Headphone suggestion.

[Diego Rebel]

Hi I'm looking to buy a new headphone or headset to play games and would love to get some suggestions.
My goal is to buy one that can last me more than a couple of years.

Budget: $200 - $400

Nice to have:
- mesh ear piece material (my old one used a leather like material and is just a matter of time for it to start to decay);
- wireless (not a necessity, but nice to have since I have an iPhone but don't want to buy the wireless earbuds);
- detachable cable (so it can be replaced if gets bad);
- good battery life takes priority over ANC;

PS: It doesn't need to have a microphone, because I already have a stand alone mic.

Do you have any suggestion?

[_Omega_]

Well with that budget you could get the Sony WH-1000 MX4 or MX5 and some Dekoni pads as a replacement for the stock pads  

[Diego Rebel]

3 minutes ago, _Omega_ said:

Well with that budget you could get the Sony WH-1000 MX4 or MX5 and some Dekoni pads as a replacement for the stock pads  

I was considering the Sony WH 1000 MX5 but the pads ware a sore point. That was a great suggestion to replace the pads for others

[191x7]

5 minutes ago, Diego Rebel said:

I was considering the Sony WH 1000 MX5 but the pads ware a sore point. That was a great suggestion to replace the pads for others

 

Would In-Ear Monitors also do?

 

I would strongly advise against using a wireless headset or a gaming headset if sound quality is important top you, especially channel separation, distancing, elevation, directionality in multiplayer fps/tps games. 

 

For example, those are great for gaming, among the best:

 

Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X https://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-Open-Headphones-detachable-cable/dp/B09G777VG7/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1ETX41R59IRPS&keywords=beyerdynamic+dt+900+pro&qid=1678691635&sprefix=beyerdynamic+dt+900+pro%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-3

 

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 https://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-1990-Pro-Black-Dt1990/dp/B01KM9EJ7I/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3DND36GN0SEBT&keywords=beyerdynamic+dt+1990&qid=1678691748&sprefix=beyerdynamic+dt+1990%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-3

 

Sennheiser HD 560S https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-Over-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B08J9MVB6W/ref=sr_1_2?crid=BH9HFBSP88EU&keywords=sennheiser+hd+560s&qid=1678691784&sprefix=sennheiser+hd+560s%2Caps%2C265&sr=8-2

 

A microphone for the HD 560s https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Boom-Microphone-Playstation-Controller/dp/B07W1G95PH/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2WFBSJ3VQUYYK&keywords=hd%2B598%2Bmicrophone&qid=1676981500&sprefix=hd%2B598%2Bmicrophone%2Caps%2C246&sr=8-4&th=1

 

IEM-s

 

Dunu Vulkan https://www.amazon.com/VULKAN-Advanced-Six-Driver-Monitor-Earphone/dp/B0B51JYJJ3?crid=1F537Z8T9TPZY&keywords=dunu%2Bvulkan&qid=1657501786&sprefix=dunu%2Bvulkan,aps,62&sr=8-1&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=fresh018-20&linkId=2e3a4a70434e59edd4d52e924a224d34&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

 

Raptgoo Hook X https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-Hook-X-Diaphragm-Detachable-Audiophile/dp/B09X34VQML/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1Q9BK8LPKENYM&keywords=Raptgo+Hook+X&qid=1678691981&sprefix=raptgo+hook+x%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-3

 

Moondrop Blessing 2 https://www.amazon.com/Moondrop-Blessing2-Technology-Monitor-Earphone/dp/B0836C6LQ8/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3N7OGSBE4A68Y&keywords=dunu+Falcon+Pro&qid=1678692031&sprefix=dunu+falcon+pro%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-3

 

Truthear Zero https://www.amazon.com/Fanmusic-TRUTHEAR-Crinacle-Earphone-Dynamic/dp/B0B7DS1QHZ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Truthear+x+Crin+Zero&qid=1678692074&sr=8-3

 

QKZ x HBB https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-QKZ-HBB-Titanium-Coated-Silver-Plated/dp/B0BDDZVV1F/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3UQH7V19TDTR0&keywords=QKZ+x+HBB&qid=1678692133&sprefix=qkz+x+hbb%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-3

 

And you can combine headphones + IEM.

 

Also, a cheap AMP&DAC would also help any of the mentioned, a vast improveent over onboard audio.

For example, the truthear Shio https://www.amazon.com/Fanmusic-Truthear-SHIO-Amplifier-Single-Ended/dp/B0BRSQFYM1/ref=sr_1_2?crid=X3NB7TOS5ZJ1&keywords=truthear+shio&qid=1678692200&sprefix=truthear+shio%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-2

[Diego Rebel]

11 minutes ago, 191x7 said:

Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X https://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-Open-Headphones-detachable-cable/dp/B09G777VG7/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1ETX41R59IRPS&keywords=beyerdynamic+dt+900+pro&qid=1678691635&sprefix=beyerdynamic+dt+900+pro%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-3

Loved this one! Nice price, amazing design and high quality. My only fear was this disclaimer:

"Note: Products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US. Outlets and voltage differ internationally and this product may require an adapter or converter for use in your destination. Please check compatibility before purchasing."

Right now I'm residing in Portugal!

[CTR640]

47 minutes ago, Diego Rebel said:

Loved this one! Nice price, amazing design and high quality. My only fear was this disclaimer:

"Note: Products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US. Outlets and voltage differ internationally and this product may require an adapter or converter for use in your destination. Please check compatibility before purchasing."

Right now I'm residing in Portugal!

I don't think you should worry about that because Beyerdynamic is an EU company. Check out europe.beyerdynamic.com 

 

And I think regarding the US plugs, they mean the EU socket plug, or wall plug. And we EU got the 220-240V and the US 110V.

[191x7]

1 hour ago, Diego Rebel said:

Loved this one! Nice price, amazing design and high quality. My only fear was this disclaimer:

"Note: Products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US. Outlets and voltage differ internationally and this product may require an adapter or converter for use in your destination. Please check compatibility before purchasing."

Right now I'm residing in Portugal!

A headphone does not connect to the wall socket power. The 3.5mm plug is standard.

[Diego Rebel]

2 hours ago, 191x7 said:

A headphone does not connect to the wall socket power. The 3.5mm plug is standard.

Yeah, I know. But as far as I understand, there are headphones that require amp's to deliver the full performance. This one looks like doesn't require, but if used, gain better sound quality.

[191x7]

4 hours ago, Diego Rebel said:

Yeah, I know. But as far as I understand, there are headphones that require amp's to deliver the full performance. This one looks like doesn't require, but if used, gain better sound quality.

Right. And you can use any AMP&DAC you want. I mentioned the truthear Shio and linked the US Amazon.

 

For example I have the AkLiam PD4 that I got from AliExpress. Those small things are amazing.

[Psittac]

A good pair of headphones can have the pads replaced

 

Of the headphones I have that don't really want an amp or dac I can recommend (also include removable cable and pads unless noted)

 

Phillips Fidelio X3 (warm sounding open sound excellent imaging)

Harmonic Dyne Zeus (open sound stage amazing imaging beryllium drivers, only downside is the weight and clamping force don't come together real well so if you look up or down to far they slide)

Rode NTH-100 (Sound great on any source but has a controversy about latching mechanism breaking, mine took a lot of force to break.  Non-replaceable earpads but cable is detachable.  For the price you can buy 2-3 of them for your max budget)

 

Of the headphones I don't have but have enough knowledge and/or experience with

Beyerdynamic DT-770/990 (probably 80 ohm depending on built in sound solution, no detachable cable but parts are sold online for them)

Beyerdynamic DT-900x/700x

Beyerdynamic Tygr

Blon B-50 (closed back)

Sennheiser (excellent company but I only have the 6xx which must have a good chain behind it and I'm unfamiliar with other products from them)

 

One thing to seriously avoid however is anything with a mic that shares a ground with the headphones.  This can easily provide feedback of what you're listening to into the mic.

 

Headphones over 80ohm can be driven and sound good with the right onboard solution but I have side by side tested this theory on a few headphones and a good dac/amp can pull out tighter bass and cleaner mids and treble.

 

11 hours ago, Diego Rebel said:

Loved this one! Nice price, amazing design and high quality. My only fear was this disclaimer:

"Note: Products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US. Outlets and voltage differ internationally and this product may require an adapter or converter for use in your destination. Please check compatibility before purchasing."

Right now I'm residing in Portugal!

This headphone does not require an amp and dac, it's only 48ohm

[Diego Rebel]

Thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it

I decided to go with the DT 770 and buy a deck/amp later
I went with the closed back because as far as some reviews go, the difference between the 770X and the 900X is minimal and this way I won't leak sound.

[191x7]

5 minutes ago, Diego Rebel said:

Thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it

I decided to go with the DT 770 and buy a deck/amp later
I went with the closed back because as far as some reviews go, the difference between the 770X and the 900X is minimal and this way I won't leak sound.

And you did choose poorly. Should have asked here. Not the worst choice, but there are way better cans out there, even for a cheaper price.

• AKG K361
• AKG K371
• Audio Technica M40x
• Blon B50

I don't know who told you the 770 sounds like a 900X but that's false.The 770 has boosted treble and, for gaming, a way narrower soundstage.

 

 

 

 

 

[Diego Rebel]

1 hour ago, 191x7 said:

And you did choose poorly. Should have asked here. Not the worst choice, but there are way better cans out there, even for a cheaper price.

• AKG K361
• AKG K371
• Audio Technica M40x
• Blon B50

I don't know who told you the 770 sounds like a 900X but that's false.The 770 has boosted treble and, for gaming, a way narrower soundstage.

Ohh, so the DT 900X is better, ok! I will change to that one!

The others may be cheaper, but they don't have some of the nice to haves that I pointed out.

[191x7]

6 minutes ago, Diego Rebel said:

Ohh, so the DT 900X is better, ok! I will change to that one!

The others may be cheaper, but they don't have some of the nice to haves that I pointed out.

The thing is, the Open Back headphones are usually better for gaming.

The only reason to use closed back is to prevent audio bleed from the headphones out but also to block outside noise better, like if you're gaming in a living room with other people doing other stuff in the same room as you. Or being in a noisy enviroment.

 

I still believe you should get one of the IEM-s too. To prevent "gamer hair" and similar stuff the large headphones can cause.

Or just to change stuff up from time to time.

[Diego Rebel]

I understand, your advice's are really good. But my goal is to have one simple solution, that works well, that I like and can last a while. IEM-s is a complicated thing for me to invest, because comfort takes a huge part on the overall experience. I'm not sure I would adapt.

In the future I can invest some more to improve my experience. But this will be a huge improvement over my current headphones.

And the "gamer hair" isn't a problem, I barely have "hair"

[191x7]

3 minutes ago, Diego Rebel said:

I understand, your advice's are really good. But my goal is to have one simple solution, that works well, that I like and can last a while. IEM-s is a complicated thing for me to invest, because comfort takes a huge part on the overall experience. I'm not sure I would adapt.

And the "gamer hair" isn't a problem, I barely have "hair"

Well, some of the IEM-s I mantioned are in the 15-50€ range, that shouldn't be an issue to get just to try and see how you like it.

For example the QKZ x HBB or the 7Hz Salnotes Zero.

 

Feel free to ask any questions.

 

Out of the IEM-s I have: Truthear Crinacle Zero, KZ Zex Pro Crn, QKZ x HBB, Moondrop Chu, 7HZ Salnotes Zero, Moondrop Quarks DSP, Brainwavz Omega

Headphones: Sennheiser HD 560S as the main + a few others (irrelevant for this discussion)

 

And my AMP&DAC is an Akliam PD4 that I oredered from AliExpress a month ago. It's about 60€ + value added tax.

Sounds way better (stronger) than my previous Asus Xonar U5 external soundcard and all the onboard soundcareds and USB dac-s I've used.