Hey guys, I am desiring a new audio setup. I have been using gaming headphones my entire life and just realized that there is this thing that is wonderful called regular headphones that are of much higher quality and a mod mic. I have previously had Turtle Beach X11's, Steelseries Siberia V2's, and some Astro A50's. I am looking into the Audio Technica ATH-M50's, the Sennheiser HD558's, and the Audio Technica ATH-AD700X. I game (FPS) and listen to music quite a bit. I do like bass but not too much of it to where it is ruining other aspects of the headphones. Also, is the sound leakage a problem on the HD 558's and the ATH-AD700X's considering that they are open headphones (Would a roommate hear what I was listening to if I was playing BF4 at 50% volume). Also, would a DAC such as a Nuforce U-DAC2, Topping TP30, or a Fiio E10 benefit me a significant amount? (Sorry if these are kinda noobie questions but I am just getting into this kinda stuff xD)
I've been doing this for years. I just get a cheaper mic headset and wrap it around my neck while I have the nicer headphones on my ears. I'm not to versed in all of the details and specs of headphones but this pair has been on my wish list for forever, I just have been putting money towards other things.http://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-770-PRO-250-ohms/dp/B0006NL5SM/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1382591218&sr=1-2&keywords=beyerdynamic+dt+770+m . The audiophile opinion would be that yes, you would see a difference in going with a DAC, but these people are generally listening to all of there music in a lesser compressed FLAC format versus mp3. But coming from mic headsets you would be fine to just make the move to headphones initially and then decide later down the road whether you want to spend the money to try out a DAC IMO.
I prefer to go with a closed back/sealed headphones because I get more use out of them since I then can listen to my music anywhere without it projecting out. I wouldn't want my headphones tethered to a private environment were I wouldn't disturb. Open headphones will ultimately give you the best sound quality overall imo, but aren't practical for me in that I use them in public spaces.
This website is helpful as well. http://www.headphone.com/selection-guide/ or http://www.head-fi.org/a/headphone-buying-guide
Say that I am only going to be using these as a PC headset. Should I get one of the open headphones I listed or should I go with the ATH-M50?
That's gonna be your call. But I'd be willing to bet you'll take these headphones outside of your PC setup once you get used to listening to music on them. Ear buds/cheap stuff won't do you listening justice anymore.
The M50 is no longer suggested as readily as it once was and it now just hyped up. I suggest that you look into the Soundmagic HP100. I personally have a pair and they are the most balanced and all-around best headphones that I have ever touched. Getting an dac and an amp would be very much advisable, but good headphones will make the biggest difference.
If you want to learn the basics of audiophilia, read what I've posted here on this thread. You can learn most everything that you would want to know about headphones, amps, dac, and file types there if you feel like it.
https://teksyndicate.com/forum/other-hardware/upgrading-my-audio-need-help-headphones-gaming-and-metal/148150
I read what you said on the other article and it was very informative. I looked at the HP100's and I liked what I saw but the $200 price tag is a little out of range. I am now looking at the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm ($150) along with the HD 558 ($130) and the ATH-M50 ($110)
hai