[blackzarg]

My main headphone setup right now consists of my Audio-Technica AD700 headphones > Nuforce uDAC > Macbook Pro (2007).
 
I also own the ATH-M50, as well as an old pair of AKG K240 Monitors (300ohms).
 
The AD700 is by far my favorite pair in terms of sound and comfort. I'm pretty happy with them, but of course, feel the urge to upgrade (or at least see if I can get an upgrade from my setup). I mainly listen to classical works (all kinds - symphonic to chamber to piano), so that's the utmost importance. Comfort is also very important - if something sounds great but hurts my ears, that is a no go =/
 
I haven't really set a budget, but I have been reading about the Beyer DT880s and the AKG K701/K702. These two sound like they will fit me the best, but I have a few hesitations about both. The Beyer seems to sound harsh, and can cause listening fatigue over time. The AKG seem like they sound great, but I'm not too much of a fan of my K240M (not that I don't like them - it's just the AD700 is more preferable), and the K240M hurts my ears after awhile (since they sit on them.
 
Any suggestions on what else I should look for?
 
Presuming I go with the Beyer or the AKG, I'll probably need to invest in an amp as well - I don't think uDAC will cut it.
 
Thanks!

 

[tisb0b]

Get the Audio Technica W1000X atm its only $540 from pricejapan and the udac will be fine with it.

 

[Mad Max]

Only $540!
 
That may not be within his budget if he's considering DT880 or K70x.
 
 
I found my DT880PRO extremely comfortable when I had them - especially after bending the headband a tiny bit. n__n
 
Either of these may need a good amp, so AD900 instead - more of the same

 
Though if you can afford the W1000X yet you love AD700, I think you will like A2000X better. Either of these will do fine with the uDAC.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

vote for AD1000RPM, when I try AD700, I'm not really think I like it, but when head AD1000RPM, I really like it, yeah its sound signature is still familiar with AD700, but AD1000RPM is just simply much better 

 

[blackzarg]

Thanks for the responses, guys! I took a look at those headphones. The price is a little steep right now, but it's good to know how much I should be saving up for (I'm really happy with the AD700s, so I have time to save up).
 
Are there any recs around the $200-$300 price range, though?
 
I couldn't find a price for the AD1000RPM, but I'm assuming it'd be $500+?

 

[seraphjei]

Surprised there is no mention of the AD2000. The AD2000 can be had for around 400 dollars around the FS section, and 500 new. But if you want to stick close to your budget you're going to have to make some sacrifices. 
 
For instance, although the K701 and DT880 are both relatively cheaper in terms of price compared to the AD2000, but they require a standalone amp to sound their best. If you're thinking about getting the K701 I suggest getting a Canamp which is what I had for it. Very good synergy. The K701 and Canamp can be had for around 500 dollars, and the canamp really helps fill on some of the bass you might feel the K701 is lacking. I've only demoed the DT880, but I was very impressed from what I heard, but I was a bit skeptical since it was being driven from a Zero Dac/amp. 
 
But considering that you already love the AD700s, It would logically mean trying the AD900, AD1000/AD1000RPM, or AD2000. 

 

[Mad Max]

K702/K701 will probably be your best bet for a similarly balanced sound at $200-$300.
 
I recommend A2000X because it is even more balanced than AD700 with greater precision and even more effortless-sounding, among other things.

 

[desktophifi]

Want more bass? the Beyerdynamics DT880 (32 ohm series) is good. 

 

[Mr Joboto]

The AD1000 sounds nothing like the 700. The AD900 is the 700s big brother, I think the AD2000 sounds different again (not from experience). You're right about the uDac not being up to the task of powering either the Beyers or AKG. 

 

[666_Pounder]

I went from the AD700 to Beyer DT880 and AKG K701s, if you liked the AD700s you should get on fine with these, my DT880s are broken at the moment so I can't do a direct comparison, mainly as I don't own the AD700s anymore and I got my AKGs while the Beyers were bust.

 

[stang]

I own the AD700 and DT880 and have the K701 on my head right now (I traded my dt880 for K701 for a week or so). The K701 is much more like the AD700 than the DT880. I can say that I do miss my DT880 right now, because they offer an entirely different flavour than the AD700, HF-2 and K701 I have right now. If I were to say which would be the biggest upgrade, it would definitely be the K701. The DT880 has a smaller soundstage, more bass and isn't as treble centric, I much prefer it for metal and rock, unlike the AD700 and K701, which I cannot stand for those genres. And I have no idea what people mean by the DT880 being fatiguing, sibilant etc. They sound wonderful to me. If anything, I find the K701 and HF-2 too bright and treble centred. I can say this: The first listen of the K701 impressed me a lot more than the DT880. However, if I had to live with one headphone, it would be the DT880 because it is more relaxing, more comfortable, has more bass and works with more genres. Since you listen to 'large classical works', I would probably recommend the K701, due to its larger soundstage and reputation.

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

^Funny. I gave up my AD700s for some DT880s (which I loved), and gave those up for K701s which I'm hoping I get within the next few weeks (traded with another Head-fier). I'm gonna miss the DT880s, as they did everything well, but I wanted them for gaming, and I ended up heavily favoring my DT770 Pros for gaming (MUCH better directional cues). I'm hoping the K701 will at least match the DT770 Pros in directional cues, but at least I know they will have a legendary soundstage.
 
Ironically, I don't like these types for music. I prefer closed, bassy headphones, so the K701 is only gonna be used for gaming.

 

[stang]

AD700s, ime, cannot be beaten for gaming as far as positional audio goes coupled with my X-Fi Elite Pro. DT880s are no match for the AD700, but I have not tried the K701 for gaming yet. Sorry to hijack for a moment, but what do you think of the DT770 Pro for gaming? I wish to buy a closed set of cans for watching TV with (i won't use an amp for general tv viewing. Heck, I use the K701 straight out of the headphone out on my TV lol) and for PS3 gaming (Optical out from PS3 to Zero DAC/amp. Mainly racing games, so I need them to be very exciting. 

 

[Mochan]

The most commonly recommended phones to upgrade to from the AD700 are the K701 and the DT880. I have not heard the DT880 but I have an AD700 and a K701. The two share many similarities but I would say the K701 is a lot better.
 
A quick comparison from my experience, YMMV:
 
AD700 is more forward
AD700 has lusher sound. Mids aren't better actually, it's just that the K701 sounds so clean that the sound is "leaner" -- this is the same sound diff I heard comparing headphones through the Mustang and through the GoVibe Petite. The Mustang, which is so *clean* leaves a thinner, less lush sound compared to the Petite which adds a lot of lushness to the sound.
K701 has a much, much, MUCH larger soundstage. Almost unbelievable so. Hard to describe, you'll just know it when you hear it. This is the main upgrade the K701 has over the AD700, and IMO is the main unique strength of the K701 compared to all other dynamic headphones I've tried.
K701 goes down much lower and deeper in the low end. But only when using a good powered amp. Using the same good amp, a K701's low end is much better than the AD700's.
AD700 is a bit more sparkly in the highs. But overall sounds grainier than the K701
 
If this sounds good to you, and you're willing to burn in the K701 for a long time and willing to get a good amp for it, I'd say the K701 is a great upgrade. Mind you if you don't get a good amp for the K701, it will still sound great and can still match the AD700 easily. You'll still get the big soundstage for the most part; what you'll be missing out on is primarily the low end, and you may get sibilance or some harshness in the highs. But basically don't fret it too much if you don't have a really good amp. You can get the K701 now and use your uDAC just fine, then just get a beefier amp later on.

 

[Mochan]

Quote:

AD700s, ime, cannot be beaten for gaming as far as positional audio goes coupled with my X-Fi Elite Pro. DT880s are no match for the AD700, but I have not tried the K701 for gaming yet. Sorry to hijack for a moment, but what do you think of the DT770 Pro for gaming? I wish to buy a closed set of cans for watching TV with (i won't use an amp for general tv viewing. Heck, I use the K701 straight out of the headphone out on my TV lol) and for PS3 gaming (Optical out from PS3 to Zero DAC/amp. Mainly racing games, so I need them to be very exciting. 

The K701 is *wonderful* for gaming. I use it with my Auzentech Prelude (X-Fi based card) and the positional audio goes up a few notches from the Air. I still have a HeadAmp in between though to add some extra juice and definition.
 
Have not tried the DT770 Pro unfortunately, just the DT770 Premium -- which is also awesome for gaming. Mad Lust Envy will swear by the Pros though.