OMG headphones rawk!

[Neuromancer]

I never would have believed it, especially from going from surround sound gaming. WOW

My gaming PC is setup totally light and rather then share speakers I decided to throw on a 15 dollar headset/ microphone staples bargain, and WOW just watching the intro to Never-winter nights 2 I am BLOWN away at how clear and crisp the sound is. It completely kills my 100 dollar surround speaker setup. Granted there is no hearing when something sneaks up behind you, but the clarity and the bass of it is truly spectacular.

Just waned to point that out to people that are considering buying expensive computer speakers.

Only downside: if like me you are a multitasker, headphones are not the best option. With 2 PCs and a TV going headphones suck, but for solo gaming experience WOW.

[wizard james]

indeed, i got some senns 280pro's with a custom cord. (around 130~200) petty damn nice.. and like you say.. if someone (like my mum or dad) comes up behind me.. gah ..even my dog does it. lol

now playing F.E.A.R and having your girlfrend come up behind you and lick your neck when your being creaped up.. ahhhhhhh evil evil evil.. i think thats why i love her.. hmm..

but yes. headphones in gaming is much much better then any sound system can make. (unless you got 3-4 grand to blow on speakers...)

[Sir Barton]

Its only begun ;). You got that $15 set...now one day youre gonna want some Sennheisers and the wow factor will go up even higher :D.

[freakdiablo]

ya, headphones are nice. I do need a new pair though. I have this sharper image pair of noise cancelling ones I got like five years ago for $40. yes. $40. noise cancelling. five years ago. sound quality = garbage compared to decent headphones, but are comparable to a nice surround sound system.

[archangelgabe]

I use headphones a lot since I usually play games at night when I'm supposed to be asleep. Imagine what a decked out surround sound system would do...

I started off with iPod headphones, now I have a decent pair I got from radioshack. Nothing fancy.

[mage_x]

I got the Sennheiser HD212 Pro headphones about 3-4 years ago for 60$. Amazing base.

[Kevin007]

Yes Headphones are good, I really need a pair...but I can't decide which ones I want haha.

[David]

I have a set of Technics headphones which I like a lot. They are too bulky to carry around but are great for loud music at night :)

I have an Onkyo hifi as well which is better during the day for filling a room with music and has better base. I run my laptop through my hifi.

[Elif Tymes]

I have a nice set of Zalman Surround Sound HEadphones. I really like em.

[sl4vik]

I never would have believed it, especially from going from surround sound gaming. WOW

My gaming PC is setup totally light and rather then share speakers I decided to throw on a 15 dollar headset/ microphone staples bargain, and WOW just watching the intro to Never-winter nights 2 I am BLOWN away at how clear and crisp the sound is. It completely kills my 100 dollar surround speaker setup. Granted there is no hearing when something sneaks up behind you, but the clarity and the bass of it is truly spectacular.

Just waned to point that out to people that are considering buying expensive computer speakers.

Only downside: if like me you are a multitasker, headphones are not the best option. With 2 PCs and a TV going headphones suck, but for solo gaming experience WOW.

Basically anything kills a $100 dollar soround setup..My $200 2.1 probably blows it away. But ya, get some seinheisser headphones for the best sound.

[cornbread]

I use a pair of Audio-Technica ATH A500's (closed cans), simple love em', use them for listening to music and gaming.

Here is a good headphone site, where I purchased mine.

http://audiocubes.com/

[Silversinksam]

Its only begun ;). You got that $15 set...now one day youre gonna want some Sennheisers and the wow factor will go up even higher :D.

That's a fact! When I'm gaming my Klipsch speakers gather dust as I'm wearing my Sennheiser 500 series headphones. ;)

Ps, I bought some Sennheiser CX 300 (http://reviews.cnet.com/Sennheiser_CX_300_headphones_black/4505-6468_7-31727753.html) earbuds on Ebay for $3.80 for my MP3 player, if your on a tight budget and can't afford Sennheiser headphones, these CX300 earbuds are great for gaming, if you can get them for under $10 on Ebay, pick them up, while they're not as good as Shure or Etymotic buds, they are close.

If you want traditional Sennheiser headphones, keep an eye on their Sennheiser direct discontinued and open box (http://shop.sennheiserusa.com/retail2002/Category.aspx?direct_catlg=Refurbished) sales at their website, I saved about $85 buying mine there. :rolleyes:

[Fireside85281]

Meh, music listening is one thing, but surround sound headsets are an entirely different matter when talking about gaming. I still think these are one of the best headsets for gaming: http://www.medusa-usa.com/medusa-51-home-edition-p-876.html

If you're playing a FPS, there's a distinct advantage to having surround sound over stereo.

[Seven]

Great thread.

Personally though, I'm using headphones and I hate them. The chord gets in the way, they don't sound that great, and I LOVE the feeling you get when you have a little thing called a subwoofer.

Seriously, the FEEL is half of the game for me. I shoot an M4, I want my entire room to shake. I shoot a silenced pistol, I want it to be silenced. I take off in a jet, I want to feel the afterburners going. I'm all about it.

7

[discobiscuits]

beyerdynamic dt-770/80 + pa2v2 amp here.

Such a basic combination, but it was probably the best $200 I've spent. Adds gaming bliss to my X-Fi card.

Tip: Don't look for "Gaming" or 5.1 headphones. Especially Bose. You just get ripped off compared to other headphones that aren't labeled with such words and in the same price range....

[onx]

yeah headphones are amazing. Spend a few hundred dollars on a good pair of headphones (I'd almost say never buy headphones from a store, at least not like Best Buy or anything, everything at those stores is crap) and chances are they will compete with several thousand dollar speaker setups.

It's funny how people don't spend money on these things. they use their crazy 8800GTX SLI setup, OCd to hell on a 10yr old 13" LCD, patio chair, and the free "powered" speakers that came with the old 386 now rotting in their closet :P

[JP.MIGRAINE]

i have labtec headphones and they are pretty good. i like using them when i play games at night and have to be quite. you can hear stuff in games that sometimes you dont pick up with regular speakers..

[TheGreySpectre]

I find it depends on what I am doing, I always use a headset when using TS or vent, I cant stand ts or vent over speakers. Most games just sounds different over headphones than speakrs.

Speakers I am currently using: logitech Z5500 surround sound
Headphones: Logitech Something or other headset and Senheisser 477s

[kbanny]

beyerdynamic dt-770/80 + pa2v2 amp here.

Such a basic combination, but it was probably the best $200 I've spent. Adds gaming bliss to my X-Fi card.

I have the Sennhieser HD-580's with the pa2v2 ironically it also was $200. And ofcourse it does add gaming bliss to my X-Fi xtrememusic :P

I can't recommend the pa2v2 headphone amp enough it's amazing for the price, it's not quite audiophile fidelity but it's as close as you will get for the price.Not to mention it's very lan friendly.

[Salomon Orangge]

beyerdynamic dt-770/80 + pa2v2 amp here.

Such a basic combination, but it was probably the best $200 I've spent. Adds gaming bliss to my X-Fi card.

Tip: Don't look for "Gaming" or 5.1 headphones. Especially Bose. You just get ripped off compared to other headphones that aren't labeled with such words and in the same price range....

QFE

I use those headphones also. Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro closed cans with a LDM+ (little dot micro +) headphone amplifier. Plugged em in, burned em in, never turned on my Klipch 7.1s again.

[freakdiablo]

yeah headphones are amazing. Spend a few hundred dollars on a good pair of headphones (I'd almost say never buy headphones from a store, at least not like Best Buy or anything, everything at those stores is crap) and chances are they will compete with several thousand dollar speaker setups.

It's funny how people don't spend money on these things. they use their crazy 8800GTX SLI setup, OCd to hell on a 10yr old 13" LCD, patio chair, and the free "powered" speakers that came with the old 386 now rotting in their closet :P
hey i take offense to that. joking. I have the "powered" speakers that came with my 486 :cool:

[Mr. Roboto]

eh, I siill like haming with my 5.1 surround system. Weather it be my HT setup, or my 5500's.

It's speakers all the way for me.

[myndlessdayz]

I use my headphones from my CD player i bought back in 96... yeah the ones with the foam ear padding that rips and the metal headband thing...:bang head

[deathman20]

I've considered getting headphones before. I got that cheap 5.1 logitec surround sound system a while back but of course its not like I can turn it up at night to keep the nieghbors awake (there bedroom is right on the other side of the wall).

I might consider looking into this here in the future. Be nice but could see problems if the wifes trying to yell at me from downstairs its pretty hard to hear her even with no sound in the room.

[Neuromancer]

Be nice but could see problems if the wifes trying to yell at me from downstairs its pretty hard to hear her even with no sound in the room.

That sounds like a positive, not a negative :)

[XxNightfirexX]

I was converted to a headphone lover about a year ago. For me the details are easier to pick up on vs speakers, even my surround setup doesn't sound as good to me.

Now if only someone would make a high quality headphone that has the band go behind the head instead across the top. That design is just wayyyy more comfortable for me.

[JP.MIGRAINE]

Went to use mine today and they are broke :(

[damarble]

Man this all sounds so familiar! I haven't used my Logitech 5.1's in months. Instead I use my beloved Sennheiser PC150's. Too bad I need to RMA them for the broken mic. I'm really close to picking up a new set in the $200 range because it's the only way I can listen now.

Of course, as much GTA:SA as I've been playing lately, headphones are a must! ;)

[Neuromancer]

Sweet I am going to have to get me a better pair :)

I see a lot of people like the Sennheiser and a former DJ from philly I know swears by them too. I am not willing to spend 200+ on headphones though.

Can people recommend a good ~$50 set? Microphone is not necessary, but a desktop Mic with on off switch might be cool (might be doing some part-time radio DJing again soon)

[kbanny]

I'm not somebody who recommends speakers/headphones and the like unless I've used them.So I know these are a bit out of your price range, but I'd recommend them anyways because a cheaper pair of headphones won't give you the quality that you want and that will last.There is no point in buying a pair of headphones for $30.00-$50.00 and then them breaking and having to replace them and costing you more money :P

Anyways I'd recommend http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826106328
or the ones I listed earlier I have both but I have grown quite fond of the hd 580's and use them on my computer they have quite a bit more power but do not think for a second the 280's aren't powerful, I just prefer them now but both sound amazing however the 580's required me to get a headphone amp to get the most out of them.So I use my 280's when I play my 360, since I have it hooked up to my old z-680's now.

Sennhieser has awesome support if anything goes wrong with them, your fault or thiers they will replace them for you no questions asked.

I've had my hd-280 pro's for around 4 years and had them replaced 2 times because the plastic piece on top cracked both times, as for the hd-580's I've had them for around 6 months but I've upgraded the cord and now use a PA2V2 portable headphone amp.Which I mentioned above infact I like it so much I'm getting another as a Christmas gift for a friend. Also the hd-280's replaced my klipsch 5.1's and logitech z-680's.However I now have the M audio LX4 5.1's and those do sound better than both pairs of headphones I own as far as music goes, but I still prefer headphones when gaming.

[Hey_Its_Cole]

LOL and welcome to an expensive journey, I am on AKG700s $300, and a M3 headphone amp $300. My z680s are not even hooked up anymore.

[Silversinksam]

I'm not somebody who recommends speakers/headphones and the like unless I've used them.So I know these are a bit out of your price range, but I'd recommend them anyways because a cheaper pair of headphones won't give you the quality that you want and that will last.There is no point in buying a pair of headphones for $30.00-$50.00 and then them breaking and having to replace them and costing you more money :P



I'll tell you, one doesn't have to spend a lot on a decent set of headphones, my first pair of Senheiser was Sennheiser HD500's, I paid about $50 buying them from Sennheiser directs open box which I linked to in my above post.
Even these low end Sennheiser HD500's made my Sony Professional Studio Headphones sound much inferior, I'm not into huge bass as I prefer crisp clear sound, and most Sennheisers are just great cans, even for those that love a lot of bass, they are great.
I upgraded to the Sennheiser HD595 Headphones only because I found a no reserve Ebay auction that had no bidders and I got them under $100 shipped, but I still have and use the >$50 HD500's. The best thing to do is go to an audio store and listen to the Sennheiser your thinking of buying and try them against another brand, then walk out the store, and find the Sennheiser you want to buy online for less:santa: .

[Neuromancer]

Thanks for the tip SSS

[aftermath]

I've had a fair few headphones the best thing about them is they can block out the entire world.

Out of the good ones I loved my Sony with the 3.5w 2inch drivers distortion free. Used them for 6 years till they broke. my Stantons lasted about 10 months sounded ok.
now I am on to Pioneer hdj-1000 the best I have ever used --50mm drivers and 3w (3500mw max) power per ear 5hz-30,000hz 107db/mw sound good to me and they seam very tough.

bass is important to me its nigh on impossible to sink beets with either poor definition or low levels of base.

[freakdiablo]

umm, aftermath, one question. why would someone need a 5hz-30,000hz range? humans can only hear 20hz-20,000hz. but hey, makes them sound good :)

[Neuromancer]

umm, aftermath, one question. why would someone need a 5hz-30,000hz range? humans can only hear 20hz-20,000hz. but hey, makes them sound good :)

Can you still Feel the sound beyond that range?

[AngelfireUk83]

I paied for a £10 wireless set which can go upto 100 meters its an unknown brand but the sound quality to games and music is far better. Plus you'll loose your hearing quicker with headphones that what my old d is saying there my ears not yours I say that shuts her up.

[Schalldampfer]

HD650's here. Kinda forced to do it, as I need good music and be able to play games in a dorm.

[freakdiablo]

Can you still Feel the sound beyond that range?
I doubt with headphones

[aftermath]

depending on the source and the music you can feel the base with these on your ears.

The frequency response is extreme because it allows less of fade out effect at the extremes of the range of our hearing, thats where as the speaker approaches its limit the volume decreases.
also the extreme high and lows are less likely to be distorted.

Last time I checked my range I could here from just a bit lest than 18Hz to just under 23KHz that was with a oscilloscope/wave generator at school.

It relay is because they can make them like that. Over engineering is a wounder full thing, the Brooklin bridge was over engineered and the bloke who supplied the cables ripped of the engineer/designer but because he did a good job the cables are still much more capable than would ever be required. I think its still 20% over engineered.

[hitbyaprkedcar7]

I like my logitech Z-5500's :)

[terran2k]

I've used headphones for years now...gave up speakers ever since I tried my 1st pair.

[Jsmooth65]

Ive been using the Turtle Beach HPA Surround Sound Headphones with the mic for about a year now I think. They have individual speakers for all the 5 channels + a sub in each ear. They sound pretty nice, and I've never hooked up my desktop speaker system since. High Five!

[discobiscuits]

HD650's here. Kinda forced to do it, as I need good music and be able to play games in a dorm.

i've always wanted to try those out ;) they sound amazing from what i hear, and they should considering the price :P

[Arca_ex]

I just have the HD 485's that I picked up for 75 dollars, I've been wanting some HD 595's (http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/icm_eng.nsf/root/05343) though, they look really awesome.

[prw001]

Can someone please explain the difference between the SENNHEISER 485 and 280 models? After reading this thread these are the two sets I am looking at.

As far as I can tell the 280 would be bassier, however, the input impedance is 64 ohms. So would this require me to use some sort of preamp to have enough power? I plan on using these babies mostly on my laptop.

And whats the deal with this Ear-Coupling...(Circumaural or Supra-aural)???

[Neuromancer]

And whats the deal with this Ear-Coupling...(Circumaural or Supra-aural)???

Circumaural have bigger earcups (they go Around the ear.. circumfernce...)

Supra aural means it fits on your ear. A smaller set.

(The former will block more outside noise)

[Krome]

Does anyone have the Sennheiser HD25 [NOT HD25SP]? I've been wanting to get a pair for when I DJ, but don't know how durable they are.

I HAD the HD580 by Sennheiser, and they are a dream. No good for a club enviroment though.

[-maddog-]

If you want traditional Sennheiser headphones, keep an eye on their Sennheiser direct discontinued and open box (http://shop.sennheiserusa.com/retail2002/Category.aspx?direct_catlg=Refurbished) sales at their website, I saved about $85 buying mine there. :rolleyes:


Link doesn't work.

[mils128]

Steelsound 5H V2 with USB Soundcard

[The_Abbot]

Yeah, I've got a pair of DT770's. Sounds awesome!

[Anjow]

Yeah, I've got a pair of DT770's. Sounds awesome!

I believe they're known as 'the best bass of any headphones evar'.

I've got some HD555's myself, they are truly wonderful. Excellent sound, really well rounded and very comfortable too. I have Shure E2c's for on the go.

[Slaps]

Its only begun ;). You got that $15 set...now one day youre gonna want some Sennheisers and the wow factor will go up even higher :D.

I almost fell out of my chair when i first listened to my HD205s. Soooo Nice.:beer: Sure, i can't hear my roommate when he yells to me if i want a beer, but he already know my answer.