[kaywalker]

After doing a ton of research, starting with looking at the ax360, and now here I am on these boards asking about the ATH-AD700. I read a lot of good things about these headphones. Unfortunately I can't afford the a900's but I heard the 700 is a noticable improvement over the a500's.
I'm going to be using the cans 85% for gaming and 15% for movies. So I'll never be listening music on them. Also, 95% of the time i'll be playing in a quiet room so leakage is not a problem.
Accurate soundstage is a big factor for me, since I need to be able to spot where the sound is coming from.
So what do you guys say?
ATH-A700 or ATH-AD700?
Also would you say it's better to get the 700's rather than 500's if money is not a problem?

 

[Rise To The Top]

Open will give you better soundstage, closed has more sibilance due to the fact that they are closed. This might be confusing for games with footsteps and lots o bass. Also, if you compete at live events, it is easier to hear teammates with open headphones.

 

[kaywalker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rise To The Top /img/forum/go_quote.gif Open will give you better soundstage, closed has more sibilance due to the fact that they are closed. This might be confusing for games with footsteps and lots o bass. Also, if you compete at live events, it is easier to hear teammates with open headphones.

thanks for the response. I heard one person mention once that even though open headphones have a bigger soundstage, it's sort of a weird one which doesn't make it easy to spot the location of the sound. Do you have any personal experience with that?

 

[Yukon Trooper]

I prefer my open AD900's over my closed D2000's. Sounds much more natural.

 

[dcheming]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaywalker /img/forum/go_quote.gif thanks for the response. I heard one person mention once that even though open headphones have a bigger soundstage, it's sort of a weird one which doesn't make it easy to spot the location of the sound. Do you have any personal experience with that?

The wide soundstage is exactly why I like using my 580's when playing Halo. They let me locate the direction of sounds instantly which is truly helpful when you get ambushed or flanked by multiple targets.

 

[Rise To The Top]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaywalker /img/forum/go_quote.gif thanks for the response. I heard one person mention once that even though open headphones have a bigger soundstage, it's sort of a weird one which doesn't make it easy to spot the location of the sound. Do you have any personal experience with that?

I got into headphone because of halo (former pro, top 8 4v4 Orlando last year). Open vs Closed, open sounds alot clearer than closed, and like I said, easier to talk to teammates if you ever compete. Bigger soundstage = better placement of objects, ie drums, guitar, etc.

 

[rustle]

I'm by no means a pro gamer but I use my AD700s with my Xbox 360 all the time and think they sound great. As some mentioned, the soundstage is great. For example, in Bioshock I noticed there was an excellent sense of depth in regards to all the sounds going on around you.

I love my AD700s so I would certainly recommend them.

 

[civictyper16]

How about bass with the ad700 I am on the same boat cant decide either the a700 or the ad700.

 

[compuryan]

I like using closed cause it helps me concentrate, specifically picking out the direction of sounds. I communicate w/ team mates just using a microphone.

 

[speakerhead]

Closed especially during LAN parties

 

[civictyper16]

Does anyone have experience with both the a700 and the ad700 if so is the sound stage that big of a difference between both.

 

[Yukon Trooper]

The AD's are much better for games IMO. The sweet midrange gives a much more realistic imitation of gunshots, voices etc. The airy quality with good soundstage offers really good depth to the sounds and makes everything sound more natural. I have the AD900's and the bass is neutral but it has great extension. I just turn up the bass in my control panel for games a bit and I am shootin' for hours on end. Not sure how the AD700's compare but I imagine they are similar in this regard.

 

[civictyper16]

What would be the cheapest place to get audio technicas.Its so hard to make a decision both headphones are good a700 good bass don't leak sound ad700 nice sound stage.I might have to chug for the a900 reviews seem to claim it has everything I need.kaywalker we should just go for the a900 and that would settle everything lol.Anybody know a place in nyc where i could try headphones in person or buy to try without return fee lol.

 

[Abbadon]

www.audiocubes.com

I think audiocubes is opening a store in NY in the near future, but I'm not quite sure...

 

[Geo]

Closed for gaming. Geo