HD598 vs AD700X for surround sound/directional audio? (for gaming)

[Kalsiddon]

I currently have a pair of HD598s, but I've heard that the AD700X are also good for directional audio. I'm looking for something to use with my X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro, and to have the best positional audio to locate where other players footsteps and gunshots are coming from. Bass etc are low on my priority list. Whatever has the best directional audio with the right hardware/software is best for me. Any advice is appreciated.
 
Thanks!

 

[obobskivich]

IME there's a pretty "early" point of diminishing returns for headphones and gaming, even if you're all about "I just need directional audio." The 5x5/5x8 series do a fine job; the next (and perhaps bigger) issue to tackle is upstream - are the games you're playing actually doing a good job with their audio render? And are you using a good surround simulacra on top of that? This is one of those areas where software really can make a big difference.

 

[serman005]

The main difference in the HD598 and AD700X is their differing bass reproduction (less bass emphasis on the AT)--something you have said does not really matter to you. In terms of soundstaging and positional data presentation, I personally would consider the two to be largely comparable. For this reason, I would say it would be a more of a sidegrade than an upgrade.