[JediGhostdog]

Hello friends. Recently the left driver went out on my V6's and I sent them in to be refurbished at Sony. When I received the new pair I just haven't been happy with the sound. Maybe they are defective but rather than get another pair I have enough saved to make the jump up the ladder. I am looking for recommendations on a pair of headphones that would be a noticeable difference in quality from the V6. My budget would probably cap at around 3 to $350 give or take. I have done some extensive research looking for a nice pair that has great bass but smooth treble because my ears are extremely sensitive to those sibilant sounds. I don't listen to music very loud because of that sensitivity.  I would be listening to Classic Rock like Zeppelin/pink floyd/Hendrix, Old school Hiphop, Reggae, Blues and other sub genres (except for country and mainstream rap.) I also like to use them for films from my laptop. Models I have been eyeing are the Grado MS-2, Sennheiser HD 600 or 598, Beyer DT 880.I read that Grados can be harsh but that the MS-2 is better in that area. I have researched USb Dac/Amps and have nailed it down to the Dragonfly or Fiio E17. IF the Dragonfly's Dac is that much better than the Fiio's than I would be willing to buy a separate, purely portable amp.  Sorry for the long post and thank you to anyone who can help. Any suggestions on phones or Dac's not listed here are much welcome as well.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Audio Technica ATH-A900X (used under $150) or ATH-AD900X (new $190) headphones.
Can easy work plugged directly into anything and improve some with a quality DAC/Amp.

 

[JediGhostdog]

Ok thanks for the recommendation. I will definitely consider those models. How would you compare these to the Beyerdynamic DT 880 250h ohm headpones?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Ok thanks for the recommendation. I will definitely consider those models. How would you compare these to the Beyerdynamic DT880 250-Ohm headphones?

 
I do own the DT880s and ATH-A900X (closed) headphones.
I think the A900Xs are good music headphones, lots of "life" to their sound, use them a lot at my computer.
Where as the DT880s are more what I like to use plugged into my receiver, for TV and movies.
The DT880 are a little on the bright side (treble), which if fine for me, but a few find it a little too bright.
The DT880 really need to be used with a decent headphone amplifier to bring out their best.
Where as the A900X/AD900X are fine plugged straight into anything.

 

[JediGhostdog]

Awesome thanks. I almost bought the dt 990 pros because they are $145 right now but it seems most people agree they are very bright. It's too bad that thre aren't really places around me that allow headphone auditions.

 

[cel4145]

AKG K612 Pros fit your budget. I'd describe them as a touch brighter than neutral with a bit extra bass. They do like amplification.

 

[JediGhostdog]

Ok. Would you recommend the HD 600 or Allesandro Music series 2 in terms of sound quality and smooth trebel? These do reach past 300 but if they are that much better I am willing to make the jump into that territory. Also would the Dragonfly USB DAC be able to drive these and the AKG or would I need a dedicated desktop/portable amplifier. I have also been looking into the 225is, I was able to audition some sr80is and did enjoy them. Thanks alot