Upgrading from HD600 & DT770 to... ?

[MrYman]

Before you answer my question let me say what I have and use:

* DAC: Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus
http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/products/hifi-and-home-cinema/dacmagic-plus

* AMP: Erzetich Audio Perfidus
http://www.erzetich-audio.com/perfidus_class-a_audiophile_headphone_amplifier

* Headphones:
** Sennheiser HD-600 (300ohm)
http://en-us.sennheiser.com/best-audio-headphones-high-end-stereo-hifi-hd-600
** Beyerdynamic DT-770 (250ohm)
http://europe.beyerdynamic.com/shop/dt-770-pro.html
** Sennheiser MX-500

I also had these headphones:
* Westone UM2 (sold)
* Sennheiser HD-25SP (sold)
* V-Moda Remix M-Class (archived)
* JVC Marshmallow (archived)
* iPod Shuffle earbuds (archived)

...and these two amps:
* Xin SuperMini IV (using rarely)
* Meier Audio Porta Corda III (broken)

Plus I use these devices:
* Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (at work)
* Apple iPad Air 2 (at home)
* iPod Shuffle (outside)

To upgrade from HD600 & DT770 I am considering:
* Beyerdynamic T 5 p
http://europe.beyerdynamic.com/shop/hah/headphones-and-headsets/mobile-portable/t-5-p.html

I am mostly interested in closed headphones as I often listen at night after my doughter goes to sleep...

And for portable use I am considering:
* Beyerdynamic iDX 160 iE
http://europe.beyerdynamic.com/shop/hah/headphones-and-headsets/mobile-portable/idx-160-ie-black.html

I like to listen to all sorts of music... mostly to melodic metal, but also rock, classic, some pop and jazz too.

Please let me know what would be your recommendation. I am planning to invest around 1.500 EUR, and I hope and expect that the new headphones will be a notable upgrade from my current ones. And if headphones around 2.000 EUR are notably better than those in 1.500 EUR range, I would go for that too.

Thanks!

P.S. Admin, I thought I posted this in recommendation thread, please move it there if needed.

 

[MrYman]

How much does this rank agree with respected headfiers ?

The 10 Best Headphones Over $1,000
http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2012/08/the-10-best-headphones-over-1000/grado-ps1000

Kinda losing interest in T5p after seeing it...

Fostex TH900 Dynamic look like the one to go with.
http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/TH-900.shtml

 

[MrYman]

Reading now a really incredibly good review, while I await some replies here...

Battle Of The Flagships (58 Headphones Compared)
http://www.head-fi.org/t/634201/battle-of-the-flagships-58-headphones-compared-update-audeze-lcd-2-revision-2-6-4-13

Indeed. This review confirms the previously mentioned one, that FOSTEX TH900 is one of the best closed full-sized headphones out there, quoting:

Even just on paper, the TH900 is quite an impressive product. The ear-cups of the TH900 exhibit a unique looking Japanese lacquered “Urushi” finish. The earpads exhibit protein leather made from eggshell membranes. The Neodymium magnet possess a magnetic flux density that measures 1.5 tesla (which exceeds the T1's by 25%). The driver incorporates Fostex's bio-cellulose “Biodyna” diaphragm. And finally, the TH900 ships with its own proprietary headphone stand made of metal wire material. I have no reservation in proclaiming that the TH900 is one of the best closed-back headphones ever made. Today, it ranks alongside the ATH-W3000ANV as the finest closed-back headphone in production. I prefer the TH900's tonality for most listening, but I find the W3000's tonality to be more unique with a greater sense of euphony.

Unfortunately I also learned that TH900 is not better than my current HD600, while I guess it's safe to say they beat my current DT770.

So, it looks like I'll have to go with open headphones to go to the next level in sound quality, and HD800 seem to be the best ones under 1.500 EUR.

Your thoughts please?

 

[MrYman]

Maybe better to just stay with what I got and get a new pair of quality IEMs? Westone 3 seems to best fit my music taste (from what I read)... And as I live in Slovenia I am not sure I can get here custom made tips... gotta check that.

And to get more confused I just saw this:
"Poll: If you could only buy one, Westone W60 ($999), Shure SE846 ($999) or WH Audio Roxanne universal ($1,299)?"
http://www.head-fi.org/t/712825/if-you-could-only-buy-one-westone-w60-999-shure-se846-999-or-wh-audio-roxanne-universal-1-299

 

[MrYman]

I gotta used talking to myself LOL My hope still didn't die that someone else will jump in with their opinion.
 
Another option is to stick with HD600 and upgrade its cable. Reading this:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/495061/hd600-cable-upgrade-worth-it/
 
...and cannot help to notice how contraversial this question is
 
I have to buy a new one anyway, the current one is partly broken, if I don't set it right it loses signal on one side...
 
Maybe I'll go just with stock one for HD650.... I highly doub't I'll invest $400 for a cable, I'd rather buy new IEM.
 
Please le me know your thoughts.

 

[MrYman]

Seems my thread became invisible somehow....

 

[MrYman]

Nada?

 

[razorpakk]

I don't know what's the situation in Slovenia, but if you want to spend that kind of money you Have to audition them.
Just plan a short trip somewhere and make sure they have a wide range of equipment. 

 

[adtrance]

Once you get past a certain point, it becomes a matter of preference.  Some prefer the sound of the HD600 over HD800, for example.  
 
Are you looking for a new pair because of curiosity or have you heard more expensive headphones somewhere and decided to upgrade?

 

[MrYman]

My headphones got old, e.g. my HD600 lost earpads - actually those changed almost into the dust lol, cable needs replacement, etc. (10 years old or so)
 
I got some unexpected money and since I love listening to the music I thought I'll get myself something even better to enjoy those precious hours of peace at night....
 
I'll visit a friend shortyl, who does have HD800 and surely try them up, but I surely won't be able to sir there for hours....