New to the forum and newer to the pursuit of high end headphones. I could really use some guidance from those with experience. I am a professor and recently moved to a new office on a different floor of one of buildings. Previously, I was in a somewhat secluded area and would play Pandora, basically the whole time I was in the office, at a relatively loud level b/c it wouldn't bother those with offices adjacent to mine. However, my new location is in a suite of offices that are a bit closer to each other and I want to be more respectful of others-enter the quest for a good pair of headphones.
My budget is flexible but I would love to stay in the 150-250 range. Ideally, I would like something that does not require additionally amplification, that has a warm sound with adequate bass response, and that works well with female vocals. I am open to either on-ear or over-ear options.
I appreciate a neutral sound stage in theory; however, my ears tend to prefer something warmer and with a bit more bass than neutral. The challenge is that the two main genres I listen to are a bit different and likely perform better with different cans. I primarily listen to female vocals in a British pop or indie style (e.g. Eliza Dolittle, Feist, Lenka, Lilly Allen, Regina Spektor, etc.) but about 1/3rd of the time I listen to hip hop.
I recently purchased a pair of KNS-8400s, but they are not doing it for me. The bass response is minimal, the mids get a bit harsh IMHO, and I do find them a little fituiging and overly birght (that is saying something coming from a life long Klipsh fan
).
I could really use some starting points. I have considering Denon D2000, Sennheiser 598, V-Moda V-80s (I know these are generally placed in the same category as the previous brands mentioned; however, I am have to say the warranty and supposed bass response is tempting).
Also, I really need comfortable cans in that I am bald and rely on the padding on the phones themselves as I don't bring any to the table myself.
Thanks again for any input
