I should of noted that I'm looking for fully open headphones. Directional accuracy is the most important feature.

How are the Sennheiser HD 558s for directional accuracy in gaming? I see many conflicting reviews such as:     Anyone have difficulty finding the precise location of sounds? Is there a better audiophile alternative for a setup without a dac/amp combo?

Thank you very much for this informative post, it has answered all of my questions. My only other issue is that I'll be using an Audio-Technica AT2035 mic, and I'm looking at purchasing the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface for PC compatibility. It would be nice to have control of the...

Thank you very much for clarifying that information. However, I have decided to go with the DT 990s, and I admit that aesthetics did play a role in this decision. Regarding the amp I'm still a bit confused. The FiiO E10K has an output power of 200mW(32Ω) with a suitable headphone impedance of...

It seems like you're implying that the ASRock Z97 EXTREME6 ATX LGA1150 (7.1-Ch. HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC1150 Audio Codec), Supports Purity Sound 2 & DTS Connect) is capable of producing better results than the FiiO E10K, which is not what I've been hearing up to this point...

Shouldn't a product like the FiiO E10 produce better results than on-board ALC1150 audio codec though? Or are there issues in general when when using an amp/dac instead of the on-board audio?

Forgive my ignorance, but do you mind explaining how it will negatively affect gaming? There's no sound card in the PC.

Thanks, that's reassuring to know. I'll still be getting the FiiO E10 though, unless somebody can offer a better alternative. I'm sure that it will improve the experience. 

For the record, I'm working with a ASRock Z97 EXTREME6 ATX LGA1150 mobo. I'm leaning towards the FiiO E10 because it is both a DAC and amplifier, which is cheaper than buying them both separately. Hopefully it performs well enough for the 250 ohm headphones. Like I said I won't be using an...

What if I just bought the FiiO E10 USB DAC instead? It seems like an all-in-one solution that isn't too bad.   Does anyone have any opinions of this product?

My main concerns are directional accuracy, soundstage and imaging for hearing and locating sounds such as footsteps. How badly will the lack of a DAC affect this?

Thanks PurpleAngel, I'll pick up a 3.5mm to RCA cable with it. I don't already own a DAC, but financially speaking it would be better if I only bought the E09K at the moment. Will the quality be severely impaired without the E17? 

250 ohm. I want quality but I'm also hoping to not break the bank. I was looking into the FiiO E9 and FiiO E09K but I'm reading that I would also have to buy the E17 to be able to connect it to my computer. Are there any better options?

Hey guys,   What amp should I get for the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pros? I'm using them for gaming and I don't want a sound card.    Thanks in advance for any recommendations! 

Well I guess nobody knows of an amp that pairs well with these headphones. I've decided to get the FiiO E10.

I'm still looking for an amp that pairs well with the 990s if anybody has a recommendation. 

Thanks for the reply. I've read that the K702s make the objects sound a little thin/empty/hollow in comparison to the Q701, and that the K702s make things sound too far away. Overall I'm still leaning towards the 990s, but I'm hoping that somebody who has used both can offer input.

Nobody has any good recommendations?

I'm probably going to get the 990s. Anybody know of an amp that pairs well with them?

Any reasoning behind that statement? I see people reporting that the bass is just too much, but I greatly prefer the look of the 990s. The main priority is directional accuracy though. And I'm almost certain that I won't be using a sound card, but an amp instead. I was considering something like...

Hey guys,   The most important features for me include directional accuracy, soundstage, and imaging. I've narrowed my options down to the AKG Q701 and Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro. While researching I keep encountering some very conflicting opinions. Which headphones do you think are the best for...