My go-to's for the bulk of the last almost 12 years has been my JVC HA-RX700, though it wasn't until about 3 years ago or so I did the gamechanger that has kept them on my head primarily since. I never would've thought that would be the case, when I purchased them I was just dipping my toes into headphones, but here we are.
I've had others that are better in a number of ways. Comfort, clarity, depth, detail, bass, mids, treble, vocals, separation. But I couldn't keep up with the expensive cans, nor did any I try really seem worth it with exception of a couple I kept around through the trials and errors, the Denon D2000's and AKG K553 Pro's. My AKG's earpads fell apart after several years of use, I loved them, sadly replacement pads don't match comfort nor sound of OEM...shame on you AKG. I have spare pads, but haven't made the time to fix them. The Denons have been sitting in my bin for years with parts to fix the hinge that's coming apart. I listen to them from time to time, sound amazing, but a little more laid back than my JVC's, less fun, more thunderous bass, excellent highs, overall very enjoyable in the right situations.
The JVC's got put away when the AKG's and my HE-400's were around. I sold the Hifiman HE-400's, and as said prior, used the AKG's until they fell apart. I do have spare earpads for them that I purchased from AKG years ago...which was a crap show that took 5 shipments to send me two correct pads.
Then I finally, after years of consideration, purchased some NVX angled pads for my HARX500's as the AKG's pads were falling apart. Within seconds of slapping them on, I was hooked and have been ever since. My Aune T1 drives the JVC's effortlessly, my EQ APO bass is backed off compared to what I used to push because its more than enough, everything about the JVC's sound better with these pads. Comfort between these soft pads and the thick headband is fantastic. The sound is forward, punchy, fun, but still has decent vocals and separation (not AKG or HiFiMan or Denon by any means), which has made them great for everything I do on PC. Gaming, music, movies, shows, whatever...it all sounds great. I am sure I'll get to the pads on the K553's and fix the hinge on the D2000's, but it won't be in 2021 at this rate. Another year down, the HARX700's keep on my dome and entertained.
Never would I have imagined that a $30 (in 2008/2009-ish when I purchased them) pair of JVC headphones, that were the first to break me away from gaming headsets, would STILL be my go-to, as we dig further into the 2020s. Built like a tank. The only other mod I've done is the felt removal mod. Stock cable, that could probably benefit from being replaced, these cans just get the job done. Hopefully JVC still makes em' like they used to, I know many folks overlook these...but if you pick up a pair cheap, just do yourself a favor and pick up some of those NVX angled pads or something similar, total game-changer.
Cheers!