Upgrade from HD579 (music and gaming)

[Goates]

So my trusty HD579's are getting a bit worn and starting to think about replacing. Before this I had a pair of hd555's so all in all I have been using HD55/57x's for probably 12 years+, I am ready to try something different.

Whatever I buy will get a lot of mixed use, many hours a day. This include gaming (mostly single player non competetive games these days), music and then youtube/streams/podcast. I am after something that will manage all this and sound great whilst being comfortable to stay on my head for long periods.

I am prepared to get a DAC/AMP this time. I have looked at various options but still struggle to narrow down exactly which way to go, main considerations have been DT990's and HD650's. I think I might be looking for something a little more bassy this time, although would prefer to stick to open back. Any good suggestions, both headphones and any combo's with DAC/AMPs?

 

[Timber]

Love the HD650/6XX (same headphone). Fantastic mids, detailed, legendary fairly neutral tuning, non-fatiguing and very, very comfortable. Parts very easy to fit and get hold of. This all applies to the HD600 too. I love mine, so much I'm rocking three of the HD6x0 line now. That said they are quite intimate and some don't like them for gaming. I think any of the HD6x0 is a great buy and would happily recommend. I would say though that these are a neutral-warm sound rather than V-shaped so if you're looking for more bass, or treble then the HD6x0 isn't the best choice. Beyerdynamic headphones will have that more bass and treble.

Obvious headphones that spring to mind:

• Beyer DT 990 - I had the Pro 250ohm version. Great for gaming, didn't like them as much for music. I preferred the TYGR 300R over these, which is a smoother/better tuned version of the 990 although difficult to get hold of. Feels like they've quietly been discontinued.
• Other Beyers to consider DT 900 Pro X (£200) and MMX 330 Pro (£260). The latter has a built in Mic, but both well regarded for taming some of that Beyer treble (if that bothers you).
• Aune AR5000 (£270) - Very good reviews from when it came out. Might be harder to get hold of. Meant to lean more neutral again, albeit with some great bass.
• Audio-Technica do have some new RXX headphones (R30X, R50X & R70Xa) coming. The original R70X is a very mature headphone that is well regarded for offering a very neutral open-back. Again might be too neutral, but one to keep an eye on.

DAC/AMP - I personally think the Fiio K11 (£120) / K11 R2R (£150) are the obvious answer. Balanced, lots of power, very neutral. You have got the Topping DX3+ or iFi Zen DAC v3 but both of those have their strengths but are £200.

Hopefully that's a starting point. Assumed microphone isn't a requirement.

 

[siumatfung]

I know you prefer open back but bass on closed back is very different and worth trying

Other wise you could purchase a dac with bass boost as I did which could actually give your current headphones the extra bass you require

Headphones wise I would look at the Sony mdr range

Or

Hifiman edition xs which can be both bought for under £200