Beyerdynamic DT990 vs. Audio-Technica AD700?
Dec 18, 2013 at 1:26 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 10

HumblexTurtle

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EDIT: After reading the posts here, I have settled on the DT990's over the Audio-Technica AD700. Unless someone can convince me that a different pair of Audio-Technica headphones are better, the DT990's are my choice. Now, the question is: What mixamp will do the job of powering the 250 ohm version? 
 
 
I am looking to buy a good pair of headphones for my computer. My 1st priority is gaming, and my 2nd is music. I mainly use my speakers for movies, but if you want, you can consider it the 3rd priority.
 
I am looking at the Beyerdynamic DT990 (250 Pro) and the Audio-Technica AD700 (as well as the other headphones in the AD and A series). I am looking heavily into the comfort, and then I am looking into the sound quality. Which pair of headphones would you recommend? Feel free to suggest a different Audio-Technica model instead of the AD700.
 
Dec 18, 2013 at 1:33 AM Post #2 of 10
  I am looking to buy a good pair of headphones for my computer. My 1st priority is gaming, and my 2nd is music. I mainly use my speakers for movies, but if you want, you can consider it the 3rd priority.
 
I am looking at the Beyerdynamic DT990 (250 Pro) and the Audio-Technica AD700 (as well as the other headphones in the AD and A series). I am looking heavily into the comfort, and then I am looking into the sound quality. Which pair of headphones would you recommend? Feel free to suggest a different Audio-Technica model instead of the AD700.

What is the total budget for audio "upgrades"?
I'm assuming your currently using on-board audio?
 
The ATH-AD700 are bass light, which I guess is helpful for FPS gaming, but it makes it feel like something is missing in (action) movies and music.
 
Dec 18, 2013 at 12:26 PM Post #3 of 10
The lack of bass in the ATH-AD700's are why I was not too sure about them and am open to other Audio-Technica models assuming the model is still comfortable and good sound quality.
 
As for budget, the ATH-A990x are $220 on Amazon, so they would be the highest I go. The DT990's 250-Ohm Pro is on Amazon for $150, but I imagine you would need a headphone amplifier for them. I am not sure if one is required for the Audio-Technica headphones. That being said, I do not want to spend over $220 for the headphones alone, and then plus however much an amp that will do that job will cost.
 
Dec 18, 2013 at 2:15 PM Post #5 of 10
  The lack of bass in the ATH-AD700's are why I was not too sure about them and am open to other Audio-Technica models assuming the model is still comfortable and good sound quality.
 
As for budget, the ATH-A990x are $220 on Amazon, so they would be the highest I go. The DT990's 250-Ohm Pro is on Amazon for $150, but I imagine you would need a headphone amplifier for them. I am not sure if one is required for the Audio-Technica headphones. That being said, I do not want to spend over $220 for the headphones alone, and then plus however much an amp that will do that job will cost.

ATH-A900X, used for $150 on eBay.
Asus Xonar DG sound card, $27
 
Hifiman Velour ear pads for the A900X, $10 + shipping.
 
Dec 18, 2013 at 2:34 PM Post #6 of 10
  DT990 is passable for music.  AD700-- not so much.
 
 
Also if you were gaming I'd make the mixamp one of your top priorities as well.

agree'd, the DT 990 is a very good everything headphone as well not to mention it's cheaper :O and most likely no it is more comfortable than the AD 700.
 
I owned an AD2000 for a week... the comfort was sub par when compared to my Beyer Dynamic honestly. SO DT 990 for price and for Comfort. As far as an Amp goes, if you can get the MixAmp. How ever... I was able to drive my DT 880 600 ohm through the onBoard of a Dell Optiplex 745... I name the computer because the computer I drove it with was a piece of junk. That said, while driving a 250 Ohm dt 990 out of a pc Audio Board is by FAR SUB optimal
 
BUT you can drive a 250ohm DT 990 out of your on board PC headphone out until you can afford a Mix Amp. It will NOT be optimal, but you can achieve acceptable volume, which should be more than sufficent until you can get the Mix Amp 
 
And when you DO get the Mix Amp it will b a big upgrade! 
 
Dec 18, 2013 at 3:28 PM Post #7 of 10
The DT990's seem like the solid choice to go with. What mixamp should I get with it? I have the newest Astro Mixamp that I use with Astro A40's for my Xbox 360 and PS4, but I may look into getting a separate one just for the DT990's.
 
Would the Astro Mixamp be good enough to power the 250 ohm DT990's? Also, what other mixamp would be good?
 
Dec 18, 2013 at 3:52 PM Post #8 of 10
  The DT990's seem like the solid choice to go with. What mixamp should I get with it? I have the newest Astro Mixamp that I use with Astro A40's for my Xbox 360 and PS4, but I may look into getting a separate one just for the DT990's.
 
Would the Astro Mixamp be good enough to power the 250 ohm DT990's? Also, what other mix-amp would be good?

I believe others have used the Mix-amp to drive the 250-Ohm DT990s, but the mix-amp's volume was about maxed out.
 
Dec 18, 2013 at 4:18 PM Post #9 of 10
  I believe others have used the Mix-amp to drive the 250-Ohm DT990s, but the mix-amp's volume was about maxed out.

it also depends on HOW loud you need your headphones. I'm not a fan OMG LOUD volume. You may find the amp to have enough power 
 

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