[MidgetT]

I currently use a pair of Grado SR80i and am looking to try out a pair of headphones with a wider soundstage, perhaps with a more balanced sound as well.  It's not that I don't like the grado sound, it just feels a little up-front for some of my more downbeat/ambient music.  
 
My budget is around 100-150 bucks preferably.  Open or closed are both okay (though im definitely in the market for a new set of closed phones as well...).  From reading around, I'm interested in trying out some audio technica models...either M50 or A700 but I'm open to any suggestions.

 

[desktophifi]

Since you listen to rock and such music, the A700's could be good. Their soundstage is better than the M50's. 

 

[MidgetT]

Ha, I never mentioned that I listen to rock...but I do (is that just assumed of grado users these days?).  The grado are great for rock for the most part, and these new phones aren't meant to entirely replace them, just to bring something new to the table.

 

[desktophifi]

Quote:

Ha, I never mentioned that I listen to rock...but I do (is that just assumed of grado users these days?).  The grado are great for rock for the most part, and these new phones aren't meant to entirely replace them, just to bring something new to the table.

Lol....since you use grados i knew you like rock. 

 
But im sure they will give you a different sound signature that you could enjoy. 

 

[stevenswall]

+1 for the ATH-AD700... on a much cheaper note, you could go the Koss PortaPro route. They have a huge soundstage like the AT 'phone, and have much more bass.

 

[Deed]

AD700.  I don't own them, but I am coveting them so much right now.  Note that these are the open ones--the closed A700s will sound boxy and constricted, with a duller sound.  You could indeed go PortaPro or PX100, but they both have considerable bass humps.  Additionally, the PX100s don't stand up particularly well to abuse (now that I can account for).  Still, the latter two would be enough of a sea change from the Grados, but I'd still suggest going from full headphones to full headphones.

 

[Conrthomas]

Hmmm, I have the A700 and I do not believe they sound much different from the AD700. The difference is negotiable. For your purpose, one of there two would suit you well.Your call on which one.

 

[mudo]

I'm also an actual Grado user and a completely different presentation is the laid back and relaxed sound of the Sennheiser HD650. I guess you can find other Sennheiser models priced around the mark you proposed with similar taste.

 

[Mr Joboto]

AD700.

 

[Conrthomas]

A700

 

[Deed]

 
 

Spoiler

Beats by Dr. Dre.
 
I just noticed that you're particularly interested in closed.  In that case, go for the a700s.  You could also consider the Sennheiser HD 280 pros if you wanted something cheaper and warmer.

 
 
I just noticed that you're particularly interested in closed.  In that case, go for the a700s.  You could also consider the Sennheiser HD 280 pros if you wanted something cheaper and warmer.

 

[MidgetT]

Thanks for the all the responses.  How would you say the soundstages and balance on the A700 and HD 280 compare?  Also I'm never really sure what is meant by a "warm" sound...

 

[MidgetT]

Also, the A700 doesnt happen to have a coil cable model does it?  This is definitely not a dealbreaker, just wondering.

 

[clarinetman]

Get the SRH840.
 
I own the A700, and the Shure makes mincemeat of the A700.

 

[Vincent01]

Quote:

Get the SRH840.
 

This, if you want balanced sound. But the soundstage is not as good as the 700's imo.