Standard phones for portable use ($300-500)

[hdablin]

I want to buy 'phones (not large ones: IEMs, earbuds or supra-aural 'phones) for portable use. The budget is about 300-500 USD.

I don't want to buy any custom IEMs, because there are no one audiologist who able to create a proper ear impression in my area.

Some mounth ago I was advised to buy Stax SR-001 portable set, but no it's discontinued. Now I have read dfkt's review of Earsonics SM3 and was very impressed of their SQ. Are there any 'phones better for this price range available on the market?

Some extra info:

I listen the following kinds/genres of music:
-Metal (Orphaned Land, Korova, Angizia, Adversus, Arcturus)
-Rock (King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Anathema)
-Heavy metal (Manowar, Betray my secrets)
-Acoustic (Tenhi, Endraum)

My DAP is Sansa Clip+. And I'm not a basshead.

[CrowdAds]

[hdablin]

Now I've got EarSonics SM3. Hope, I wouldn't be dissapointed.

[The Larch]

Let us know what you think of them.

[hdablin]

Ok. I'll post some impressions lately in that thread.

[DragonBottles]

Unrelated note, nice to see an Anathema fan here.

[hdablin]

Originally Posted by DragonBottles

Unrelated note, nice to see an Anathema fan here.

Thank you, it's nice to see you too.

Originally Posted by hdablin

Ok. I'll post some impressions lately in that thread.

Here are my first impressions.

[WalkGood]

hdablin congrats on the SM3's enjoy