[BabySealClubber]

Hi, after a good amount of research, I am torn between whether to buy the Audio Technica ATH-M50s, AKG K550s, or Sennheiser HD 25-1 ii. I will be listening to music through my 4th genereation ipod and listen to mainly rock, electronic/ dubstep, and rap/hip hop. I also will purchase a relatively inexpensive portable headphone amp such as the headroom total airhead. I will be using these headphones for portable use.
 
Thank you!

 

[BabySealClubber]

*bump*

 

[SursumCorda]

Question: When you say 4th gen ipod, is that the 4th gen ipod classic, or the ipod touch?
 
I have the AKG550 and I really like them, but I my ipod (touch, 3rd gen) did not have enough juice to power them. Running them through the Fiio E17 they sounded MUCH better. I demoed the ATH-50 and it sounded all right with an un-amped iPod.
 
I want to say that you'll definitely want to add an amp to the iPod for the AKG550.
You may be all right with the other two.... though I haven't tried the HD25-1 ii.
I really like the sound of the AKG550 with my HiSound Rocco P/Fiio E17. But I do not really consider the AKG550 to be much of a "on the go" headphone.... I use it at work.
 
I'd consider the other two as better choices if you are traveling with them.
The HD25-1 ii are supposedly amazing in terms of durability. =)
 
 
At this point you have probably already made a purchase. I hope you're happy with it. ^^

 

[Ihasanafro]

Not that I've listened to any of the headphones you've mentioned, for portability I would go with the sens
From what I've read the isolate miles more than the other two and are small headphones which is good for portability

I would secondly go for the M50s due to the music you listen to

 

[BabySealClubber]

I have a 4th gen ipod touch. Would listening to the m-50s with my ipod through an amp make a noticable difference from listening withought an amp?  Thank you both for the advice and sorry for such a late response.

 

[Alexkahn]

i do think M50 is better than HD 25-1, but know nothing about k550....

 

[Snag1e]

I have a 4th gen ipod touch. Would listening to the m-50s with my ipod through an amp make a noticable difference from listening withought an amp?

The M-50s are very easy to drive, and will work great directly from your ipod with no amp.

 

[JUSTICEFORALL]

Both are good,both have pretty small soundstage,M50 feels little heavier on my head.SQ wise I prefer the HD25.

 

[vernz]

in your case, i think K550 doesn't suit your taste of music.
as for M50 and HD25, i will prefer M50 for its easy-to-drive and over-ear comfort.

 

[Amorgan]

M50's are too bassy for rock and fast music genres. What about the HFI-580? 

 

[Origin89]

Portable use, you can't beat the HD25-1 II, and they sound amazing for such a light-weight, rugged, and isolating headphone. Coming from my iPhone, they need a little extra juice to get them where I want, but the Total Airhead should work just fine for you.

 

[roma101]

The M50s have about the same quantity of bass as the HD25s except the HDs have a little more impact.
Both headphones are great but for your genres, I would also consider the V-MODA M-80. Big sound for a portable on ear.

The reason I recommend those is because for hip hop and electronica, I find both the HD25 and the M50 a little too hot in the treble. The M-80s have a more neutral, less fatiguing treble while having plenty of detail, good bass and mids, with good soundstage for such a small can. Defintely worth considering as they're a great all-rounder.

 

[roma101]

M50's are too bassy for rock and fast music genres. What about the HFI-580? 

I disagree. Listening to the M50s right now and I find them just fine with all genres. One of the more natural-sounding cans out there. Their only caveats are they're not exactly balanced across the spectrum due to a bit of treble emphasis.

 

[jackwess]

Quote:

The M50s have about the same quantity of bass as the HD25s except the HDs have a little more impact.
Both headphones are great but for your genres, I would also consider the V-MODA M-80. Big sound for a portable on ear.

 
I felt that the M50's had more bass than the HD-25's. The sennheisers have just the right amount, tight and accurate. 
 
Equing/burn in helps on taming down the treble. 

 

[roma101]

The M50s extend lower but when it comes to quantity it's in the same ball park to my ears. YMMV.