[NiklasBrock]

I am in need of Audiophile guidance!
 
I currently own the ATH-M50's (shocker) and i am powering them with an Audioengine D1.  
The M50's do have a very nice, clear and full sound, however i find them very "closed." 
When i close my eyes and visualize where the sound is coming from, it's from the headphones, aka from inside/very close to my head.
 
I also own the Audioengine A5+ which are great, however i would love some open headphones which could give me more of that open / bigger soundstage feel.
 
At first i looked at the Beyerdynamic DT-990 and DT-880 but have since also looked at sennheiser HD-650.
 
The reason for the price jump is that i "unfortunately" listened to my friends' Grado GS1000's and i fell in love with that huge soundstage sound they have. So true to the live recordings and not fatiguing at all.
 
I do not plan on selling my M50's, since they still have their perks as closed headphones, however their lack of comfort and the semingly very small soundstage is a real problem for me.

 

[HiFiAudio]

How about considering the Sennheiser HD-600 also which can had for a decent discount?    They are a bit more plastic bodywise then 650's, but would fit with your liking open/bigger sound stage.  Very popular choice.

 

[kaboose]

Take a look at the AKG K712 pro. Great headphones, much improved bass over the other K7xx from AKG. They can be had for under $400 regularly. I got mine for $330. 

 

[kramer5150]

K701 / Q701 image / soundstage is really broad and open... one of the best in your price range, matching other cans that cost much more.

 

[NiklasBrock]

How about considering the Sennheiser HD-600 also which can had for a decent discount?    They are a bit more plastic bodywise then 650's, but would fit with your liking open/bigger sound stage.  Very popular choice.

 
The discount is only around $30 in my country (denmark), so would it still be worth it?
But if it is as you say, and they have a bigger sound stage, than it might be a better choice.
 
What about the sound stage of Beyerdynamics DT 880/990 compared to HD 600/650?

 

[Claritas]

K701 and its variants.

 

[NiklasBrock]

I don't really like the AKG K701 sound. I find the lower frequencies lacking, and the sound a bit fatiguing 

 

[kaboose]

  I don't really like the AKG K701 sound. I find the lower frequencies lacking, and the sound a bit fatiguing 

That's why I suggested the AKG K712, give them a try if you can. the comfort is much improved over the other K7xx. Also the low end has been boosted by 3dBa. Worth a listen I say. 

 

[AnalogSavior]

I'll throw another vote for the HD600.  Good headphone with a good soundstage, but not the biggest. HD650 if you want a touch more bass.  The HD598 has a big soundstage and is cheaper.  While I wouldn't put as an equal to the 600s,  its still a good and fun headphone.

 

[NiklasBrock]

  That's why I suggested the AKG K712, give them a try if you can. the comfort is much improved over the other K7xx. Also the low end has been boosted by 3dBa. Worth a listen I say. 

I am just trying to justify the price difference between DT-990 (144 €) and AKG K-712 PRO (398 €) 
 
I would love to be able to listen to them side by side, however so far, my local Hifi store only has closed beyers in stock, and no AKG/senn
 

I'll throw another vote for the HD600.  Good headphone with a good soundstage, but not the biggest. HD650 if you want a touch more bass.  The HD598 has a big soundstage and is cheaper.  While I wouldn't put as an equal to the 600s,  its still a good and fun headphone.

I am kind of leaning towards Senn HD 650 right now. They are 322 € here putting me at:
 
Beyer DT-990 = 144€
AKG K-712 PRO = 398 €
Senn HD 650= 322 €

 

[AnalogSavior]

  I am kind of leaning towards Senn HD 650 right now. They are 322 € here putting me at:
 
Beyer DT-990 = 144€
AKG K-712 PRO = 398 €
Senn HD 650= 322 €

 
I haven't listened to the AKG or the Beyer, so I can't really comment on those, sorry.

 

[NiklasBrock]

   
I haven't listened to the AKG or the Beyer, so I can't really comment on those, sorry.

Fair enough Would you describe the HD600/HD650's as warm/full or more as clear/bright? 

 

[Dafo]

The akg's have great potential and the "bass issue" can be dealt with... http://hoved-fi.dk/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=3238

 

[Claritas]

  Would you describe the HD600/HD650's as warm/full or more as clear/bright? 

 
HD600: somewhat warm and clear
HD650: warm and full

 

[AnalogSavior]

  Fair enough Would you describe the HD600/HD650's as warm/full or more as clear/bright? 

 
I'm in the camp that thinks most of the comments about the 600 and especially the 650 being veiled are kinda nonsense.
 
I found the 600s to be neutral and balanced with just a touch of warmth.  They are full sounding, and I guess could be described as enveloping, but nothing quite like an LCD2.  I found the 650 to have a touch more bass, tilting the sound signature a little more towards warm.  Other than that, they are largely similar, with differences only noticeable while A/Bing them.
 
I never found any issue with the treble on either.  In fact, the 650 coming out of a Schiit Gungnir/Mjolnir combo even sounded bright to me on certain recordings.
 
However, I wouldn't describe either as bright, but they aren't veiled either. Tyll at Innerfidelity did a pretty good review of both.
 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/very-important-sennheiser-hd-580-hd-600-and-hd-650