Need help choosing a gaming headset and amp.

[GrimNeo]

Hello all, I am currently looking at a couple of headsets. Here are my choices so far. I am a complete newb when it comes with high end audio.

 

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 - $283.08.

Sennheiser PC 363D - $249.39.

Sennheiser G4ME ZERO BLACK - $220.15

audio-technical ATH-AG1 - $282.62

audio-technical ATH-ADG1 - $283.19

 

I was wondering if anyone had one these headsets and their experience with it. Also do I need an Amp and a sound card. Currently using the gigabyte ga-z77x ud5h onboard sound realtek alc898 with high quality 110dB SNR HD audio.

I will be all types of games action, mmorpg, fps and just looking for the headset with the best sound. I don't like Astro or Turtle beach as I have used their high end models and they produce crappy sound and don't last long. Please and thank you. I am looking at getting a headset soon as most of these are on sale. Also looking for a good Amp if I need one.

[xnoobftw]

Trust me everyone will recommend hyper x cloud. Check it out 

[Laederem]

Trust me everyone will recommend hyper x cloud. Check it out

Except nobody will because he has a budget beyond that and this isn't the peripherals subforum.

 

Also do I need an Amp and a sound card

These two (as discrete) are usually mutually exclusive of each other. The latter, I personally wouldn't recommend.

What is the most you're willing to spend?

[xnoobftw]

-

Well the way i would spend my money would be getting the best bang for the buck. (290x was my worst mistake) 

[Whorax]

I think I'm actually about to get a Sennheiser G4ME ONE and an Astro Mixamp. Someone correct me if I'm wrong (please ), but I do believe the Astro Mixamp will give me virtual surround sound and it will give the chat/game volume mixer that the Astro Mixamp comes with, which I really value.

 

Reason for getting the ONE instead of the ZERO is that I want that cloth/suede material that the ONEs come with on the ear cups as opposed to the leatherette on the ZEROs that tends to get hot after long gaming sessions.

 

I do believe this total comes out to ~$300.

[GrimNeo]

Ok, So the Quote is not working for some reason. I did check Linus video on the Kingston Hyper X cloud and while they are cheap. They are something that worries me. I just want a company that has great durability and sound. I don't want to keep buying different headsets because it broke.

@Laederem - My budget is $500. So the headset and the amp.

[xtroria]

HD600 second hand from head-fi. There's actually someone selling it on this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/746187/senn-hd600-mint

 

Magni + Modi for AMP / DAC

 

Modmic for microphone or Blue snowflake

 

Go this route and you won't need anymore upgrade, just sidegrade

[Laederem]

Ok, So the Quote is not working for some reason. I did check Linus video on the Kingston Hyper X cloud and while they are cheap. They are something that worries me. I just want a company that has great durability and sound. I don't want to keep buying different headsets because it broke.

@Laederem - My budget is $500. So the headset and the amp.

You might as well get something like an HD558 and a standalone mic. No amp needed. 

[GrimNeo]

Can a Mod Mic attach to closed headphones or just open back? The picture shows it with an open back.

[GrimNeo]

Is the Astro Mixamp Pro any good?

[Laederem]

Can a Mod Mic attach to closed headphones or just open back? The picture shows it with an open back.

 

 

Is the Astro Mixamp Pro any good?

You can attach them to open, but certain headsets it's more difficult to attach it to than others if there's limited surface area for the adhesive (e.g. AD700X)

Astro mixamp wouldn't be something I'd be interested in. Any VOIP program will already have volume controls, pretty much all except for maybe Skype will have them programmable to hotkeys. Even if not, it's not big enough of a deal to bother spending money to fix. As for any virtual surround.. the game already does that for you once you set it to stereo or headphone mode in the audio settings. Virtual surround is a gimmick (IMO) but if it's something you want to try, you can emulate it with software anyway by something like Razer surround.

Focus your money on getting a decent pair of headphones and a microphone. Low impedance and power efficient is preferable since you won't need to buy an amp to drive them

[Silent_Xaxal]

Hello all, I am currently looking at a couple of headsets. Here are my choices so far. I am a complete newb when it comes with high end audio.

 

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 - $283.08.

Sennheiser PC 363D - $249.39.

Sennheiser G4ME ZERO BLACK - $220.15

audio-technical ATH-AG1 - $282.62

audio-technical ATH-ADG1 - $283.19

 

I was wondering if anyone had one these headsets and their experience with it. Also do I need an Amp and a sound card. Currently using the gigabyte ga-z77x ud5h onboard sound realtek alc898 with high quality 110dB SNR HD audio.

I will be all types of games action, mmorpg, fps and just looking for the headset with the best sound. I don't like Astro or Turtle beach as I have used their high end models and they produce crappy sound and don't last long. Please and thank you. I am looking at getting a headset soon as most of these are on sale. Also looking for a good Amp if I need one.

 

My first question: Does it have to be a single piece headset? (As in a headset, not separate mic and headphones)

 

My Second Question: Do you have any problems with having a separate mic and Headphones?

 

My Third Question: Will you be using this on a console and PC?

 

My Fourth Question: Will you also need this to work with any non-PC devices?

[spwath]

Can a Mod Mic attach to closed headphones or just open back? The picture shows it with an open back.

either, doesnt matter

[GrimNeo]

My first question: Does it have to be a single piece headset? (As in a headset, not separate mic and headphones)

 

My Second Question: Do you have any problems with having a separate mic and Headphones?

 

My Third Question: Will you be using this on a console and PC?

 

My Fourth Question: Will you also need this to work with any non-PC devices?

1. It can be seperate.

2. Nope

3. Both console and pc but I am aware of the problems with xbox one and their controller. I'm mainly a pc gamer but will be using a monitor with no speakers so the xbox one will need sound via headset or headphones. 

4.Just the xbox one.

 

either, doesnt matter

Thank you. Is the mod mic good at picking up your voice. Sorry new to those. Im pretty sure its better quality than my current xbox live crappy headset.

 

 

 

You can attach them to open, but certain headsets it's more difficult to attach it to than others if there's limited surface area for the adhesive (e.g. AD700X)

Astro mixamp wouldn't be something I'd be interested in. Any VOIP program will already have volume controls, pretty much all except for maybe Skype will have them programmable to hotkeys. Even if not, it's not big enough of a deal to bother spending money to fix. As for any virtual surround.. the game already does that for you once you set it to stereo or headphone mode in the audio settings. Virtual surround is a gimmick (IMO) but if it's something you want to try, you can emulate it with software anyway by something like Razer surround.

Focus your money on getting a decent pair of headphones and a microphone. Low impedance and power efficient is preferable since you won't need to buy an amp to drive them

I agree with you about the so called 7.1 surround sound on these gaming headsets. From what I read any audiophile headset or headphones are better at positional sound.

[Tundral]

HD600 second hand from head-fi. There's actually someone selling it on this thread: http://www.head-fi.o...senn-hd600-mint

 

Magni + Modi for AMP / DAC

 

Modmic for microphone or Blue snowflake

 

Go this route and you won't need anymore upgrade, just sidegrade 

 

 

I'd say this route too. As the original reply says you will not need any more upgrades after this as the HD600s and the Schiit Magni+Modi (LTT video here) are audiophile grade stuff. This package would be awesome for gaming an even better for music. 

[GrimNeo]

 

I'd say this route too. As the original reply says you will not need any more upgrades after this as the HD600s and the Schiit Magni+Modi (LTT video here) are audiophile grade stuff. This package would be awesome for gaming an even better for music. 

 

Just one question. Will this setup work for xbox one. I really dont have any sound on the monitor and will I be able to use the mic with the xbox one controller adapter. I don't really play that many games on it. Will the amp and dac work as well with this?

[Tundral]

Just one question. Will this setup work for xbox one. I really dont have any sound on the monitor and will I be able to use the mic with the xbox one controller adapter. I don't really play that many games on it. Will the amp and dac work as well with this?

 

The Modi 2 uber DAC has a toslink input as well as USB (it's $50 more though) and so that will enable you to plug in your computer via USB and Xbox via Optical

[NannerBeans]

Heapphones and a modmic would be better. Sennheiser HD518, Beyerdynamic DT770/DT990, Sony MDR 1R, AKG K612 are all good options. 

[GrimNeo]

The Modi 2 uber DAC has a toslink input as well as USB (it's $50 more though) and so that will enable you to plug in your computer via USB and Xbox via Optical

Should I also get the Magni 2 Uber as well?

 

Heapphones and a modmic would be better. Sennheiser HD518, Beyerdynamic DT770/DT990, Sony MDR 1R, AKG K612 are all good options. 

Those are all really great headphones.

 

 

 

Do you guys prefer open or closed or is that a personal preference? Are they any advantages to either of them?

[NannerBeans]

Should I also get the Magni 2 Uber as well?

 

Those are all really great headphones.

 

Do you guys prefer open or closed or is that a personal preference? Are they any advantages to either of them?

Don't bother with a dac/amp. Get a good quality pair of headphones first. When you get something that is hard to drive, then an amp/dac will help but you should spend your whole budget on a headphone if you want the best sound for your money. Personally I prefer closed because I live in a noisy environment but open gives a bigger sound stage for positional accuracy. For music, it's fairly personal. I've been liking neutral sounds recently and both open and closed are able to do that. Closed usually gives better bass though. Also buying headphones used saves a lot of money. 

[creatip123]

Should I also get the Magni 2 Uber as well?

 

Those are all really great headphones.

 

 

 

Do you guys prefer open or closed or is that a personal preference? Are they any advantages to either of them?

 

If you're getting a dac/amp because your existing system/devices can't drive it loud enough, or got sound problems (noises, distortions, clippings), then yeah, that's a good reason.

 

If you're getting a dac/amp because 'many people say that aside of making the sound louder, an amp will make my headphone sound heavenly', then try this first: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/271346-midweek-crisis-different-amps-different-sounds/

[GrimNeo]

Don't bother with a dac/amp. Get a good quality pair of headphones first. When you get something that is hard to drive, then an amp/dac will help but you should spend your whole budget on a headphone if you want the best sound for your money. Personally I prefer closed because I live in a noisy environment but open gives a bigger sound stage for positional accuracy. For music, it's fairly personal. I've been liking neutral sounds recently and both open and closed are able to do that. Closed usually gives better bass though. Also buying headphones used saves a lot of money. 

Ok thank you so much. I was thinking of the these new options.

http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-650-Headphones/dp/B00018MSNI/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1418949822&sr=1-1&keywords=sennheiser+hd+650 HD 650

http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Dynamic-Professional-Stereo-Headphones/dp/B00004SY4H/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1418949958&sr=1-1&keywords=sennheiser+hd+600  HD 600

 

http://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-990-Premium-250-Ohm/dp/B00193FT26/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1418952044&sr=1-2&keywords=beyerdynamic+dt+990

32ohm, 250ohm and 600ohm but not sure the difference

 

http://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-770-PRO-80-ohms/dp/B0016MNAAI/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1418952161&sr=1-2&keywords=beyerdynamic+dt+770 DT 770 Pro different ohms

 

 

 

 

If you're getting a dac/amp because your existing system/devices can't drive it loud enough, or got sound problems (noises, distortions, clippings), then yeah, that's a good reason.

 

If you're getting a dac/amp because 'many people say that aside of making the sound louder, an amp will make my headphone sound heavenly', then try this first: http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/271346-midweek-crisis-different-amps-different-sounds/

Thank you

[ShearMe]

Ok thank you so much. I was thinking of the these new options.

http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-650-Headphones/dp/B00018MSNI/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1418949822&sr=1-1&keywords=sennheiser+hd+650 HD 650

http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Dynamic-Professional-Stereo-Headphones/dp/B00004SY4H/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1418949958&sr=1-1&keywords=sennheiser+hd+600  HD 600

 

http://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-990-Premium-250-Ohm/dp/B00193FT26/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1418952044&sr=1-2&keywords=beyerdynamic+dt+990

32ohm, 250ohm and 600ohm but not sure the difference

 

http://www.amazon.com/Beyerdynamic-770-PRO-80-ohms/dp/B0016MNAAI/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1418952161&sr=1-2&keywords=beyerdynamic+dt+770 DT 770 Pro different ohms

 

 

Beyerdynamics have a spike in the treble, Sennheisers have a drop-off. Active listeners will usually prefer the Beyerdynamic, but personally I find the treble harsh. The DT770 is the only closed-back headphone you listed, and as a result it has the deepest bass response (no drop-off like the others). The 990 will seem to have the most bass, however, as that hump before and after 100 Hz is where humans perceive bass the most/best. The 600 is the most neutral headphone, the 650 makes everything sound warm and pleasing without losing details. It's hard to find a song or piece of music that sounds bad on the 650 (haven't listened to the 600 personally, but it is more similar than different). 

[GrimNeo]

 

Beyerdynamics have a spike in the treble, Sennheisers have a drop-off. Active listeners will usually prefer the Beyerdynamic, but personally I find the treble harsh. The DT770 is the only closed-back headphone you listed, and as a result it has the deepest bass response (no drop-off like the others). The 990 will seem to have the most bass, however, as that hump before and after 100 Hz is where humans perceive bass the most/best. The 600 is the most neutral headphone, the 650 makes everything sound warm and pleasing without losing details. It's hard to find a song or piece of music that sounds bad on the 650 (haven't listened to the 600 personally, but it is more similar than different). 

Thank you for the test. The HD 650 on amazon is cheaper than the HD 600. Where is a place where I can buy the HD 650 or is it fine to buy it on Amazon. I will buy a mod mic. The headphones show 300 ohms. Do I need a dac/amp for this? I listed the sound on my mobo earlier is that ok?

[Silent_Xaxal]

Thank you for the test. The HD 650 on amazon is cheaper than the HD 600. Where is a place where I can buy the HD 650 or is it fine to buy it on Amazon. I will buy a mod mic. The headphones show 300 ohms. Do I need a dac/amp for this? I listed the sound on my mobo earlier is that ok?

 

Amazon or ebay (Verify with the seller) would be good places to look at if you want to buy below MSRP.