Anything cheaper but similar sounding (Stage and positioning) to K702?

[michty_me]

I currently use a K702 with a V-moda Boom Pro at home on my desktop connected to a G6 which I find to be pretty good for playing FPS games with.

When I'm away with work (I work away from home half the year), I currently have a SHP9500 with a boom pro connected into a G3 on my laptop.

However, I don't find it overly clear (muddy I guess) on the SHP9500 and notice the difference between the two. Especially in clarity and pinpointing with foot steps.

Is there anything similar sounding to the AKG K702 or would I be able to EQ the SHP9500? They would require a 3.5mm jack for the Boom pro and I don't mind going second hand.

I should add, The headphones I currently own are HD58X, X2HR, K702 and SHP9500.

I didn't like the HD58X or the X2HR for FPS gaming.

 

[EsaT]

Even in lot more expensive ones you're hard pressed to find anything approaching that level.
In fact expensive "audiophile" cans are usually tuned for "warm" sound, which brings small soundstage in comparison to AKG.

Compared to K702 SHP9500 has drop in between roughly 1½ kHz and 4 kHz.
So you could try boosting that in EQ to see if it improves clarity.
EqualizerAPO and PEACE extension would give more precise control than normal fixed band equalizers.

 

[michty_me]

Hi Esat,

Yeah, everything similar appears to be a good bit more expensive.
Perhaps I should play about with the EQ instead and see if it's possible to clear it up a little.
In the past I had just been using the Sound blaster Command app on the G3 that allows adjustment. I've heard of Equaliser APO and Peace so may look at that now.

 

[EsaT]

Have you tried SHP9500 on G6?
That Sound Blaster G3 could be also part of the reason for lack of clarity:
For all the marketing it's really low end and specs are actually below entry level internal cards.

 

[michty_me]

Have you tried SHP9500 on G6?
That Sound Blaster G3 could be also part of the reason for lack of clarity:
For all the marketing it's really low end and specs are actually below entry level internal cards.

I played about with the EQ settings on the app and it did seem to help. I reduced the bass and increased the treble at first but it seemed a bit too ear ringing after that.
Afterwards I started dropping the treble a tad and raised the areas you suggested. It definitely seems much clearer now. I think I had best just play about with that for the time being and find something that I'm happy with.

The SHP9500 just stay at my work and get used an hour or two a day when I'm here.
Looking at the prices of similar level headphones to the K702, It probably wouldn't be worth buying for the use they get. If it comes to it, I suppose I just take my K702 with me.

 

[michty_me]

I have been considering a DAC/AMP for my desktop other than the G6 but not sure if it is worth changing. If I were to change the G6 out, I would likely need a mic input too.