[EthanH]

I've got a bunch of points from some research website and am thinking about using them to buy a pair of decent headphones.  It doesn't look like Grados are available, but they do have Sennheiser HD555; AKG K240; Denon AHD501K; and some Audio Technica models, although not the ATH M50 (just the M40).  They've got Beyerdynamic DT990s but they're way above my point range.

The AKGs have good reviews, but I was wondering if anyone that has heard them can comment on their sound quality.  This'll be my first pair of decent headphones, so I'm not familiar with the different house sounds.  Music preferences are varied, and my stereo system is currently Totem and tubes, which I like the sound of.  No head-amp at the moment, but am open to getting one down the road.  Thanks. 

[ecramer]

Hello

Have you been over to http://www.head-fi.org/ They have a bunch of reviews over their. That's an idea maybe i should start a sticky for head phone and amp  reviews   As far as Akg 240's their are a lot of different models but generally they are pretty good cans.

ED

[Russell Dawkins]

If the AT ATH M-50s are within your budget, I would say just buy them.
There are lots of versions of AKG 240s, the best being the discontinued df model which was a bear to drive.

I have a pair of AKG 240 Studios, 1 year old, which I would sell in a flash and replace with M-50s.
They are not quite as good as the AKG 240df in a few subtle ways.

The AKG 701 is nice but pricey and ultimately not worth it unless you were rich and really valued comfort, because they are very comfortable.
The Audio Technica ATH M-50s, by contrast, are a little warm and snug but incredible performing, and they fold a little and come with a carrying pouch.
On the other hand, I would stay well away from any other Audio Technica headphone I've heard - couldn't wait to get rid of my ATH M40s that I bought unheard on a friend's advice (he was a drummer and they did play loud - I sold them to a dear old friend who played a mean saxophone and was very nearly deaf and needed to play them seriously loud to even hear anything)
So, to directly answer your question, if you cannot get the 50s, the AKG 240 Studios aren't shabby and are better than most out there, it's just that they're not really special in any particular way at all. I'd hold out for the 50s.

[EthanH]

Thanks for the advice.   Mountains of info on head-fi, maybe too much actually!

Reading other posts here made me very interested in the ATH M50s, but it looks like the rewards program for the site I use doesn't offer that particular model, or any of the Grados, for that matter.   The AKG K240s that are offered are the 55 ohm studio version.  Ugly, but if they're the best sounding ones in my price/point range then so be it. 

[Russell Dawkins]

It does sound like the 240 Studio is the best of your options.

They are comfortable and have a detachable cord which can be an advantage in a studio situation.
And they're not that ugly in the flesh!

[ecramer]

The Beyerdynamic DT990 Are going to be my next can purchase i like the sound of my DT-880 and Dt-770's but 'm not looking to do studio work, i like to listen to a lot of Dark ambient music http://www.projekt.com with the dt-880 great detail and smooth sounding  and the dt-770 are my choice for watching movies late at night they have great Bass for that. The dt990's are supposed to be right in the middle of these cans

ED

[Russell Dawkins]

Yeah, I keep hearing about the Beyerdynamics, but have yet to hear them. There is a pair of the DT 990s at the place I'll be getting my M-50s, as well as a pair of AKG 271s (closed back) I'll try them all before I settle on the M-50s.

[EthanH]

I listened to Beyerdynamics years ago at a music store and remember being impressed.  Too bad the 990s or 770s aren't within reach; those velvety earpads are awesome.

[peranders]

Last I listened I thought that AKG240 wasn't particulary good.