HD 559

Most headphones are tuned 'warm' so if you felt the 559 was too muddy/boomy you're probably the (semi-rare) person who prefers a 'cold' (bright) sound, something with bright treble. Someone already suggested the Grado GW100 and I'll second that based on the info you've provided here. On-ear headphones aren't for everyone though, but that's the only one I can think of off the top of my head that is both bright and wireless and in budget. In fact, it's the only one I can think of that is both bright and wireless period.

The HD 559 are really lightweight and comfortable to wear for hours. This would probably be my choice.

1. Audio is very subjective... listen to them in store to compare 2. Getting a separate headphones and microphone is in the end better value for your money. 3. Wireless vs. Wired.... I'd go wired any day of the week with the standard 3.5mm jack as that means I can basically connect it to anything, if you need it to be USB you can even get a cheap 5 dollar USB soundstick... Wireless usually is more expensive and usually has more delay. 4. Over-ear, on-ear or IED, that's all up to you, over ear has better sound isolation 5. Open- vs Closed back, open has a wider soundstage making it so that it's easier to pinpoint the sound but has sound bleeding to the outside. Closed-back has less/no sound bleed but a narrower soundstage. just my 2 cents. (I bought myself a Sennheiser HD559 and am using my webcams microphone, which was slightly more expensive than your budget but sounds very good to my ears)

**Budget and location** - Canada; budget is 250 to 500 usd (350 to 700 cad). I can stretch it a bit. But not too much. **Source/Amp** - USB or colourful hole thing? Willing to adjust if I can buy a dongle. **How the gear will be used** - Always at my home office where no one else is really around. I work in sales (lots of calls and meetings where I talk a lot while typing) but I want a wireless headset with a mic. My current setup (Snowball mic + Seinnheiser HD 559) makes my desk too "busy" and would rather avoid cables and the giant ball on my desk. Open back is fine; better even for classical music imho. **Preferred tonal balance** - Accurate acoustic / good treble / Balanced for my purpose. **Preferred music genres** - Classical is the genre I am having issues with. I looked into the Sony XM4 or 6 but honestly, it felt less than ideal with this type of music. Otherwise, psychedelic rock (Jefferson airplane, Pink Floyd, etc.) or EDM. **Past gear experience** - Sennheiser HD 559. Feels muddy and boomy. Not the quality I am looking for. I don't take it out of the office or anything. Open back is usually in my experience better for classical music but I am not some professional guy neither; just what I enjoy. Wireless is a must; mic too but any suggestions like a wireless ModMic I am willing to consider if people think they are good choices. I have considered the Sony XM4-5-6, Momentum 4 and uh, that's about it. A lot of good recommendations came up in my search but everything seems tuned for bass or genre of music that in my experience aren't well-tuned when I switch to classical. Thanks a lot for the help on this!

hd550 is a fairly affordable and safe pick imo. If you don't mind eq the 560s is another good set. If you love vocals get something from the hd6-line. HD660S2 can be found anywhere near $400 these days

Another vote for HD490pro and second place the HD550. Bothe the most comfortable headphones I've used compared to ther styles. To me they also sound the best. Non fatiguing, good bass, and mostly flat and easy to EQ for any music type you want. Also don't need an amp, but will be do better with one if you wanted. I've heard the Sony MDR-MV1 are close to the HD490 in sound with more bass. Headband/earpads: HD490 comes with two sets (velour and fabric) and are easily replaceable. The fabric ones can be washed too. Headband can be easily replaced as well and does create a hotspot on top of your head due to design. The HD560s has the better headband design compared to the equivalent HD550 that can create a hotspot for certain people on top of head. Cable: HD490: best cable included. The stock one is great can be placed on either side, and has a great stress mini coil feature. It will never tug. You can get balanced ones or aftermarket from Hart Cables in any style and connection you want. HD550/560 models only connect on one side and can also find aftermarket cables easily on Hart Cables. Gaming: HD550 or HD560s with Sennheiser BAM mic add on. (HD550 slightly better bass and better for music).

I used my Truthear Hexas & KZ ZS10 for years playing CS and other competitive shooters, only stopped when i upgraded to open back headphones (HD550)