Thanks for all the replies!
Sorry for the late answers, having some trouble figuring out what to say/do.
Might be available on Amazon or something, but nothing local.
Could you explain upgrading op-amps? Not sure what that means.
EDIT: I can't disable my MB audio since my speakers are hooked up. Also my mic, since I got some noise issues using the STX.
"Just make sure you get one of the lower ohm versions, to make sure you don't need a crazy amp. STX works with 600 ohms, tho."
Could you explain that a bit more? Do you mean it works, but not very good? If the high ohm version sounds better and is cheaper, I would prefer that. But if I'm gonna have trouble powering it, the 250 ohm version is probably better.
HD 598 is the one I want, I think. But since its out of reach, maybe I'll take a look at the 880's instead of 990.
I'll check out the forum sales.
I didnt specify music and games because It's not something specific. Usually play something co-op/multiplayer with my friend, like Civilization or World of Warships. But I also pick up a single-player game once in a while.
Mostly rap I guess, but I do like different genres.
Thanks for adding (cymbals), but didn't help much. I dont know. I like some bass though.
Would actually prefer to stay a bit under my budget. But it all depends.
Sorry for the late answers, having some trouble figuring out what to say/do.
Check out the Soundmagic HP150/HP151, if it's available to you.
I used an Asus Xonar Essence STX for a few years and so far I'm not seeing any good reason for you to replacing it. Maybe you could upgrade the 3 op-amps (operational amplifiers), send $20 to $60.
Also maybe disable the motherboard's on-board audio, in the BIOS and try the United Xonar drivers.
http://uni.maxedtech.com/asus-xonar-unified-drivers/
Might be available on Amazon or something, but nothing local.
Could you explain upgrading op-amps? Not sure what that means.
EDIT: I can't disable my MB audio since my speakers are hooked up. Also my mic, since I got some noise issues using the STX.
I have the STX also, and things sound much less bright/harsh, and smoother, using a Modi Multibit DAC instead, even with no amp. There's a surprisingly good amount of volume out of it, from USB.
DT880 sounded the best(most neutral) to me, between 770, 880 and 990. Just make sure you get one of the lower ohm versions, to make sure you don't need a crazy amp. STX works with 600 ohms, tho. It's gonna be hard to go wrong with a HD598. If you can live with a small soundstage(not very good for games), you could also find HD600 for $200. AD900X provide a huge soundstage and are very detailed and open sounding, but comfort is worse than the HD's.
Between these, I would probably choose: AD900X(+lambskin pads) > DT880/HD598. HD598 should be fatigue-free sounding. AD900X will be on the sparkley side.
"Just make sure you get one of the lower ohm versions, to make sure you don't need a crazy amp. STX works with 600 ohms, tho."
Could you explain that a bit more? Do you mean it works, but not very good? If the high ohm version sounds better and is cheaper, I would prefer that. But if I'm gonna have trouble powering it, the 250 ohm version is probably better.
HD 598 is the one I want, I think. But since its out of reach, maybe I'll take a look at the 880's instead of 990.
@Ariston the best open headphones for gaming/movies under 200 are the Massdrop AKG K7XX. They have an amazing soundstage, bested only by the likes of the Sennheiser HD800, nice imaging and these features make the K7XX great for gaming. Furthermore, they're comfortable and they sound pretty good. Together with the HD 6XX are the best value under 200.
My recommendation is that to stay under your budget, buy them used here in the forum. I got mine for 110 and it's the best bang for budget money I've spent
I'll check out the forum sales.
What kind of games do you play? (Single player, MMO/MOBA, car racing, FPS, Star Citizen, Flight Sim e.t.c.)
What kind of music do you listen to? just TL:dR this one e.g. Electronic or Strings (Rock, metal e.t.c.)
Do you like Bass?, Do you like Treble? (Cymbals)
^Basicly i'm asking if you want Bassy or V-shaped sound or neutral
Can you go over your budget?
I didnt specify music and games because It's not something specific. Usually play something co-op/multiplayer with my friend, like Civilization or World of Warships. But I also pick up a single-player game once in a while.
Mostly rap I guess, but I do like different genres.
Thanks for adding (cymbals), but didn't help much. I dont know. I like some bass though.
Would actually prefer to stay a bit under my budget. But it all depends.
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