ProtegeManiac
Headphoneus Supremus
Thanks for taking the time to respond again. I'd assume the volume of the 80 ohm may be slightly less but hopefully not by much given the similar sensitivities. I'm going to go back tomorrow to try the 32 ohm on my laptop and if that runs uncomfortably loud, is it safe to assume that the 80 ohm will run fine?
On the laptop, yes.
It's the smartphone I can't answer - you might get lower volume and if the output impedance is affecting it in such a way that it's boosting bass, that's a double whammy vs the 80ohm version on your phone. But again if you're going to get an amp anyway then it'll go either way. You get more power for the 80ohm, you won't have output impedance issues on the 32ohm.
I'd look up comparative reviews where both were used on an amp that has no issues driving either and just go with whatever has the sound you prefer. It won't vary by much in that situation but again the thing is you'll get the one you like better without the review being influenced by an amplifier circuit or chip that has some kind of disadvantage on one of them.
Also my hesitance of settling for the 32 ohm and m50x is firstly the apparent superior bass of the 80 ohm and secondly leatherette padding (which will most likely flake after a year).
Lots of aftermarket options for most headphones nowadays but of course you have more for Beyers since they have more headphone lines that use the same size earpads.