Looking to upgrade from my CALs

[njunk]

Hi guys,
 
I've had my CALs for a while and they've been great for me, but it's time for an upgrade. I'm looking to spend $200 or less. My source is a sansa clip + with flacs. I listen to a huge variety of stuff from hip hop to punk to jazz. I was thinking about the ATH-A900X, but can't find a whole lot of reviews on them. Would they be a good upgrade or is there a better option?

 

[viralcow]

The A900X is excellent for the price but be aware it has some fit issues due to its heavy construction and 3D-wing headband.
 
Why not try an open headphone?

 

[cocolinho]

Direct upgrade would be Denon (at least D2000), that's what I did in the past, unfortunately D2000 is over your budget.
So I would say save a bit more to buy a D2000 or something like Momentum which is also very good.
 
In my opinion, if you want to keep it under $200 you won't upgrade the sound that much coming from CAL!
 
PS: Ultrasone HFI780 is a nice can but might be uncomfortable for some.
Never heard Beyer DT770 but they have good reviews, but you might need an amp though

 

[laon]

Soundmagic HP100 is practically CAL on steroid, with less recessed mid than D2000 and no sibilant.

 

[njunk]

I've got a pretty large head so I'm not too concerned about the wings on the A900X giving me issues. I haven't heard of the Soundmagic HP100, so I'll read some reviews. I'm not looking for analytical cans at all, I like the "fun" sound of the CALs a lot. I'm not too keen on doing open headphones since I will use these in a car and want decent isolation. As far as I know the D2000s are discontinued, so I don't think that's really an option.

 

[njunk]

Is the A900X a "fun" sounding headphone? I really like my CALs and I've heard them described as that and want to make sure I'm upgrading in that direction. I'm not a fan of the analytical sound of the m50s.

 

[cocolinho]

No .no bass

 

[njunk]

Quote:

No .no bass

So what is the best "fun" sounding headphone I can get for $200?

 

[RoMee]

Quote:

So what is the best "fun" sounding headphone I can get for $200?

Maybe you should look into the Audio Technica WS99

 

[cocolinho]

again I personally liked HFI780

 

[fabio-fi]

If portability is not a "must" and you want good comfort, the Dt770 Pro80

 

[njunk]

Quote:

again I personally liked HFI780

Hmmm, these look pretty nice and come in at only $150. How do these compare to the CALs? Also would I need an amp to drive them?
Quote:

If portability is not a "must" and you want good comfort, the Dt770 Pro80

I've heard nothing but good things about the dt770, but would I need an amp to drive the 80 ohm version?

 

[njunk]

Bump, still not sure what to get. Considering Beyerdynamic DT 770 80 ohm, HFI-780, ATH-WS99.

 

[cocolinho]

Try to find one of those 2nd hand then if you don't like them just sell them and buy something else.
Ideally take at least 2 to compare and keep the one you like the most

 

[njunk]

I think I've eliminated the DT 770. So now it's just between the HFI-780 and WS99. I am kinda bummed out that the Denon D2000 are discontinued as they seem a perfect upgrade. Is there anything similar to them around my price point?