[tawm]

Long time lurker here...I've been a loudspeaker guy for many years now, spoiled with a dedicated, acoustically treated listening room and a pretty decent 2 channel setup.  
 
Lately I've been really craving an upgrade to my listening setup at work (currently sporting a pair of Etymotic HF5 with a FiiO e6 amp.  I've also got a pair of Sony MDR-V6 that I bring in occasionally).  At home, I've also a pair of Grado SR-125 as well.  
 
I am looking to spend around $500 on a new desktop setup, including dac, amp, and headphones.  I have been eyeing the low end Schiit products (Magni and Modi) for my DAC/amp and have been considering the Sennheiser HD25 MKII as the phones.  I've also been considering bumping up my budget a bit and springing for the Sennheiser HD600 to accompany the Schiit Magni & Modi stack.  
 
Relatively new to the headphone world, so I'm definitely interested in considering all alternatives! 

 

[PurpleAngel]

I do like the listening to music with my Audio Technica ATH-A900X closed headphones, $200 (sometimes less).
 
The SoundMagic HP100 closed headphones seem to be getting good reviews, $210.
 
The Audioengine D1 DAC/Amp ($169) would be cheaper then the Magni/Modi combo.

 

[tawm]

Quote:

I do like the listening to music with my Audio Technica ATH-A900X closed headphones, $200 (sometimes less).
 
The SoundMagic HP100 closed headphones seem to be getting good reviews, $210.
 
The Audioengine D1 DAC/Amp ($169) would be cheaper then the Magni/Modi combo.

 
Nice, good suggestions.  The Audioengine D1 is really tempting, as it would be nice to have a single piece of gear just in case I need to take this setup on travel.    
 
Both of those cans you recommend look great, although I am having a really hard time deciding between all of these options in the ~$200 region!!  How comfortable is your ATH-A900X after 2 or more hours of listening?  Can you compare the quality/comfort to other headphones around the same price point?
 
I am essentially hoping to get a pair of phones that sound as good (or, hopefully, better) as my Grado SR-125 while providing more comfort and a closed back (so i can use them in the office). 

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Nice, good suggestions.  The Audioengine D1 is really tempting, as it would be nice to have a single piece of gear just in case I need to take this setup on travel.    
Both of those cans you recommend look great, although I am having a really hard time deciding between all of these options in the ~$200 region!!  How comfortable is your ATH-A900X after 2 or more hours of listening?  Can you compare the quality/comfort to other headphones around the same price point?
I am essentially hoping to get a pair of phones that sound as good (or, hopefully, better) as my Grado SR-125 while providing more comfort and a closed back (so i can use them in the office). 

I personally find the ATH-A900X to be very comfortable for wearing, to me they have a light grip on the head
Those Sennheiser HD25 MKII look like they would be even lighter headphones, but on-ear, while the A900Xs are over ear (I believe the HP100 are also over ear).