Have tested in the last 2 years following Kopfhöerer.
Sennheiser HD 219
Beyerdynamic DT 990
Sennheiser HD 598
Philips SHL4000 / 10
Koss Porta Pro
Bose AE2 Audio
Bose QuietComfort 15
Sony MDRZX300B
Sennheiser PX 200-II
AKG K 420 denim mini
AKG Acoustics K 518
Sony MDR-XB500
co: caine City Beat
When I almost wanted to give up, to find the perfect sound for me, I came across the ATH-M50. The sound is beautiful to cry. Powerful bass, not oversubscribed. Crystal clear highs, the same search for her to hiss without. Fantastic middle. Also, according to the case of weak signal sources such as MP3 players, etc.
Who has not heard this sound, has missed something in life. In my 30 years listening to music, I have never experienced such a sound. I currently hear all my music collection and start fresh with this Kopfhöerern and it's almost as if one experiences something completely new.
Thank you for this experience.
Addendum: 05/15/2014
Meanwhile, I bought another eight headphones or subjected to a rigorous test.
There are the following:
AKG K550
Grado SR80i
Koss KTXPRO1
Onkyo ES-FC300
Plantronics GameCom 380
V-Moda Crossfade LP
Klipsch Image S4 in-ear
Sennheiser HD 565
I can reassure you in advance, the ATH-50 or with the detachable cable ATH-50x are still in my series of tests the # 1.
However, I wanted in addition to the ATH-50 (I'll never give up) have headphones that are slightly Portable, not as sealed.
In the price category up to 20 EUR the Koss KTXPRO1 are surprisingly good. But cheap processed with a 40mm Titanium driver, fairly well.
Today a few days ago came the Grado SR80i. I read a lot about these headphones. It has an open design. What can I say. These headphones come with the sound forth the ATH-50 (50x) extremely close. I could not believe it, have listened to 10 music genres, and compared geswitcht always directly back and forth.
In mid and high absolute minimal weaker at the level of MTH-50 only at low frequencies. I'll keep this as my 2nd favorite headphones. Just great for the price. Grado is building in New York and has headphones into the price range of almost 1500 EUR. I wonder what there still is to be much improved. I would like to test times such headphones. However, For me the price is just too high.
Conclusion: If you're looking for an alternative to the MT-50, seeking light, airy and open design. Can I get you the Grado SR 80i highly recommend. Only one thing caution. The headphones look very cheap from processed, but are very robust and stable. Optics is very retro and cool detention.
Place 1: Audio Technica ATH-M50 (50x)
Place 2: Grado SR 80i
Something out of competition since rather low price levels: Koss KTXPRO1, recommended also very, looking for people who cheap but good sounding headphones.
The other mentioned headphones have convinced me neither the sound nor of the price / performance.