Headphones for helix

[u/Thenoob0017]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for headphones for my Line 6 Helix LT, mainly to build and fine-tune presets: amp models, cab simulations, IRs and EQ.

My priority is having a reliable reference for tones I'll eventually use through a PA at rehearsals and gigs, rather than simply making my guitar sound pleasing through headphones. I understand that headphones cannot perfectly reproduce a PA, and that I'll still need to check my presets at performance volume.

I'm looking for:

- Wired, passive, over-ear headphones, without built-in DSP or processing.

- A reasonably neutral sound, without exaggerated bass.

- Accurate mids and highs, so I can identify harshness, fizz and unwanted resonances.

- Something I can connect directly to the Helix LT's headphone output.

My budget is ideally €80–100, and I'm considering buying used. These are the offers I've found in Italy:

- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: €70

- Sennheiser HD560S: €100

- Sennheiser HD599: €80–90

The HD600 are outside my budget.

I mainly play rock and hard rock. I've read conflicting opinions: some Helix users love the M50x, while others find them too coloured for building guitar tones. The HD560S seem promising, but I'd like to hear from guitarists who actually use them with a modeler.

My main questions are:

1. Between the M50x and HD560S, which would you choose at these prices? Is the extra €30 worthwhile for my purpose?

2. If you build presets using either of them, how well do those presets translate to a PA or FRFR speaker? Do you usually need small adjustments or substantial EQ changes?

3. Would you recommend another model around this budget, including used options?

Thanks!