[drakan80]

I've recently been able to finally start spending on audio equipment (computer-based setup), and so have been looking to upgrade my setup. A set of KRK rokit 5's were handed off to me by a friend, and I thought it was a good enough reason to invest in a nice sound card, so I've bought myself a Xonar Essence STX. 
 
As for my needs, they are perhaps too plentiful. I produce music casually at home, so that the rokits as monitors seemed sufficient for that. My current headphones seem very lackluster though, being a set of Bose On-Ear Headphones (as far as I can tell, that's their full name). As I am doubtful of being able to find a jack-of-all-trades set for both production and listening at this price range, I want to replace these with headphones focused on music.
 
My music tastes are mostly in classical and electronic (electronic ranging from psychedelic trance to ambient music such as biosphere). Though I listen to much more, I would prefer a focus on these, with orchestral music being the primary aim.
 
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. If not suggestions of specific headsets, then some reading material that would help me decide or further understand what to look for in headphones (or other devices that might be worth investing in) would be greatly appreciated! 

 

[rajeevrn]

  I've recently been able to finally start spending on audio equipment (computer-based setup), and so have been looking to upgrade my setup. A set of KRK rokit 5's were handed off to me by a friend, and I thought it was a good enough reason to invest in a nice sound card, so I've bought myself a Xonar Essence STX. 
 
As for my needs, they are perhaps too plentiful. I produce music casually at home, so that the rokits as monitors seemed sufficient for that. My current headphones seem very lackluster though, being a set of Bose On-Ear Headphones (as far as I can tell, that's their full name). As I am doubtful of being able to find a jack-of-all-trades set for both production and listening at this price range, I want to replace these with headphones focused on music.
 
My music tastes are mostly in classical and electronic (electronic ranging from psychedelic trance to ambient music such as biosphere). Though I listen to much more, I would prefer a focus on these, with orchestral music being the primary aim.
 
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. If not suggestions of specific headsets, then some reading material that would help me decide or further understand what to look for in headphones (or other devices that might be worth investing in) would be greatly appreciated! 

I would recommend the Audio Technica ATH-AD900X. A great buy for the price. Here it is:
 
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-Audiophile-ATH-AD1000X-Open-Air-Headphones/dp/B009S330O8
 
Another recommendation if it is mostly classical is the Grado sr325e. Superb! Here it is:
 
http://www.amazon.com/Grado-Prestige-Series-SR325e-Headphones/dp/B00L1O2PDY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1415776919&sr=1-1&keywords=grado+sr325
 
And yet another recommendation for a good all round headphone the Sennheiser HD600 at around 400$. Here it is:
 
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Dynamic-Professional-Stereo-Headphones/dp/B00004SY4H/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1415777217&sr=1-1&keywords=sennheiser+hd+600

 

[drakan80]

  I would recommend the Audio Technica ATH-AD900X. A great buy for the price. Here it is:
 
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-Audiophile-ATH-AD1000X-Open-Air-Headphones/dp/B009S330O8
 
Another recommendation if it is mostly classical is the Grado sr325e. Superb! Here it is:
 
http://www.amazon.com/Grado-Prestige-Series-SR325e-Headphones/dp/B00L1O2PDY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1415776919&sr=1-1&keywords=grado+sr325
 
And yet another recommendation for a good all round headphone the Sennheiser HD600 at around 400$. Here it is:
 
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Dynamic-Professional-Stereo-Headphones/dp/B00004SY4H/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1415777217&sr=1-1&keywords=sennheiser+hd+600

Thanks for the recommendations! The Grado headset looks quite promising. I'll be looking to compare them and the ATH set.

 

[Byrnie]

You might want to post your budget but I also think the HD600 is a great headphone for your interests.

 

[drakan80]

The budget is in the title: around $300. If it's a little over (say, 20$ or so), i wouldn't complain.

 

[Byrnie]

The budget is in the title: around $300. If it's a little over (say, 20$ or so), i wouldn't complain.

Oh my mistake! I would suggest the NAD HP50, I was impressed with this headphone at a headphone meet ($300).

 

[rajeevrn]

All the above options are very good including the NAD HP50. Before you go in for any of them please consider:
 
1) if you like a closed or an open headphone
2) reading reviews because they will give a better idea of how they pair with high end amps/dacs
3) Try them out to find out what's best.
 
Finally also let us know what you went with. Good luck! 

 

[drakan80]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I haven't had any open headphones before, so I couldn't say which I would prefer. I am planning on making my purchase this holiday season, as a gift for myself