Recommend me an open, over-ear, full-size set of cans for <$300

[tdubya]

I'm in the market for a set of phones for home use. I prefer a near-neutral sound signature. My music tastes are diverse, but my top choice is technical metal (Orden Ogan, Symphony X, Blind Guardian, and the like). I'm looking for a detailed, analytical sound that maintains musicality.

I'm strongly considering the HiFiMan HE-400i because I enjoy the sound signature of their RE-400 IEM's, but am open to suggestions.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Used Beyerdynamic T90 250-Ohm headphone.

 

[Music Alchemist]

Yeah, the HE400i is great. I got it back when it was $500. Now it's available for half the price. Another one I like almost as much is the HD 650.

 

[tdubya]

Used Beyerdynamic T90 250-Ohm headphone.

I previously owned the DT1350's and liked them. Would you say the T90 sound signature is similar?

 

[tdubya]

Yeah, the HE400i is great. I got it back when it was $500. Now it's available for half the price. Another one I like almost as much is the HD 650.

I was trying to narrow down a Sennheiser contender. I appreciate the recommendation.

 

[PurpleAngel]

I previously owned the DT1350's and liked them. Would you say the T90 sound signature is similar?

 
Never listened to the DT1350.
But do own the DT770, DT880, DT990, T70, T90
and the T90 is my preferred headphone for all listening.

 

[tdubya]

Never listened to the DT1350.
But do own the DT770, DT880, DT990, T70, T90
and the T90 is my preferred headphone for all listening.

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[Heals]

I'm not sure of this is going to help, or just make you research more. lol I prefer a different sound signature than you do (I love the Beyerdynamic DT 770 80's for metal), and I mostly listen to Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage, and more recently After the Burial or Breakdown of Sanity. With that being said, I recently tried the Fostex T50rp MK3's....night and day difference. Less bass extension than the Beyer's, but my goodness, the separation, clarity, and soundstage made my music a whole different listen. If you can find some to listen to, no harm in giving them a shot.

 

[tdubya]

I'm not sure of this is going to help, or just make you research more. lol I prefer a different sound signature than you do (I love the Beyerdynamic DT 770 80's for metal), and I mostly listen to Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage, and more recently After the Burial or Breakdown of Sanity. With that being said, I recently tried the Fostex T50rp MK3's....night and day difference. Less bass extension than the Beyer's, but my goodness, the separation, clarity, and soundstage made my music a whole different listen. If you can find some to listen to, no harm in giving them a shot.

I appreciate the mention. Foster wasn't even on my radar and it sounds like they'd definitely be worth a listen. This set will be my end-game cans (for now) so I'm really trying to be thorough in my research.