[sebajun]

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[cel4145]

I agree the M50 is a safe choice as an all arounder with good performance.

For less money, how about the Brainwavz HM5: http://www.amazon.co.uk/BRAINWAVZ-HM5-Studio-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B006MA9XXM/

Extremely comfortable if your friend is into gaming for long periods. Then maybe a Xonar U7 for virtual surround: http://www.amazon.co.uk/U7-Soundcard-Integrated-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00CP53ML2/

If your friend is not into gaming, then your E7 certainly seems like a nice gift

AKG K550 are an awesome set of headphones if your friend does not need extra bass emphasis: http://www.amazon.co.uk/AKG-K550-High-Performance-Closed-Back-Headphones-Black/dp/B005CNR7B0/

Or for open headphones with your E7, how about HD558?

 

[sebajun]

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[OMGLadyGaga]

I've given out the M50 as a gift several times and every single time it has been a huge hit. I think with gifting audio gear, the end result isn't just predicated on sound quality alone but also on the perception of what they are receiving. In most cases, the people who receive the gift are going to instantly google all they can about what it is that they just got, so imagine their surprise when they see that the ATHM50 is one of if not the most praised and widely accepted "awesome headphones" out there. This also enhances their user experience knowing that they have a headphone so universally praised, so the bias when they listen to music is going to be one of even more satisfaction. This has been my experience with giving them as a gift before. And it doesn't hurt that they have such an engaging and exciting signature. Whereas something like the Brainwavz might come off as sterile sounding and they might just think it's some cheap Asian brand when they google it. Obviously we know that's not the case. For gifting, a certain wow factor I think goes a long way. Either thunderous bass, exxagerated soundstage, or supreme looks/build quality are going to get the attention of people who perhaps aren't audiophiles and they'll enjoy the product more.

Although one time I did gift the M50 and they returned it for some Beats Solos because "I wanted a more known brand and not some brand that no one knows anything about" -__-

 

[sebajun]

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[cel4145]

I'd probably jump on the last pair of UE6000s at Amazon UK for £59.99. That's an excellent deal for a nice set of headphones. They are very portable for their size. Then you could give your friend the E7.

 

[sebajun]

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