[size=10.0pt]Hey everyone. Thanks again for all your input. It's been extremely helpful in my first official audiophile headphone hunt. Soo... since my last post, I have both ordered and received the W1000xs. I am very happy with them! To my inexperienced audiophile ear, I hear sweet sweet mids, a bass that extends with impact that is not overpowering, and highs that are toned down from the grados but still present in a very pleasant way. That being said, I'm plugged in directly to my on- board computer's sound card (I know, I know... I'm sorry!!!!!!), and so I can only imagine how much I'm missing out on. I do have a groovy old turntable with M-Audio monitors so I look forward to plugging them in there soon. [/size]
[size=10.0pt]I think my only minor gripe is that they're really not sturdy on my head. Only gentle head-bopping seems to be allowed for, and what's more is, the little lever arm things don't seem to have enough resistance to keep the phones from pulling themselves down on my face. They create a very cool weightless sensation to the AT's, but lol I'm seriously worried about premature wrinkles from a headphone that causing my skin to sag! Not really, but it is uncomfortable. [/size]
[size=10.0pt]I've read about the rubber band mod, I've tried it out, and it's really working nicely. The phones are clamping tighter and not sliding down so much. But I'm going to be honest... paying $700 for beautiful wood headphones and having to shove a silly rubber band on them to make them sit properly is something that I feel I shouldn't have to do. It's also a bit unsightly. I'm trying to debate the trade-off, because the sound is beautiful. [/size]
[size=10.0pt]There is a return policy on these for the next couple days, and so I'm trying to weigh up my options. I'm going to be honest, listening to these great cans has made me fall in love with what great headphones can do. Are there other ones that can/ should take the place of these? I'd say I'm willing to up my budget to $1000. Open or closed is a non-issue, and I would like a light headphone with wood (Apologies to all those who recommended Beyers/ Ultrasones... wonderful recommendations, and definitely options I would have considered if they had any wooden detailing). The wood bit may be a bit superficial, but I dabble in luthery, and so I have this a special, albeit idiosyncratic[/size], interest/ appreciation for wood craftsmanship. Sound-wise, something like the AT's would be awesome.
[size=10.0pt]My considerations so far:[/size]
[size=10.0pt]**MsPro: nice neutral sound, with good bass. I actually find Grados to be really comfortable. But holy schnikes, I think I might grow old before Alessandro answers the phone there. Have been trying to call for 2 weeks to find out what the return policy/ wait time is [/size]
[size=10.0pt]**Denon D7000: heard great things. Apparently mid are a bit lacklustre[/size], but that's not a serious deal-breaker. Had a pair of denon's in my DJing days and the earcup snapped off not two-weeks into owning them. Still a bit upset about the quality. Has this changed much?
[size=10.0pt]**Audeze LCD-2: Very attractive can, but I believe its quite heavy? I get really bad headaches when I wear heavy headphones, and so this has put me off a bit. I'm also quite surprised that they can put a thing of foam on the headrest like that. Seems a bit cheap?[/size]
[size=10.0pt]**1000's Grados: honestly, not very interested, given the high end on the treble, and my run-in with the 225's.[/size]
[size=10.0pt]**Stick with AT's and deal with my rubber band/ paint it black (great song btw). They’re also easy to drive, which is a plus.[/size]
**Anything else?
[size=10.0pt]Please excuse the soliloquy, but I really know from nothing, and I would very much appreciate the advice of those with more experience. To others that have commented, I realize that I may soon be purchasing an amp, and now understand the purpose of them. I have an old 1960's Ampeg bass amp that is too creamy for words, and the thought of adding that level of warmth to any headphone really excites me. I however do want to settle on a set of cans first.[/size]
[size=10.0pt]Much thanks.[/size]