[Tyson]

OK, seems like the general consensus is that the CD3000 is probably the best closed heaphones available in the under $500 price category. So, that raises the question of what are the next best?

I would vote for the modded AKG K271's w/upgraded cord (more resolution overall than my Etys and my 600's, but not as transparent in the bass as the Ety's). Any other contenders?

 

[zeplin]

give the Audio Technicas W1000 a try! like the HD600's they are very picky in regards to their brightness when run by the wrong source or amp. pair them with a bright source and you might not like them. but with teh right setup, they're blissfull sounding headphones to me. one other thing i did to improve the sound two fold, especially since my head is small, is i brought the drivers closer to my ears. this smoothed out the highs and put a perfect wieght and warmth to the music that is unmatched by any other headphone i've owned (HD600, Ety 4S, MDR F1, and V6). the bass is also, IMO, a lot like the etys bass, except with more visceral impact...that is, it is very accurate and tight. and many will agree that for classical and instrumental music the W1000's are one of the best ahnds down!! hope this helps, good luck to you