[olear]

I've been enjoying SM3, UM3X, EX1000 and FX700 and am considering venturing into full size phones for
$400 usd.
 
Can an Ipod Touch and a portable (which ones) amp work well?

 

[madbull]

edit: Forget it, I totally misunderstood you.

 

[fabio-fi]

Not an Iem guy, can you describe what kind of sound signature you like? 

 

[olear]

Quote:

Not an Iem guy, can you describe what kind of sound signature you like? 

I like two:
 
1. Mid centric: as if you are in the studio with the vocalist. Not an analytical phone but a phone that details are present and easy to hear; same with #2 below.
 
2. V or U shaped: mid bass does not seed into mids, low extension of sub bass, high extension of treble w/o sibilance.  More neutral Vs. colored sound.
 
I listen to pop, rock, electronic, a little of jazz and classical.
 
Thanks for the help.

 

[olear]

Are any of these are recommended?  The Beyer DT880/250, DT990s,  K701 and the HD800.
 
Also, if a portable amp and ipod will work, which amp?

 

[delusionist]

I recommend HD650 (a bit warm) or Denon D2000 (a bit bright).

I don't think you'd enjoy the K701, DT880 or HD800 as they're near-flat headphones. The HD650 is highly regarded among some, and loathed among others for it's laid back treble. It has good bass though. The D2000 (or D5000) has good bass with sparkly highs, and is more detailed than the HD650. The D2000 is just as detailed as the K701 and DT880, but no match for the HD800.

Also, the D2000 / D5000 doesn't need an amp.

 

[hipster2010]

I'll second the Denon recommendation. They are very good with a slight V-shape and are really comfortable. They work well as an all-rounder type phone.

 

[WiR3D]

I can third the denons, but they do like lots of current just incase you do want to give them an amp. And no tube amps, and watch the output impedance of the amps.
 
But I do fear they may be a bit laid back in the mids, for me the D2000 was forward sounding, but the D7000 is definitely not.
 
The other major contender especially for midrange is the HifiMan HE-400, and actually I think this will be your best bet.