[randy98mtu]

  Hey everyone, I was linked to this thread in search of an over portable headphone. My budget is $400 (i'll go higher if it's worth it). With that said I've had my eyes locked on the momentums 2 and OPPO PM-3, which I can see are highly regarded. Now, my issue is are the OPPO worth the extra cash in comparison to the momentum 2s, or should I just stick to the momentums. As well, I welcome new recommendations if any of you have any.
 
Thanks!

I did my own comparison of ~$400 closed back "portable" over ears a few months ago and posted my thoughts in a thread.  This thread has my thoughts.  The link is to a single summary post, where I say if you don't compare them back to back, I doubt you'd be disappointed with the M2, PM-3, B&W P7, Denon MM400 or Sony 1ABT.  There are a lot of great choices in the price range.  If cost is a concern, the M2's are a great value.  I still plan to try out the Wireless M2 at some point.  They were in their "redesign" phase when I did my comparisons.

 

[GrouchoMarx1933]

Tough call. I wish the PM3 weren't limited to direct sale. I'd say buy both and return the one you don't like as much, but Oppo doesn't sell on a service like Amazon for easy returns.

Although I do admit that balanced systems are nice, I don't personally think it's a must... Especially for mobile usage. External noise kind of takes those gains away, in my opinion. I'd go after something with a bit more bass slam for mobile.

At any rate, can't go wrong with anything mentioned, besides the senns. I just firmly believe the senns are overrated. I had them for like a month, trying hard to buy into the hype... Just couldn't after doing direct comparisons to competition. I know a lot of people point to Innerfiedelity's write up on them, but do remember they preferred the NADs and PM3.

I realize balanced is more useful at home, but the Pono sounds significantly better balanced, and I will also sometimes use my closed cans at home if I want to listen to music without worrying about it disturbing my wife. I am torn between getting the best single-ended closed cans I can find or holding out for the ideal ones that can also do balanced.

I'm getting a loaner of the PM-3 through the lending program here, and I'm excited to try it. Otherwise I could consider the Sony 1A or 100AP, both do balanced as well.

 

[MrTradeMarkMe]

You're leaving out an important model! The NAD HP50. Not as cool looking as the others, but excellent sound wise. The Momentum didn't do it for me, as I returned them after doing an A/B with the NADs. The PM3 are great, but costly.

If looks are a concern, the Momentum aren't bad for the current $250 price... But I'd still recommend NAD over them. Night and day better at just about everything.

If cost is no problem, pm3. I also just bought the Blue Lola. They aren't for everyone (look, weight) but are best out of everything mentioned in terms of sound quality.

I looked into the Nads and I demoed them. I loved their sound, but heard bad things about their durability :/

 

[MrTradeMarkMe]

I did my own comparison of ~$400 closed back "portable" over ears a few months ago and posted my thoughts in a thread.  This thread has my thoughts.  The link is to a single summary post, where I say if you don't compare them back to back, I doubt you'd be disappointed with the M2, PM-3, B&W P7, Denon MM400 or Sony 1ABT.  There are a lot of great choices in the price range.  If cost is a concern, the M2's are a great value.  I still plan to try out the Wireless M2 at some point.  They were in their "redesign" phase when I did my comparisons.

awesome man, I'll check this out! Cost isn't really a concern I'd go up to 400 with no problem if it is well worth it.

 

[shabta]

I looked into the Nads and I demoed them. I loved their sound, but heard bad things about their durability :/

I have traveled with my NADs all over the world, they have been banged and dropped. They still look the same and sound the same. I don't think they are the be all and all in durability but I wouldn't say they have a problem either. Especially not for the price.

 

[ericp10]

Had my NAD for over a year now. No issues whatsoever.

 

[inthere]

Sony MDR-100aap, Yamaha HPH MT220, and Mr. Speakers Ether C belong on this list.

 

[MacedonianHero]

  Sony MDR-100aap, Yamaha HPH MT220, and Mr. Speakers Ether C belong on this list.

 
Sure...please feel free to loan me them and I'll be happy to add them. 

 

[waynes world]

Had my NAD for over a year now. No issues whatsoever.

You have a very durable set of nads eric!

 

[ericp10]

You have a very durable set of nads eric!

 
 
YOU KNOW IT BUDDY!! 

 
lol

 

[subguy812]

You have a very durable set of nads eric!

OMG...I spit out my coffee on that one.

 

[UNOE]

  Sony MDR-100aap, Yamaha HPH MT220, and Mr. Speakers Ether C belong on this list.

 
 

   
Sure...please feel free to loan me them and I'll be happy to add them. 

Ether C is not portable.  I would imagine the Audeze Sine will end up pretty high on this list may take #1 from PM3.

 

[inthere]

  Ether C is not portable.  I would imagine the Audeze Sine will end up pretty high on this list may take #1 from PM3.

 
 Why not? I take my Ether C everywhere.

 

[bavinck]

 Why not? I take my Ether C everywhere.

Same here with my primes.

 

[UNOE]

   
 Why not? I take my Ether C everywhere.

 
 

Same here with my primes.

Really I owned Alpha Dogs and sold them they were way to big.  I rarely picked them up.  I tend to use me Momentum on-ear and over-ear the most.