Hello all,

I'm in the middle of looking for headphones. I plan on using these with my Mini-torii with a headphone jack or with a Marantz Headphone amp. I'm looking in the $700-1000 price range. I was originally looking for cheaper but after trying AKG550, B&0 H6v2 and Oppo PM3, I decided to up my budget (AKG550 was the best of that bunch in my opinion). I'm looking closed or semi-closed, not open. Right now I am auditioning the Final Audio Design Sonorous VI. Sound lovely, maybe a little bright, but I'm still burning them in. Problem is they are dreadfully uncomfortable. I'm looking at Audeze El-8 Closed and the ZMF line (Blackwood or ORI). So far all recommendations that I have found that compare the EL-8 and Sonorous VI favor the Sonorous. I don't like cold and clinical (which is what some say about the EL-8).  I like a little warmth with good micro-detail and not too much bass (I'm a guitarist and like to hear the subtle variations in good guitar distortion/picking). If I can make these Sonorous cans feel better and the brightness calms down, I might stick with them. If not, I'll return them and look elsewhere. I listen to a lot of noisy rock and indie pop and some jazz/blues. Any thoughts on recommendations within these cans or any recommendations on others I haven't considered. Remember, they must be closed (or semi-closed).

Thanks,

Scott