[jecklc80]

Started with athm50s. Seemed to have pretty decent sound a little bass heavy sometimes. Looking for a new pair for Xmas. Under $200. I listen to mostly alt/indie rock. Any suggestions on where to start?
Thanks

Josh

 

[Marximus]

I think the SoundMAGIC HP100s would be fantastic.  They're a lot more linear and well balanced than the M50s, IMO.  And for more comfort, Beyer velour pads fit on them.

 

[gradoist]

I own m50 and sr225i. I suggest you get a 225i, too, which costs $199

 

[GaryPham]

I suggest maybe picking up a nice pair of open headphones to contrast the M50s.  Maybe a pair of MA900/HD598/AD900/DT880/DT990.  The Beyers will require an amplifier, while the first 3 should be fine unamped.

 

[vantt1]

You can't really go wrong with the Sennhesier HD 598, 600 or 650. If even the M50s seemed to be bass heavy for you, then I'd recommend the HD 600s.

 

[GaryPham]

It's important to note that if you decide to go the HD600/650/DT880/DT990 route, that you will need a decent amplifier to really get the headphones to perform to their potential.  Out of a phone, all of the above headphones will sound lethargic.  I would recommend the MINIMUM of a FIIO E9, O2, or Schiit Magni to power these headphones adequately.

 

[jecklc80]

Great thanks for all the suggestions. Gives me a good place to start. Thanks fort the tip about the amp. I've been looking at a fios e12 mont blanc. 

 

[GaryPham]

The FIIO E12 is a very good choice.  Perhaps the most powerful portable amplifier that can run off batteries.  If you can score one for around 100 dollars, then it is a great price (I've seen them go down to 95.00 this past black friday).

 

[jecklc80]

It's not a DAC though right? Do I need one like the E17 that is a DAC? I will mostly be using it from desktop computer and phone.

 

[vantt1]

Using an amp is a given when you're using 300+ ohm headphones. 

 

[zazex]

  I suggest maybe picking up a nice pair of open headphones to contrast the M50s.  Maybe a pair of MA900/HD598/AD900/DT880/DT990.  The Beyers will require an amplifier, while the first 3 should be fine unamped.

 
+1 except the DT990
 

  It's important to note that if you decide to go the HD600/650/DT880/DT990 route, that you will need a decent amplifier to really get the headphones to perform to their potential.  Out of a phone, all of the above headphones will sound lethargic.  I would recommend the MINIMUM of a FIIO E9, O2, or Schiit Magni to power these headphones adequately.

 
+1 on the O2 amplifier

 

[GaryPham]

  It's not a DAC though right? Do I need one like the E17 that is a DAC? I will mostly be using it from desktop computer and phone.

You are correct in that the E12 is only an amplifier and not a DAC.  The E17 is both a dac and an amplifier (even though its amplifier is much weaker than that of the E12).  You could get both and link them together, using the E17 as a dac and the E12 as the amp.  The internal am on the E17 will not be strong enough to run the HD600/650/880/990 adequately.

 

[GaryPham]

Fry's currently has the HD598s on sale right now for 149.99, which is a GREAT deal in my opinion.  Probably the best open can headphones that won't require an amp.  Is a bit bass light, but amazing soundstage and overall very smooth and refined sounding. 

 

[gradoist]

  Fry's currently has the HD598s on sale right now for 149.99, which is a GREAT deal in my opinion.  Probably the best open can headphones that won't require an amp.  Is a bit bass light, but amazing soundstage and overall very smooth and refined sounding. 

I agree. For $149, It has high C/P. However, a (not cheap) tube amp is definitely a big plus.

 

[gradoist]

no need of DAC when  u r using your computer as the source as long as u use foobar2000 as ur music player