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HD6xx, 660s, or Focal Elex?
I have a schiit stack currently which I will upgrade later. I am looking for a good set up for music (orchestral, metal, alt rock, I tend to listen to a lot of female vocals), movies, and competitive fps games. I have okay headphones now but I'm finding I have multiple for different applications. I'd like to consolidate and upgrade.
So, thoughts on getting a HD6xx plus AD700x for music and gaming respectively.
HD 660s for both
Or Focal Elex. I'm thinking these would be my endgame? Perhaps saving money in the long run from trying to satisfy different applications.
I am a semi professional gamer (I make decent money playing but not my livelihood. I do not stream). It is important to me for positional, clarity, etc
I am not technically trained in critical listening but I do have some musical training in different instruments and I appreciate well mixed music. I love hearing things clearly and the subtle details. It makes me really happy.
I also do a lot of remote work (Enterprise IT) so I tend to use an open back for work meetings and stuff if possible. I have a closed back if not
Any recommendations or thoughts you could provide would be amazing. Thank you!
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keyboard_arrow_downgyroscopics
185
Nov 23, 2019
For competitive FPS gaming, get the AKG K702 but plan on driving it with an amp. The ATH700x is cheaper and doesn't need an amp, but the K702 has wider soundstage and better mids. The K702 has rolled off highs and lows which is more preferable than the 700x with strong mids and highs. The Chinese made K702 is only slightly more expensive than the 700x with detachable cable and better build (mine was $159).
I have the Elex too (and HD6XX for that matter). The advantages of AKG K702 over Elex are: 1) better, wider and more accurate sound stage, 2) reverse U shaped sound signature, 3) lighter weight, 4) less clamping force, and most importantly 5) more comfortable for long gaming sessions. I like the Elex for music, but I can't wear it for more than an hour. I could wear the K702 for hours with no issues. Others may suggest the AKG K7XX for gaming. But the K7XX has much stronger bass than the K702. Prominent bass may impede your performance in competitive FPS. I know my comment is rather late, just letting you know what you could be missing with the Elex.
Btw the disadvantage of the K702 over Elex is it needs an amp. The K702 is harder to drive than my 6XX despite the lower impedance.
(Edited)
Jackula
1743
Nov 25, 2019
gyroscopicsI too would recommend the K702 when soundstage is an important consideration (i.e. for your gaming profession).
As much as I think Rastus is one of the coolest blokes on Drop, I don't agree with the Focal sound and their focus isn't soundstage, none of the headphones you've mentioned have a focus on soundstage. So the K702 is a good suggestion.
My reference headphone is the HD6XX, but I will also not recommend it for your purposes. If you're interested, you can read my Focal Utopia vs HD6XX comparison: https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-sennheiser-hd6xx/reviews/2031233
gyroscopics
185
Nov 25, 2019
JackulaGaming is not my profession lol. Not sure if you meant that for the OP. I am a software engineer who sometimes play FPS to wind down at night. I tend to research and get the best equipment for the task. I use K702 (plus mod mic) exclusively for gaming. My reference headphone for music is the HD600, although I also have the HD6XX and Elex from Massdrop, plus other headphones outside of Drop.
pslayer1
274
Nov 14, 2019
What rastus said. Get the Elex and get it soon. I had all three (6xx, 660s and Elex). After having all three at once, I gave my 6xx's to my brother and the 660s only come off the shelf when I need confirmation that the Elex is still the best of the three.
(Edited)
rastus
1391
Nov 14, 2019
Elex, at this price, deal... does it all with aplomb...
https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-focal-elex-headphones/reviews/2225726
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