AKG K7XX vs Audio Technica ATH-AD900X: Music and Gaming

[crimson-pc12]

Hi guys,
I am currently looking for new headphones for my desktop setup. The maximum amount of $ I want to spend is 200. I play games a lot, but I also listen to music.
Iv'e read that AKG K7xx is a great headphone for music, but the ATH-AD900x get great reviews for gaming. So, which is better for both categories? (I like to have bass present in my music, not overly sub bassy, but enough to make a good punch.)
Suggestions on other headphones are welcome, but these two are my main choices right now.
(I also do not have a DAC or AMP and don't plan on buying one if it isn't necessary.)

 

[ssddx]

both the audiotechnica ad-series and all akg cans are known to be bass-light. while they do have a bit of low end to them their extent of bass is mostly in the mid-bass frequency range. this gives an advantage since footsteps are easier to hear but may make them less enjoyable for some. akgs in general are known for being very "bright" headphones (piercing treble) compared with other brands but not as piercing as some of the other akg offerings. somtimes bright headphones can be fatiguing if worn for long periods of time. the ad series is not quite as piercing and is a little more mellow in comparision.

the sennheiser hd518/558/598 are a bit more neutral in sound with a bit more edge on perceived bass although still sounding neutral and not bass heavy. they are more mellow and not overly bright which makes them easy listening.

the beyerdynamic dt990 is a bit of both worlds: great soundstaging with good treble response but with great bass considering its an open can. v-shaped sound profile is a bit more exciting than neutral (dt880 is the neutral version). treble is bright like the top section choices but bass is more similar to a closed can. you absolutely need either a powerful soundcard (creative z / STX) or an external amplifier (at minimum a fiio 11k though e09k or similar power like the magni is suggested).

for most of the choices as long as your onboard on soundcard you own is of fair quality and power you should have no issue. the notable exception is the beyer cans.

can you tone down bright headphones? sure, if you use a warm amp (the fiios are more warm) and make some EQ changes.