[Underwater]

Greetings!
 
I've owned a pair of VMODA CrossFade LPs for a number of years now and have been satisfied with the sound, build quality, etc. until a friend ran a couple of my favorite songs through his studio monitors at reference. Now that I have an idea of what I've been missing, I'm looking to drastically upgrade my setup.
 
This includes buying a new set of cans, an amp and a DAC. I'd like to keep the cost under $1000, but I am willing to go to around $1500 if that extra $500 makes enough of a difference in quality.
 
I have no brand preference and I'm open to either open-backed or closed-backed 'phones.
 
I listen to a really wide variety of genres; everything from ultra-lo-fi black metal to breakcore and 80s revival synth. My musical taste is constantly evolving and changing, so I'm looking for a pair of headphones with as little bias as possible.
 
Thanks in advance!

 

[TheJosablo]

FIrst off, what sound signature would you like? And also would you prefer tube or solid state? for DAC I would not spend anything further than the ODAC by JDS Labs or Mayflower Electronics unless you need all kinds of digital sources to be input (coaxial, USB, Optical) because the ODAC is USB only . I would also like to know if you are wanting open or closed specifically, we would like to narrow down your tastes to be very specific so you will not be unsatisfied.

 

[Underwater]

  FIrst off, what sound signature would you like? And also would you prefer tube or solid state? for DAC I would not spend anything further than the ODAC by JDS Labs or Mayflower Electronics unless you need all kinds of digital sources to be input (coaxial, USB, Optical) because the ODAC is USB only . I would also like to know if you are wanting open or closed specifically, we would like to narrow down your tastes to be very specific so you will not be unsatisfied.

I was thinking a flat signature might be best so as to avoid coloring poorly across genres. I prefer the sound of solid state amps. USB alone is fine. My preference between open/closed comes down to whatever sounds better (I am leaning towards open at the moment though).

 

[TheJosablo]

I would get this combination, I want it in the near future:
 
Sennheiser HD600: http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Dynamic-Professional-Stereo-Headphones/dp/B00004SY4H
 
Mayflower Electronics ODAC+O2: https://www.mayflowerelectronics.com/shop/mayflower-custom-products/desktop-objective2-with-odac/
 
and if you want a cleaner USB Signal:http://schiit.com/products/wyrd-usb-decrapifier
 
If you want a beautiful custom cable on a budget: http://www.bestintheversecables.com/
 
If you just want a standalone DAC heres the ODAC from Mayflower: https://www.mayflowerelectronics.com/shop/digital-to-analog-converters/odac-stand-alone/
 
If you want a better amp than the O2 which is hard to find I would recommend the Asgard 2: http://schiit.com/products/asgard-2
 
Or the best amplifier to pair with the HD600 and I have tried it to say so is the Bottlehead Crack which you have to build but it is AMAZING for these cans, although you wont get the completely flat sound you will get very enjoyable one: http://bottlehead.com/?product=crack-otl-headphone-amplifier-kit

 

[Nhubley]

  I would get this combination, I want it in the near future:
 
If you want a beautiful custom cable on a budget: http://www.bestintheversecables.com/
 

Wow that site is amazing great looking stuff. 

 

[TheJosablo]

They have some great cables. Purple braided cable for the HD800 is the best in my opinion.

 

[Underwater]

  I would get this combination, I want it in the near future:
 
Sennheiser HD600: http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Dynamic-Professional-Stereo-Headphones/dp/B00004SY4H

Surely there are more options that fit my criteria than just senns? I'd like to at least listen to a couple of options before I commit to a pair.
 
How do the 600s compare to 650s? On paper, it looks like they're a little louder and go a little deeper; are those the only advantages or is there something I'm missing?

 

[OMGLadyGaga]

Another vote for Senn HD600 here. The price performance ratio is outstanding. Coming from those Vmodas I'd be more inclined to recommend the HD650. I own those, and like them more than the HD600 due to the authoritative bass and rolled off highs(I like this signature personally) however if neutrality is what I was after I'd get the HD600s in a heartbeat

 

[TheJosablo]

I might also add the AKG K712 pro into there. I could add links but I'm on mobile, google is your friend now. They go for around $350, there aren't extensive options for that price range. Although I would personally recommend the HD600, I have tried the Hifiman HE-560 and the HD650 They didn't fit my needs but they could fit yours, another contender could be the oppo pm-2 which I loved. As for closed cans try looking up the MrSpeakers mad dog, mad dog pro and alpha dogs. They are amazing for closed.