In the UK, I can get the HF5 for just over £70 and the HF2 for just under, both from Amazon (yes, the mic'd version is slightly cheaper!) The only place I can find the MC5 has them for £55. My original budget was about £120 anyway, so the extra £15 isn't really a problem. I know these are pretty far below that, but I've decided I want top isolation and these seem to be the best for it within my price range. Think the only other thing is the Shure SE310, but they don't get much love on here. Anyway, I'm rambling now...
Most people say that the MC5s are a little better at the low end and yet still very similar in the highs, and to pick the MC5 based on value. I'm a bit of a Grado fan, so I guess the extra low end won't be something I *need* (although, only one way to find out for sure, of course.) Since the difference in price appears to be smaller for us £GBP-ers, would those who have tried both still recommend the MC5s? And, also to HFx owners, is the build quality actually bad, or is it just not as good as the MCs? Posts from last year seem to be positive about the build of the HFs, more recent posts - especially those comparing to the MC - are less favourable. Don't know if this is as compared to MCs, or because over time their poorer quality has reared its ugly head.