[squelchy451]

Hi. I have around $250 to spend on a pair of headphones to replace my HD 428.
 
The contestants are ATH-AD900 and Sennheiser 598 so far. 
I'm looking mostly for full-size open (or at least semi-open) headphones. I won't be carrying these around.
 
I'm leaning towards ATH-AD900 since a friend of a friend is trying to sell his after having it for a couple of months, but if there's something significantly better, please let me know.
 
Also, some questions:
1. At this price range, should I consider getting a headphone amp? How do I know if the performance of these headphones is being compromised by other components of my audio system?
 
2. Right now, I'm listening to flac from my computer audio through a Creative USB sound card. Should i try to improve the sound source before I spend on a pair of headphones?
 
Thank you

 

[Seamless Sounds]

K70x's are great for classical music because of their large sound-stage. You can buy it used here on the forums and save up for an amp such as Schiit Magni for $99 or used if you find one. Mine have the bumpless (using K601's headband) headband mod.
 
I'd focus on getting an amp first before buying a DAC. The DAC you have is fine for now.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Hi. I have around $250 to spend on a pair of headphones to replace my HD 428.
The contestants are ATH-AD900 and Sennheiser 598 so far. 
I'm looking mostly for full-size open (or at least semi-open) headphones. I won't be carrying these around.
I'm leaning towards ATH-AD900 since a friend of a friend is trying to sell his after having it for a couple of months, but if there's something significantly better, please let me know.
Also, some questions:
1. At this price range, should I consider getting a headphone amp? How do I know if the performance of these headphones is being compromised by other components of my audio system?
2. Right now, I'm listening to FLAC from my computer audio through a Creative USB sound card. Should i try to improve the sound source before I spend on a pair of headphones?

Audio Technica ATH-AD900X open headphones, $200.
You could try an Asus Xonar DG (PCI) sound card, $26.49 and there is a $10 mail in rebate.

 

[xkonfuzed]

Beyerdynamic DT660.

Nobody seems to mention them a lot, but they are rated quite good here:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/634201/battle-of-the-flagships-58-headphones-compared-update-audeze-lcd-2-revision-2-6-4-13

Scroll down to #42

 

[imackler]

And here is a thread devoted to the DT660: http://www.head-fi.org/t/559542/i-truly-believe-these-are-one-of-the-best-classical-music-headphones-ive-ever-heard

 

[julzd]

+1 ad900 but they all seem great choices

 

[vkalia]

Are these a big improvement over something like a pair of Sennheiser HD 518s?

 

[blueangel2323]

I would also vote for the AD900x. They have an open, airy sound that's great for classical.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Are these a big improvement over something like a pair of Sennheiser HD 518s?

Improvement over AD900 or AD900X?
For sure the AD900X.