Need Help: Looking for Headphones realtivly similar to the MDR-XB700s

[TheAngelOfRoses]

Hey all!

So, the title says the bulk of the question. Im looking for a pair of headphones that are similar in nature if not slightly better than the MDR-XB700s.

Ive had these cans for the broadside of... jeeze, 4-5 years. Honestly, they rarely leave my head and people recognize me by the sight of them around my neck.

However, I wont deny I'm someone who gets the life out of something. These things still have life in them, but they're getting rather worn: The Leathery surfaces are beyond the point of flaking and are coming off, exposing the cloth under layer beneath in just about everywhere. This doesnt make them uncomfortable or anything its just a sign of wear. Amazingly, despite all the tugging and stresses this cable has been put up against its still in one piece, and the 90 degree connection to the 3.5mm still works (albiet there is signs of wear around where the cable starts)

All in all: These things DESERVE some retirement, while that may not be soon, I want to have a backup pair in mind in case the worst does come to pass.

So I ask anyone who's out there for a bit of help on finding something similar as a backup option.

Keep in mind I do have a more casual "Backup Pair" that I rarely use but is good for lending to friends when im using my headphones and they need a pair real quick to listen to something or if I need something with a much less erratic freq response like doing some basic audio edits with video I occasionally shoot (Ive heard the XB700s are rather across the board).

This backup pair is the M50x's, I like them, but they're not good enough for me to justify constant use.


The 4 major problems with them i have (Keep in mind these are personal issues and are NOT me ripping on these headphones in any way):
-They lack the Bass and lows I love so much.
-They sound kinda like im listening more to cheap speakers next to me, where the XB700s sound like I'm in a home theater with some quality sound equipment.
-The band pressure makes these things uncomfortable af to wear, its a mile of a difference coming from a pair of headphones like the XB700s
-They lack that almost surround sound like feel to them (I believe the term is soundstage) where it sounds like various instruments are coming from different places.

I know that this is rather reliant off of things that are just personal experience/preference/etc, and that the most effective way to find a nice pair of cans for me would be to listen to some first hand, however, I lack that ability and Amazon is my main source of acquisition of any new pairs of headphones, so bear with me.

Regardless, I'm happy to hear any suggestions or at least guidelines I should follow. Like particularly good brands to look at or things I should watch out for.

While my budget isnt currently set, since im not looking right now, do keep in mind:

0-300 is GRETLY preffered
300-400 is tolerable, especially if the extra couple bucks are well invested and justifiable
400-500 is pretty out of reach
500+ Is not possible

Alright, thanks in advance! Have a nice Valentines day!

 

[GREQ]

For similarity in frequency response you might consider the Sennheiser Momentum 2, but with a SLIGHTLY less pronounced bass, and much greater clarity you might be pleasantly surprised.
If you want a bit MORE bass, the Sennheiser 4.30g is a lot of fun. It sounds like the bass is somewhat unrestrained and boomy, but surprisingly doesn't bleed into the mids and ruin the rest of the sound. It's quite unique.
Sennheiser Urbanite XL might be another option, but their fit/comfort is a bit hit and miss.
 
At this point I probably sound like a Sennheiser sales rep, but I havn't heard any other bassy headphones where the price justified the sound quality they produced. 
There ARE other options within your budget, headphones that have a big following, but I simply have not heard them so I can't recommend them.
Hopefully someone here will chime in regarding full size headphones utilizing biocellulose drivers.
I would recommend the Panasonic RP-HX650-K which uses the same Fostex biocell drivers as the Creative Auvana Live!, but the ear pads are rather small, and the clamping pressure is fairly high... but the bass... oh my god the bass... for the money it destroys all the Sennheisers I've recommended in that regard.
 
Also it's worth noting that replacement XB700 pads can be bought for less than 15 euros on ebay (3-4 weeks from HK). 
Also repairing/replacing the cable or jack on XB700s is trivial for the amateur tinkerer.
IMO these headphones are worth keeping in good shape.