Headphones with equal or better soundstage than AD700 but with significantly deeper bass for <$300

[cardan]

Quote:

 
I would look more towards your source, anything over +0.1 DB will cause clipping, question is why aren't you hearing it. You should set 30Hz at 0 and everything else respectively below that.

I'm hearing 0 clipping. Maybe it's because the AD700's literally had 0 bass to begin with? 

 

[obobskivich]

I'm hearing 0 clipping. Maybe it's because the AD700's literally had 0 bass to begin with? 

Yeah, boost does not always mean clipping.

 

[Joe Bloggs]

I've seen EQ controls integrated with soundcard drivers (such as what is shown here) that have zero clipping no matter how you boost the sliders.  Probably something to do with automatically upping the system volume and applying cut instead of straight up applying digital boost?
 

 

[Vaughn]

I'm loving my new Sony MDR-MA900 and I think it fits the description well

 

[obobskivich]

I've seen EQ controls integrated with soundcard drivers (such as what is shown here) that have zero clipping no matter how you boost the sliders.  Probably something to do with automatically upping the system volume and applying cut instead of straight up applying digital boost?

 

Potentially that could be happening; although I'm somewhat skeptical. Tough to say definitively though.

However, you can run EQs (and this can mean stand-alone hardware devices too) into "positive" ranges without going into clipping depending on how hot the final signal gets relative to what the amplifier's input will allow. You have to remember that the signal is not starting out at 0 dBfs (at least it shouldn't be), and that your preamp's output is not going to be at 0 dB either (at least it shouldn't be); there's going to be some headroom to apply boost and otherwise modify the signal before you go into clipping. IME, you're more likely to bottom the drivers out (at least if we're talking about "MOAR BASS!!11" with headphones) than to put a headphone amplifier into clipping, unless your source/preamp (the thing feeding the headphone amp) is extremely hot relative to the amp's input section (which isn't entirely uncommon), in which case you're just going to clip there and it can sound a little nasty. But even then - you can just pull the system volume down a little bit, and adjust the settings as you like - no problem.

 

[NA Blur]

The DT990 is another good choice be it not the most neutral sounding headphone can be an improvement over the sound of the sterile AD700.  They have a recessed midrange which made them somewhat uneven sounding with certain music, but you may really like them.

 

[teknikk7]

Just got the Beyer DT 990 Premium 600 ohm for $268 shipped on Amazon.  Perfect for a basshead. I'm loving them and they aren't even broken in yet.

 

[DefQon]

Small soundstage to say the least despite how much I actually liked the 900 600ohm prem when I had them in my position AB'ing against my FA-011's.

 

[Povell42]

Just an different suggestion.  I have the AD700 and I listen to them with the Dayton Audio TT25-16 PUCK Tactile Transducer Mini Bass Shaker - Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0045W10VW/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
I am using 2 of them mounted to my desk chair powered by a cheap little amp  - Pyle PFA300 90 Watt Class T Hi-Fi Stereo Amplifier - Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0071HZ5LE/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
You can get four TT25's and the amp for a little less then $80.  I really like them. I actually like them better than the Buttkicker Gamer bass shaker that I tried.  I just bought a low pass crossover filter of 100Hz and willbe getting them this week. This will only allow the lower frequencies to go to the amp and then to the bass shaker.  Amazon link :  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006N41FG/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
Anyways, I mainly use this setup for gaming and movies and it really gives you the impression that you are hearing more bass since you can feel it. 
 
It is just one way I have given myself the impression that the AD700 have that bass factor without loosing any sound stage at all.  I have to say that this works great in giving me the illusion of hearing great bass.