[acti0n]

I currently have a pair of JVC RX700s that I want to upgrade. After doing some research, it seems the M50s gained popularity when they used to be at a much lower price point. Now, pretty much all reputable dealers sell them for about $160. At this price point, are they a significant enough improvement over the RX700s to warrant the upgrade? Or, is there something else in this price range that is clearly superior? 
 
Some background info...
 
I'll be using these at home as well as work, so minimal sound leakage is a requirement. They also must be comfortable enough to wear all day. I mostly listen to various genres of electronica, along with some rock -- all from internet radio (MOG, etc). I'm looking to spend between $150-$250 including the price of an amp (if needed).
 
 

 

[KG Jag]

 
Quote:

I currently have a pair of JVC RX700s that I want to upgrade. After doing some research, it seems the M50s gained popularity when they used to be at a much lower price point. Now, pretty much all reputable dealers sell them for about $160. At this price point, are they a significant enough improvement over the RX700s to warrant the upgrade? Or, is there something else in this price range that is clearly superior? 
 
Some background info...
 
I'll be using these at home as well as work, so minimal sound leakage is a requirement. They also must be comfortable enough to wear all day. I mostly listen to various genres of electronica, along with some rock -- all from internet radio (MOG, etc). I'm looking to spend between $150-$250 including the price of an amp (if needed).
 
 

 
I don't know about the 700's,. but some of the best closed cans in your price range (all better than the M50) are the Shure SRH 840 & 940, and the Ultrasone Pro 750.  The Denon D2000 are also good (maybe not perfect for electronica), but leak quite a bit for closed cans.

 

[Defender0fAloha]

For price and value and main genre being Electro I would say the Ultrasone hfi580/DJ1s blow the ATHm50 out pf the park
Ony 137 shipped on amazon cheaper and sooo much better especially in terms of bass and electronica
http://www.amazon.com/Ultrasone-HFI-580-Surround-Professional-Headphones/dp/B00101UHS8
DJ1 is exactly the same as the hfi580 just different look and will only run you 115 shipped which is an amazing price
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GU77SC/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00101UHS8&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0YQAFF67BJN4VKN6Y2RW
 

 

[MattTCG]

I've owned them and I wouldn't pay $160 for them tbh. I've seen quite a few people lately get them and turn around a month later and sell them used here for about $100 ish. Pick them up nearly new here for less!!

 

[Redrider469]

Definitely look into the Ultrasone HFi-580/780/DJ1. All better than the M50's and you'll find them cheaper as well. (I think they look better too)

Beyerdynamic DT770 is also a good choice to consider.

Don't be afraid to buy used. Price shop and see where you can best spend your money.

 

[lungStruck]

Another vote for the Ultrasone HFI-580.  I lurked around these forums for a long time before deciding to buy them.  I later bought the ATH-M50 because I couldn't shake the thought that maybe they were better, and I had to find out.  I'm no audiophile, but from my perspective the HFI-580 sounds better.  Of course, this is subjective, and some like the ATH-M50 better.  I like the S-Logic, I feel it does open it up more and I feel less like the sound is being driven directly into my brain.  From a comfort standpoint though, I'll give the nod to the ATH-M50.  I also prefer the sound signature of the HFI-580, nice bass, "fun" sound.  For years I only had Grado SR-80 headphones, and for me the HFI-580 is the best thing when I have to wear closed headphones (which is most of the time these days.)
 

 

[MattTCG]

I would say plus 1 on the Beyer dt770's...

 

[jjacq]

If you're okay with used I'd go with the HD25-1 II I have them and I love them <3~

 

[tribestros]

Closed, yes.  Don't buy M50s.  Shure, Ultrasone, Sennheiser...
 
Heck, the 280Pros are infinitely superior to the M50.

 

[Katun]

The HM5 and 8400 are also options as well, at $140 and $150 respectively.

 

[acti0n]

Are the ESW9A's (unamped) a good option? They're currently $222 on Amazon.
 
Also, I looked into the HFI-580s. While there's a unanimous opinion that these sound great, a lot of people are complaining about the clamping force. Comfort is a big deal to me, otherwise I would've already pulled the trigger on these.

 

[RPGWiZaRD]

HFI-580, M-Audio Q40, Denon DN HP700, Shure SRH750 DJ, Sony ZX700, Shure SRH 840, Fischer Audio FA-11, KRK KNS 8400, AKG K-240 MKII, BeyerDynamic DT 770 and 990 Pro are all options I'd find interesting competitors that should at least be able to match M50 in terms of "sound quality for the buck" but then it slightly depends what sound you're looking for then.