[Dblupletch]

Hey guys, first time poster, long time lurker.
I Recently upgraded my sound card from the recon3d to a SB ZXR.  I have only just started to notice that I was not getting surround and with this new card, I am hearing a lot more.  I use ATH M50s and they are alright but I am starting to see their limits in a gaming capacity.  I here the directional audio but with the M50s it seems like there is not much space between the directions or that the sound if too close to my ears.  Also they get uncomfortable after long use.
 
So after reading Mad Lust's list I saw two pairs of cans that stuck out the most for a good balance between fun and competitive - the DT990 and the AKG k712 Pros
 
Both of these headphones seem to still have a low end without giving up the directional audio
 
Price wise I have seen both of these pairs on amazon for around $350-$380
 
I found a the DT990 600 Ohms (which is the version I want) for $229 on ebay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BeyerDynamic-DT-990-Premium-Headphones-600-OHM-/311002618844?pt=US_Headphones&hash=item4869335bdc
 
The price is good but if the K712 are better then I'll swing that way
 
Hopefully you guys havesome tips for me.  Thanks!
 
 
PS : I did try and get this info from Mad lust's post but that thing is enormous and even with searching I wasn't finding any direct comparisons.

 

[Mescalamba]

Wouldnt bet much on any soundcard properly handing 600 Ohm headphones. Plus DT990 have tad bit extreme curve for gaming, something flatter is probably better choice. Why not DT880 250 Ohm edition? Soundcard should handle it without issues and it should have pretty balanced sound for gaming (and music). But if you like hyper highs/bass then DT990 are good. Just I think there will be hearing fatique after long gaming..
 
Otherwise I felt always that almost any Sennheisers have very decent 3D sound. From current offering, HD650 might be decent choice. Or HD800, but thats 1) tad bit expensive 2) I think it wont be "it" without external DAC/AMP. And its kinda overkill for gaming..

 

[Mach3]

HD650 will be my pick over both DT990 and K712 in term of balance sound. But as stated all 3 really needs a proper amp to get the best out of them. In term of bass DT990 > HD650 > K712

 

[jodgey4]

There's no reason to get the 600 ohm DT990's when the Pro 250 ohm model is available for much much cheaper, similar to how the Q701 is really darn near the same exact thing as the K712 after the bass mod or different pads.
Just sayin', you could save a lot pretty easily. Anything in particular that drew you to those cans?

 

[cel4145]

There's no reason to get the 600 ohm DT990's when the Pro 250 ohm model is available for much much cheaper, similar to how the Q701 is really darn near the same exact thing as the K712 after the bass mod or different pads.
Just sayin', you could save a lot pretty easily. Anything in particular that drew you to those cans?

Agreed. Or you could go with the K612 Pro, which is available for under $200.

I also agree with Mescalamba's concern about soundcards doing a great job of handling 600 ohm headphones and his suggestion of DT880 Pro 250.

 

[FangJoker]

  HD650 will be my pick over both DT990 and K712 in term of balance sound. But as stated all 3 really needs a proper amp to get the best out of them. In term of bass DT990 > HD650 > K712

 
HD650 has to be the most overrated set of cans.  My ears hated them.  Bass is just too sloppy for rock/metal as the decay is slow.  Probably a better combo for other types of music.  I'd go with the K712

 

[appsmarsterx]

I d recommend Fidelio X1 over dt990

 

[Mescalamba]

I moved from Sennheiser HD555 to DT880 (250 Ohm) and gaming is pretty good paired with ASUS STX. They are neutral and accurate enough for positional info..