Upgrading Headphones

[PandaMan70]

So I bought a pair Sennheiser HD518s about 6months ago, and I really like them. However I want more lol. What would be a good upgrade? I am currently looking at Beyerdynamic DT990 pros or AKG Q701. Would either of these be a worthy upgrade? Price is range is under $200, would I need an amp to get the most out of either of these, I also listen to a wide range of music dubstep,country,rap,rock.classical, pretty much anything with a decent beat lol.

[Peakfire]

What's your current audio equipment besides the 518s? If you don't currently have an amp, then you should get one, the 518s will sound even better with an amp and a DAC(doesn't have to be expensive, something like a Sabre U2 will work just fine).

Since you liked the Sennheisers, you might not like the DT990 and the Q701 as their sound signature is more fatiguing(due to increased clarity). At this price range nothing will sound any better, just different.

[Guest]

What's your current audio equipment besides the 518s? If you don't currently have an amp, then you should get one, the 518s will sound even better with an amp and a DAC(doesn't have to be expensive, something like a Sabre U2 will work just fine).

Since you liked the Sennheisers, you might not like the DT990 and the Q701 as their sound signature is more fatiguing(due to increased clarity). At this price range nothing will sound any better, just different.

 

The Q701 are more fatiguing because they have more treble; this is not necessarilly the same thing as more "clarity".

 

I also strongly advise against spending money on a DAC at this price point, and an amp is only advisable if it will benefit the headphones in question.

 

OP, can you tell use what you like or displike about the sound of the 518? That will give a better idea of what you might consider an upgrade.

[xtroria]

I'd suggest spending a more and buy HE-400i instead. HE-400i is at a point where upgrading beyond means you're going all-out with spending money on headphone

[Guest]

I'd suggest spending a more and buy HE-400i instead. HE-400i is at a point where upgrading beyond means you're going all-out with spending money on headphone

 

Or even the HE-400S with Focus pads. Nicer treble. (unless the 400i is still on sale)

[xtroria]

Or even the HE-400S with Focus pads. Nicer treble. (unless the 400i is still on sale)

 

Dem bass roll off though. Also, I actually like HiFiMan more forward treble sound signature

[Guest]

Dem bass roll off though. Also, I actually like HiFiMan more forward treble sound signature

 

Dogg that is why I suggested the Focus pads.

 

And yeah, the treble doesn't bother me. Came from a DT880 after all and it is far less offensive.

[PandaMan70]

The Q701 are more fatiguing because they have more treble; this is not necessarilly the same thing as more "clarity".

 

I also strongly advise against spending money on a DAC at this price point, and an amp is only advisable if it will benefit the headphones in question.

 

OP, can you tell use what you like or displike about the sound of the 518? That will give a better idea of what you might consider an upgrade.

I dislike the bass in the 518s, they also are not that comfortable, and just over all feel kind of cheap in construction. I like the Beyerdynamics mostly because they look super comfortable. The 518s are my first pair of "real" headphones.

[Guest]

I dislike the bass in the 518s, they also are not that comfortable, and just over all feel kind of cheap in construction. I like the Beyerdynamics mostly because they look super comfortable. The 518s are my first pair of "real" headphones.

 

What do you dislike about the bass? Too much? Too much boom? Not enough taughtness? Not enough rumble? Too much mud?

 

Do you like the treble? Do they get loud enough on your current system?

[PandaMan70]

What do you dislike about the bass? Too much? Too much boom? Not enough taughtness? Not enough rumble? Too much mud?

 

Do you like the treble? Do they get loud enough on your current system?

They do get loud enough for my current system. I'm constantly having to turn my volume down on my PC. The bass response is just muddy its not as crisp as I think it should be. I'm a noob to the headphone world but was big into car audio a few years ago.

[Guest]

They do get loud enough for my current system. I'm constantly having to turn my volume down on my PC. The bass response is just muddy its not as crisp as I think it should be. I'm a noob to the headphone world but was big into car audio a few years ago.

 

Well if you can manage the budget stretch, I stand by my recommendation of the HE-400S above. There's also the AKG K7XX either used or the next time it drops. The DT990 is a possibility although it doesn't have the smoothest overall sound signature - bright treble, boosty bass.

 

What's your motherboard? Where are you currently plugging your headphones?

[PandaMan70]

Well if you can manage the budget stretch, I stand by my recommendation of the HE-400S above. There's also the AKG K7XX either used or the next time it drops. The DT990 is a possibility although it doesn't have the smoothest overall sound signature - bright treble, boosty bass.

 

What's your motherboard? Where are you currently plugging your headphones?

 Current Motherboard is the MSI Z97 Krait edition, plug into the 3.5mm on the back of the motherboard. I have been looking at used, just stumbled upon the k7xx. Would I need an amp with the HE-400S, or is that something I could add later.

[Guest]

 Current Motherboard is the MSI Z97 Krait edition, plug into the 3.5mm on the back of the motherboard. I have been looking at used, just stumbled upon the k7xx. Would I need an amp with the HE-400S, or is that something I could add later.

 

The HE-400S will run fine without an amp; you can add one later.