I love both, but the X2 is superior overall.
Thanks for the guide! Couple questions for you.
I'm currently using the Bose QC15; those were primarily purchased for their ANC that really helps me out when I'm on the move somewhere. It's the best pair of headphones I've used, but from what I've read, I can definitely do better in terms of pure music and gaming usage. My next set is going to be geared primarily towards gaming (80% PC, 20% PS4) and a smaller portion for YouTube/Netflix.
I really liked the fact that the Bose set is extremely comfortable, even after hours on my head. It has an attached mic on there, which would be good for things like the PS4, but does not help when I play on the PC as I have a dedicated mic. However, a detachable keyboard would be nice since I typically run over the cord and the detach feature has likely saved me from completely damaging the Bose set. Consequently, the AKG K612 is sadly out of the running for that reason alone.
I am not looking for any isolation, so an open back headphone would be acceptable this time around. I would like a high rated "competitive" element as you put it in your OP. I primarily play DOTA and the occasional shooter.
I have the Asus Xonar DG sound card, so whatever impedance it can drive, is about all I can handle. I don't think it can go past 150 ohms, but I'm not 100% sure. I also have an extension Y cable on it (for back when I used to use the Bose's in-line mic) and for when I wanted to switch back and forth from my speakers. I still use the extension cable, but without the mic cable as I have a USB mic now. Not sure if the 2-3" extension cable would reduce quality or ohms allowance. Do you think it would?
Definitely looking for full size headphones, like the Bose QC15. I think I prefer when they rest over and past my ears, instead of on them. Comfort is very important to me, as is positional audio. The Asus sound card also does 5.1 Dolby, I think. I don't think I would want to spend on a dedicated amp at this time, so no Schiit models for me.
With a soft limit of $250, and a hard limit of $300, the AKG K712 Pro just seems to be a bit out of my willingness to spend (since taxes on Amazon will put it close to $400 for me). You seemed to like that unit very much in your review. But if I need to, I'll spend the money. However, some people are not pleased (on Amazon) that some AKG units are now made in China instead of Austria. Is that a problem?
And besides straight buying them online, is there no local retailer in the US that carries these units? I'm seeing my purchase options as only Amazon and I'd like to try before I buy, if at all possible.
Do you have any recommendations based on the criteria above? Thanks!!