[Julianese]

Right now I have the AD700, which feels awesome and sound okay, other than its muffle-y sound and lack of detail.

I'm looking to buy a better pair soon with a rough budget of $500 and have narrowed it down to these two setups. The DT880 Premium 250 Ohm being $250, the Crack $280, the Q701 $240, and the M-Stage $260.

This setup doesn't need that much bass and is going to be used for music (all kinds, not really metal, but especially electronic), casual gaming (i.e. not competitively and analytically, but for fun), movies, and some casual "music making."

Which sounds better, in your opinion? Should I look for something different? Do I need a DAC? Please spare me of my conundrum.

 

[richie60]

Well I use the DT880 600 with my crack and am happy. Never liked the AKG sound much. My next upgrade will probably be the DT1990.

 

[Oscar-HiFi]

Yeah another vote for the DT880 600 Ohm with the Crack

DT880 600 Ohm loves a good tube amp

 

[Audioholic123]

The AKG Q701 is technically and sonically superior to the Beyerdynamic DT880, imo. I own both and I prefer the Q701 to almost every other headphone I've owned except for my modded T5P, Denon AH-D5000 and Beyerdynamic T70.