Audiophile Headphone Recommendations

[benmoree]

I'm looking to purchase a set of headphones but I'm new to the whole audiophile headphone world. I've got a budget of approximately $500 dollars to play with and my musical tastes run primarily toward rock and blues. I care more about musical reproduction and want to avoid headphones with excessive bass response. I'll be using this with the Mcintosh D100 DAC at home and hopefully through an additional external device at work. If anyone has suggestions or experiences with particular brands/models that would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Robert_Anderson]

For $500 or less, I would try the Grado 325's.

[Masterlu]

[doggiehowser]

I'd have a look at Hifiman HE400.

[Wasatch]

So many choices out there. I like the Sennheiser's.

[Portugal]

Originally Posted by Robert_Anderson

For $500 or less, I would try the Grado 325's.

+1

[G8YU]

Yeah, so many choices for under $500. My recommendation is for the beyerdynamic DT880 600ohm because I really like my set. In addition to the other good headphones posted above, the Audio Technica AD900x might be worth consideration. It's supposed to have less bass than the DT880, but I don't have personal experience with the AD900x and they might not be good for rock.
A good resource for headphone measurements is Golden Ears -Truthful review based on measured data (Earphones, Headphones, Speakers, Mobile, DACs, Amplifiers) (I don't know why this url I typed turned into a descriptive link)
Headphone measurements are mostly better to give you a general idea of the sound signature rather than some of the biased reviews I've run across online.

[benmoree]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I knew this was the right place to ask that question. As a follow up to my original, does anyone have a recommendation for a portable headphone amp. I would like something that I could use at the office and connect to my laptop via USB for playback. Thanks.

[doggiehowser]

The Hifiman HE400 is part of their range of new phones that are designed to be easy to be driven. They claim iPod.

I think something like the Schiit Asgard would be useful. Or look for those portable DAC amps from ALO Audio.

Bear in mind tho that many really good audiophile headphones are usually open cans and they might be a problem using them in the office.

[benmoree]

Originally Posted by doggiehowser

The Hifiman HE400 is part of their range of new phones that are designed to be easy to be driven. They claim iPod.

I think something like the Schiit Asgard would be useful. Or look for those portable DAC amps from ALO Audio.

Bear in mind tho that many really good audiophile headphones are usually open cans and they might be a problem using them in the office.

I'm just starting to look into this. The open vs closed is definitely a consideration. I think given the environment, I'm going to need to use closed headphones. Thanks for the heads up.