Good open-back hi-fi headphone options

You know what I haven't tried that. I've only just got the rPAC and my Dad has the Q701s at the moment. Now you mention it though I am pretty curious myself .

lol, well when you've tested it could you try give me some details of how the rpac works with the Q701?

It seems to me that you are getting a bit lost in the dac and amp thing.  If the dac/amps are any good they will sound much closer to each other than the differences in headphones.  

Try to audition the h/phones and find the ones that suit your music, ears and comfort needs and buy them.  That way you can take your headphones off to audition dacs and amps once you have purchased the h/phones.  

Don't forget that comfort is as important[ maybe more so] as sound.  Buy the phones first and then the electronics.

Yer, it's just in my area it's tricky as there's not many hi-fi places round, and even fewer have any high end headphones or amps and dacs. Also, I don't want to buy the headphones and not be able to run them until I get equipment, but can use amps and dacs on my current 'phones.

Also I know they're closed back, but does anyone have any thoughts on the audio technica ath w1000x? I really loved my audio technica ath a500 before they broke... Also does anyone know a reasonabkle price for them because some of the prices can seem a bit too cheap on the amazon market place.

I use the DT990's through a Graham Slee Novo and think they are fantastic.  IMO one of the most underrated sets of headphones I have had. 

 

hmmm, maybe I'll give the beyerdynamics a bit more thought then. What omh should I go for with a graham slee, 32, 250 or 600?

I had a pair of these for a while, they are typical Audio Technica sound signature with a boost in the upper mids. Some people love it, some hate it. I started off hating it, then liking it for classical for a while, then sold them cos they were a one trick pony which my Stax did better. The bass on them was good and well extended but as previously mentioned they have a upper mid boost which makes everything sound un-natural or artificial. Not great for hip hop IMO and they are expensive for what they are, new about £500 - £600 second hand £330 - £380 anything cheaper is going to be moody.

Beyerdynamic DT880. I use them for recording and mixing and they absolutely destroy any other speakers and headphones I've heard. Comfortable, well made and finished and they sound great. I can't imagine anyone finding fault with them. 

I can only comment on mine as they are the 250 ohm version but they are extremely comfortable and sound great. Try before you buy though - you may find them different. 

hmmm, my Uncle might be getting a pair of akg Q701 soon, so I can see if I like them. Does anyone have any experience with the grado 325i. Whats the clarity and bass response on them, compared to say the AKG or the sennheiser hd650?