[hoppenma]

Hello atm I'm using a Fiio E17 together with some Sure SE215 IEM. Sound is ok but not spectacular. I guess I'm missing more warmth, relaxation, greater soundstage and punchier base. 
 
Which headphone Sennheiser HD558/598 or AKG K240/272 best combo/partner with Fiio E17 with regard to sound and to value match with the E17. Price range somewhere in the 120-180 EUR/150-200$ range. Of course I would like to buy AKG K550 or Senn HD600 but they're 100EUR more expensive and would benefit from better DAC and AMP soundwise. 
 
Music is mostly Jazz, Acoustic, Concerts
 

 

[hoppenma]

Other great sugestions which I miss are welcome of course! I started looking at full size canns after reading the review from the Philips M1 portables which is in samen price range. So great portables outperforming my picks are also welcome. 
 
 

 

[hoppenma]

Any1?

 

[viralcow]

The K550 is actually the easiest to drive of the headphones you've mentioned. As for the other AKG's, if you thought your shure lacked bass, then the K272HD isn't for you- it lacks bass in both extension and impact. I haven't heard the K242HD and its variants so I'm not sure how good they are.
 
The HD558 and HD598 are solid choices, I think you'll be happy with the Senns.

 

[McPatD]

I find my K240s match very well with the E17. Funny I haven't played my 598s with the Fiio. Might have to try that combo and let you know.

 

[hoppenma]

Reading also some good reviews here in the forum but the price difference between the k242 and hd598 is like 50-60eur which is quite a lot compared to the value. 120 or 175 is almost 50% more in price but prob not in sound?!

 

[hoppenma]

Should the shure 840 be on the short list?

 

[hoppenma]

The K550 is actually the easiest to drive of the headphones you've mentioned. As for the other AKG's, if you thought your shure lacked bass, then the K272HD isn't for you- it lacks bass in both extension and impact. I haven't heard the K242HD and its variants so I'm not sure how good they are.

The HD558 and HD598 are solid choices, I think you'll be happy with the Senns.

Doesn't the k550 outperform the e17 by quite a margin. Should they be partnered with a better dac/amp combo?

 

[DontBend Ascend]

The K550 is rather easily driven even without an amp, and the E17 works very will with it for me.
Regarding the Price:
http://www.amazon.es/AKG-AKGK550-K550-Auriculares/dp/B005CNR7B0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355350024&sr=8-1
 
170€ for the K550 is pretty good I think

 

[hoppenma]

Very good price on the k550 but I'm from holland and its not to clear to me wether it will be delivered there..

 

[DontBend Ascend]

Quote:

Very good price on the k550 but I'm from holland and its not to clear to me wether it will be delivered there..

Yes I am pretty sure it will deliver there, if you already have an amazon account just use it to login and see if they will ship them to your mailing adress

 

[hoppenma]

Thxs dontbend, I took the plunge and ordered. Should be arriving next week hopefully.