[murderface87]

I wouldn't say they will ruin them, but they will make you appreciate sound accuracy as opposed to what you have now.  That isn't to say they don't have their own coloration as they are quite warm sounding, but you'll appreciate them the first time you listen to some good female vocals like Lana Del Ray's Ultra Violence album.

 

[magikmic2000]

I hate Lana Del Rey lol

 

[murderface87]

hah, well, you may wind up liking some things you didn't before.  I know that's the way it was for me once I started getting FLAC files of music and relistening.

 

[JAMEZTHEBOI]

I have had the CAL! 2 for a couple months now. The soundstage is huge for a closed headphone. It is a V-shaped sound signature but a simple EQ can make it sound neutral (I know audiophiles hate EQ though). It is bassier that the CAL 1 but the bass has better sub bass. It is full but not boomy. The highs are incredibly good. The mids are unfortunately recessed but that can be easily fixed with an EQ if you so desire. The build quality is wayyyy better on the second version of the CAL if that is what you are worried about. Just my input since the CAL! 2 was mentioned

 

[amigomatt]

Honestly if you are going to go open back then just go with the HD 558.  If you are going closed then I have no experience with the HPH200, but I can say that the UE6000's are not overly detailed.  They are pretty good in my opinion for something non-fatiguing.  Also another extremely stellar option is the Brainwavz HM5 for closed if you can swing an extra $30.00 over the $100.  They are loved by many for being a very, very well balanced closed can with fantastic sound reproduction, accuracy, and clarity and are also quite neutral.  http://www.amazon.com/Brainwavz-HM5-Studio-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B006MA9XXM/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1413513523&sr=8-10&keywords=brainwavz

The HPH200 are open backed, by the way. I'll just mention again that they are better than the HD598 in my opinion and the HD598 are better than the 558 that are being suggested here. I have the 598s and the HPH200. That's the last time I'll try to recommend them now, promise.

 

[GearMe]

The HPH200 are open backed, by the way. I'll just mention again that they are better than the HD598 in my opinion and the HD598 are better than the 558 that are being suggested here. I have the 598s and the HPH200. That's the last time I'll try to recommend them now, promise.

Have heard great things about the 200s and would like to listen to them especially if they outclass the 5X8s as they would offer an alternative to my upcoming HD6X0 decision.

On the 558 vs the 598, I actually preferred the 558; felt the bass and midrange was slightly more engaging on the 558s and the treble and soundstage a little better on the 598s. As I was looking for a high value, open backed all-rounder, the 558 seemed to suit my needs better...just personal taste really.

It also seems like the 558s sounded a little better out of my Samsung Note II.

Lastly when I started wanting the refinement that the 598 has, I ended up comparing with the Q701s and chose the AKGs.

 

[magikmic2000]

Now to make the whole decision making even worse my budget just went up 100. Now I'm looking for the best headphone under 200 dollars. Lol

 

[amigomatt]

NAD HP50 if you can get them for that

 

[magikmic2000]

Those look great but they are 299 dollars.

 

[amigomatt]

Those look great but they are 299 dollars.

Would you consider used headphones? I reckon you could get something great for that money?

 

[magikmic2000]

I'm a bit skeptical of used headphones but I guess I could consider it. I feel like it affect quality plus it's losses some of the magic of up boxing.

 

[amigomatt]

I totally understand what you mean. I must admit though, it's still exciting receiving a used pair of headphones, especially if they sound amazing and the buzz of that will last much longer than the fleeting pleasure of opening a sealed box...

 

[magikmic2000]

I really shouldn't those so fast without proof reading. Lol some of the **** I type makes no sense when I read it. At least you understood what I meant, I will consider buying used. The only problem is I have 200 gift card from amazon

 

[getclikinagas]

Philips Fidelio L1. 130$ on amazon and slightly cheaper elsewhere.
 
InnerFidelity's "Wall of Fame". And deserving indeed 

http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/innerfidelitys-wall-fame-full-size-open

 

[amigomatt]

Also, the Sony MA900 are blisteringly brilliant headphones, but they are open air, totally open and I don't know if you can get them for $200...