[PyekiM]

I got my ATH-50S as a gift for my home studio.  I was shocked how good they were for 150 bucks.  Great for /\/\ETAL!  Straight into my iPhone or laptop, I actually prefer them to my Grados in some ways.  Yes, they are slightly bass heavy, but that works to their advantage.  The slight laid back mids and highs just mean you can crank it up louder without ear pain.  It's a solid choice if your limited to that budget.

 

[eric0531]

I'll second the SRH-840, IMO they are significantly better than the ATH-M50 - more balanced with a more natural high end. (I've owned both).

 

[formula1]

Quote:

*Last* question, are these headphones comfortable?

 
To be honest, on a scale of 10, i give them 8. 
 
You can replace the headband to increase comfort tho. 

 

[Jay Delo]

Ive heard that the 580's have more bass then the 780's but the 780's are a bit more clear. and like the other guy said hfi headphones don't need amping but they will benefit from it

 

[rustablad]

I think for what skebz listens to, the 780 will be better than the rest of the hi-fi range.
 
the SRH-840 are good, though I haven't listened to them for more than 20mins, so I don't think I can have a real opinion there.

 

[Gozzer]

Go with the M50. They work with wide variety of genre, and if you can amp them they will sound better.
 

 

[formula1]

Quote:

Go with the M50. They work with wide variety of genre, and if you can amp them they will sound better.
 

http://www.head-fi.org/t/594176/audio-technica-ath-m50-vs-ultrasone-hfi-780

 

[Skebz]

So I've seen the SRH840 being recommended as well, any comparisons between those and the Hfi-780. I'm sorry for all the questions, just trying to make a highly informed decision before I go and buy my first real pair of headphones, and I don't have a store anywhere near me to go and actually TRY headphones out :/.

 

[rustablad]

Ok, I do like shure, but mostly for their IEMs, I cant say I'm so SHURE about the  SRH840, i'd still go for the ultrasones, from the little  SRH840 demo ive had, i feel the ultrasones are better all rounders.

 

[Skebz]

And for the type of music I listen to, the 780's are better, correct? Probably going to purchase the 780's later on today then! They are 154ish on amazon right now, is that their normal price or should I wait for them to drop a bit?

 

[rustablad]

I cant get the 780s for less than $230 where i am, and i think they retail around 280-300  ,   buy them now if you have made your choice 

 

[NA Blur]

Quote:

I personally would go with the sennheiser hd-280 pro. they provide a very full and clean sound for $100

I disagree completely.  They have build quality issues and will crack within 6 months.  I have had my M50's for years and they are still going strong.
 
The 280 pro is also susceptible to poor damping.  See Dave Rat's intrigue here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHkb4bhdnRA&feature=channel&list=UL
Right around minute #2 is where he talks about some of the bass issues with the 280.  Most of this goes away with a firm clamping force, but it still shows there can be an issue with the 280 pro.

 

[jackwess]

Quote:

i feel the ultrasones are better all rounders.

 
they are. 
 
I use my shures occasionally, since i got my ultrasones. 
(i have the HFI-780)

 

[XxDobermanxX]

Ath m50 are not balanced, go with the ultrasones or the sennheiser hd 449 which are the best at this price range, old man ath-m50 needs a redo