[corycorycory]

So after 6 longs years, the rubber around the cord of my favorite headphones has left the wire exposed. Unfortunately I don't have the tools to repair it (multimeter or soldering gun), so I guess I will take this opportunity to upgrade .
 
Things I love about the v6:
- crips/sharp sound of my v6's. I feel like I hear more detail in every song I listen to.
- Other headphones I've tried tend to have some noisy/grainy element that I don't like.
 
I wouldn't mind a little more bass than the v6's offer, but everything else about them is fantastic.
 
So, do you have any reccomendations, under $200, of something that would be a good upgrade to the mdr-v6?
 
I listen to everything from hiphop, raw rock, indie, and some more poppy music.
Examples: tribe called quest, avett brothers,  Dr. Dog, Arctic Monkeys, MGMT... that kind of stuff.
 
Thanks all!

 

[PurpleAngel]

What sources do you plug the headphones into?

 

[Trunks159]

The MDR V6 is reeeeaally good for the price. That being said, the ATH A900X and K550 are somewhat nice upgrades, though don't expect any eye openers.

 

[corycorycory]

I don't use any external amp, if that is what you mean.
 
Usually will plugged into my iphone or work computer (a dell with onboard sound)

 

[Trunks159]

The source I what you listed second.

 

[FatmanSize48]

I would continue to save up; the next real step for you would be something like the HD600/650, Q701, or DT880.

 

[corycorycory]

I hate dropping that much on a pair of headphones without trying them first.
Any advice on where to test them out?
 
I've been looking at the Creative Aurvana Live!, which seems to have some good feedback.  not sure it will be much of an upgrade though.

 

[FatmanSize48]

The CAL would be a side grade...

Do you live near a major city? Most hifi stores have a few headphones.

 

[Trunks159]

You can try out the A900x and k550 at Best Buy.

 

[corycorycory]

We have the big box stores (best buy, etc) where I live, but that is about it.
 
Any opinions on the AKG K701?

 

[Trunks159]

The K701 sounds like the V6 with less bass and a huge soundstage (unfocused albeit).  Word around the streets is they need a strong amp, though something as simple as an E11 can drive them satisfyingly... to me at least.  I prefer the MDR MA900, DT880, and Fidelio X1.