Looking for a headphone upgrade

[Rubberducky1324]

Hi Everyone!
 
For a few years now, I've been using the Sennheiser HD205 headphones, which were always nice. But the last months I've giving more high-end stereos which are able to 'wow' me with clarity, resolution, very tight bass and so on. So now I'm looking to upgrade my headphones.
 
My price range would be to spend around 250 euros, but up to 300 is acceptable if the return is worth it.
 
Since I tend the use my headphones at home as well as in noisy environments outside, I guess a closed over-ear design would be the only way to go.
When looking online as well as at the buying guide, I found the NAD VISO HP50 and the Sennheiser Momentum headphones. But I'm still very unsure on what would fit my needs.
 
I'm very new to the headphone world, so I will describe as well as possible what I need and how I listen to music.
 
- I listen to a broad range of music, but usually electronic (Flying Lotus, Burial, Four Tet, Squarepusher, Aphex Twin, old dubstep, drum 'n' bass, trance, hip hop, ...)
- At home a use a laptop to listen to music, or a Schiit Modi + NAD C352 when at my desk. On the road I use a Sandisk Clip Zip MP3 player, but maybe looking to upgrade later on
- Looking for good isolation since I tend to listen to music on the train
- Since a lot of music I listen to is quite bass-heavy, I'm looking for tight and controlled bass
- Looking for detailed and clear (sparkling?) highs and good imaging
- The HD205 are extremely sturdy headphones, and won't seem to ever break. I'm also looking at headphones that are durable. For me the VISO HP50s look a little plastic and easily breakable.
- A replaceable cable is a huge plus 
 
Is there any headphone you would recommend that fits this description? Or anything that is unclear? Any other remarks? Thansk!

 

[GREQ]

You're on the right track with NAD and Momentum.
If you chose Momentum, make sure to get the Momentum 2 if you don't have small ears, as the originals don't fit around larger ears (taller than 65mm)
However, Momentum doesn't have the tightest or deepest bass. 
It's good for all genres I find, but sometimes outdoors in noisy environments I add a small bass boost as it sometimes gets drowned out in the background noise.
Also, it's not the tightest bass around. It has a natural sort of decay like you're listening in a room, so it's not as clinical and accurate as some like it.
 
Onkyo ES-HF300 isn't a bad choice for the price, but it's on-ear unless you have very small ears. I can just about fit mine inside, but it can get uncomfortable after an hour or so.
It has quite clear deep bass, and is more sparkly in treble than the Momentum too. So overall better for electronic music. 
Just the size is an issue.
 
Sennheiser Urbanite XL isn't often recommended, but I'm not sure why. It sounds like the Momentum, but has more bass. Very smooth and comfortable sound. 
Also, not the most sparkly treble though.
 
I would also consider the Sony MDR-100AAP. Very comfortable and nice all-round punchy sound.

 

For electronic music I would avoid the Bang & Olufsen H6 - just doesn't have enough bass. 

 

[serman005]

You might also take a look at the KEF M500--it has solid bass. It  could potentially work for you.

 

[Rubberducky1324]

Thanks both! I'll look at some more reviews then. So many headphones, so hard to choose

 

[Rubberducky1324]

  You might also take a look at the KEF M500--it has solid bass. It  could potentially work for you.

The M500 does look nice, but it is an on-ear headphone, and I am worried that, when listening in noisy environments, it won't isolate sound well.
Do you have any experience with this?

 

[GREQ]

My only experience with M500 was that is sounded really good, and was probably the most comfortable on-ear I've EVER tried.
Sadly it was in a quiet Hifi shop, so I've no idea how well it isolates.
 
Also didn't add it to the list because it wasn't over-ear as requested 

 

[serman005]

  The M500 does look nice, but it is an on-ear headphone, and I am worried that, when listening in noisy environments, it won't isolate sound well.
Do you have any experience with this?

It will leak more than the over-ear options you are looking at, including the original Momentums,  but less than many on-ears. I just included it as an excellent on-ear alternative in case you were interested in looking at one.

 

[Rubberducky1324]

I want to say I made my choice. I went and listened extensively to the Momentums and the NADs. For me, the NAD VISO HP50 was a clear winner. I found a pair with Brainwavz earpads for 150 second hand. 
 
Must say I'm super happy with them! Only the look is a bit geeky .

 

[cel4145]

Must say I'm super happy with them! Only the look is a bit geeky .

I have HP50s. Don't you know, it's everyone else that's out of style wearing those non rectangular shaped headbands