[mralexosborn]

A little over a year ago, I sold off my setup of a Little Dot Mk3 and Grado HF-2. Before that, I've had numerous headphones and even had the pleasure of owning an older pair of Stax. In addition, I've been to a few meets in my area and have heard many grand setups. I realize now that I dearly miss my headphone setup. I miss hearing a song and having chills roll down my spine. 
 
I currently have a pair of M50's (which I intend on selling because they are slightly bass heavy and they lack articulation across the spectrum) and will be receiving an O2 amp shortly. I retained my original DAC, a Gamma1. So I am in the market of headphone to pair with my setup. Currently, I would like to set my budget to $200 because I know that it gets you a lot of headphone, as long as you have an adequate source and amp (which I believe the O2 is for my purposes, for the moment at least). I am in between the DT800 (600ohm) and the new K612 but I am open to suggestions. I don't really have a preference on the sound but I want to enjoy it and I want to be impressed again. 

 

[Claritas]

I would have suggested SR225i, but you've already tried them and it seems as if you're looking for something new. Have you tried a planar magnetic? I can definitely recommend Fostex, but you'll have to make at least some internal modifications yourself or buy a modded pair. (ZMF is reasonably priced; I confess the reviews have made me curious.)

 

[J&J]

A used Senn  hd 600 can be found for 200

 

[vid]

A used lower-end Stax in the SR-5/Gold range and some old speaker amp to run them. Alternatively, a nice used ortho in the Yamaha HP-1 range or better - a small-ish mod and they should articulate chillingly across the spectrum.
 
Can't quite recommend the HD 600 for audiophilia - seem a bit grainy to me.

 

[kkcheong]

There's a reason why this is bestseller:-

 

Head-Fi's Best Sellers

1. 
   Sennheiser HD-598
   

 

[mralexosborn]

I liked the SR-225i but I found the soundstage too narrow and the sound to be too forward. The only Grado I've really liked was the HF-2 (paired with tubes). I like the HD600 but I have yet to find one for a reasonable price around here or elsewhere. The ZMF seems like it might be a good choice, but I'm not sure. 
 
Anybody have experience with the K612 or DT880?

 

[mralexosborn]

Decided against indecision. Bought the K612. 

 

[PurpleAngel]

 

Beyerdynamic DT880 Premium 600-Ohm are very nice sounding headphones.
But the AKG K612 Pros are only $160.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Decided against indecision. Bought the K612. 

Cool, please post back a detailed review.

 

[mralexosborn]

 
Cool, please post back a detailed review.

Will do!