Upgrading: $400 budget
Apr 24, 2018 at 12:33 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 14

Acorns

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Hey gang,

After four years I'm finally going to upgrade from my Sony MDR-7506s (great headphones BTW). I have a Modmic which will attach to the new pair that I buy.

The DT990s (non-pro version) were my first choice, though I'm not sure whether I should go for the 32, 250 or 600Ohm version. I would consider buying a sound card or an AMP if you believe that that the quality difference would be worthwhile.

The main factors that I am looking for are comfort, open-backed design and a straight cable (to attach my Modmic to).

If you have any suggestions, please let me know. I can research forever but I always end up getting stuck and end up doing nothing.

Thanks
 
Apr 25, 2018 at 6:10 AM Post #2 of 14
You straight need an amp if you get the 250 or 600 ohm versions of the DT990.
I preferred the AKG k712 and ATH-r70x to the DT990 in comfort, sound, and imaging. HD6xx is good too. Assuming this is for gaming, and I've gamed in all the headphones I've mentioned. If you want something efficient, Philips Fidelio x2 is a great way to go, as his HD558/559, HD598/599, and I've had good luck with hifiman products, but that seems to be a role of the dice.
 
Apr 25, 2018 at 7:55 PM Post #3 of 14
You straight need an amp if you get the 250 or 600 ohm versions of the DT990.
I preferred the AKG k712 and ATH-r70x to the DT990 in comfort, sound, and imaging. HD6xx is good too. Assuming this is for gaming, and I've gamed in all the headphones I've mentioned. If you want something efficient, Philips Fidelio x2 is a great way to go, as his HD558/559, HD598/599, and I've had good luck with hifiman products, but that seems to be a role of the dice.
I really like the look of the HD6xx. Some are on Massdrop right now. Just wondering, should I opt for the FiiO E10k amplifier or Creative Sound Blaster Audigy to pair it with?
Thanks for the response
 
Apr 25, 2018 at 8:28 PM Post #4 of 14
If you're using a mic too, you could get the syba sonic dac63057. It's not magic, but it'll get; you where you need to go for gaming, clean up your mic a bit, and do it on a budget.
 
Apr 26, 2018 at 3:58 AM Post #5 of 14
If you're using a mic too, you could get the syba sonic dac63057. It's not magic, but it'll get; you where you need to go for gaming, clean up your mic a bit, and do it on a budget.
I bought a Sabren USB and it's helped me out a lot for the mic so I might just keep that, but thanks. I'm keen on getting 250Ohm+ headphones to future-proof myself for years down the track with an amp.

I reckon I'll go for the 300Ohm HD6xx and FiiO E10k
 
Apr 26, 2018 at 7:13 AM Post #6 of 14
It seems to me that you're doing streaming/podcasts/youtube/twich stuff.
If i could possibly rec, i would say get yourself a good amp(not sound card). something good and cheap would be a Sciit Fulla2 or possibly JBL Element.
as for headphones, im using a DT1990Pro... i would strongly suggest to save up and buy this one since its amazeballs lol. but within your budget, a good AKG headset or maybe some studio openback Sony headphones would be good. i wouldnt suggest orthodynamic for your setup as it could be out of budget.

AKG K240
Fostex t50rp mk3
Sony MDR7506 or MDR7520
 
Apr 26, 2018 at 9:04 AM Post #7 of 14
The natural upgrade to a 7506 is the V6, and the natural upgrade to a V6 is a CD900ST. If you wan the same sony sound but richer, more extend and detailed, you must check the CD900ST.

But you want open back... well, nevermind then. But note that the Beyerdynamic and the AKG have different sound than a Sony, a bit more neutral but also more artificial and spacious. Less natural midrange. Natural midrange is really a strong point with the Sony.

Sennheiser HD660s is my definitive suggestion for you.Or HD600 if you can't afford it yet.

Sennheisers and Sony 7506 share quite similar attributes on a graph

output.png
 
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Apr 26, 2018 at 9:16 AM Post #8 of 14
I would say that AKG in my experiences has always been mid ranged focused, and Beyers tend to have great midrange and great highs and good solid bass.
I think the Sennheiser HD660s are good, but i find people give them a bit too much praise for what they are. I would definitely take the DT1990 Pros over the HD660S. any day.
 
Apr 26, 2018 at 9:33 AM Post #9 of 14
I would say that AKG in my experiences has always been mid ranged focused, and Beyers tend to have great midrange and great highs and good solid bass.
I think the Sennheiser HD660s are good, but i find people give them a bit too much praise for what they are. I would definitely take the DT1990 Pros over the HD660S. any day.

Of course, But now we have busted his limit by $200... unless he wants to go for a pre-owned pair. Then the DT1990 is another solid contender.
 
Apr 26, 2018 at 9:42 AM Post #10 of 14
Of course, But now we have busted his limit by $200... unless he wants to go for a pre-owned pair. Then the DT1990 is another solid contender.
yeah i feel bad recing something over peoples budget, but 200$ seems easy to save for if you wait a bit...
 
Apr 26, 2018 at 7:32 PM Post #11 of 14
Later down the track I could get something more expensive, but for now $400 is as much as I can spend. I live in dollarydoo land where the DT1990 is $800, so it's a fair bit more.
 
Apr 26, 2018 at 9:59 PM Post #13 of 14
You can go for the Massdrop HD6xx or DT880 (semi-open) Premium (headband is better than the Pro version) 250 ohm here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M...71o3fk9SkNL&th=1#immersive-view_1524792693471

and get a Creative Sound Blaster ZX here (used - like new from Amazon Warehouse Deals is $98 as well):

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Blaster-Performance-Headphone-Desktop/dp/B009XDWUCQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524793751&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=sound+blaster+zx&dpPl=1&dpID=41A5R2qbKSL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1
 
Apr 27, 2018 at 12:30 AM Post #14 of 14
I would avoid the chrome premium version like the plague. It is a cheaper version that is oriented for the casual listening with a massive peak in the bass region. Very boomy sound. I returned mine. Note what is written in the description:
  • Designed for Home Stereo and Relaxed Listening
Not a professional linear headphone, I can tell you that. It is not a DT880. The earpads are also very bad on this version, very thick compared to the softer silver pad.

Only $139 US here
https://www.cafr.ebay.ca/itm/BeyerD...425993?hash=item4d67c4b349:g:8xYAAOSwSutaD04t
 
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