx]

Yamaha mt220 is another great option. it used to be around $250, these days you can get it fot just $150. far more superior than those entry level sennheisers imo. probably better than DT770 too.

 

[bikerboy94]

The HD558 are very good headphones. People are so hung up on the word Best. This is all so subjective there is no best. There might be for you might not only you can answer that.

 

[TreblaX]

Okay so I don't really have a budget but money is money so I don't want to just throw it out.  I'm currently deciding between the Sennheiser HD 558 (not gonna mod) and 598, the Audio Technica ATH-A700X/900X or ATH AD700X/900X, and finally the Yamaha MT220.  I'd like something good for indy rock, alternative rock, etc, and seek good even sounding throughout bass, mids, and treble.  I'd like it to be clear as well and for the headphones to be quite comfortable (I'll prob be wearing for a few hours at a time) and a good looking pair wouldn't hurt.  Preferably closed but with great sound stage and great for music but if that's only achieved through open headphones, then that works too.  Oh and if anyone could include their opinion of the best ~200-300 dollar headphones then that would be great too.
Thanks.