Headphone Upgrade? (Audio Technica ATH-A700)

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deadman_uk

[H]ard|Gawd
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Jun 30, 2003
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I own a pair of Audio Technica ATH-A700 headphones which I've had for around 5 years. I use them mainly on my PC for gaming and listening to music/movies. Overall I find them comfortable and the sound quality is very satisifying. They are plugged into a set of Razer Mako 2.1 speakers which are plugged into a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD Sound Card. I've never used an amp and not really sure I need one for my current headphones or a new pair.

The leather padding has fallen to bits again (I had them repadded once) but it's no big deal to me. I would like to get them repadded again in the future though but I am starting to think I would like to upgrade to a new pair. The ATH-A700 cost me around £90 but I have no problem spending much more than that if it's really worth it. The A700 are closed over the ear headphones and the upgrade should be over the ear but not necessarily closed (although I do think some noise cancellation is a bonus but not essential). I really would like headphones that blow away my current ones. Any recommendations? I have my eyes on the Sennheiser HD650.


Would my sound card limit the potential in any way of a better pair of headphones or is it suitable enough?
 
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I've looked at the X2 and apparently the Audio-Technica R70x are a better pair of headphones and is comparable to an HD600. The R70x is what I am leaning to and I am looking to pair this with a Schiit Audio Magni 2 Uber amp. I can use my Titanium HD as my DAC and have both my Razer Mako speakers and R70x plugged in to the amp. Does this sound like a good entry level setup to you?
 
I dunno, X2's would bring a bit more bass but you'd also lose the accuracy and clarity that the A700s have for a more V shape. At the price of the HD650 which in the US is 400ish bucks, I'd rather look for a used Sony MDR-Z7 because I'd rather have the better bass and soundstage versus the brighter 650s. My ears can't handle the fatigue of the Senns.
 
deadman_uk said:
I've looked at the X2 and apparently the Audio-Technica R70x are a better pair of headphones and is comparable to an HD600. The R70x is what I am leaning to and I am looking to pair this with a Schiit Audio Magni 2 Uber amp. I can use my Titanium HD as my DAC and have both my Razer Mako speakers and R70x plugged in to the amp. Does this sound like a good entry level setup to you?
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Should be a good setup but I am not familiar at all with Audio-Technica R70x. Just looked them up though and people are saying they have a very neutral sound so if that is what you like then go for it. As already said though, the X2 would give you are warmer sound. You would probably like AKG Q701 too.
 
I just ordered the Audio Technica ATH-R70X for £209 new but the Magni 2 Uber amp is out of stock :( Guess I will try the headphones un-amped when they arrive :(
 
OK, I looked up more reviews of X2 at headfi and they don't have the SQ you really want anyway. Sennheiser HD600 probably do though.
 
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