As a long time lurker, I used this guide to purchase a pair of HD598 @ a year ago and have been happy w/ them. But, upgraditis has hit me so I have some questions for a worthy successor if someone would be so kind as to offer some incite that I really have not found while trying to scour this thread. I really want to keep that soundstage for competitive gaming but, increase the fun or bass for more enjoyable single player games/movie watching ($300-400 max but, if cheaper even better).
I used to own AD700 which HD598 replaced and use them strictly for PS3 gaming (FPS, Action, RPG) and Bluray movies. I also only use my Pioneer Elite receiver which has a phones surround mode (also own original DSS and CMOYBB which rarely gets used unless have to game w/out AVR in bedroom). The Pioneer's virtual surround seems very good in comparison to DH on DSS.
I have already purchased a few sets to demo and hopefully replace HD598 (DT990 premium, 250ohm, which I'm testing now & AKG Q701 yet to be delivered).
The problem I am hearing is that the DT990 doesn't seem to have the increase in bass I was expecting in comparison to the HD598 for that extra oomph. To my ears, it has very slight increase in sub-bass (ex: explosions and Jurassic Park) but, w/ recessed mids as are typically described. It sounds just as clear and similarly loud as HD598 at same volume level so unsure what could be missing. I have started extra burn-in using noise and sweeps (http://www.jlabaudio.com/burn.php) to try to improve them if that is a possibility.
So the big ?, Is my Pioneer Elite receiver sufficient to power DT990 and Q701 (for best performance and bass) or will I notice an improvement going to O2 or Magni or even E9 added to the chain after AVR?? If it is known to improve I could possibly be willing to use one of the mentioned amps and DSS/Mixamp combo instead if the improvement is justified.