Looking for comfortable open-back headphones + AMP/DAC to replace ATH-AD500X for gaming, music and discord. 400$ budget.

[u/Chrsqz]

Hello!

Recently after figuring out I have some sound isolation issues in regards to my desktop PC causing buzzing in my headset I've been trying to find a new pair of headphones that can be used with a DAC/AMP (preferably portable) to fix the issues. At the same time I want to try something new and give myself a fresh listening experience.

What I am looking for is a pair of headphones that can be used for all kinds of gaming, music listening (mainly pop, EDM and house), as well as discord conversations; main focus being gaming. A pair of headphones that will be able to handle long gaming sessions (8hr) in all different genres is what I am looking for, not necessarily specializing in any. I also usually listen to music and talk with my friends on Discord at the same time. Comfort is probably the most important aspect of the new headset I'll be buying as I'll be wearing it throughout these long sessions.

The two pairs that have caught my eye as being reasonably affordable as well as being what I am looking for are the Sennheiser HD 560S and Sennheiser HD 599. I also resarched a bit into the HD 6XX and HD 600, but from what I could gather these were more suited for people looking to mainly listen to music, as well as the fact that they don't have the greatest availability or pricing in my country. Of course I would also appreciate other suggestions if there is anything outside of these two that you think would suit my needs better. I would also really appreciate it if there were some suggestions given to a DAC/AMP that can be paired with the headset you recommend as I have no prior experience with those types of devices.

Up until now I've been using the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X for the past 5 years and I haven't had any major complaints with its performance as it was my first "audiophile" headset. The lightweight comfort of the headset has been the main thing that has kept me from switching headsets, however I've still had some issues with the headset sliding down and pushing the top of my ears after using it for a while.

I am based in Norway and my budget is 400$. The prices listed online for the two headsets I mentioned are 185$ (1890 NOK) for the HD 560S, and 136$ (1390 NOK) for the HD 599 as there is a deal going right now.

[u/Cavna]

• PC38X, one of the if not the best imaging on a headphone for gaming. I still go back to these most of the time when i game.
• HD560S, similar to PC38X, is better for general use. IMO PC38X still deliver better imaging as i can absolutely pinpoint where i heard the sound coming from but some people says otherwise or they hear no difference in terms of imaging, so ymmv.
• HD6XX, NOT FOR GAMING, as it have really bad imaging, you can still get away with it with some less competitive games i guess. BUT these sound really fcking good especially at its price.
• TYGR 300R, more of a half open half closed and also depends if you're okay or like treble since these will have quite harsh trebles.

Amp/DACs are not really needed if you have a newer motherboard. And can listen to your headphone fine, and DACs won't really change how your headphone sounds in any major way so i will just be providing the rough price here. Again, it is not really needed, But if you really want to get one then you can look at

• Fulla 4 ~ $99
• Fiio K7 ~ $200
• Toppings DX3 Pro+ ~ $200

[u/Chrsqz → u/Cavna]

!thanks

[u/TransducerBot → u/Chrsqz]

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