What headphones at £500 used?

[Vanzapp]

I'm looking for a decent pair of cans for up to £500 used. They don't have to be overly analytical, but a good balance and soundstage. Not keen on a lean sound either. Closed back would be preferable but reading reviews suggest open backs do soundstage better? Must be comfortable for up to a couple of hours listening at a time. This is new territory for me so I thought I'd ask the more experienced for some thoughts.

I've looked at (as in read some reviews);

Fostex TH900, tho' these are a bit over budget
Audeze LCD2 Classic
Shure srh 1840

Thanks in advance.

[Jimbo]

I would buy some Audeze LCD -1 new for that money. £400

[southall-1998_mk2]

If you are willing to sacrifice some more soundstage. Then the Sennheiser HD650 should go on your list. Lovely midrange, and smooth non-fatiguing sound.

S.

[Vanzapp]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Not too many headphone users round here then?

[struth]

I use Nuraphone headphones.. about £350... Good wireless and better wired. Not for everyone tho.

These in the pe will be good too. https://theartofsound.net/forum/show...3325-Delivered

[Mike Reed]

If you are willing to sacrifice some more soundstage. Then the Sennheiser HD650 should go on your list. Lovely midrange, and smooth non-fatiguing sound.

S.

I'm not aware of the HD650's deficiency in soundstage; certainly on on my kit. Lovely, comfortable, rugged and brilliant all-rounder, but everybody knows that. For around £175 they're a steal.

My second recommendation from current experience is the Focal Elears, which sell used from £400 upwards. Even though they knocked my 650s into second on transparency, efficiency and even comfort grounds (close, though), their imaging/soundstage and effortless and dynamic balance were better . Go onto Google for these and listen/watch a couple of the Elear dem's. I was in a similar situation to yours earlier last year when wanting to improve on my Senn's and they were the model recommended to do just that; and they do, in every way. Still like listening to the lovely 650s though, but usually for TV.

I should say these are both open-backed, as I wouldn't compromise with the shortcomings of closed back cans, despite good bass response. They really don't leak much sound and neither cans bother my wife (with much more acute hearing) sitting on the same sofa. Service from the Focal distributor is exemplary, b.t.w.

[Vanzapp]

Thanks @struth and @Mike Reed for the suggestions. I must say the Elears sound interesting, just my sort of presentation (if reviews are anything to go by). I'll see if any of my local Hifi dealers have a pair on demo.

[CageyH]

Have a look at Oppo as well. The PM2 could be within budget. There is a set of PM1 available on eBay now for £490.

[struth]

Have a look at Oppo as well. The PM2 could be within budget. There is a set of PM1 available on eBay now for £490.

Got a pair of oppos too. Very nice cans.. Sophisticated sound.