[bagwell359]

LCD-4 - the original - best choice.

E2 - great honest bass, highs a bit reticent - but can easily adapted with EQ

HFM HE-6se v2 - open box currently $555. More bass an EQ away. Other poster said HEK se - too etherial and expensive.

 

[KCXT]

Since you added closed to the criteria, the LCD-2 closed scratches this itch for me. Big bass, still lots of detail and staging, and accepts EQ well. The Dan Clark Audio headphones have great subbass extension as well.

 

[inseconds99]

Since you added closed to the criteria, the LCD-2 closed scratches this itch for me. Big bass, still lots of detail and staging, and accepts EQ well. The Dan Clark Audio headphones have great subbass extension as well.

I’m interested in the DCA stealth but I’m unsure about how it performs with contemporary music. Some people say it has great bass and extension, some say it just is terrible and dull.

 

[iFi audio]

I'd probably look at an iFi Diablo so I can still be portable. I had a iDSD Signature and honestly couldn't hear a noticeable enough difference to justify the asking price.

micro iDSD Diablo is voiced a fair bit differently than micro iDSD Signature; quicker, sensibly more powerful, leaner and less warm.

 

[MasterZen]

I’m interested in the DCA stealth but I’m unsure about how it performs with contemporary music. Some people say it has great bass and extension, some say it just is terrible and dull.

I really wanted the DCA stealth, it looks awesome, demoed it in store with a Woo WA11 - requires a lot of juice , however for contemporary music and modern pop etc with the bass, it was lacking. There is bass quality but quantity not so much. I think the meze liric would be a better and cheaper option. Have not heard it however so cannot give my opinion but people seem to say its tuned to the meze house sound so be ideal for modern stuff

 

[inseconds99]

Still interested in more thoughts on TOTL open backs that work well for contemporary music. The main goal of this post is end game sound and end game comfort. Must have both or headphone is disqualified. Have had a lot of good responses kinda went off topic with closed backs.

So far it seems that Meze Emp might be the best to check comfort and open back TOTL that works with contemporary music.

 

[arftech]

What’s your budget? Do not sleep on ZMF especially the Verite. I’m using that and the LCD-4 for the genres you listed.

 

[inseconds99]

What’s your budget? Do not sleep on ZMF especially the Verite. I’m using that and the LCD-4 for the genres you listed.

5-6k total for the setup.

 

[Hifiearspeakers]

What’s your budget? Do not sleep on ZMF especially the Verite. I’m using that and the LCD-4 for the genres you listed.

2nd this. Do not sleep on the Auteur either. And with pad rolling options, just about anyone can be satisfied.

 

[Nothingpersnal]

a 6 screw or utopia would probably be the best bet for contemporary music.

 

[paradoxper]

Schedule a visit with a dealer. I think Solitaire would fit nicely to your preference.

 

[Dawgfish]

Like a few others have mentioned above I would recommend any of the ZMFs.