Recommend a sound system

[inastris]

Hi

I am looking to buy a new sound system for my pc.

I am looking for buying headphones and a DAC (as far as I can tell from reading up online this is a far better option then a sound card. but if you have experience, and you think that this will not be an advantage, or maybe some other solution is better, please suggest.)

 

I am currently using a Asus ROG Formula VI with the onboard sound card.

 

I want this mostly for playing games, and I want good positioning and high quality music. I also listen to some music, but gaming is the priority as far as specs.

Also I need for the headphones to be light and comfortable, since I will be using them for long periods of time. I also prefer headphones that can cancel out the background noise, but I don't want to lose sound quality for some fancy active noise cancellation.

I am looking for a budget of $450 but if something is a lot better for a bit more money I am willing to go for it.

 

Thanks

 

[Dmon]

Beyerdynamic Dt990 + O2+ODac Amp/DAC Combo. Solid choice for gaming and music with good positional accuracy as well as great highs, mid and solid bass. 

[creatip123]

I'd have recommend the HE400. Those big planar drivers really put depths in gaming positional sound. But the HE400 is a bit uncomfortable if you haven't got used to it. Weighs 480g, due to its big planar magnets. Superb for music and gaming though....

[NannerBeans]

Beyerdynamic Dt990 + O2+ODac Amp/DAC Combo. Solid choice for gaming and music with good positional accuracy as well as great highs, mid and solid bass. 

You should not spend 2x on the amp than the headphone. 

 

OP go for HE400 with o2 amp or Fostex T50rp with o2 amp. There is also an o2/odac combo unit for pretty cheap on Massdrop right now if you want to spend the extra money for it. 

 

Edit: oh wait you said light. The 2 headphone I mentioned are a bit heavy because they are planers but they sound much better than non planers. You can go for Dt770/990 for some lighter headphones and mayyyybe an amp but you would get better sound if you got planers. Another option is Sennheiser HD650 but the Sennheiser design is uncomfortable for big heads. 

[Dmon]

You should not spend 2x on the amp than the headphone. 

 

OP go for HE400 with o2 amp or Fostex T50rp with o2 amp. There is also an o2/odac combo unit for pretty cheap on Massdrop right now if you want to spend the extra money for it. 

 

Edit: oh wait you said light. The 2 headphone I mentioned are a bit heavy because they are planers but they sound much better than non planers. You can go for Dt770/990 for some lighter headphones and mayyyybe an amp but you would get better sound if you got planers. Another option is Sennheiser HD650 but the Sennheiser design is uncomfortable for big heads. 

The DT990's are $200-350. Same as the HE400.

 

Yet you still recommend the o2/odac combo, lol.

[NannerBeans]

The DT990's are $200-350. Same as the HE400.

 

Yet you still recommend the o2/odac combo, lol.

DT990 are $150 in the old Americaland. I wanted to shy away from the o2 for those because you're spending too much on the amp. If you're going to get an o2 for those, only go o2 standalone not the combo. I specifically said the combo only if you want to spend extra money. 

[inastris]

What are your opinions on the akg k702/k701/ q701 and ad900?

 

I heard that these are great options

[NannerBeans]

What are your opinions on the akg k702/k701/ q701 and ad900?

 

I heard that these are great options

The AKGs are pretty good but I wouldn't recommend the AD900 for music. They are very neutral sounding. I personally still prefer planers over them with your budget. I've been told all 3 of those AKGs sound pretty much the same. 

[inastris]

After doing additonal research I think I'm going for the dt990s and o2+odac combo (http://www.jdslabs.com/products/48/o2-odac-combo/)

 

Now my question is, is there really a difference between the pros and premium. As far as I can tell, the sound is exact same, but the premiums are more comfortable. Can you recommend me what to do, as comfort is extremely important to me.

Also, since I will be getting the o2 amp/odac combo anyway, I will have enough power, so should I get the 600ohm or 250ohm?

 

thanks again

[ShearMe]

Now my question is, is there really a difference between the pros and premium. As far as I can tell, the sound is exact same, but the premiums are more comfortable. Can you recommend me what to do, as comfort is extremely important to me.

Also, since I will be getting the o2 amp/odac combo anyway, I will have enough power, so should I get the 600ohm or 250ohm?

 

Get whatever's cheapest. The headband is spring steel, so if you find it uncomfortable you can just bend it out.

[NannerBeans]

After doing additonal research I think I'm going for the dt990s and o2+odac combo (http://www.jdslabs.com/products/48/o2-odac-combo/)

 

Now my question is, is there really a difference between the pros and premium. As far as I can tell, the sound is exact same, but the premiums are more comfortable. Can you recommend me what to do, as comfort is extremely important to me.

Also, since I will be getting the o2 amp/odac combo anyway, I will have enough power, so should I get the 600ohm or 250ohm?

 

thanks again

Just get the Pros. The premiums are not worth the $100 extra. Also if you want an o2 amp, get this

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/mayflower-dac