Headphones for a Laptop


I need to get a pair of headphones for in home use on my laptop, portability is not necessary. I'm looking for the best sound and comfort for a budget of $200 to $400. I would prefer one of the Audeze models but I cannot currently afford them.
I mainly listen to rock (acoustic and electric), blues and jazz. I'd like a pair that excel in the midrange, have natural but textured bass that's not too boomy and a treble that is not too bright.
I've read many reviews and posts on several headphone sites and have narrowed my choices to two but have not heard either:

Audiotechnica ATH m-50
Phiaton ms400

So. I'm looking for feedback on:
1. The sound qualities of these headphones from owners or those that have heard them.

2. Suggestions of others to consider based on my preferences.

3. Suggestions on other things I can do to get the best sound quality from a laptop, such as headphone amps or external dacs.

Thanks
128x128noble100

Showing 2 responses by arni

I second the Nuforce uDac considering your budget. Also, the less expensive Grado headphones are a great value, such as the sr60 or sr80, and mate well with the uDac.
noble 100; do not underestimate the improvement of a digital to analog converter when taking the sound directly out of a computer. The offset of roughly $100 (fubar, nuforce and more DACs with headphone amps) will definitively make a big difference.