[Friendly]

that's $1000 for each. 
 
I already have the Stax 2170's, but now I'm thinking I'd like to explore their equivalents in dynamic and planar, the other two 'types' of headphones out there.
 
what would you recommend? 
 
if it helps, I listen to primarily ambient, quite a bit of instrumental (strings like violin & cello) and when I'm feeling nostalgic, 90's dance. 
 
I also am waiting for the Schiit Modi 2 Uber and Magni 2 Uber to arrive.

 

[SoulbrothaV]

I recently purchased the Beyerdynamic T5 p 2nd Gen and I'm utterly blown away by the sound this portable closed back headphone produces. It actually sounds more open/spacious than my AUDEZE LCD-3 not saying that it's necessarily better but it does have a certain added airiness to the sound. The fact that you don't need an external amp or dac to power the Beyer t5p 2nd gen to get good sound is a major plus for those who want high fidelity sound on the go. If you have an opportunity to test them, I highly recommend them.

 

[SHAMuuu]

I recently purchased the Beyerdynamic T5 p 2nd Gen and I'm utterly blown away by the sound this portable closed back headphone produces. It actually sounds more open/spacious than my AUDEZE LCD-3 not saying that it's necessarily better but it does have a certain added airiness to the sound. The fact that you don't need an external amp or dac to power the Beyer t5p 2nd gen to get good sound is a major plus for those who want high fidelity sound on the go. If you have an opportunity to test them, I highly recommend them.

Look'n good mang
 
Though I have the t1 on wish list , i am surprised by beyer openess in closed cans even in lower models. 660/770 dont feel closed in and i mean they are puppies to the t5p, so i can only imagine.
 
Didn't know they work without amp. That is a plus! even the 770.80 with my tablet needs a mini fiio for me.

 

[ucanuup]

There is no universal best because everybody has a different preference. Here are some that you should try: t1, elear, he560, edition x. For strings hd800 could sound very harsh and the audezes were all too heavy for me to wear, so I won't recommend them. And if you don't mind second hand, a used ether also falls in your range.

 

[musicman59]

Try the Final Audio Sonorous VI. They are hybrid and for $700 they are amazing!
I am using them with a Wywires Red cable. They are very hard to beat at that price.

 

[HiGHFLYiN9]

Personally, I enjoy the warm top end and resolving presentation of the HiFiMan Edition X, it's less dark than the LCD-2, although will a little less bass. For dynamics, The Denon D-7000 is my current favorite, although not in production, you'd have to find one used. Great balanced bass and crisp top-end in a sealed cup. The T-1 and T5p are close, but a little too much upper midrange for my sensitive ears. Still need to hear the Elear, which will hopefully be soon. 

 

[obobskivich]

Agree with "there is no universal best" but for the genres you've described, on the dynamic side, I'd say Audio-Technica ATH-W5000 without a second thought. :atsmile:

 

[Frozen Rat]

For dynamics I'm very fond of the Grado offerings. For $1k or less you have the GS1000e (or older GS1000i), Rs1e, GH1 (if you can find it) or PS500e. On the used market you can find the PS1000 in that price range. I'm not sure how familiar you are with this brand but they are known for quality treble, forward miss (except the GS series where there's a bit more of a U in the graph). Some call them harsh but I don't. They are very good at articulating detail in the music.
 
For planar, the options are growing continuously and the only planar I've had over my ears is the Sine, which I bought for when I need isolation. It's not nearly as good at my Grados but it's still good. You can afford better and I can only imagine the LCD-2 is better. You also have Oppo, Mrspeaker, Hifiman and others to consider. 
 
Normally I'd suggest getting out to somewhere that sells hifi equipment but good luck with that, those kinds of places are as rare as good judgment in the Trump administration.