You should move up the ladder much more to ..1 k range. Then I guest they are the ZMF Atticus for closed back and Klipsch HP 3 for semi openback. If you want to "upgrade" even to the "heaven", then it could be the Meze 99 's brother, the Empyrean!!! Not sure if the game is ended?
I pretty much agree with everything you stated. I own, have had for some time or owned all your listed headphones.
I own the HP3 now and I've had them for quite a while and every time I slap them on, WOW, these are so addictive and FUN! They're going nowhere and they'll always be in my stall. They get somewhat bashed by the self proclaimed audiophile crowd (especially the HD 800S crowd) but you just can't compare these 2 headphones. The Senny is analytical while the Klipsch are just so much fun to listen to. They are a bit V shaped but as another head-fier stated, they're somewhat V shaped done excellently, probably the best I've ever heard for this type of sound signature. The bass is the star and they dig deep and are pretty tight. But like any headphone, depending on the track you're listening to, they can get a bit loose but so can anything else in all reality. The treble is extended but clean, crisp and spot on. Being V shaped, the mids are a "tad" recessed but not to the point where the vocals or anything else in more in the background. They're wonderful. You can get them for around $800 used here in the classifieds if you're interested in going that route. I would consider them the audiophile "fun" headphone. So many other things to say about them but thios post already is going to be a dissertation.
The Empyrean is in a completely different class (had them on loan from Meze for about a month) and you'll have to fork out your hard earned cash for them. These are endgame to me, period, as they're the best headphone I've heard for my tastes. Even used in the classifieds, they can't be had for under 2 grand and that would be a smokin deal but worth it. If you're truly interested in these, read my review on this site where you can get all the meat on the bone details. There's a lot of reviews out there and they're exactly what everyone states.
The Atticus is a great closed back with good soundstage for a closed back but are pretty mid bass emphasized but a great sounding headphone. It's been a while since I owned them so my memory isn't that spot on. I actually sold them to pick up the HP3. These are very fun, they slam hard, have excellent mids, good sub bass but they're somewhat masked by the mid bass. If mid bass were toned down a bit you'd hear just how low these dig into the bass abyss.
When it's all said and done, I'd suggest the ZMF Aeolus over every and anything. I own them and absolutely love their SS which is an Atticus open back. They're so sublime, addictive and versatile. If you get a 2nd set of pads which they offer, it's incredible how the sound changes like a chameleon where it's like owning 2 separate pairs of headphones. To me they're endgame and for the money, you just can't get much better as they punch well above their prove/price point. Zach absolutely nailed it with these as they're a serious audiophile and casual listener headphone. They rock bro!
If your budget is around $500, I'd just keep your classics and save some money for something around the $1K mark as
@vodanhkhack suggested. There's a lot of different other options out there but from what I've heard, owned and would recommend in my most humble opinion is what we both just suggested. Good luck in your search.
Edit" I meant to quote
@Mhog55
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