Upgrading from the ath-ad700x

[TheGamingOnion]

Hello everyone! I wanted to ask some help, I've been searching this topic for the past few weeks but I've never found a satisfying answer.
 
I purchased a pair of the ath-ad700x headphones, and I have been really enjoying them, so naturally the first thought that came into my head is getting a better pair. 
 
I really like the open wing design of the ad series, even though they are not as comfortable as reviewers said, they are still much more comfortable than any other headphones I've used so I'd like to stick to the AD series here. 
 
My options are between the ad-900x and the ad-1000x, so I wanted to ask the differences between them and how both of them compare to my current ad-700x's. 
are the ad-900x a justifiable purchase when I already own the 700x's? same for the 1000x. 
 
Also, does the ath-ad900/1000x need an amp? 
 
Also I forgot to mention, my friend wants to get the ath-ad500x's and he wants to know the difference between my pair and the ones he wants to get, cheers!

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Hello everyone! I wanted to ask some help, I've been searching this topic for the past few weeks but I've never found a satisfying answer.
I purchased a pair of the ATH-AD700X headphones, and I have been really enjoying them, so naturally the first thought that came into my head is getting a better pair. 
I really like the open wing design of the ad series, even though they are not as comfortable as reviewers said, they are still much more comfortable than any other headphones I've used so I'd like to stick to the AD series here. 
My options are between the AD-900X and the AD-1000X, so I wanted to ask the differences between them and how both of them compare to my current AD-700X's. 
are the AD-900X a justifiable purchase when I already own the 700X's? same for the 1000X. 
Also, does the ATH-AD900/1000X need an amp? 
Also I forgot to mention, my friend wants to get the ath-ad500x's and he wants to know the difference between my pair and the ones he wants to get, cheers!

 
Get the ATH-AD900X if you want something that sounds like the AD700X, but with a bit more more bass (but not a huge difference in bass).
Go for the AD1000X if you want something that offers an over all improvement, over the AD700X.
 
The AD900X/AD1000X are very easy to drive, so an amplifier is optional.
But getting an amplifier with a really low output impedance, should help bring out the best in the AD900X/AD1000X.
 
What sources do you currently plug your headphones into?
 
I'm guessing (and assuming) the AD500Xs are going to come with more bass then the AD700X, but at a cost of over all audio quality, compared to the AD700X.

 

[TheGamingOnion]

Hello PurpleAngel, and thanks for the reply!
 
Bass is not what I'm looking for, I'm looking for an overall improvement, I want to be able to hear more of the song if you know what I mean.
 
I'm currently plugging my headphones into my Blue yeti microphone jack, as it allows you to monitor yourself and by muting it I can listen to music like that. 
 
The reason I've been doing that is because my onboard headphone jack produces an audible hiss and it's also quite weak volume wise.
 
What dec + amp would you recommend? I'll probably be quite tight on the budget though. 

 

[Me x3]

  Hello PurpleAngel, and thanks for the reply!
 
Bass is not what I'm looking for, I'm looking for an overall improvement, I want to be able to hear more of the song if you know what I mean.
 
I'm currently plugging my headphones into my Blue yeti microphone jack, as it allows you to monitor yourself and by muting it I can listen to music like that. 
 
The reason I've been doing that is because my onboard headphone jack produces an audible hiss and it's also quite weak volume wise.
 
What dec + amp would you recommend? I'll probably be quite tight on the budget though. 

You should consider Fiio E10K
 
Best Luck!

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Hello PurpleAngel, and thanks for the reply!
Bass is not what I'm looking for, I'm looking for an overall improvement, I want to be able to hear more of the song if you know what I mean.
I'm currently plugging my headphones into my Blue yeti microphone jack, as it allows you to monitor yourself and by muting it I can listen to music like that. 
The reason I've been doing that is because my on-board headphone jack produces an audible hiss and it's also quite weak volume wise.
What DAC + amp would you recommend? I'll probably be quite tight on the budget though. 

 
The FiiO E10K USB-DAC-Amp seems to do a good job for the price, $75.
Also Schiit just came out with their Fulla USB-DAC-Amp, $79.

 

[TheGamingOnion]

Alright, and one last question, would you in my position choose another pair over the ath-ad1000x's In the same price range considering everything I mentioned (Comfort, etc'), If you would, which pair?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Alright, and one last question, would you in my position choose another pair over the ATH-AD1000X's In the same price range considering everything I mentioned (Comfort, etc'), If you would, which pair?

 
Right now on eBay you can order the AD1000X directly from Japan for around $290.
Sometimes I've considered adding the AD1000X to my collection.
I'm at the point where I'll spend $300 for headphones.
I already have the ATH-W1000X, which I'm guessing are close to the AD1000X, but the W1000Xs would have more bass.
Nice part about the Audio Technicas is they are so easy to drive, so you can get away with the lower costing DAC/amps (E10K & Fulla), or even no amp at all
Here is one persons video review on them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkh_giVwD3g&list=UUG-kL1LRqw6Akq0ktl9da1g
 
I just bought in on the AKG KXX from Massdrop ($200), so I'm not going to be adding any open headphones to my collection for awhile.
At least not until I can sell off the 8-10 headphones I never use.
 
So i would say the AD1000X are desirable, for someone willing to spend the cash.
Maybe sell the AD700Xs to your buddy.