[viralcow]

Hey Head-fi, just want a quick input on my next upgrade. I'm currently using two main headphones - the Denon D5000 and AKG K701, hooked up to an O2 amp. I don't have enough cash for high-end stuff, but I'm looking at headphones around the $400-700 range.
 
TBH, this will be my first purchase above $200 on any pair of headphones xD (I am a cheap person who's had good luck with finding discounted cans).
 
I'm looking for a solid pair of reference headphones- I thought that's what I was getting with the K701 but apparently it's not. The D5000, while being great for just listening, is too bass heavy for my tastes. I listen to a wide range of music; a lot of classical, some jazz, alternative & progressive rock, some hip-hop and rap. A lot of vocal-heavy stuff, as well.
 
Currently looking at:
Sennheiser HD600/HD650
Shure 1440/1840
Audiotechnica AD2000/W5000
Hifiman HE-400/HE-500
Grado PS500

 

[MattTCG]

I would suggest these two:
 
HFM he400=incredible value in an planar can and at the bottom end of your budget. This a wonderfully layered and balanced hp. Good bass for an ortho can.
 
Fostex t50 (modded)=you can buy these premodded from places like Mr. Speakers for around $300 or less and the headphone is truly impressive. 
 
PM me if you have questions.
 
gL!!

 

[viralcow]

Haha, I was just adding the HE-400/HE-500 to my prospective list. If I had the money for the HE500's, which one should I get?
 
And considering the HD600/650 are within the same price range as the HE400, which one is better?

 

[MattTCG]

I would go with the he400 tbh. The he500 is going to be better on the mids by a good notch. The he400 is warmer meaning that it has a stronger bass presence. Now granted these two headphones are cut from the same cloth and sound quite similar. The differences that I'm describing are not day and night. But rather slight.
 
The he500 is much harder to drive and needs a very nice amp/dac to get those mids to really shine. The he400 will amp MUCH more easily.
 
gL!!

 

[nehcrow]

Dude he400 is NOT an upgrade to your K701 and D5000... more like a sidegrade
HE500 is a bigger upgrade as midrange is much more preferable on it than the HE400

 

[viralcow]

Mk I've decided on the HE-500. I have $400 saved up now so it will be a while before I can get it. I also want to get a better amp, maybe an Asgard, as I've heard the HE-500 is a thirsty pair of headphones.
 
My wallet is hurting bad, that setup is going to cost $950... I could even save up a bit more and get a used flagship like the T1

 

[voyager123]

Others say that the T1 is an overpriced headphone, and equals to the HE500 in sonic performance.
I haven't heard the HE500s, but I've heard the T1s and they were fantastic, altough a bit bright compared to my SRH1840.

 

[timtoo]

Quote:

Hey Head-fi, just want a quick input on my next upgrade. I'm currently using two main headphones - the Denon D5000 and AKG K701, hooked up to an O2 amp. I don't have enough cash for high-end stuff, but I'm looking at headphones around the $400-700 range.
 
TBH, this will be my first purchase above $200 on any pair of headphones xD (I am a cheap person who's had good luck with finding discounted cans).
 
I'm looking for a solid pair of reference headphones- I thought that's what I was getting with the K701 but apparently it's not. The D5000, while being great for just listening, is too bass heavy for my tastes. I listen to a wide range of music; a lot of classical, some jazz, alternative & progressive rock, some hip-hop and rap. A lot of vocal-heavy stuff, as well.
 
Currently looking at:
Sennheiser HD600/HD650
Shure 1440/1840
Audiotechnica AD2000/W5000
Hifiman HE-400/HE-500
Grado PS500

DT 880 250ohm may be good for you, you can think about that

 

[zowki]

My advice is to not buy anything and save up for a flagship grade headphone like the HD800, LCD2, etc. Any headphone you upgrade to in your current budget range is not going to be significant.

 

[fortitude]

Quote:

My advice is to not buy anything and save up for a flagship grade headphone like the HD800, LCD2, etc. Any headphone you upgrade to in your current budget range is not going to be significant.

I agree with this 100%  a flagship even on an O2 will be miles ahead, you can always get something like a Lyr to handle any headphone attached to it.

 

[MalVeauX]

Heya,
 
Get a used HE-500 for about $500. The O2 will be sufficient to power it. That's warm neutral + neutral. Very reference. Very hi-fi.
 
Very best,

 

[KCxSmacker]

I vote for the he-500

 

[obobskivich]

Koss ESP/950 - includes its own amp, top-flight sound, a very solid upgrade over the K701 (anything the 701 can do, the 950 can do better). The Ultrasone PRO2900 should also be a realistic consideration - also more easily driven than the K701. But Ultrasone, like Grado, is a really personal choice (I can't speak to the PS-500, but I can say the RS-1 are fantastic) - so buy from somewhere with a good return policy if you go that route. Neither of these dynamics are hard to drive.

The Senns will be a sidegrade at best, no idea on the Shure or isodynamics.