Sennheiser HD 650

Pros: Great response across entire dynamic range. Beautiful clean power = high volume with no discomfort = Rockin'

Cons: They cost more than my last Benz payment. Can pinch your melon if they're not on properly (this can happen when mixed with alcohol - audiophiles: don't pretend you haven't rocked out after a few)

Summary: These are fantastic headphones and, contrary to what the audiophile snoots say, they rock without a headphone amp. They're better with, but not everybody can afford to buy their whole setup in one shot, so don't be afraid of buying these headphones without an amp.

I'm particular about sound, and work with pro audio every day in my professional and personal life.

I nearly didn't buy these because of the audio nerds bashing every pair of headphones on the planet in the pro audio forums. These guys and gals are worse than Apple people, Volkswagen people, vegans, and female magazine publishers put together. Ok, well, maybe not the she-publishers.

They're the worst.

Anyways, you'll love these headphones.

Do what makes you happy:
- Be picky about sound without becoming a snob.

- Set up a studio with $1000 headphones, no headphone amp, and record with Garageband if it makes you happy.

- Buy Benzes because they're fun to drive, not cool to show off. Or don't buy one. I just think they're the neatest.

- Use an Apple because they're easy, or a PC because they're cheap.

- Eat meat or don't.

Just be happy. Life's hard enough without the snoots.

Rock on!

Russ