[ListeningAura]

Hi all! I am currently looking for a pair of headphones to upgrade from my frankly ****ty Beats pros I received from a friend a year or two ago. I love to hear ALL the sounds within a track, and love to hear the differences even the the littlest things. My favorite genres of music are Electronic, Dubstep, Dance, K-Pop, Symphonic Metal (Nightwish, Epica), and  Epic music (Two Steps from Hell).
 
I don't own an amp but would have no problem buying one and I would really love some amazing cans. If I could use them with my computer or iPhone then that would be great, but that is not a must and I do have a decent CD collection. I love bass, however not too much bass (The beats) but would like something that is really balanced. As I said, I would like to hear "all" of my music and listen to lossless files. Thanks

 

[NA Blur]

Something you may want to look into is the Micro Stack from Headroom.  Add in some AKG K550 headphones and you will have yourself one heck of a starter to mid level setup.  I know the folks over at Headroom use the Micro Stack to do their reviews with so the setup is definitely tried and true.  As for the AKG K550 headphones I have listened to them and highly recommend them to anyone who wants a very good sounding, slightly dark ( bassy ) headphone, that is built tremendously well.
 
Total Costs:
AKG K550 Headphones @ $300
http://www.headphone.com/headphones/akg-k-550.php
 
Micro Amp and DAC Stack @ $679
http://www.headphone.com/packages/headroom-micro-amp--micro-dac-package.php
 
If you have any questions the kind folks at Headroom would be happy to help you out.
 
Another more affordable option would be to go with the AKG K550 headphone and use a O2 Amp / ODAC Combo
http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=48
 
It is not quite as high quality as the Micro Stack package, but it only costs $300 for both the Amp and DAC which is less than half the cost for just about the same sound quality.
 
I think with either of those combos you will be pretty impressed.  With either setup you will be able to plug in your iPod or your PC.  Neither is very portable and if you are looking for a portable setup you may want to ask around for what people recommend in that department.

 

[MalVeauX]

Heya,
 
DAC/AMP: Fiio E17 - Portable, desktop worthy, will power most headphones with some fun options; with a Denon D5000 - Classic stable, comfortable, woodback, great sound in all ranges, great sound stage.
 
DAC/AMP - NFB 12.1 or 15.1, powerful desktop unit that can drive an ortho; with a Hifiman HE-500 - One of the most natural sounding headphones around, planar magnetic high-ends.
 
Both in budget with room to spare (since I would re-cable them with left over money).
 
Very best,