which three pairs would you have

[GlendaleViper]

It's been my experience that finding a closed can that's tolerable is pretty easy. Finding one that really suits your listening tastes and can keep you happy over/alongside an open headphone is very, very difficult.

 

[Snacks]

If I had to choose three, I'd have to say:

Darth Beyer
Sennheiser HD-650
Shure E500

I have no need to try much of the other "high-end" phones, with the exception of (4) Stax Omega II, HE90 "Orpheus", UE10Pro's (you try, you buy) and ATH-L3000, if given a higher budget. The UE10Pro's would more than likely replace the Shure E500's. The other's; depends on the higher end phones attributes. IMO, one pair of high level, analytical cans, should be more than enough, the rest should be for fun. Portables are essential and required, but given the high dollar value of the Shure E500/UE10Pro's, I'd be to reluctant to travel with high dollar phones, so I'd make an exception and pick up some Shure E4C's to err on the side of caution.

 

[nikongod]

the 2 pairs i listed in the "what 2 pairs would you have" thread, plus the one i wanted to sneak in.

 

[tomb]

HD580, Sony V6, KSC75

(PortaPro and K81DJ are right behind)