[raxx]

The reason the HE-400 has more score on fun is because they have a fuller sound, with a deeper sounding bass than the HE-4. The HE-4 is faster, and not as thick bodied. It's colder, and more dry sounding. I've mentioned this on the guide, so...yeah.

Anyways, don't bother with the HE-4 unless you have a power plant. Seriously, just don't bother if you're not using some truly powerful amplification. Nothing less than something like the Lyr. more would be better. That's how much they scale. The HE-400 sounds good off practically anything.

Ok thanks. I listen to rock and electronic, but some my favorite bands have female vocals. Someone told me the He-4 was best for rock, but I now see they need some serious horsepower to drive.

 

[kenshinhimura]

Ok thanks. I listen to rock and electronic, but some my favorite bands have female vocals. Someone told me the He-4 was best for rock, but I now see they need some serious horsepower to drive.

you can check Craigslist for some vintage receivers in your area. look at the vintage receiver thread for some options. might find something for under $125 that can power them just fine.

 

[dakanao]

What's the best headphone for gaming and dubstep/vocal rap/hiphop, with great comfort aswell? €200,- budget
 
I'm considering the X1, but I think the vocals might be a little too recessed for my taste.

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

With that budget, the X1 is your best bet, and the vocals aren't recessed. The bass is emphasized, but the vocals are more or less in line with everything else. The treble has a slight peak above it, but that's it.

Anyways, if those are your genres, your ideal headphones won't have amazing vocals anyways, unless you spend a lot more for some planar that does both bass and mids well (LCD2, Mad Dogs, HE400)

 

[dakanao]

With that budget, the X1 is your best bet, and the vocals aren't recessed. The bass is emphasized, but the vocals are more or less in line with everything else. The treble has a slight peak above it, but that's it.

Anyways, if those are your genres, your ideal headphones won't have amazing vocals anyways, unless you spend a lot more for some planar that does both bass and mids well (LCD2, Mad Dogs, HE400)

What's the best amp/DAC option for them?

 

[avens]

What do you think of the Superlux 668b?
 
(the OP really needs more 'classic' reviews . The mmx300 is due)

 

[chicolom]

2011 Mixamp + A30 Headset, for $109.99 shipped.
 
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Astro-Gaming-A30-Wired-Audio-System/productID.253781900
 
That's a pretty good deal.

 

[DADDYDC650]

I need a headset that will work on both the Xbox One and PS4. I really don't want headphones since I would have to use my DSS and a buy a separate mic. Can anyone recommend one a pair please? I'm looking into the new Polk Audio Xbox One headset that's coming out as well as the Turtle Beach XO Seven. I would prefer a wireless headset as well. Thank you guys!

 

[conquerator2]

Can anyone chime in on AKG K612 Pro vs new K701 (which is basically identical to the new K702 and Q701 SQ wise).
It will be my 1st AKG headphone,driven by the Fiio E09k and later adding the E17 as DAC (or would one rather jump for a cheap A-gd combo?)
Music and gaming.
My only worry is as I have 0 experience with the AKG that one of them could overlap with my X1/MA900.
Any help/advice kindly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[PurpleAngel]

Can anyone chime in on AKG K612 Pro vs new K701 (which is basically identical to the new K702 and Q701 SQ wise).
It will be my 1st AKG headphone,driven by the Fiio E09k and later adding the E17 as DAC (or would one rather jump for a cheap A-gd combo?)
Music and gaming.
My only worry is as I have 0 experience with the AKG that one of them could overlap with my X1/MA900.
Any help/advice kindly appreciated.
Thanks

I would "guess" if you already have the Sony MDR-MA900 headphones, you really have no need to buy one of the other headphones listed in your post.

 

[Change is Good]

I would "guess" if you already have the Sony MDR-MA900 headphones, you really have no need to buy one of the other headphones listed in your post.

If he were to want to upgrade rather than just have another headphone, the AKGs would be a great compliment to the X1... but will overlap with the MA900.

My suggestion would be to sell the MA900 (if willing to) and upgrade to the K712/K702 Ann while keeping the X1.

 

[Robibennobi]

Amazing post by the way, very informative and detailed. Helps people around the world, good work!
 
Thanks Robi
 
 

 

[kman1211]

Can anyone chime in on AKG K612 Pro vs new K701 (which is basically identical to the new K702 and Q701 SQ wise).
It will be my 1st AKG headphone,driven by the Fiio E09k and later adding the E17 as DAC (or would one rather jump for a cheap A-gd combo?)
Music and gaming.
My only worry is as I have 0 experience with the AKG that one of them could overlap with my X1/MA900.
Any help/advice kindly appreciated.
Thanks

The K612 is more linear and organic sounding, has more and deeper bass, and is more relaxed in the highs than the new K701, it's not as wide in the soundstage and slightly less detailed, it's also harder to drive than the K701, but overall they sound quite similar. I've heard the E09K isn't the best match for the AKGs. Regarding the K612, I would personally go hybrid/tubes in terms of amps, both are also picky in terms of DACs as well.
 
I found the K612 and MA900 quite different, both share some similar qualities but the sound signature is quite different.

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

2011 Mixamp + A30 Headset, for $109.99 shipped.

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Astro-Gaming-A30-Wired-Audio-System/productID.253781900

That's a pretty good deal.

God... OH! the A30s may be something I need/want.

 

[conquerator2]

If he were to want to upgrade rather than just have another headphone, the AKGs would be a great compliment to the X1... but will overlap with the MA900.

My suggestion would be to sell the MA900 (if willing to) and upgrade to the K712/K702 Ann while keeping the X1.

For now, the MA900 is special enough to keep and so is the X1...
Though to put things into perspective - in my situation, the Q701 can be had for just over 300 USD, the 612 Pros are 200 USD, the K701 is 250 USD, K702 goes for over 350 USD and last, but not least, the K712 pro is 600 USD...
I'd like to not break the bank obviously, but the K712 are out as a first AKG purchase.
The 612 Pro seem like a very good deal as it basically is the Amazon price, 8 bump K701 is close behind... and quite a bit cheaper than the Qs [especially if the newer one is identical... I also like the looks better and non-removable cables shouldn't be a problem.]
 
So its a toss-up between the newer K701s and the 612s.
Any amps and DACs better for them than the E09k around a similar price? [ideally, a DAC+amp around 300USD, or an amp around 200...]
 
Any thoughts, Change is Good, others?
Thanks, appreciate it.