[Odal3]

Sennheiser 800 is like a great SS amp.  Beyer T1 is like a great tube amp.

Missed this. Thank you! Based on this, I will probably also like the T1.

[JohnR]

Make sure you hear them before spending.

[Odal3]

Yeah absolutely. I'm not there yet figuring out what I want and hoping to spend less on my first pair to see if I actually will use them vs collecting dust. Probably should get a closed pair so I can use them at work but I liked the open ones better.  Anyways, will need to finalize my other audio projects first before buying my first pair of proper headphones.

[JohnR]

If by "work" you mean in a cubicle with people talking around you, closed headphones won't be good enough. Check innerfidelity.com resource page, closed phones only attenuate above about 1 kHz.

The $99 hifimans on massdrop now might be a good way to get started.

[Odal3]

We got an open office layout with no doors or cubicle walls - just a low separation between the desks.  Noise is kept low with acoustic treatment.

I saw those hifiman as well amd the price definitely peaked my interest. Do you know if there are any reviews available for those yet? If not, which one would be the closest model?

[hibuckhobby]

Unless the SQ is up a lot from the 300's, I think you would be disappointed.  Your budget is
Going to determine some things for you.  T1's are great and I like HE500's too...but the
Beyer is way more comfortable.  IMO...used Beyers or HiFiman's are a good way to go.
Hibuck....

[Odal3]

Found one: http://www.head-fi.org/products/massdrop-x-hifiman-he350/reviews/15914
Positive review but based on this, it's probably not for me: "This is a bright sounding headphone.  No sugar coating in this regard.  Highly resolute, with a crisp and detailed prominence.  Midrange is slightly recessed and bass has quality but also takes a step back in quantity"

Thanks hibuck

[JohnR]

Maybe these: http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00HVLUR86

Should be easy to find in a local store to listen.

[rif]

According to the description on massdrop, the hifiman 350's use dynamic drivers not thebusual hifiman planar.

[Jjshin23]

in the same price range have you thought about an OPPO PM-3?  It's closed and sounds pretty open for a closed headphone.

[JohnR]

According to the description on massdrop, the hifiman 350's use dynamic drivers not thebusual hifiman planar.

Yes they are but Odal3 said he was "hoping to spend less on my first pair to see if I actually will use them vs collecting dust".