Want to upgrade Beyerdynamic DT990 pro - I don't like them anymore

[someguyintheinternet]

I'm already using Beyerdynamic DT990 pro for about ~10 years. I have to say, that I was very happy with them. Recently I got a little bit into the whole audiophile (or more the hifi/hometheater) stuff. Got the whole Klipsch Reference Premiere set and was blown away. Still was happy with my Beyerdynamics.

Unfortunately I've heard now the AKG K702 and it was a difference like day and night! I really appreciated the mids and vocals, they were more forward, louder, more present. In comparison the the Beyers sound a bit muddy and too warm. . Eventually I liked the AKG more, but still have heard better sound. Hard to explain.

In general, I like a bit more aggressive mids and vocals. I also love nice highs! A nice, present low frequency is also something that fills my heart – but not quite as important as the vocals/mids/highs. I like if there is emotion and fun in the sound with good vocals and some punch.

Budget: 300-600€
Location: EU/Germany
Usage: 90% Gaming High-Level Competitive but also immserive Single Player, I need to hear footsteps and need to be able to locate it etc.; 10% Music/Movies
AMP/DAC: I do also need a DAC/AMP as I will gift my Beyers to a friend together with an used AMP.
Is the fiio k11 r2r / k11 all right?

So far I've heard from these ones (Mainly over rtings)
Hifiman Arya stealth
Sennheiser HD490Pro
Sennheiser HD560S
Sennheiser HD660S2
Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro MK2

But I don't know if anything of these fits to the soundprofile I'm looking for
I read alot of times that the Sennheiser HD490Pro have a good image, nice for locating steps, etc.

I like it when the headphones have a normal headband on top and not this "double" headband, furthermore I need to wear them for many hours

Appreciate your recommendations!!

 

[someguyintheinternet]

Giving this a little push in hope that someone of you can help a lost guy

Based on hours of consumed reviews now I think the ones that most fit are these two:
Hifiman Arya stealth (540€)
Sennheiser HD490 Pro (350€) (With Mixing-Pads)

Looking at rtings graphs the HD490 have a bit of more bass (low frequencies) so gives more punch I think. But isn't this something I could EQ with the Stealth too?
what do you think?


DAC/AMP maybe:
Fiio K11 or Fiio K11 R2R => Maybe K13 R2R in some weeks?
Topping DX3 Pro+
SMSL C200
iFi Zen DAC V3

 

[Somafunk]

I have no experience of the Arya Stealth but I have owned 3 HiFiman Sundara, first two had channel imbalances/crackling drivers so were sent back and third unit received was fine but i ultimately sold it and now own the HD490.

The HD490 as referenced in many threads on here is noted for its day long comfort, so light on the head but secure with it, and the reliability of Sennheiser headphones is partly why I purchased one, the frequency response is as near as dammit perfect for my listening pleasure but I do have a couple of very slight eq’s saved on my Qudelix 5k and roon but to be honest I’m just as likely to listen without eq.

I feel it’s the easiest recommendation I can make without any caveats

As for dac/amp?, if you want to experiment with peq then the new Topping DX5 would be my choice,

 

[someguyintheinternet]

Thanks - this sounds great So HiFiman has some QC problems?
Definetly pushes me more into the HD490 direction. Do you use them for gaming or can tell me something about soundstage / location of objects horizontally/vertically?

dac/amp: I dont think I will use peq because I'm not that good in all this EQ stuff. Mainly I'm able to copy some settings
I think the little sister of the topping dx5 would then be the dxpro+ or is the dx5 still the goto dac/amp?

 

[Somafunk]

No idea as to how they perform with gaming cues but on atmos movie soundtracks they perform admirably.

Being designed and advertised as professional mixing/mastering headphone I imagine location of objects/instruments was a consideration in the design of the cups/driver placement etc so I doubt you’ll go wrong, I don’t know if you can get a mic for them?.

As for Dac?, up to you as they’re not hard to drive - pick one based on features/remote and what you consider important

 

[someguyintheinternet]

I see - I think I will go with the HD490 then. Great that they are even at ther lower site of my budget of 600€ for headphones, as they are currently in an offer for 300€ Just to make sure, it's not like I'm missing something in comparison to an more expensive Headphone espec. for gaming?

Speaking of mic: I will buy a Shure or Rode USB Mic and call it a day. Currently I'm using a 5€ Zalman Clip Mic

As for Dac?, up to you as they’re not hard to drive - pick one based on features/remote and what you consider important

Isn't this a thing like a warm/neutral/analytical and larger or smaller soundstage etc (and many more things) amp-dac?
Then I would maybe go with the Fiio K11 because I just like the design.

 

[Somafunk]

I see - I think I will go with the HD490 then. Great that they are even at ther lower site of my budget of 600€ for headphones, as they are currently in an offer for 300€ Just to make sure, it's not like I'm missing something in comparison to an more expensive Headphone espec. for gaming?

Speaking of mic: I will buy a Shure or Rode USB Mic and call it a day. Currently I'm using a 5€ Zalman Clip Mic


Isn't this a thing like a warm/neutral/analytical and larger or smaller soundstage etc (and many more things) amp-dac?
Then I would maybe go with the Fiio K11 because I just like the design.

Have you considered the Fosi K7 gaming amp?, Amir measured it below and was very impressed with it.

'Fosi K7 Gaming DAC and HP Amp Review'

Jul 3, 2025

This is a review and measurements of the Fosi K7 gaming DAC and headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $199.

I am very pleased to see the original and attractive design. While you can have it vertical as I posed for the photo, the face is slanted so you can see the display as you put it on its back. Love all the keys to change settings rather than going into menus. Kind of a console if you will. There are tone controls which I bypassed for testing. Otherwise, you can use the right rotary control to change that specific setting (bass, treble...

• amirm
• Replies: 83
• Forum: Combination Audio DAC and Headphone Amplifiers

• 

 

[someguyintheinternet]

Haha, this one looks great in some way - but I don't know if this is my cup of tea At least something I would consider. Is this thing also able to drive other headphones or IEM?

Do you have some other recommendations? Perhaps also based on future upgrades (If I buy something what is harder to drive or just a second pair of headphones)?

 

[someguyintheinternet]

Hi @Somafunk

Do you happen to have an opinion to the question I asked earlier?

Great that they are even at ther lower site of my budget of 600€ for headphones, as they are currently in an offer for 300€. Just to make sure, it's not like I'm missing something in comparison to an more expensive Headphone espec. for gaming?

 

[Somafunk]

Hi @Somafunk

Do you happen to have an opinion to the question I asked earlier?

Sorry, can’t help with gaming specifics or experiences as the last system I played was probably my wee brothers snes in the 90’s, not much of an idea otherwise but I did buy an Xbox series X that was bundled with the Audeze Maxwell (much favoured Bluetooth gaming headphone) for a mates kids Xmas and he seemed really chuffed, only drawback to the maxwell from what I read was the weight.

As to your query regarding the Fosi K7 “Is this thing also able to drive other headphones or IEM?l, I’d advise you to check out other more informed reviews online, such as Joe from Gadgetrytech below

 

[Curupira]

The AKG K702s are VERY vocal centered, with elevated midtreble and treble. Closest offering to them besides other AKG will be from Hifiman's oval models like the Arya. Before splurging on it, though, you may try the Anandas or the Edition XS. They're both on regular big discounts.

A compromise between that signature and a more neutral one like in the HD 490s would be the donut shaped hifimans, Sundara excluded. Very good options would be the HE 560 and the HE 6SEs, but both will need more powerful amplification, specially the latter. Anything that drives your beyerdinamic will drive the oval shaped hifimans, though.

 

[someguyintheinternet]

Sorry, can’t help with gaming specifics or experiences as the last system I played was probably my wee brothers snes in the 90’s, not much of an idea otherwise but I did buy an Xbox series X that was bundled with the Audeze Maxwell (much favoured Bluetooth gaming headphone) for a mates kids Xmas and he seemed really chuffed, only drawback to the maxwell from what I read was the weight.

As to your query regarding the Fosi K7 “Is this thing also able to drive other headphones or IEM?l, I’d advise you to check out other more informed reviews online, such as Joe from Gadgetrytech below

Haha, I see. Yeah, Headphones with a high weight wouldn't be that nice. If I'm going for sessions which last 8h+ its terrible if the headphones aren't comfortable like weight, earpads, to much pressure etc.

It looks like that the Fosi K7 isn't that powerful as for example the Topping DX3+ pro. Is this still the better AMP/DAC? I read the reviews from @amirm , but this is the only big difference I'm really able to tell from this reviews as most of it I doesn't understand tbh
I'm also fine buying your first reommendation the Topping DX5 II - it looks nice and hase a good review here as I've seen. Don't know if I need it but if I'm future proof with it I will give it a go. Would love to be able to drive maybe someday another pair of headphones (Maybe only for music).
Just that you guys dont misunderstand me: Just because I'm a gamer, I don't need a product which has "gaming" in the name. Ofc it's nice to have a MIC in - but I can just use a 5€ USB Soundcard (As I'm doing right now) for my mic - or am I miserably missing something here?!
GadgetryTech from your linked yt video also throws in the GUNNR from shiit. I really like the design and he says it's like the Fosi K7 but with more power - but can't find a review here for this model - at least from paper it reads good and I would like it.
What do you think?

The AKG K702s are VERY vocal centered, with elevated midtreble and treble. Closest offering to them besides other AKG will be from Hifiman's oval models like the Arya. Before splurging on it, though, you may try the Anandas or the Edition XS. They're both on regular big discounts.

A compromise between that signature and a more neutral one like in the HD 490s would be the donut shaped hifimans, Sundara excluded. Very good options would be the HE 560 and the HE 6SEs, but both will need more powerful amplification, specially the latter. Anything that drives your beyerdinamic will drive the oval shaped hifimans, though.

So basically what you say is that the Arya Stalth are better than the HD490? I mean, the most important part for me is gaming (Doing it professionally, means earning (for now little) money with it, means every little advantage is important to me - and I want to get better because I'm still not that good and need to improve alot), so it needs to do a good separation, location, soundstage. Like locating foodsteps. The second important part is great vocals - Didn't knew that before but I really really LOVE vocals - if the HD490s are better in the first part, couldn't I just EQ them (maybe with your help ) for more vocals (I think these are the midtrebles) and more treble?
At least I've seen that the Stealth are double the weight of the HD490, but honestly don't know if this makes a big difference.

I'm really counting on your experience guys because it's like nowhere I asked before I got answers (Maybe because of my bad english, don't know) and you are the first people who giving me a direction so I really appreciate that and it's already helping alot! And still I did alot of research, read so many opinions, can't really say if they are subjective, science based or whatever and I'm not 100% able to give them the right importance - feeling totally lost

 

[Curupira]

? I mean, the most important part for me is gaming (Doing it professionally, means earning (for now little) money with it, means every little advantage is important to me - and I want to get better because I'm still not that good and need to improve alot), so it needs to do a good separation, location, soundstage. Like locating foodsteps

In my opinion, the best gaming headphones are, in fact, in-ear/iems. They have the best channel matching (much better than headphones do, unless you're talking very expensive ones like the HD800s and DC Audio's premium models, which are measured individually in assembly), which is the main attribute behind good imaging and separation; they have the best pinna for hearing the things that would wanna hear; and they offer the best isolation in the market, which makes it easier for hearing smaller details.

Besides these objective points, if you look at the pro scene of cs2, for example, you'll only see the players using full sized headphones in streams and at home, because they're sponsored or, in some cases, they sell the headphones themselves. In tournaments they default to iems to be able to hear best and because they're required to use the EPI equipment for isolation.

Given this scenario, I recommend you looking for Harman tuned iems, as their pinna and lack of lower midbass will play perfectly with the frequencies you want to hear on a competitive game. Start with the truthear gate to get your feet wet, or get the truthear zero blues (the old ones) directly. If comfort for long periods is a priority for you, I recommend the Sennheiser ie200s. Their pinna is a bit tame so some EQ might be necessary, but other than that their format makes them almost disappear in your ears.

 

[someguyintheinternet]

tbh I already tested some IEMs (like the truthear gate), this is also what some of my mates are using at tournaments. but most of them (also me) are just using headphones at tournaments, aswell while training. I don't get along with them cause, in my opinion, the location of enemies is much worse then with my beyerdynamics. I'm not in the pro scene of cs2 but in valorant and apex btw. - cs2 is just casually played. So I will stick with headphones
we are just wearing some headphones for sponsoring at bigger torunaments (not at midsized, smaller ones which are more frequent). but this is not that bad, because usually everyone needs to wear them and it gets equalized.

BTW: FreshReviewsYT does some great reviews for IEMS at yt and rating important aspects for gaming.

 

[Curupira]

If you imaging is of the most concern, I'd try some headphones with angled drivers then. The HD 560s comes to mind as the cheaper option, but there are other right up to the HD 800s (might not be the best due to expansive "diffuse" soundstage, IMO).

 

[someguyintheinternet]

If you imaging is of the most concern, I'd try some headphones with angled drivers then. The HD 560s comes to mind as the cheaper option, but there are other right up to the HD 800s (might not be the best due to expansive "diffuse" soundstage, IMO).

Yeah, soundstage/imaging/location because of gaming and vocals because of music, a bit punch would also great but yeah - I'm ok if this isn't possible.

Ok! Maybe it's a good idea when I order the HD560s and HD490 pro and try both eventually?!
Is it correct that i could in both cases just EQ the mid / treble to get the forward vocals etc.?

What about the dac/amp? On the field are now:
Topping DX3 Pro+
Topping DX5 II (I like the design)
Shiit Gunnr (I like the design - but no reviews here at asr)
Fiso K7 Gaming

 

[RickS]

Yeah, soundstage/imaging/location because of gaming and vocals because of music, a bit punch would also great but yeah - I'm ok if this isn't possible.

Ok! Maybe it's a good idea when I order the HD560s and HD490 pro and try both eventually?!
Is it correct that i could in both cases just EQ the mid / treble to get the forward vocals etc.?

What about the dac/amp? On the field are now:
Topping DX3 Pro+
Topping DX5 II (I like the design)
Shiit Gunnr (I like the design - but no reviews here at asr)
Fiso K7 Gaming

If you want to avoid having moderator approve your posts, avoid referencing gaming. Due to association with gambling, gaming is a keyword that gets screened by the forum software.

 

[someguyintheinternet]

If you want to avoid having moderator approve your posts, avoid referencing gaming. Due to association with gambling, gaming is a keyword that gets screened by the forum software.

Thanks, was wondering why every post needs to get approved

 

[Curupira]

Yeah, soundstage/imaging/location because of gaming and vocals because of music, a bit punch would also great but yeah - I'm ok if this isn't possible.

Ok! Maybe it's a good idea when I order the HD560s and HD490 pro and try both eventually?!
Is it correct that i could in both cases just EQ the mid / treble to get the forward vocals etc.?

What about the dac/amp? On the field are now:
Topping DX3 Pro+
Topping DX5 II (I like the design)
Shiit Gunnr (I like the design - but no reviews here at asr)
Fiso K7 Gaming

Yes, EQ is always an option with every transducer.

If you can easily return both models, why not? I think the 490 pros are a bit overpriced (they're at 560s level but cost 3x more) though.

About schiit, you can trust all their solid state offerings to perform above the audibility threshold, and, if you live in the US, I trust their QC and customer support much more than I trust Fosi's or Topping's.

 

[someguyintheinternet]

Ok, then I will do it like this and order everything on monday with same day delivery - Arya stealth is out, am I right?

About schiit, you can trust all their solid state offerings to perform above the audibility threshold, and, if you live in the US, I trust their QC and customer support much more than I trust Fosi's or Topping's.

Dang, the shiit is 320€ in germany - this is way to much. Then I could get the Topping DX5 II for just 300€... what do you think about the other listed amp/dacs and what would be your recommendation now that you know I'm based in germany