Help me find some new headphones

[festivus528]

Alright, so I thought I was perfectly happy with my HD-280s. But then I heard my friend's HD-595s. Now I want to buy some new headphones.

My budget is around $300-400 for the headphones, and maybe an amp and new source later down the road. My main music preference is rock (TOOL!!!, Dream Theater, Muse, Maiden, Porcupine Tree, Oasis, Zeppelin). My source right now is Computer>X-Fi Xtrememusic>Optical Cable>Sony HTIB (I know...

) to my HD-280s. I'm using the Sony because Creative was dumb and didn't make front panel connectors that were compatible with anything.

I'm looking at Grado (SR-225, 325i... Allesandro?), and Sennheiser (HD595s, 650s...). I'm also tempted to just buy some 650s, but I know that might not be the smartest thing. I want open headphones, and definitely something that is comfortable. I love the comfort of the 595s, but my budget is bigger, so why not get something better, right?

So, which headphones would you recommend for me. And yes, I know about the search feature

I've been lurking for a while, but I thought I'd just ask, because you all seem helpful and friendly. Thanks.

 

[festivus528]

Any ideas?

 

[Agnostic]

HD580 is very good for the price, but it needs an amp. I like it better than the HD595 except for gaming and movies for which the HD595 is better imo.

 

[festivus528]

Would the 580s be good for the type of music I listen to? What amp would you recommend if I get the 580s?

 

[Webrider]

why not get some used HD650s they are in you budget. Then get a budget amp and DAC when you can.

 

[rb67]

For the music you listen to, I would go with Grado's + amp. However, if these are going to be your only set, you might want something more comfortable.

Personally, I have HD600's and similar music preferences. I think Sennheisers will fit the bill nicely. You already know you like the sound of Sennheisers, and they're really comfortable. On the other hand, I can't think of a better match for Tool and other rock than Grado headphones. They just get so uncomfortable after an hour or two.

With either choice, I would highly recommend an amp. You definitely need an amp with the Sennheisers. The Grado's are OK without an amp, but everything is so much better with an amp.

You could go SR-225 + Little Dot ++, or SR-225 + SOHA/Millet
or
HD580/600/650 + Little Dot ++, or HD580/600/650 + SOHA/Millet

CKKIII, M^3 are other amp choices if you want to go solid-state

 

[festivus528]

If I stay here long enough, I might just end up with both.

 

[festivus528]

Alright, so I plan to get a Little Dot II++ regardless, because it seems to go good with Grado or Sennheiser. It's cheap, and a lot of people here seem to like it. I might order some SR-225s from Todd the Vinyl Junkie. He has a 30-day money back guarantee, right? If I don't like them, I'll just ship them back to him.

Any other suggestions before I do that, though? I'm open to other companies, too, not just Grado and Sennheiser.