This is my first post, and not sure if I should post in this topic or the recommendations topic. First I want to thank everyone that has participated in these discussion and particularly Mad Lust Envy for taking so much time in reviews and write ups that really helps out noobs. I apologize for the length of this post and thank anyone who takes the time to read it.
As a little background to what led me here, I was almost set on getting Astro A50s and before ordering was just googling other alternatives. I didn't like the style of some of the "expensive" brand headsets, but liked a lot of the headphones so I started to research the possibility of headphones and stand alone mics. That led me to this thread. This thread then led me to stay up to 2am on Thursday night and 1am last night reading through more threads, opinions, video reviews, pictures, and prices of various headsets. I know the information is out there and I've gone though enough to have an idea of what I would need and want, but want so "professional" opinions on my specific needs.
I'm a PS3 gamer and that is going to probably be 65% of what these are used for. I've owned two pairs of headphones (other than ear buds or on hear headphones that came with walkman/discman that I got as a kid). One was an over ear set I got probably 10 years ago when I started playing guitar and annoying everyone within 1/2 a mile. The other was a cheap plantoronics headset I used for gaming. I've never owned a surround system. I want to get good surround sound without investing in a $3000 to $4000 in a quality surround system. As I said mostly for gaming, but experiencing movies in surround would also be a plus. I'd say I would guess my listening would be 65% gaming, 25% movies, 10% music. I play a decent variety of game types, but my online play is mostly limited to FPS. Movies I like everything from action to drama. Music I'd say mostly Hard Rock / Metal (Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, GnR, Anthrax, nothing ridiculous) and classic rock, but also some interest in new wave, surf rock, some classical, eclectic mix. Not much bass specific music except the harder stuff should punch a little.
As of now I'm leaning heavily towards the Q701, unless a number of people tell me it's really not match my interests above, which I don't think will be the case. My second pick is the DT-990. The rest is kinda lumped in behind those unless someone can make a convincing persuasive argument. I don't want to fall into the trap of researching so much that I just can't make a decision. I have no frame of reference since I've never had a surround system nor good pair of headphones, so my thought is I will probably be happy if not blown away by whatever I wind up getting. My reasons for liking the Q701 is #1 the very positive reviews, #2 I think it looks fantastic, #3 I really like the idea of the detachable cable. I know looks really aren't important in the long run, but for some reason I just don't like the looks of the DT-990.
As for the surround simulator I am leaning towards the Recon3d USB. I don't see many other options for me. The mix amp is not sold by itself any more, and I can't justify buying an entire A40 set just for the mixamp. Same thing for the AX720. I keep reading how great dolby headphone is, but there really is very few options for console gamers. What really is throwing me is that there is no DTS option for the Recon 3D. My question to everyone here is, since I've never heard it, will I really miss it? Will Dolby Digital be enough? If someone has a good suggestion to get a good sound card that has dolby headphone without spending twice as much as the Recon3d I would love to hear it.
Amping. This is where I'm kinda lost. I know there are a thousand options here, and I don't really know what I need. With the Q701 and Recon3D I'm over $300 and I really don't want to push the $400 boundary as I already thought I was crazy for considering the $300 A50s. I am slightly concerned about the perceived lack of base in the Q701, but don't want that to be a deal breaker. Would a Fiio with a base boost be sufficient in getting to a good level without being over powering? Should i get an amp or an amp/DAC? I was leaning towards a Fiio E11 or E10 because they seem to have the power needed without breaking the bank and keeps me under $400. My setup does not have to be portable.
Summary:
My leaning right now is Q701, Recon3D, Fiio 11 or 10. I'm a complete noob who has done about 8 hours of reading over the last 2 days to reach this point. Please offer suggestions that would fit my intent of using the system or reassure me that what I have picked is awesome. Thank you for any advice.