View Full Version : Need good gaming headphones/headset
Hey guys. I've already read some of the threads here and AVSForums for gaming headphones, but I'd like to explain my situation.
Some background:
First and foremost, I want headphones purely for gaming as the priority. The games I play are all Valve, HL2, TF2, and now all I play is L4D and L4D2. I use my Creative Z-5500s for music 95% of the time and I'm sure gaming headphones will do music fine in case I go that route.
The cans I have now are the Razer Barracuda HP-1s (http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-audio/razer-barracuda-hp1/) and although some of you may laugh at me, it served very well for gaming. The problem became that since my ears are so tiny, they fall inside the cans and the hard part pushes on my ears. After about 45-60min of gaming, my ears start to KILL. I can't take it anymore. I need cans that will be comfortable.
I'm using an X-Fi Fatal1ty (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102189) card (onboard 64mb RAM) with the front panel. I also bought another X-Fi, the Elite Pro (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102015) because I was thinking that the front panel is annoying as I can't shut my computer tower's door.
I was told that CMSS 3D works very well, and I don't need true 5.1 headphones if I use CMSS.
I once used the Steel Series SteelSound 5H V2 Headset (http://www.amazon.com/Steel-SteelSound-5H-Headset-20065/dp/B000IC0VYA) but I stupidly sold it for $60 when I bought my Razers. I regret that and feel dumb paying $100 to buy them again now.
Anyway, with either of those cards I mentioned above (whichever you recommend), what would be my best bet for gaming headphones? I'd like to keep the price below $100 if possible. Amazon seems to have some nice prices on ones I've scoped out:
Medusa 5.1 ProGamer headphones (didn't find a link)
Sennheiser HD-280 Professional Headphones (http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-280-Pro-Professional/dp/B000065BPB/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) $80 shipped @ Amazon (I have amazon prime)
Sennheiser EH-150 Evolution Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones (http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-EH-150-Evolution-Stereo-Headphones/dp/B00067OF80/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) $40 shipped @ Amazon
Sennheiser HD 202 Headphones (http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-202-Headphones/dp/B000065BP9/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1258595682&sr=1-1) $22 shipped @ Amazon
Sennheiser HD-555 Audiophile Headphones (http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD555-HD-555-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B0001FTVDQ) $85 shipped @ Amazon
Sony MDR-V600 Studio Monitor Series Headphones with Circum-Aural Earcup Design (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-V600-Monitor-Headphones-Circum-Aural/dp/B00001W0DI)
Audio Technica ATH-AD700 Open-air Dynamic Audiophile Headphones with 53mm Drivers with Neodymium Magnet Systems (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826402014) $100 shipped @ NewEgg
Grado Prestige Series SR80i Stereo Headphone (http://www.amazon.com/Grado-Prestige-SR80i-Stereo-Headphone/dp/B000G3LCQC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1257975761&sr=1-1) $99 shipped @ amazon
Grado Prestige Series SR-60i Padded Headphones (http://www.amazon.com/Grado-Prestige-SR-60i-Padded-Headphones/dp/B0006DPMU4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1257975761&sr=1-2) $79 shipped @ amazon
Koss UR40 Collapsible Over-Ear Headphones (http://www.amazon.com/Koss-UR40-Collapsible-Over-Ear-Headphones/dp/B00006JILE) $31.67 shipped @ Amazon
Wow only $23.99 shipped from overstock here (http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Koss-UR40-Collapsible-Over-ear-Headphones/4142127/product.html)!!
I'm open to anything else you have to offer. I devoted just over an hour, so I don't know all of my options.
I can either go with 5.1 headphones since my sound card would support 3 analog outputs, I can use the front headphone output on one of my X-Fi cards, or I can use the headphone output on my Z-5500 system. I'd also like to know which is the best method as far as line output(s). If I go with a pair of headphones, I'll need a mic too.
I thank you for any support you can provide. :)
Anyone? I love my current headphones, but my ears are too small and need a new style.
Marshmallow64
11-19-09, 01:19 PM
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=HS-SHPC350
I have a pair of these, good fit for big or small ears with mic, super comfy.
I actually had looked at those, and although they look awesome they are out of my budget.
I feel like I could just use my own mic and get one of the high-end Sennheiser headphones and save me money... maybe the HD555 or the HD280 pro... just not sure which of those 2 is better. Too bad I can't sample all of these headphones.
AD700s every time.
Pros
- Extremely detailed soundstage (great for gaming)
- Really easy to drive (no amp required
- Really cheap for what you are getting
- sound great with most types of music
- Ultra-comfortable
Cons
- Maybe slightly garish looking, but who cares ?
- Bass is very controlled. Not for bass-heads
- Lack of isolation, again who cares ?
AD700s every time.
Pros
- Extremely detailed soundstage (great for gaming)
- Really easy to drive (no amp required
- Really cheap for what you are getting
- sound great with most types of music
- Ultra-comfortable
Cons
- Maybe slightly garish looking, but who cares ?
- Bass is very controlled. Not for bass-heads
- Lack of isolation, again who cares ?
Come to think of it, they look EXTREMELY comfy!! I really need comfy headphones...
How do they compare to these:
http://www.amazon.com/Closed-back-audiophile-headphones-neodymium-connector/dp/B000E9VKUQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1258661136&sr=8-3
four4875
11-19-09, 03:38 PM
g0dM@n, I dont have any advice to offer, just wanted to compliment you on your post. You save the reader TONS of googling, which is pretty awesome I think.
also, I was wondering if you feel that the 5.1 headphones actually sound like surround, as if the sound is behind you as with real speakers. I've considered them for gaming, just never wanted to gamble the money.
another thought, have you considered modding the pads on them to make them fit more comfortably? I was reading about my koss ur-40s on head-fi and saw people mention adding some foam between the pad and the can, to keep it from hitting their ears. here's a link: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/1705202-post1.html
edit: I just decided to try it on mine to se how it felt, and it does feel roomier in there. I guess it just never bothered me that my ears were touching the inside of the cans. the foam pieces have been out of my cans for quite a while, just never decided to try it, actually never looked that closely at the pics of how he did it till I went and found the thread again.
and if anyone has compared the audio technica a700 to the ad700, what's the difference in sound quality? I'm torn between wanting closed to keep my sound in for the other people who live with me, but I like being able to hear while wearing the phones with the music/game turned down. I've been considering asking santa for a new set of cans, and the ATs look nice just not sure between the closed and open. Looking at the thread again I just realised that g0dm@n asked basically the same thing
sorry for the multi part threadjack
FWIR, the A700 is very similar, but has a smaller soundstage and more pronounced bass (both due to the fact that they are Closed headphones).
Sound quality, the AD700s win every time. They are so open and "airy" which really makes classical and acoustic music sound good.
Comfort wise, they are about the same (the same being like wearing two velvet cushions playing sweet sweet music around your ears :p)
What sort of music do you both listen to ?
four4875
11-19-09, 04:01 PM
I listen to stuff ranging from the grateful dead to the crystal method to devildriver. just not much (0.1% or less) country and modern pop. Rigth now listening to The Prodigy 's Invaders Must Die album. Also, I do like it loud, but cant stand distortion when loud. I equalize my music as flat as I can on a sine sweep / tone generator, only by ear tho caus i cant afford a good spectrum analyzer (well.. cant afford an SA at all)
since im not familiar with the meaning of the term.. soundstage is like.. how far apart the speakers sound? like how headphones sound like they're inside of your head, as opposed to speakers sounding like they're coming from both sides? making sure I've got the right idea of what you're talking about
I would then suggest the A700's quite a bit better for bass. (I see you mention head-fi, always check there before buying any headphones. Just search the forums for A700).
Ok soundstage.
Picture a cube in front of your head. In this cube, there is sound. Outside the cube there is nothing.
Soundstage is this box.
The dimensions of this box change, sometimes dramatically, with different headphones.
It can be described as wide i.e imagine yourself at the very front of a stage with the players of an orchestra spread out across the whole stage. It can be described as narrow, which is a bad thing, as it makes the sound appear to be coming from one fixed point, which it obviously isn't.It can be described as detailed or muddy. That is to say with a detailed soundstage, you can hear every instrument being played and where exactly it is being played from. And vice versa for muddy, it just sounds like one big mass of noise.
Most "cheap" headphones have a soundstage which is a very small box, right in front of your eyes. It just sounds like all of the music is coming from a single fixed point.
The AD700s have a wide and detailed soundstage. For example, I am currently listening to Freddie Freeloader by Miles Davies. It sounds as if I am sat in front of the band, who are playing the song. If I close my eyes I can see them all playing, the piano and sax on the left and the drums and bass on the right. And of course, Miles in the middle.
And after all, any audio playback device's job is to reproduce music. With the AD700's you will feel like you are sitting in the front row of any concert, whether it be rock or classical.
Obviously, this all depends a lot on the recording, but generally all recordings use this effect to there advantage.
hajalie24
11-19-09, 04:23 PM
I have the hd555, i can tell where most things are and they don't really hurt after a couple hours of gaming.
I have the hd555, i can tell where most things are and they don't really hurt after a couple hours of gaming.
Still contemplating those... why did you choose those over the HD280 pros?AD700s every time.
Pros
- Extremely detailed soundstage (great for gaming)
- Really easy to drive (no amp required
- Really cheap for what you are getting
- sound great with most types of music
- Ultra-comfortable
Cons
- Maybe slightly garish looking, but who cares ?
- Bass is very controlled. Not for bass-heads
- Lack of isolation, again who cares ?
Okay, so the only real CON I've read is the lack of bass.
Well, I'm having a change of heart and wondering that perhaps I should listen to my music with my headphones... and 75% of what I listen to is metal and heavy metal. 20% would be house (or hard techno), and 5% of old hip-hop, rock, etc... heck sometimes I'll listen to only metal for a few weeks straight.
Are these going to prove well for metal, or should I continue using my Z-5500 5.1 system.
g0dM@n, I dont have any advice to offer, just wanted to compliment you on your post. You save the reader TONS of googling, which is pretty awesome I think.
also, I was wondering if you feel that the 5.1 headphones actually sound like surround, as if the sound is behind you as with real speakers. I've considered them for gaming, just never wanted to gamble the money.
another thought, have you considered modding the pads on them to make them fit more comfortably? I was reading about my koss ur-40s on head-fi and saw people mention adding some foam between the pad and the can, to keep it from hitting their ears. here's a link: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/1705202-post1.html
edit: I just decided to try it on mine to se how it felt, and it does feel roomier in there. I guess it just never bothered me that my ears were touching the inside of the cans. the foam pieces have been out of my cans for quite a while, just never decided to try it, actually never looked that closely at the pics of how he did it till I went and found the thread again.
and if anyone has compared the audio technica a700 to the ad700, what's the difference in sound quality? I'm torn between wanting closed to keep my sound in for the other people who live with me, but I like being able to hear while wearing the phones with the music/game turned down. I've been considering asking santa for a new set of cans, and the ATs look nice just not sure between the closed and open. Looking at the thread again I just realised that g0dm@n asked basically the same thing
sorry for the multi part threadjack
Dude, the 5.1 headphones really do 5.1... I don't have much to complain about it. I hear a ton of stuff, and where it's coming from. It really works... the only problem is the REAR doesn't have a woofer I don't think... the woofers are for the front and center channels, but hey you can't expect 5 woofers in a pair of headphones... probably not easy to do and if it was done I'm sure they are expensive.
The only gripe about the Razers for me that is a real CON that makes me want other headphones is solely the comfort department. If I can figure that out and fix it, I won't waste my money elsewhere... If I had a good salary and wasn't struggling right now, I wouldn't think twice about just buying a new pair of headphones... I would just do it and move on.
so... I'm not really understanding what this dude did... he jammed the foam inside the circular part, or what? Did he replace the old foam? Where did he get the foam? Sorry... didn't really understand what he did as his instructions aren't complete IMO.
P.S. I added the Koss UR-40s to the list...
four4875
11-20-09, 12:53 AM
the foam he used came from inside the headphones, basically acts as a baffle. im not sure how common it is, but on these theres like a lip under the pad against the plastic, like if you hook your finger around the pad... I guess he just stuffed it in there, that's what I did. thinking about it, it seems like anything would work, at least to try it. like some rolled up TP or tissues or somethin.
Gresyth
11-20-09, 01:03 AM
I love my wireless headset http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104227 sounds great and real handy for sneaking out for a smoke break during raids.:thup:
the foam he used came from inside the headphones, basically acts as a baffle. im not sure how common it is, but on these theres like a lip under the pad against the plastic, like if you hook your finger around the pad... I guess he just stuffed it in there, that's what I did. thinking about it, it seems like anything would work, at least to try it. like some rolled up TP or tissues or somethin.
My cups won't open up... afraid it may mess it up if I open it up. :(
I love my wireless headset http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104227 sounds great and real handy for sneaking out for a smoke break during raids.:thup:
While wireless would be awesome, I know I will regret it for certain reasons... plus I want to utilize my X-Fi and not use a USB-interface. Thanks, though! :)
see my reply on head-fi.
I'd say Senn HD555 or Shure SRH440, despite the 440s graph showing weak bass many people have commented on how clean and crisp it is.
Also: Zalman mic is what I use and it was something like $12.
The shure does look nice and is not a bad price:
http://www.amazon.com/Shure-Professional-Studio-Headphones-Black/dp/B002DP1FTU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1258707989&sr=8-1
Thanks for your posts over at head-fi... you rock!! :)
fldrice
11-20-09, 01:10 PM
The AD700 will work the best for gaming. Just get a clip on mic if you need one. Although the Shures have decent soundstage for a closed can, the AD700 will still be better. Many of the deficiencies of the AD700 can be addressed with a bit of modding.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f4/ath-ad700-ad900-mods-448567/ The SRH440 and SRH840 are great headphones if you want closed cans, but neither would be my first choice for gaming.
MadMan007
11-20-09, 01:23 PM
Here's the #1 piece of advice when it comes to audio stuff since everyone has different hearing and different preferences: Buy from a place with a liberal and fair return policy (no restock fee or a nice trial period.) Amazon certainly qualifies there as do some other places. Or buy used at a fair price so you can resell if you aren't happy.
Here's the #1 piece of advice when it comes to audio stuff since everyone has different hearing and different preferences: Buy from a place with a liberal and fair return policy (no restock fee or a nice trial period.) Amazon certainly qualifies there as do some other places. Or buy used at a fair price so you can resell if you aren't happy.
Good call. Perhaps I'll go with the AD700... unfortunately, it's not sold by Amazon directly, which is my preferred way to shop (next to newegg). I have Amazon dollars that I have to spend by the end of the year which is why I really wanted to go with Amazon...
*EDIT*
FINALLY!!! Amazon has it in stock from amazon.com... just the past few days it was sold by someone else... oh boy... I may have to do it!!
Aynjell
11-20-09, 02:25 PM
Good call. Perhaps I'll go with the AD700... unfortunately, it's not sold by Amazon directly, which is my preferred way to shop (next to newegg). I have Amazon dollars that I have to spend by the end of the year which is why I really wanted to go with Amazon...
*EDIT*
FINALLY!!! Amazon has it in stock from amazon.com... just the past few days it was sold by someone else... oh boy... I may have to do it!!
Hey, coming from razers, sr60i will be very similar to sr80i. You'd be served equally well by both.
Get the V6 over V600. Better construction, and great sound.
Everyone loves AD700. Buying from beach camera who sells them will be just fine. I got my refurbed through them. Also newegg has them for 99.99, if you want a direct retailer. I'd buy from amazon for the 5$ of mp3's. It's a nice bonus to the already cheaper price.
Direct from amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD700-Audiophile-Headphones-Neodymium/dp/B000CMS0XU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1258744998&sr=8-1
6$ cheaper than the egg, and comes with 5$ in mp3 downloads. They have a good selection so it's worth it for this reason alone. :)
Hey, coming from razers, sr60i will be very similar to sr80i. You'd be served equally well by both.
Get the V6 over V600. Better construction, and great sound.
Everyone loves AD700. Buying from beach camera who sells them will be just fine. I got my refurbed through them. Also newegg has them for 99.99, if you want a direct retailer. I'd buy from amazon for the 5$ of mp3's. It's a nice bonus to the already cheaper price.
Direct from amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD700-Audiophile-Headphones-Neodymium/dp/B000CMS0XU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1258744998&sr=8-1
6$ cheaper than the egg, and comes with 5$ in mp3 downloads. They have a good selection so it's worth it for this reason alone. :)
Funny you mention this cuz I just paid for the AD700 @ amazon. :)
It seems like people have recommended this for gaming, which is my primary importance.
It was $93.77 at amazon, estimate arrival Tues the 25th with my 2-day amazon prime shipping.
Aynjell
11-20-09, 02:30 PM
Funny you mention this cuz I just paid for the AD700 @ amazon. :)
It seems like people have recommended this for gaming, which is my primary importance.
It was $93.77 at amazon, estimate arrival Tues the 25th with my 2-day amazon prime shipping.
Let me know what you think of it, G0dM@n. Lately I'm gaming with my SR325i. The sound is almost exactly with the big bagel pads as the ATH-AD700. But I can always put stock pads on and rock out. :)
echopapa
11-20-09, 03:27 PM
I just ordered the AD700 phones and a X-FI xtreme gamer soundcard to go along with it. Cant wait to not be stabbed in the back on Modern Warfare 2 anymore! lol =)
Amazon seems to have a bit slower shipping than Newegg though.
I just ordered the AD700 phones and a X-FI xtreme gamer soundcard to go along with it. Cant wait to not be stabbed in the back on Modern Warfare 2 anymore! lol =)
Amazon seems to have a bit slower shipping than Newegg though.
I went with Amazon because I had amazon dollars to spend... that was the main reason.
Which X-Fi exactly did you purchase?
echopapa
11-20-09, 05:15 PM
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J1F1BI/ref=oss_T15_product
is the one i got. I'll let you know how it works.
echopapa
11-25-09, 12:06 PM
Just got my AD700's in and theyre AMAZING. The sound quality is like no other headphone ive ever put on. Theyre soooooo comfortable. I feel like im just wearing pillows on my ears. The headset is very big though. You'd have to have a head the size of Shrek to fill these things out! lol
I definitely recommend these headphones though.
Just got my AD700's in and theyre AMAZING. The sound quality is like no other headphone ive ever put on. Theyre soooooo comfortable. I feel like im just wearing pillows on my ears. The headset is very big though. You'd have to have a head the size of Shrek to fill these things out! lol
I definitely recommend these headphones though.
I'm glad you like them :)
Welcome to the club !
Aynjell
11-25-09, 02:20 PM
I'm glad you like them :)
Welcome to the club !
Next step: SR325i with G Cushions. Imagine the ATH-AD700 sound, but a bit more bass (just a bit) and perfectly smooth presentation. Perhaps a bit less headstage than the ath's... I still don't particuarly feel the headstage like some people, I just know grado's are bad at it while ath's are good at it, so I'm just quoting others on that part.
My headphones are supposed to come in today. With my luck, I'll be gone for the week before they come in... :(
Next step: SR325i with G Cushions. Imagine the ATH-AD700 sound, but a bit more bass (just a bit) and perfectly smooth presentation. Perhaps a bit less headstage than the ath's... I still don't particuarly feel the headstage like some people, I just know grado's are bad at it while ath's are good at it, so I'm just quoting others on that part.
G Cushions ?
I think my next step is either going to be HD 650's or Heaphile modded SR225s that I heard at a head-fi meet.
MadMan007
11-25-09, 04:22 PM
Yeah Aynjell made up his own name for the various Grado pads apparently. I've yelled at him for it on head-fi but he seems to still use the terms when no one else does, ever. :p
Yeah Aynjell made up his own name for the various Grado pads apparently. I've yelled at him for it on head-fi but he seems to still use the terms when no one else does, ever. :p
LOL... well, at least he's persistent!!!
Aynjell
11-25-09, 05:22 PM
Yeah Aynjell made up his own name for the various Grado pads apparently. I've yelled at him for it on head-fi but he seems to still use the terms when no one else does, ever. :p
They're the OFFICIAL names of the product. :clap:
http://www.jazzloft.com/p-49436-grado-replacement-cushions-g.aspx
See specifically:
i-Cushion iGrado
S-Cushion (small) SR60i, SR80i, SR125i, SR60 "Comfies"
L-Cushion (large) SR225i, SR325i, RS2i, RS1i, SR80, SR125, RS2, RS1 "Bowls"
G-Cushion (G-series) GS1000i, PS1000, GS1000 "Bagels"
Keep in mind this is what ships stock, it is not a compatibility list. You can swap all pads freely. G cush fits perfectly on all grado headphones. When I ordered my headphones, they used these names also, at a local store (near my home). It's the official internal names.
I don't use the head-fi names for stuff, I use the real names, unless I feel it applies particularly well. Personally, Bagels just sounds stupid.
Most of this I posted at head-fi... but still wanted to post here:
UPS just dropped off the headphones... I ripped the UPS box open so fast... like a teenage boy about to get laid for the 1st time. :)
I popped in the headphones into the front headphone port on my x-fi fatality front panel... and my God I've never witnessed audio quality ever before. You guys really are putting a future dent in my pocket... I'll never forget when I first got into overclocking... heck, even yrs after overclocking I was at one point spending about a grand a month for a few months.
Anyway, now I don't have much money, but I'm going to put these to great use!!
I could actually hear the crescendo!!!
One thing I don't know how to do is use the EQ, Bass EQ, CMSS, EAX, etc... want to tweak a setting for gaming and one for music.
Aynjell
11-25-09, 06:08 PM
Most of this I posted at head-fi... but still wanted to post here:
One thing I don't know how to do is use the EQ, Bass EQ, CMSS, EAX, etc... want to tweak a setting for gaming and one for music.
Disable all of it for music, for games, utilize CMSS-3D and EAX.
G Cushions ?
I think my next step is either going to be HD 650's or Heaphile modded SR225s that I heard at a head-fi meet.
Go with HD600 instead of HD650. A bit brighter, more balanced. The 650s are darker a bit heavier sound. I've heard both back to back on my rig and I stuck with my HD600s.
I have no opinion on the Grados. I can't stand the fit so I don't even listen to them :o
Btw, godman, if it's not to inconvenient try the plug directly on the card. You might get even better quality from that. Breakout boxes like your front panel tend to have exceedingly cheap parts in them which could affect your sound.
Btw, godman, if it's not to inconvenient try the plug directly on the card. You might get even better quality from that. Breakout boxes like your front panel tend to have exceedingly cheap parts in them which could affect your sound.
I have the Z5500 system too... I'm wondering if I should hook up the 3 separate analog outputs of the card to the Z5500 pod (front, rear, center/sub) and then just use that Z5500 pod headphone output for my headphones...
Tough decision... but I want something simple that uses both the headphones and my audio surround system... I gotta be honest, the Z5500 system is REALLY SWEET... I've had it for a few yrs and man it really was worth every penny.
As much as you love your Z5500 I am 100% sure it will sound better directly from your card than it will from your Z5500s pod. I had to guess with your break out box since I don't know what quality it is, but computer speaker pods are absolute junk.
On another topic... I used to have a fairly elaborate desktop speaker setup (basically a full-on HT setup). I bought my headphone gear and used both for a while. My computer speaker stuff is now sitting in a closet collecting dust.
There is no comparison between headphones and speakers for computer use. Speakers don't have the space to present their sound well enough, especially lower frequencies. It might come as a surprise to you, but I guarantee you the first time you hear your computer's subwoofer, it is a reflection from a wall, not from the speaker itself. The reason for this is the length of a soundwave at that frequency is several feet long. People often complain of boomy computer subs and while the quality of the subs is usually part of the problem, the other part is there isn't enough space between you and the sub for the sound to develop.
Perhaps after a while you might begin to feel this and move away from using any speakers at all with your computer.
Aynjell
11-26-09, 12:48 PM
Go with HD600 instead of HD650. A bit brighter, more balanced. The 650s are darker a bit heavier sound. I've heard both back to back on my rig and I stuck with my HD600s.
I have no opinion on the Grados. I can't stand the fit so I don't even listen to them :o
I hate comfies & bowls (there I used "real" terms), but the bagels make grado's awesome for me.
IrishAssassin
11-27-09, 02:39 PM
I really want to pick up a pair of AD700 but they are the biggest pain in the ass to find in Canada. I've been bashing my head trying to find them, only place that sells them is Amazon.com, and its 99 + 20$ shipping + import fees which probably is another 40-50$.:bang head
If anyone know where to pick these up in Canada at a lower price, PM me PLEASE!
What type of pads do the AD700's have? I have a set of A500's and the plether pads rubbed on my face hair scruff too much and now its all falling apart. I don't really wana spend the money if its just going to happen again.
http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/2053/ad700pads.jpg
They are velour, not leather/pleather.
agentbad
02-28-10, 11:46 AM
Sennheiser pc151 will do everything you need for a good price, sound great, and will last you. I have dropped them, run over them, and they still work.
KonaKona
02-28-10, 01:03 PM
Sennheiser pc151 will do everything you need for a good price, sound great, and will last you. I have dropped them, run over them, and they still work.
Thread bump and a questionable recommendation? Tisk tisk.
Thread bump and a questionable recommendation? Tisk tisk.
What's your budget?
KonaKona
02-28-10, 03:51 PM
What's your budget?
Wait what? Some kind of head-fi joke? :confused:
Aynjell
02-28-10, 05:22 PM
Wait what? Some kind of head-fi joke? :confused:
I think he was reviving a dead thread with a bad recommendation. I would probably agree since it was sennheiser and NOT an hd600/650.
KonaKona
02-28-10, 05:36 PM
I think he was reviving a dead thread with a bad recommendation. I would probably agree since it was sennheiser and NOT an hd600/650.
List of good senns:
HD 650 (yop)
HD 600 (yopyop)
HD 580/595/etc (ehh barely)
HD 25-II (don't leave these out!)
HD 800 (hurrrrr)
IE7/IE8 (maybe)
List of bad senns:
Everything else
Aynjell
02-28-10, 06:26 PM
List of good senns:
HD 650 (yop)
HD 600 (yopyop)
HD 580/595/etc (ehh barely)
HD 25-II (don't leave these out!)
HD 800 (hurrrrr)
IE7/IE8 (maybe)
List of bad senns:
Everything else
I heard the HD555 this weekend and I'd add it to that list. I haven't heard HD800, or the IEMs... but everything else I would probably have to agree with.
Wait what? Some kind of head-fi joke? :confused:
Oh dude I'm sorry... you were commenting on his post. I thought you came in yourself to say that you're bumping the thread to look for a recommendation for yourself. OOPS!! Sorry... misunderstood.
Sorry to revive the thread, but since it was such a big head phones talk thread I was wondering on the general opinions of lower end headsets like the steelseries h5 v2 headset? The Senn 550 and AD700s seem to be the most recommended headsets due to their amazing sound quality but they cost around double the price of the h5 v2s, so for $50 is the h5 v2 a good deal?
I recently just got a pair for $50 due to a newegg sale and although I think the sound location is excellent when I do the X-fi sound card 3d helicopter test, I can't really tell the sounds of locations much more then I could with my 2.1 speaker setup in actual games. ( Modern warfare 2 is a tough one since most people use ninja perk in S&D games and you can't hear footsteps anyways ) Am I doing the settings wrong or something? I enable that CSMSD 3d stuff and set it to headphones when using it.
Sorry to revive the thread, but since it was such a big head phones talk thread I was wondering on the general opinions of lower end headsets like the steelseries h5 v2 headset? The Senn 550 and AD700s seem to be the most recommended headsets due to their amazing sound quality but they cost around double the price of the h5 v2s, so for $50 is the h5 v2 a good deal?
I recently just got a pair for $50 due to a newegg sale and although I think the sound location is excellent when I do the X-fi sound card 3d helicopter test, I can't really tell the sounds of locations much more then I could with my 2.1 speaker setup in actual games. ( Modern warfare 2 is a tough one since most people use ninja perk in S&D games and you can't hear footsteps anyways ) Am I doing the settings wrong or something? I enable that CSMSD 3d stuff and set it to headphones when using it.
First of all, I have to say that I've also used the Steelseries H5 V2 headset. In fact, I'm extremely upset I ever sold mine!! It was the most comfortable, non-expensive headset I ever owned. On top of that, it sounded better than the Icemat Siberia that I now use on my secondary gaming machine.
I thought about buying that $48 deal also on NewEgg, but I felt stupid knowing I only got $50 for my BLACK one last yr and would have to settle for White this time... though white does look cool. My Icemat Siberia is white. :)
I'm using the Audio-Technica AD700, and I'm not sure it's that much better than the headset you have. Everyone told me how awesome it was in general, but honestly... it's not as good as I expected AS FAR AS GAMING GOES. The sound QUALITY is awesome, but stereo headphones still don't cut it for me.
If my head wasn't so big, I'd go back to my 5.1 Razer headset. Everyone talks smack about how it isn't a good headset, but the 5.1-ness of it blows away any stereo headphones.
To use the CMSS3D, here's what I was told that needs to be done, which I have done with my AD700s:
Enable CMSS 3D for your headphones in the X-Fi control panel. Make sure you use the GAMING mode console and enable gaming mode before you start your game. Set the speaker configuration to headphone
Enable 5.1 speaker setup in your GAME - this makes perfect sense b/c you want the game to push out all 6 channels to your sound card and then have your soundcard scale it to the CMSS 3D headphone setup
See if that does the trick
If you're on Windows 7, you should be good to go. If you're on a different OS, use google and research some more b/c you might also have to alter your volume control panel in the Windows Control Panel setup. Windows 7 doesn't need this... Vista might not either, but I know I recall XP needing this... very likely Vista might need it so please research if you're not on Windows 7.
Don't get rid of your 5H v2, IN MY OPINION... it's a GREAT headset for what you paid!!!!
First of all, I have to say that I've also used the Steelseries H5 V2 headset. In fact, I'm extremely upset I ever sold mine!! It was the most comfortable, non-expensive headset I ever owned. On top of that, it sounded better than the Icemat Siberia that I now use on my secondary gaming machine.
I thought about buying that $48 deal also on NewEgg, but I felt stupid knowing I only got $50 for my BLACK one last yr and would have to settle for White this time... though white does look cool. My Icemat Siberia is white. :)
I'm using the Audio-Technica AD700, and I'm not sure it's that much better than the headset you have. Everyone told me how awesome it was in general, but honestly... it's not as good as I expected AS FAR AS GAMING GOES. The sound QUALITY is awesome, but stereo headphones still don't cut it for me.
If my head wasn't so big, I'd go back to my 5.1 Razer headset. Everyone talks smack about how it isn't a good headset, but the 5.1-ness of it blows away any stereo headphones.
To use the CMSS3D, here's what I was told that needs to be done, which I have done with my AD700s:
Enable CMSS 3D for your headphones in the X-Fi control panel. Make sure you use the GAMING mode console and enable gaming mode before you start your game. Set the speaker configuration to headphone
Enable 5.1 speaker setup in your GAME - this makes perfect sense b/c you want the game to push out all 6 channels to your sound card and then have your soundcard scale it to the CMSS 3D headphone setup
See if that does the trick
If you're on Windows 7, you should be good to go. If you're on a different OS, use google and research some more b/c you might also have to alter your volume control panel in the Windows Control Panel setup. Windows 7 doesn't need this... Vista might not either, but I know I recall XP needing this... very likely Vista might need it so please research if you're not on Windows 7.
Don't get rid of your 5H v2, IN MY OPINION... it's a GREAT headset for what you paid!!!!
wow thanks for the very detailed reply, I'm starting to find these forums are a great place for audio information when compared to other tech related forums
I'm glad to hear I didn't totally make a bad purchasing decision. It's almost like a psychological deterrant, when i hear others saying how great the AD770 sound is, it makes me think the h5 sound is terrible when i never even heard the AD770. I guess it really is more subjective then I think :P
also are most of the high quality $200+ headphones stereo? I'm guessing 5.1 would really only be good for gaming due to sound location. Though a lot of people bag on the 5.1-ness like you say, so theres really a whole bunch of mixed reviews here.
Hmmm I have CMSS 3D definitely enabled ( I love using that 3d helicopter test ) and I never switched out of gaming mode since I installed my x-fi sound card ( though how do you enable it? or is it already enabled if your in that mode ). Interesting that your recommendation is to set the audio settings in the game to 5.1 speaker setup instead of head phones though? I'll have to try that out.
Also I'm not sure I understood your 2nd to last paragraph. I'm on windows XP and noticed the control panel/sound and audio devices/ speaker settings advanced tab has there own seperate 5.1 speaker and headphones options but wasn't sure what to set this as and just assumed the X-fi control panel overided this stuff. What do I need to alter with the XP?
Also I dunno if you saw one of my other threads, but I was asking if I had disabled my onboard sound and plugged the headset through my front port green jack is my headset for sure using the sound card? Its just too much hassle to go behind my computer on the floor to switch out the speaker and headset jacks if I want to plug it into my sound card directly
KonaKona
03-04-10, 12:23 PM
wow thanks for the very detailed reply, I'm starting to find these forums are a great place for audio information when compared to other tech related forums
I'm glad to hear I didn't totally make a bad purchasing decision. It's almost like a psychological deterrant, when i hear others saying how great the AD770 sound is, it makes me think the h5 sound is terrible when i never even heard the AD770. I guess it really is more subjective then I think :P
also are most of the high quality $200+ headphones stereo? I'm guessing 5.1 would really only be good for gaming due to sound location. Though a lot of people bag on the 5.1-ness like you say, so theres really a whole bunch of mixed reviews here.
Hmmm I have CMSS 3D definitely enabled ( I love using that 3d helicopter test ) and I never switched out of gaming mode since I installed my x-fi sound card ( though how do you enable it? or is it already enabled if your in that mode ). Interesting that your recommendation is to set the audio settings in the game to 5.1 speaker setup instead of head phones though? I'll have to try that out.
Also I'm not sure I understood your 2nd to last paragraph. I'm on windows XP and noticed the control panel/sound and audio devices/ speaker settings advanced tab has there own seperate 5.1 speaker and headphones options but wasn't sure what to set this as and just assumed the X-fi control panel overided this stuff. What do I need to alter with the XP?
Also I dunno if you saw one of my other threads, but I was asking if I had disabled my onboard sound and plugged the headset through my front port green jack is my headset for sure using the sound card? Its just too much hassle to go behind my computer on the floor to switch out the speaker and headset jacks if I want to plug it into my sound card directly
The AD770s are out? I need to go do a review! ;)
I'm not sure exactly what has do be done, but by configuring I would guess he means going to properties and changing the check boxes to enable/disable some stuff.
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