[saiyanzzrage]

Just built a new gaming rig, and I had a pair of ATH-A500's I had from a while ago and didnt really use all that much. I just picked up a pair of ATH-AD700 (read they are awesome for gaming) but they sounded to flat to me...I like the bass of the ATH-A500's better.

The cans will be used for gaming (90%) and music (10%) with the music being mostly metal/hardcore/death metal, and I will be using the zalman clip on mic (for when I play mmo's)..I mostly want to hear nice explosions and gunshots, positional audio not really important to me, as the only fps i play are not online

My ears seem to like the deeper sound of the ATH-A500's I have right now, will the ATH-A700 give me more on the low end? I read on here that the Beyerdynamic DT770 are for bass heads....

Is it worth the money spent to go to the ATH-A700's or the Beyers from the A500's sound wise?

These will be connected to an X-Fi xtremegamer fyi...

My budget is 150 - 175 max

Thanks everyone!

 

[saiyanzzrage]

These will be unamped, fyi...

 

[redlinez33]

ATH-A700 sounded great with games.

I havent tried the HD595 with games, but I am betting they will be good. You can get them for $160

 

[saiyanzzrage]

Quote:

Originally Posted by redlinez33 /img/forum/go_quote.gif ATH-A700 sounded great with games. I havent tried the HD595 with games, but I am betting they will be good. You can get them for $160

I think im leaning more towards closed cans...the 595's are open, arent they?

Do you guys think there will be a noticeable difference in sound between the a500's and the a700's? (low end wise)?

 

[saiyanzzrage]

how is the bass on the 595's? I guess if possible, compared to the a500's? since thats all i really have to compare

 

[redlinez33]

ATH-AD700 are open, but they very light on bass

ATH-A700 (had as well) is good for gaming. Compared to ATH-AD700 it hasbetter bass but recessed mids.

HD595 - Opened and I havent played a game with them yet. Initial impressions are they have a very warm sound to them. Bass is decent (better than AD700). Decently spacious to, better than A700 worse than AD700 in that regard.

As far as comfort goes for me atleast

ATH-AD700 > ATH-A700 >= HD595

HD595 has a tighter clamping force than the ATH-A series. Still comfortable though.

 

[1Time]

You're definitely looking for closed headphones. FWIR, some don't mind the DT770/80 without additional amplification, but I think it's a bad risk without also buying an amp.

You likely will prefer the A700 to the A500, but I don't know if its bass is better, probably. I suggest considering the RX700 or RX900 since this is mostly for wanting to hear gaming effects.

 

[redlinez33]

Ya I am not exactly sure how open phones would work with a clip on mic. Would the mic pic up the noise from the headphones. Guess I never thought of that...

 

[Ntropic]

Only if you have it real loud. If I leave my A700s on my desk, they sound like very small, very quiet speakers. Which they are. Your mic probably won't be able to pick up most noise that leaks.

 

[cyberidd]

I strongly recommend the Beyers over the A700. The bass of the DT770 pro 80 is more what you are looking for, and the mids are less recessed IMHO. As far as amping goes, I use my DT770 hooked up to my computer without difficulty. While an amp does help improve the sound, I found that the volume is more than adequate, and it is well set up to make explosions and other similar sounds enjoyable. Once again, I strongly recommend the DT770 over the A700 should you be deciding between the two

 

[redlinez33]

Ntropic I Was talking about open phones, the A700 are closed.

The nice thing about the A700 for gaming is the largish sound stage (well largish for a closed phone).

 

[1Time]

On second thought, I agree with cyberidd. FWIR, since the DT770/80 is mostly for sound effects in gaming, it should be a great buy for use from a sound card. But then for music, I think it would be a bad risk without buying an amp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Time /img/forum/go_quote.gif FWIR, some don't mind the DT770/80 without additional amplification, but I think it's a bad risk without also buying an amp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyberidd /img/forum/go_quote.gif The bass of the DT770 pro 80 is more what you are looking for, and the mids are less recessed IMHO. As far as amping goes, I use my DT770 hooked up to my computer without difficulty.

 

[D-EJ915]

Not sure how relevant to the discussion it is but the A700s are $119.99 at jr.com right now w/free shipping. I was thinking about getting some for myself but not too sure. (I had the A500s a few years ago and they were pretty awesome but are giant and get hot)