Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Open-Air Headphones, Black

Q: How does the sound quality on these compare to the ath-m40x? If you had to choose between the two for piano practice/orchestras, which would you pick?
A: As the m40x is closed, I would imagine your question is about recording and monitoring? A closed monitor headphone would suit that objective very well. If you meant you were planning on enjoying music in a quiet and comfort of a room somewhere the ad700x will definitely open your ears and blow your mind a bit if you've never had an experience with open headphones before. Closed for monitoring or noise area, open for quiet and most enjoyable sound. Closed may have better bass.

Q: Are they good for gaming?
A: I added an Antlion to mine and it works great for gaming. The positional audio is solid. If you want ground-rumbling bass, well, don't use a headset. My sounds card has a good EQ and the bass and overall sound is excellent.

Q: Does the cord have the option of detaching (unplugging) from the headset?
A: No.

Q: How do these compare to Sennheiser HD 598 headphones?
A: The sound quality is good for listening to music via computer or iPhone without an amp. In response to how they compare to the Sennheisers I would say both perform well while listening to music via computer or iPhone with or without an amp. Where they differ is comfort. I acquired a headache after wearing the AD 700xs for only 10 minutes. They apply pressure to the temple region of the skull and I did not enjoy that. The Sennheisers on the other hand are by far more comfortable. I now own the Sennheiser HD 598s and the Sennheiser PC 363Ds. I would recommend the Sennheisers over the AD700xs.

Q: How well does this work on a PS4 with a mic?
A: I use this setup on a daily basis with a "Zalman" mic. The setup works great, my only gripe would be both cables are very long so it can be an annoyance. I currently do not use an amp or DAC but I heard from a close friend using this with an Astro Mix-amp works very well. If I had to do it again, I would go with a MOD MIC 4.0 instead of the Zalman for the fact that you can clip it on the ear cup and flip it up when you're done. Hope this helps.

Q: What are the differences between the 500x and the 700x? And how are these with movies?
A: They are the best headphones I've ever owned. The only difference is what drivers are actually used, I've never owned the 700x but I'm sure they would more than likely be sufficient.

Q: Is this headset good for gaming and it doesn't come with a mic correct? And is it better with an amp? If so then what amp? (Mid to high range amp)
A: No mic, I wouldn't use this for gaming. Amp usage is pretty subjective for anything outside of high ohm cans (which these are not). I think these may be the wrong headphones for you based off of your questions. Worrying about amps with headphones under 300 bucks is generally a waste of your time and money, spend that money on better cans, better music first, amp later. Mics only come on gaming gear which is generally really punchy and far from what these are.

Q: I have huge ears (tall and wide). Would these fit well over them or should I go with hd 518s instead?
A: I have large ears, I will say that they are plenty big enough to fit you, unless you. I would recommend trying them on before you buy some because the wing headrest isn't good for people with small heads. If your head is large enough, then these are really comfortable...I have 518s as well, They feel deeper because their pads are thicker and a little harder. I also think the Sennheisers give you more height, but for width of ear, I think the ATH series is better.

Q: What are the specs on the 700Xs and the differences between the 700s and the 700Xs? Thanks!
A: These are an updated model. The outside material has been changed but the hardware remains the same. It still uses the same earphone driver but it is now angled. The angle produces more of a treble-heavy experience. The fit is different. The 700 is a bit heavier and fits more comfortably whereas the 700x slips and digs into your head constantly. You have to mod them to be comfortable. The old ones sound richer due to the different front-facing material but the newer ones produce higher range (artificially). Either way, these are great positional audio cans with a decent amp. I use Sound Blaster Z (has a standalone amp). Personally, I use MDR-V6 cans with custom fittings.

Q: What is the difference between the 500, 700, and 900 models?
A: If you are talking about the AD-X series, the higher you go in the series, the higher the frequency response. The coils are all the same diameter but produce different tonal balance. According to the manufacturer's website, the 500 has higher bass, the 700 has higher mids and highs, and the 900 has a precise balance among all. I have only used the 700X myself; the mids and highs are indeed clear and strong and the bass is low.