I can't decide...

[Renulin]

On headphones to get. I've never had a "good" pair, so they'd all probably be quite nice, but the segment I'm looking at seems very highly contested.
 
ATH AD700
Beyer DT440
Sennheiser HD555
 
These would be primarily for gaming. Though not competitive FPSing, just gaming in general. The same as the console thread, immersion is more of a priority. Also for music (not much, around 2 hours a day maximum) and movies. Open headphones preferred for the soundstage improvement, but the BEST soundstage isn't necessary. Budget of $100 US, no amplification.
 
Computer soundcard is an Audigy 4, and I've also been wondering something about headphones and computers. Is amplification needed if the headphones are plugged into the speakers as opposed to directly into the card itself? Would stand to reason that a speaker plugged directly into the wall could have no trouble powering headphones..

 

[Jack C]

Have you tried Alessandro MS1i's yet? If not, they would be my recommendation to checkout in this price range. The primary reason for getting an outboard DAC and amp is to by-pass the internal sound card of a computer. As good as they may be, they live in a very noisy environment and even if they are fairly clean from the jack, your signal cable is going to be running pretty close to the noise.
 
Jack

 

[Renulin]

I haven't and can't 'try' anything, only guitar center in my area has a relatively small selection with no test station. I have to base my choices purely off of reviews and personal opinions 

 
Also I'd ALL but ruled out Grado's. As a personal preferrence, I can not stand any headphone that isn't circumaural, and I also hear Grado's can get very fatiguing.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Where are you located? There are a handful of stores with headphones and there might be an upcoming meet in your area.

 

[Renulin]

Arkansas US, Fayetteville-area

 

[Renulin]

Ok I'm looking at the HD555's most intently now as an all-arounder. Intend to perform the 595 mod, and soundstage mod at a later time if I feel like it needs it.
 
How about the topic of amplifying/computer-output SQ? How does plugging the headphones into the soundcard compare to plugging them into a speaker?

 

[mootookang]

I would suggest that you never plug in a pair of headphones into a pair speakers. The headphones would most likely pick up the background noise of the speaker's drivers, which would make it hiss more than it would directly to sound card.

 

[Dev Avidon]

Quote:

I would suggest that you never plug in a pair of headphones into a pair speakers. The headphones would most likely pick up the background noise of the speaker's drivers, which would make it hiss more than it would directly to sound card.

Most certainly agreed.  Direct to the sound card will give you a much lower noise floor.  Go for the AD-700s off of that list, no question (especially for gaming).  They have a very open, wide soundstage, and they're very easy to drive (which is important if you're not going to amp them).  They're also (imho) very comfortable for long-term usage.

 

[Renulin]

Definitely leaning into the HD555's, particularly with the $75 sale.
 
I'm getting more and more turned off on the AD700's. Size issues, tin-sounding, bass anemic.
I'm REALLY not looking for "footstep-phones", if I had the money, I'd get the 32-ohm DT990's.
 
An immersive sound, particularly for racing games. I'd also looked back into the JVC HA-RX900 and Sony MDR-XB700.
 
I'm only getting more confused.

 

[tdockweiler]

Maxell DHP-II is far better in terms of sound quality over the HD-555 by far and has more bass and more detail. I'm almost positive the soundstage will be even better despite the closed design.
 
Overall sound quality is better on the DHP-II then the AD700, but it might not be as detailed or have as big of a soundstage.
 
The Koss Pro3AAT sounds basically the same as the DHP-II but is much bigger and has even more bass. I think they use the same drivers, but is $55 instead of $29.
 
I bet nearly everyone will think the sound quality would be poor and there is no way a $29 headphone can be better then a $100 headphone, but it's true. The sound quality is that good. You can check some of the other reviews on here and find i'm not crazy.

 

[Abovetheair]

Your not crazy. I think it's a good headphone for $30. I actually had a pair, but after 3 months of babying the they snapped. I always thought about placing the headphone in a more durable headphone casing.
 
Quote:

Maxell DHP-II is far better in terms of sound quality over the HD-555 by far and has more bass and more detail. I'm almost positive the soundstage will be even better despite the closed design.
 
Overall sound quality is better on the DHP-II then the AD700, but it might not be as detailed or have as big of a soundstage.
 
The Koss Pro3AAT sounds basically the same as the DHP-II but is much bigger and has even more bass. I think they use the same drivers, but is $55 instead of $29.
 
I bet nearly everyone will think the sound quality would be poor and there is no way a $29 headphone can be better then a $100 headphone, but it's true. The sound quality is that good. You can check some of the other reviews on here and find i'm not crazy.

 

[Renulin]

I hear good things about the sound quality of both of those cans...
 
But anything with a little more durable construction?

 

[tdockweiler]

Quote:

Your not crazy. I think it's a good headphone for $30. I actually had a pair, but after 3 months of babying the they snapped. I always thought about placing the headphone in a more durable headphone casing.
 

 

The Koss Pro DJ 100 sounds almost exactly the same, but has less bass, but more detail and better vocals. I think they have the same or similar drivers. Almost positive of this. Basically they're almost clones! It's also far less comfortable, has a coiled cable and is more expensive. The only problem is that for some reason it does need an amp to sound great in my opinion. It retails for $80, but sometimes it's on sale at Best buy for $50. Even at $80 I felt it was way worth it. Half of the ear cups are metal and so is the internal headband along with one other part. They're built like a tank really. They're my favorite headphone I've gotten in the last year. Basically anyone who likes the Maxell would like them, unless they have issues with the bass. It's not bass light but is more neutral overall.

 

[SoSpecial]

though what Tdock is saying is true, I'd like to suggest the headphones I don't personally like. For $35 they are incredible values those phones are RX700's.
 
I have them and am probably going to sell mine now cause I sidegraded to XB500's for a more fun can which is more comfortable overall for me.

 

[Renulin]

OK, I keep hearing RX700's, and I really like the price, 1/2 of what I was considering for the Sennheiser's. They look solid and comfy.... I think I'm just going to get this over with.