Really considering switching to the AKG K7XX - 2 months is a long ass time. Does it have any disadvantages compared to the HE-350, except for the price?
jantwoNo, in fact most reviewers consider it to be a substantially better sounding headphone. It's probably much better constructed, too.
Another headphone worth looking at is the Fostex T50rp mk. 3. It's got wonderful, tight, accurate bass, a great midrange and just perfect highs, and it's planar magnetic.
You can get it on Amazon for $150 with a two week shipping time.
theurbanhippieThanks for advice, I'm definitely tempted, although I already spent 30$ on HM5 replacement pads which won't fit on the K7XX.
These Fostex'es, isn't semi-open worse than open? Also, are they usable without an amp like the HE-350 and K7XX seem to be?
jantwoI can definitely say that the K7xx needs an amp. I don't tend to believe the Fostex needs one, but others will probably disagree.
As for the semi-open vs open debate, I'll say that they definitely have the soundstage of an open back, with great directional positioning. Also, your HM5s will fit the Fostex and be a marked improvement over the stock pads.
theurbanhippieI'm also thinking of going for the AKG K7XX. Two days to decide whether it's worth an extra $100 for six weeks less in waiting time and a somewhat better headphone (supposedly). Need to look more into how much (if at all) better it is. If it is at least somewhat better though, I think I will make the switch, cause I wanted a pair of open-back headphones as a birthday present to myself (in mid-September).
I had also looked at the Fostex TH-500RP back when it was on sale for $330 (on another site), but that was a bit too much money for me at the time, and now it's $400.
The Fostex T50RP MK3 looks fine, but it's a semi-open headphone and I'm really looking for a fully-open.
theurbanhippieThanks again. I can get the Fostex for about 100$ + shipping here in Europe, so I'm very tempted to get those and bypass the wait. I'll take the day to do some research.
jantwoCan you share where you can get this deal? I might change to that as well. .. or get both, as they are quite different apparently. HE-350 bright and fostex bass heavy