Just calling in backup from the folks here at HFGF because my knowledge is limited.
Out of curiosity, have you tried or considered IEMs?
I’ll second the grado line. I got the Hemp LTD Edition yesterday and so far I have nothing but positive things to say (about the sound). If you are ok with on-ear then look into grado. Their house sound seems up your alley. Maybe even consider the Hemp LTD. So far it seems to be fairly warm with surprisingly good bass, typical grado mids (so good forward mids), and the treble is nice and rather smooth (no sharpness/sibilance). @elira has had the Hemps for a while so he could maybe give you some more in depth opinions.
lol what you think audio technica going to listen to that? no way. I personally can’t stand audio technica as a brand nothing I have tried for them has been positive for me. Some sound good or even great in some cases but the comfort for me personally has always completely sucked and made me turn away from them. Special exception was the m40x but I have a feeling grado is about to completely replace that tomorrow when I go to the audio store
Have you looked at their headphones?
The AD-series is the only one that lacks the second freedom of movement.
AVC, AVA, A, DSR, M,SR, ANC, AP and Pro series have it as do the AWAS, AWKT and ADX models.
Last one I tried from audio technica was if I remember right called the MSR-7 noise cancelling. Not bad just not for me, again I have extremely large ears though and a large head. Seems audio technica has more headphones for more portable uses least from what I have seen
Wow, thank you for taking the time to write all this out!
I am definitely a fan of open-back headphones, closed-backs tend to be a little too closed-in, in my experience - but it’s more limited than with open-backs.
You sure are making me tempted to try out another HiFiMAN, or rather, the Ananda… It’s actually mostly the part that touches my head that gets itchy if covered - so the hybrid pads I don’t really have a problem with, as they breathe a little bit, at least with open-back headphones.
I wouldn’t really want to go full-on T50rp modding, but they’re really nice for sure, I actually heard the Alpha Dog by MrSpeakers (now Dan Clark Audio?) and the Paradox as well. Just not really enamoured by the idea of semi-open headphones, I feel like I do enjoy hearing what’s around me, even if I live alone… 
Hmm, well… on-ear is most likely out of the question; my friend has the Alessandro MS-1 and I really don’t like how they feel rubbing against my ears. I don’t dislike the sound but it’s just not very comfortable for me.
I did try the Shure 1840, but the bass just sounds all kinds of weird to me - and the earpad openings are just a touch too small.
MA900 are great, I had a pair, but the earpads are far too shallow, making it feel like an on-ear. I tried a few pad swaps, but they sounded so shrill and harsh with all the non-stock pads I tried on them.
And… right, the community part - now it makes sense 
I wrote this post at 1AM after trying to find some suitable headphones.
Would really be nice if I could buy from HiFiMAN directly if they offer refurbs like that! USA deals seem so good when it comes to my hobbies.
Again, thank you so much for the reply. I’ll have to see what I can find… Ananda really is calling my name…
— edit:
@Antpage2 - yeah, it’s a real mind-boggler that one… they are built so nicely and the sound when fitted correctly is really nice. But then they start crawling down after a while due to the wing system, and the uneven clamp gets even more noticeable after adjusting them a bunch.
R70x on the other hand… that headband is so adjustable! They feel great once fitted properly, if only it wasn’t for the wing system. Too bad the cups are only 90mm, so no earpads would make those work for me. Sound is nice too.
@WaveTheory - I have, but my ear canals are even more stupidly sensitive than the rest of my head, so I think I have to scrap that idea. Plus the feeling of putting in and taking out the IEMs wasn’t very pleasant, and a bit of a bother. Really surprising how good IEMs can sound, though.
@A_COC0NUT - that thing has quite funny marketing… $420 and hemp focused… but, unfortunately, I don’t think on-ears will work for me.
Sorry for the edit, not very used to this forum style!
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OK. Sounds like Ananda is a good place for you start. If that doesn’t work out I think playing with IEMs and swapping tips on them until you get a comfortable fit is your next best option.
Also, I’m assuming speakers aren’t an option(?) Because if headphones and IEMs don’t work for you that’s all that’s left.
You can always get a headband modification they are cheap one that zips or snaps or like dekoni nuggets or something that can help with that comfort. I think the Ananda would be good though since you also liked the He1000
Well you don’t really need to modify it a whole lot to begin with. The T20rp is fully open backed, granted it has a lot more bass, while the T50 is semi open back though granted can be made fully open. Putting a comfort strap on is a couple screws or you can get a zipper headband cushion or something like beyerdynamic has where it has multiple snaps that wrap around the headband. As for pads… I mean, it’s just pads lol just throw those on
thats rather unfortunate did you try other pad styles as well? They make different pad styles along with different materials. Some that are a bit more hollow and the like and may not rub as much.
I’m kinda half joking but the entire ATH-ADX line looks like it doesnt have any tilt except for the ATH-ADX5000, ATH-AWKT, ATH-AWAS.
The ATH-W5000 1700$ and down on their high fidelity line has no tilt. except the ATH-A990z and ATH-A550Z for some reason.
Also the ATH-R70x has no tilt. I got the AD900x and discovered this unfortunately.
I actually found a lot of IEMs to sound better than many full-size headphones - really love the BA sound - so I really would not mind that, but it might take some really special eartips to work for my ears - unless this is some common problem and there is an actual solution? That would be pretty fantastic, now that I think about it. Just seems like a really expensive experiment, as with most things in this hobby
As for speakers - I have a pair, but I’m very limited when it comes to actual space, living in a tiny studio apartment, so they don’t sound fantastic and they’re very small, plus I can’t use them when it’s a bit late. Headphones are a lot more hassle-free, to me.
@Falenkor - I only tried the Grado brand bowl pads (?) and the stock pads on the Alessandro, but anything rubbing on my ear if I just move my jaw tends to get very annoying.
Actually thought of something… are there any Hybrid style pads for the AEon 2? You mentioned it as an alternative - and from reviews it seems like a super good headphone that is also comfortable and well-built, which seems like what the Ananda should be…
I found a company in Belarus that has custom-made earpads available for the AEon 2, but it might be a lot of money and waiting time just to try. Just a thought, though.
@Antpage2 - right, the R70x doesn’t have tilt, but you can actually shape the headband as you see fit, making it so that you can angle it to fit your head perfectly, so the tilt isn’t important because of that. It’s not the most optimal solution, but it definitely works well enough.
No, unfortunately. I reached out to dan clark about different pads a very long time ago and they only have the newest creation of their perforation pads that are on the RT, open X, and Aeon 2. The pads are held on by an adhesive and by no means are they an easy changeable pad. You can find companies that do make custom pads for the aeons with differing fabrics but getting them put on will be a pain in the ass. Love my aeons but thats what of the bad points of it… pad swaps are a no go.
Don’t get me wrong… I don’t find the headphone very hot and its extremely comfortable but it is still leather it builds heat may not be the best option for you.
I should also add that aeons are rather picky on their setup… They become a monster of a headphone with a higher end amp and dac connected to them especially when you turn them balanced.
i didnt like it at all. I tried that on the ATH-AD900X, bent the wire headband into a cone shape trying to get enough clamp and i still didnt. and now it looks goofy
Ahh drats, I see!
I think I will try to find a used Ananda, that way I can try it and hopefully re-sell with minimal monetary loss if I do not like it. I really can’t think of any better alternative in Current Day & Time.
And then later on… get a house, some speakers, and some flamin’ hot cheetos… I wish we had those in Europe.
Can’t really think of anything else without going in circles.
Maybe 3D-print some enclosure for HD800 drivers… but that’s a different thing altogether…
Thank you so much for taking your time and helping me out everyone! Truly living up to the name of the community!
Ahh. I can’t seem to bend my AD1000X at all, not really wanting to try any harder, but the R70x is just so much more flexible - different style headband, more malleable. But, I understand it might not work as well for everyone.
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I mean, I wish someone would get creative with the aeons and 3d print up some snap on plastic that allows easy interchangeable pad swaps. I would definitely use them. Personally, I despise heat build up, have extremely large ears, a big head, and pretty particular in my sound lol. Though the aeons still remain one of my all time favorites even though my preference remains to be velour pads. I think the Anandas be great for you I can’t in good conscience recommend aeons since you seem to have issues with sheepskin and heat buildup
With the Anandas (or other egg shaped Hifiman), would there be any concern with ears touching drivers due to pad depth? @munch, did this cause any issue when you tried the HE1000?
Strangely not! I don’t have very protruding ears, just flat with a large area.
@Falenkor - that would be really good. I actually did that to my Elear to put some Brainwavz pads on it. Worked really well, but the Elex pads sounded better and felt better in the end, since it added too much thickness.
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The pads are on the thinner side so my ears did touch the drivers which I didn’t think about may cause some issues depending on the person. Wasn’t an issue for me personally. I have protruding ears though. Probably why I appreciate the aeons more though. Those pads are like an inch thick
Not to necro the thread but… I ended up getting the Focal Clear, the HiFiMAN was really difficult to find in stock around my budget.
Despite me whining about the weight earlier, it’s not bothering me at all, and the clamp is not too strong either. Got a really good deal on a demo sample, that was likely never even used.
Just thought I would update since you guys have been so helpful and nice 
They sound basically perfect to me, with the exception of stage being a little on the small side, but it still feels airy and images well enough for me.
Not sure I’d be happier with the HiFiMAN, but I’m thinking I will want to demo them first, or even the Arya, if I put aside a little more money next time (assuming there is a next time, these Clear are really good IMO).
Cheers!
There are many headphones under this budget, I would suggest you to check this article before making your purchase.