AD700 & M50s questions.

I'm looking at something for non competitive gaming where localization of sound won't be that important. I also need them to be quiet hence why I am having to get headphones in the first place. Apparently the ad700 has a lot more soundstage but leaks a lot being open back and people say it lacks low range so everything sounds trebel-ish. The m50 is closed which would be quieter obviously but supposedly they have cramped soundstage and are somewhat bass heavy. This is just what I have gathered from reading around so correct me if I'm wrong. What little bit of music I listen to won't have to sound great so just being adequate will be fine there. Evidently they can both be driven by a soundcard as well.

I'm looking at something for non competitive gaming where localization of sound won't be that important. I also need them to be quiet hence why I am having to get headphones in the first place. Apparently the ad700 has a lot more soundstage but leaks a lot being open back and people say it lacks low range so everything sounds trebel-ish. The m50 is closed which would be quieter obviously but supposedly they have cramped soundstage and are somewhat bass heavy. This is just what I have gathered from reading around so correct me if I'm wrong. What little bit of music I listen to won't have to sound great so just being adequate will be fine there. Evidently they can both be driven by a soundcard as well.

Alter_Echo

I guess I'm really asking how much does the ad700 leak and how bad is the soundstage on the m50 in comparison. Not being able to listen to either before I order doesn't help. If the AD leaks really bad it would defeat the purpose of getting headphones entirely. Would you be able to hear them at say a louder volume from an adjoining room in an otherwise silent environment? It's hard to gauge this or how badly lite they sound when everyone who reviews them is an audiophile spouting technical audio terms that I don't even know the meaning of. I sort of have to go on the advice of others as my knowledge isn't even profound enough to know which tradeoffs i should make.

I'll be playing mostly MMOs with non competitive SP stuff thrown in, very light music use and no movies. The m50 looks like the more "fun" listen on paper but I'm an idiot outside of putting them on and listening.

Sounds (intended) like the m50 will be better for me. I probably won't even notice the soundstage after coming from $2 drugstore earbuds. Thanks for being awesome and stuff.

Sounds (intended) like the m50 will be better for me. I probably won't even notice the soundstage after coming from $2 drugstore earbuds. Thanks for being awesome and stuff.Alter_Echo

Ultrasone hfi 580 :P, I had pro700mk2 Im guessing is a bassier m50 and the soundstage was cramp as my iem s4. Not knacking on m50 Im sure is pretty good and white version does look sexy.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/556509/review-battle-of-the-entry-level-rivals-ultrasone-hfi-580-vs-audio-technica-m50-vs-pro700-mk2

A review @ headfi comparing the three.

From the two pro700 vs..., I like my dj1 (580 reshell) better. The thinner sound characteristic seems to convey details to my ears in other words is easier to pick out the instruments and position. This is why I love it and recommend this.

Look for sennheiser hd598 and 558. I had the ad700, sounds ok, kind off thin, tinny and lifeless, fits poorly unless you have a really wide head because of the stupid design of the headphones, even the earpads are all funky and weird. I got the 598's and it's much more comfortable, balanced and natural sounding without lacking anything. Just as good soundstage, just as good positioning, more comfortable and enjoyable sound, looks better too. 598's takes AD's lunch money and beats it up after school

I would say for someone who is coming from cheap earphones, both would sound amazing to you and would be a huge upgrade over what you currently have. That being said, if you plan on using them for games, then I would suggest the M50 simply because they have more bass, and that would suit your needs better (at least imo, I feel bass in games is quite important). You should also consider looking at the Sennheiser HD380's (great headphones imo, great sound quality, and are very comfortable)

Note: I have never owned or used the AD7000 so I am basing my recomendation off what I already know and have read about that particular headphone.