[uthscsa19]

A few things I am looking for:

• These will be used at home, plugged into a Fiio K3/Computer, for music/gaming.
• Must be comfortable for 3-5hr sessions.
• Open/Closed both ok, but I prefer open for home use.
• Currently own Sennheiser 598se and Audiotechnica M50. Like both, but lean more to the Sennheiser sound and comfort.
• Mostly listen to Folk/Americana, Rock and Alternative music.

What would be a good step up in the under $500 range for me.

Thanks.

 

[vinekly]

Sennheiser 600 or 650 (consensus opinion for good reason)
Alessandro MS2 (my recommendation since you already have 598) these are more neutral versions of Grado SR 325
Beyerdynamic DT880
ZMF Classic

Beyerdynamic T1 used is another option
For 600ish MrSpeakers Aeon Flow (open and closed both great but prefer open)

 

[jasonyyd]

If you decide to go with HD600 or HD650, you may also want to take a look at the Massdrop version:HD6xx. Same cans at a much better price.
If you decide to go with the next level: Beyerdynamic T1 . I have a used one in very good condition for sale, PM me if you like to see some pictures

 

[PurpleAngel]

A few things I am looking for:

• These will be used at home, plugged into a Fiio K3/Computer, for music/gaming.
• Must be comfortable for 3-5hr sessions.
• Open/Closed both ok, but I prefer open for home use.
• Currently own Sennheiser 598se and Audiotechnica M50. Like both, but lean more to the Sennheiser sound and comfort.
• Mostly listen to Folk/Americana, Rock and Alternative music.What would be a good step up in the under $500 range for me. Thanks.

Good bang for the buck upgrade, Massdrop/Sennheiser HD58X
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-sennheiser-hd-58x-jubilee-headphones

My preferred headphone, Beyerdynamic T90

 

[Cla55clown]

Have you looked at the Shure SRH1540? They are closed back and get good reviews. they retail for right at your budget.

 

[uthscsa19]

What is the major difference between the Massdrop HD58X and the Massdrop HD6xx?

 

[PurpleAngel]

What is the major difference between the Massdrop HD58X and the Massdrop HD6xx?

The 300-Ohm HD6XX is more power demanding, then the 150-Ohm HD58X.
They do sound a little different, but I can't tell you how.

 

[uthscsa19]

Would the Fiio K3 be able to drive HD6XX, or would I need something bigger to even make use of them at 300-Ohm? I'm doing a bit of reading and am bending maybe into buying 2 pairs (1 of the Massdrop and the Allesandro MS2) since they fit in my budget together.

 

[vinekly]

Not sure about Fiio one way or the other but an Objective 2 would surely do the job. Alessandro MS2 are 32 ohms I believe. I would get those first and I think someone is selling a pair on this site. Should be able to find them for $140 to $175

 

[vinekly]

No need to get a new amp for the MS2

 

[jasonyyd]

No need amp for HD58X. For me at least, I can't tell any difference between powering it directly with iPhone or HDV820 DAC/AMP. It sounds great.

 

[SHAMuuu]

I was thinking all sorts of crazy things this week "shopping"

Similar position, and i saw the th500rp for 299.99 and $120 for th600 drivers, making a th600 biocelly. in that beautiful shell

i think @Daze513 seemed to be the one to make them ^
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/pro...rp-open-cups-zero-mods-100-reversible.811692/

I went another path, but i wish i could have done this, for $412, that is cheaper than th-x00 massdrop

 

[PurpleAngel]

Would the Fiio K3 be able to drive HD6XX, or would I need something bigger to even make use of them at 300-Ohm? I'm doing a bit of reading and am bending maybe into buying 2 pairs (1 of the Massdrop and the Allesandro MS2) since they fit in my budget together.

My two cents.
300-Ohm headphones, like the HD600/HD650/HD6XX, is where people with tube amplifiers, are looking to buy into.
Or someone with a more powerful solid state headphone amplifier, to get the best out of 300-Ohm Sennheiser headphones.
My HTC One M9 smartphone can decently drive the 150-Ohm HD58X.

 

[zazex]

Have you looked at the Shure SRH1540? They are closed back and get good reviews. they retail for right at your budget.

I like the 1540's, have had them for years.
Very good sounding closed headphones.

Still, I like the 1840's even more. To me, just a very "right" sound
with a broad variety of music. One of my go-to headphones.
Very comfortable too.

Definite keepers.

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SRH184...e+Headphones&qid=1550053776&s=gateway&sr=8-22

 

[kman1211]

Beyerdynamic Amiron Home, one of the least fatiguing, most comfortable, and the best all-rounder headphone I've come across. Good for music, gaming, movies. It sounds good with everything and will be a big upgrade over what you have. One out of only two or three headphones I've been able to live with longer than a month or two out of the dozens of headphones I've owned.