I was looking forward to upgrade my DT 880Pro 250 Ohm version. I would really like to keep my current Amp/DAC stack setup if all possible, consisting of a JDS Labs Atom/Massdrop Grace SDAC
Given that my music style is rock/metal, I am looking for headphones that aligns well with this genre in tandem with Comfort for long hour sessions. DT 880’s felt like pillows.
I see Sundaras being recommended often but, after trying my brother’s, comfort-wise they weren’t for me.
Any recommendations within a budget of $400 is very appreciated! Thank you in advance for your input!
Most likely you should look at the Drop + Dan Clark Aeon Open X when it is on sale. It commonly goes for $379 on sale new on Drop or could be found used for like $300 bucks. This one is on sale for a decent price right now but deals like this one happen fairly often if you wait and are comfortable with used gear.
Very comfortable if it fits your head with ear shaped pads and I know a decent amount of people find it great for those specific genres. Could be hit and miss with other genres though but its been a while since I demoed one.
It might be a stretch, but Audeze LCD-2C are fantastic with rock and metal. You might be able to get a pair around $400-450 used.
They’re heavy cans, but the suspension headband works well, and the pads are the most comfortable of any can I’ve worn.
Grado 325x also are excellent with rock and metal. But they’re on-ears, not over ears, so comfort isn’t great unless you bend the headband and roll pads. Still, the sound is superb with rock and metal. They’re only $295 new, but be warned: If comfort is very important, these probably aren’t for you.
Fostex T60rp with ZMF Suede ear pads. Beautiful cans with excellent build quality and all day comfort with a bassy and resolving planar magnetic drivers.