[I3eyond]

Have: Fatalty Sound Card > PA2V2 > MS-1
 
Tried: DT770 Pros (didn't like at all)
 
Wanting a better sound, but am considering a desktop DAC and amp to run optical out on my sound card.
 
Don't know if I want new phones first or that.
 
Thoughts?

 

[Pratt]

I think you actually want speakers.

 
What's your budget? I would say the AKG 701/02, but others think they are not at all tonally accurate (most agree they do have a wide sound stage though).
 
I would get cans first, then upgrade your source. If you don't like your cans no source at any cost is going to make you like them imo (yes, they can/will sound better, but the overall sound signature is not going to be altered into a completely different animal); the speaker/headphone is always the first in the component line in terms of sound importance, then source. If I don't like a can it doesn't much matter if I listen to it out of my laptop sound card via headphone jack or my DacMagic and M-Stage amp setup, I just don't like it even if it sounds "better" through the latter. 

 

[tdockweiler]

I honestly can't think of any headphone i've tried that has both of these features. I was going to say the HD-600, but that's not quite "incredible". More like just "good". The DT-800 might be also close, but I don't think they're all that accurate. The soundstage is better on them though.
 
Not even the AKG 701 would work for both your requirements.
 
Maybe the HD-800? I haven't tried them yet, so I have no clue.

 

[ktsai1283]

What's your budget?  What type of music do you listen to?
 
For now, I recommend checking out some threads on the AKG K 701/2 (from experience); and the Sony MDR-SA5000 and Sennheiser HD 800 (from what I've read).

 

[tdogzthmn]

The vintage Akg K400 or K500 is what you seek, but I'd also suggest the K601 which is easier to find. All of these cans are known for their large soundstage, amazing mids and organic natural tone. However if you are a bass lover you might be disappointed.

 

[Deep Funk]

AKG K240 DF? My Pioneer Monitor 10R has been very much to my liking too...

 

[blackzarg]

You didn't specify how much you wanted to spend. I'm sure the HD800 could give you (or at least close to!) what you're looking for, but that's $1000+.

 

[Acix]

K-702...

 

[Uncle Erik]

I don't find the K-701/2 tonally accurate at all. I hear an unnatural flavor in the mids and especially in vocals. The K-601 is voiced better, and the old K-501 is better still. Another that might interest you is the Sennheiser HD-600.

I wouldn't call the MDR-SA5000 or DT880 tonally accurate. I like them, but they're not accurate. If you want to drop big money, the HD-800 and K-1000 are awfully accurate.

 

[revolink24]

Quote:

I don't find the K-701/2 tonally accurate at all. I hear an unnatural flavor in the mids and especially in vocals. The K-601 is voiced better, and the old K-501 is better still. Another that might interest you is the Sennheiser HD-600.

I wouldn't call the MDR-SA5000 or DT880 tonally accurate. I like them, but they're not accurate. If you want to drop big money, the HD-800 and K-1000 are awfully accurate.

I agree with every single word of this post, except I haven't heard the SA5000.
 
I love the K501.

 

[tdogzthmn]

I really liked the K702s detail and it did have a great big soundstage but on the whole I prefered the sound of the older AKGs which are more natural sounding.