[brandonean]

Hey guys. I'm in a bit of a predicament right now. I have had the beats solo HD for 2 years now, and I am in need for an upgrade. There are so many websites out there recommending different headphones that I don't know what to choose. I have a price range of $300 or less. I like pretty good bass in my songs, but not overpowering. I still want to have crystal clear mids and highs as well. I listen to all types of genres. The 2 headphones I've been looking at are the Audio Technica ATH M50x and the 2013 Beats Studio. I'm leaning towards Studios because those have bass but also have the mids and highs. I have also read online that beats are horrible. I liked my beats solo HDs though, so I don't know who to trust. Any help? I would prefer the headphones to have great build quality as well. Thanks!

 

[cripple1]

If I had to make some suggestions for you, it would be these:

1) M-Audio Q40
2) ATH Pro700 MK2
3) V-Moda M100 (My personal favorite outta them all)
4) ATH-M50x
5) Sennheiser Momentum (over ear version)
6) Beyerdynamic DT770 (80 ohm version)
7) NAD Viso HP50
8) Denon D600
9) Shure 1540 (outta your budget but probably closest to what you want)

 

[KG Jag]

What will be powering these cans and where/how do you intend to use them?
 
The two best portable cans I have heard for $300 or under are the NAD Viso HP50--see:
 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/i-love-these-headphonesthe-nad-viso-hp50
 
and
 
PSB M4U1

 

[JoeDoe]

The NADs seem to be very popular for your needs. The M50x are also really nice monitor style cans with a little extra bass. 
 
You won't find a lot of love for anything from the Beats line on head-fi.

 

[zunehdrocks]

Yamaha pro 500 (the price has dropped to half orignal msrp in the US)
http://www.head-fi.org/t/723136/battle-of-the-bassys-beats-pro-yamaha-pro-500-and-beats-studio-2013-compared
The studio 2s are decent but aren't hard to beat.
Theres the polk audio ultrafocus 8000 if you really want noise cancelling
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/comparative-review-high-end-noise-canceling-headphones-page-3

 

[cel4145]

I have also read online that beats are horrible. I liked my beats solo HDs though, so I don't know who to trust. Any help?

"Horrible" is relative to price/performance. Beats are just greatly overpriced for what you get in sound quality. If they were about half MSRP, they'd be OK (but not great).

If you wanted some more on ears for portable use, the Sennheiser Amperior on ear are $129.99 at the moment on Newegg, which is an incredible price. I would expect them to sell out very quickly (perhaps in hours). Here is a review: http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/most-excellent-sennheiser-amperior-and-hd-25-1-ii

 

[Lorspeaker]

how much is the beats executive now..jus curious.