[Dongle]

I know the M50 is been beaten to death. Sorry to use it as a reference point for the 100,000th time. And know I can look at the 2012 Buyer's Guide or browse the reviews. But I think the specific question I'm asking isn't in a guide or a sticky.

Preamble: 
    I just bought the ATH-M50's. This is my 8th pair of headphones. I've been buying, selling, and returning until I hit a sweet spot. I actually didn't think the M50's would be it. I had written them off as over-hyped. Now I understand that they're the best for the price. I'm just really digging the sound signature. Everything sounds "right". Yes, I'm a newb. My previous favorite headphones were Sol Republic Tracks, though I do own the SR80i.
    I got the M50's on Amazon new for $101. So even though the Buyer's Guide calls them $160, they're a $100 headphone in my book.

Question: 
    When I want to move to the next level, what'll it be? Which headphone has the same price/performance as the ATH-M50 at the $150 price point? And if one doesn't exist, let's bump it to $200. Although I'm really hoping one exists at $150. 
    I'm talking about lowest online prices that aren't eBay auctions. Sure, you might be able to snag some V-Moda M100's for $160 on eBay, but that's a rare deal.
    Right now I'm really happy with the M50's. If there were a logical next step successor to the M50, I'd want to hear it. And if it wasn't substantially better, I'd stick with the M50's and just get a quality IEM for gym/travel.


 

 

[Trunks159]

Nothing from 100-200 is substantially better than the m50 imo. Though the ws99 and mdr 1r are much better. Not a HUGE difference.

 

[CrabsJarrard]

IMO, the AT ATH-A900X is a solid improvement over the M50 in overall sound quality, comfort, and soundstage. The bass is not as boomy, but it can still go low. I consider it to be a very noticeable upgrade in all other aspects of the sound. @ $160 shipped from Amazon, they are a great deal.

 

[formula1]

Quote:

Nothing from 100-200 is substantially better than the m50 imo. Though the ws99 and mdr 1r are much better. Not a HUGE difference.

 
The german ultrasone easily beat the M50. (HFI series)

 

[lin0003]

I find that I prefer the Shure SRH840 over the ATH-M50s. They are priced at $200 in Australia, but you can probably get them for $150.

 

[TrollDragon]

I'll second the 'Sones, at $150 the HFI-780's are a fun headphone with good bass drive.

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