[mathiaus]

Source- HTC One S phone. MacBook Pro, IPod

Requirements for isolation:will mainly use at home and outdoors. Will not use on public transportation.

Preferred Type of headphone: I was interested in getting a pair of IEMs due to thier portability. I also like over the ear. I don't want to lose quality over portability.

Preferred tonal balance: unsure

Past headphones: turtle beach X41 & Bose on ear noise Cancelling.

Preferred music: Soul, blues, oldies, top 40, EDM. It really varies.

I get a discount at bestbuy so I was looking to find a pair through them but if I can get a good deal i'll go else were.

I've looked at Sennheisers HD598, Momentums, IE80, Shure SE535. I'm open to whatever though. With these I won't need a amp/dac correct? I'd like to keep everthing under $ 500.

 

[KG Jag]

For on the go use, I recommend the NAD VISO HP50, PSB M4U 1, Focal Spirit Pro or Sony MDR 7520.  These are listed in order from warm to dead neutral (I call it a tie in that regard between the FS and Sony).   See:
 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/two-strike-zone-focal-spirit-professional-and-spirit-classic
 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/i-love-these-headphonesthe-nad-viso-hp50
 
and
 
http://www.cnet.com/products/psb-m4u-1/
 
The 7520 is a great studio can with a detachable cable that has compatibility with a standard 1/8" male to 1/8" male cable.
 
I would not recommend open cans (even if they did not tend to be too large--which they do) for use outdoors and/or in public.

 

[mathiaus]

Thanks for the response. I believe I have narrowed my choices to the IE80(I can get them for $290) or the NAD Viso HD50 (around $200). How would these two compare?

 

[KG Jag]

I'm not an IEM guy and  have never heard the IE80.  So I can't help.