OK, thanks so much for your help guys but you know what, screw it, I’m just going to order the the Fidelio X2HR’s. I’m sick of humming and harring over the decision!
The worst I’ve heard about them really is that they have some overly bright treble with some tracks, which is an issue for me, but all the options in this price range have some compromises. Out of the choices I had nailed down (which are all very comfortable apparently, an absolute must):
Fidelio X2HR - great bass and soundstage with solid imaging, but some slightly bright treble in some tracks and slightly restrained mids
Senn HD599 - very Sennheiser, very German, solid if slightly dull performer, not hugely exciting but a sound purchase
AKG 712 Pro - wide, exciting sound, great for gaming, but needs an amp and has issues with treble
Beyer DT990 - great performer but has issues with bass, build quality and again, benefits from an amp
The Fidelio’s are the only ones that I was actually excited about ordering, every option since seems to come with too many caveats. The Fidelio’s have been sat there in the back of my mind as the ones I want to go for, I’m reluctant to pull the trigger when I consider any of the others, and kind of bored at the prospect of the Senn’s, even though I know they’ll be “good”. I have a set of Senn’s anyway, variety is the spice and all that!
I’ll order them today, should arrive by the weekend. Will update with impressions!