[Kazahael]

Greetings Head-fi!

Long time lurker here, and in need of assistance!
I am currently using the tattered remains of what used to resemble a pair of ATH-M50's (they are falling apart, taped together, etc...). So I decided that it was about time for a much needed upgrade.  I have a general idea of what I want - or at least I thought I did...  Unlike most topics... with head-fi... the more I read into it - the more indecisive I become. 

When I first started out, I was certain that my next purchase was going to be a pair of Beyerdynamic DT-880's; but now I'm not so sure.  

Anyways, I am looking for a set of natural/spacious sounding headphones and a dedicated amplifier to pair with it.  I spend most of my spare time playing video games, or watching movies.  As for music I listen to pretty much every genre.  I will be using my Auzentech Forte Soundcard as a DAC.  My headphone budget is $400.00, and I have another $200.00-ish set aside for an amplifier.

Headphones
DT-880's (used to be my top chocie but then I heard the k712's, and the Lambda Basics were better for gaming?)
k702 65th Anniversary Editions/  k712 (these are currently my top pick, but they are a bit over my budget at the moment)
HD-650 (I can pick up a used pair for $350.00, but I heard they are very picky with amps)
Stax Lambda Basics (anyone have information on these? how do they compare with my first two picks? I can't seem to find them up for sale anywhere)

 As for the amplifier, I was thinking about getting a Maverick Audio Tubemagic A1, or a Matrix M-Stage.  I just want something simple, I don't feel like messing with tubes or anything for the time being.

 I am pretty much open to any and all suggestions, thank you!

 

[cucera]

The Stax is the best Headphone for that amount of money, but not optimal for gaming if you want Bass impact. But the Q702 has the same problem.

I would suggest Mr Speakers Mad Dog and a jds labs O2 amp.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Used Audio-GD NFB-11.32 DAC/Amp, $260
You can connect it to the Forte with a S/PDIF (optical or coaxial) cable.
Or connect the 11.32 to your motherboard S/PDIF and sell off the Forte.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/687084/price-drop-mint-condition-audio-gd-nfb-11-32
 
Then figure out what you have left over and spend that for headphones.
Check out the AKG K612 Pro.
 
Earlier today I received the Audio-GD NFB 15.32 and it sounds nice,
the 11.32 should have even better audio detail.

 

[Kazahael]

Quote:

The Stax is the best Headphone for that amount of money, but not optimal for gaming if you want Bass impact. But the Q702 has the same problem.

I would suggest Mr Speakers Mad Dog and a jds labs O2 amp.

Bass impact isn't as important to me as sound quality and sound stage.  I was actually looking at the Mad Dogs as an option for a while, but I'm kind of leery about spending $250.00 on a modified pair of $100.00 headphones.  I do really like the idea of having some isolation though, but if it means sacrificing sound quality, I'm not so sure if it's worth it.
 

  Used Audio-GD NFB-11.32 DAC/Amp, $260
You can connect it to the Forte with a S/PDIF (optical or coaxial) cable.
Or connect the 11.32 to your motherboard S/PDIF and sell off the Forte.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/687084/price-drop-mint-condition-audio-gd-nfb-11-32
 
Then figure out what you have left over and spend that for headphones.
Check out the AKG K612 Pro.
 
Earlier today I received the Audio-GD NFB 15.32 and it sounds nice,
the 11.32 should have even better audio detail.

How would it affect my sound if I use a dedicated DAC/AMP with my Forte sound card?  The NFB 11.32 looks really nice but how does it compare to the tubemagic A1, and the matrix M-stage (minus the DAC of course)?

I'm sorry for all of these elementary questions, but it's rare that I have money to spare on commodities like headphones and whatnot.  I probably won't be getting anything else for a while so I want to make sure my purchase is without any regrets.  I'm even willing to go a little over budget if it means I get the best bang for my buck. 

Thanks.
 

 

[Kazahael]

After looking into it, I've decided that the NFB 11.32 is the right way to go; however i'm still not certain about those AKG k612's.  They are just so new there isn't a lot to go off of.  It doesn't appear that they come with the memory foam ear pads that the k712 is equipped with.  What other headphones compliment the 11.32?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  After looking into it, I've decided that the NFB 11.32 is the right way to go; however i'm still not certain about those AKG k612's.  They are just so new there isn't a lot to go off of.  It doesn't appear that they come with the memory foam ear pads that the k712 is equipped with.  What other headphones compliment the 11.32?

Just about any headphone will work with the NFB 11.32.
Maybe if you can find a good deal on some used Beyerdynamic DT990 Premium 600-Ohm headphones?
Amazon is sell used ones for $220-$225
Last night my DT990 Premium 600-Ohm sound great with my 15.32

 

[Kazahael]

 
Just about any headphone will work with the NFB 11.32.
Maybe if you can find a good deal on some used Beyerdynamic DT990 Premium 600-Ohm headphones?
Amazon is sell used ones for $220-$225
Last night my DT990 Premium 600-Ohm sound great with my 15.32

How does the sound stage of the dt-990's compare to that of the dt-880's?  Also is the 600 ohm version that much of an improvement over the 250 ohm?
It seems that the Pro versions of both the dt-880 and the dt-990 are $100-$200.00 cheaper than their premium counterparts.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  How does the sound stage of the dt-990's compare to that of the dt-880's?  Also is the 600 ohm version that much of an improvement over the 250 ohm?
It seems that the Pro versions of both the dt-880 and the dt-990 are $100-$200.00 cheaper than their premium counterparts.

My personal opinion, audio quality wise, the DT990 600-Ohm is a more noticeable improvement over the DT990 250-Ohm, then the DT880 600-Ohm over the DT880 250-Ohm.
Can't say I've compared the sound stages of those headphones.

 

[Midnightawakene]

I think the AD900x will fit the description of what you want, great soundstage and decent bass(not too much though) from what i've heard. The soundstage is supposedly it's best part.
 
I know i would have bought one, if they were available here

 

[Kazahael]

Ok Head-Fi! Something magical has happened and I am able to raise my budget to $1000.00-$1,400.00!!  

  I plan on purchasing my gear next week, and I have no idea where to go from here. 
 P.S. - Are the TXCO upgrades worth it for the NFB?  What do they do exactly?  

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Ok Head-Fi! Something magical has happened and I am able to raise my budget to $1000.00-$1,400.00!!  

  I plan on purchasing my gear next week, and I have no idea where to go from here. 
 P.S. - Are the TXCO upgrades worth it for the NFB?  What do they do exactly?  

Audio-GD NFB-11.32, with TXCO upgrades, $340+shipping.
Beyerdynamic DT880 Premium 600-Ohm (buy used).
Creative Sound Blaster Z (OEM), $60-$80.