Looking for Headphone recommendations

eZGraviity · July 25, 2023

Hello - So I currently run a pair of Alienware AW510H headphones which I have really enjoyed. However, I'm looking to upgrade my audio setup a bit and am looking to get a new pair of headphones while I'm at it. Since I play mostly FPS games such as Warzone 2.0, the "Immersive Audio" feature, which I believe is just Alienware speak for Spatial or 3D audio is a real game changer. I definitely want to make sure my next pair of headphones can match or exceed the AW510H performance on that front. Will any headset with Virtual 7.1 work to serve that purpose? Looking for suggestions here...

eZGraviity · July 25, 2023

Just now, eZGraviity said:

Hello - So I currently run a pair of Alienware AW510H headphones which I have really enjoyed. However, I'm looking to upgrade my audio setup a bit and am looking to get a new pair of headphones while I'm at it. Since I play mostly FPS games such as Warzone 2.0, the "Immersive Audio" feature, which I believe is just Alienware speak for Spatial or 3D audio is a real game changer. I definitely want to make sure my next pair of headphones can match or exceed the AW510H performance on that front. Will any headset with Virtual 7.1 work to serve that purpose? Looking for suggestions here...

PS, not looking for outrageously priced headphones, but I'm prepared to splurge a bit and get something nice...

dizmo · July 25, 2023

You've really got to give a budget for anything audio related as the prices can quickly escalate.

191x7 · July 25, 2023

Sennheiser HD 560S.

Psittac · July 25, 2023

Typically 7.1 is frowned upon for a few reasons. One being that .1 is impossible because that's for a subwoofer and the 7 should be 6 because a center channel is again impossible. So they should be 6.0 headphones, but that's all just semantics really. My personal objection to them and why I have never bought them, other than skipping headsets for the most part, is due to the logic that 6 drivers in a headset aren't going to be as good of quality as 2 drivers. Not to mention that most games aren't programmed with actual surround sound in mind so you're just getting some kind of witch craft trying to fake surround. Granted I've never even listened to them but I don't like the idea on principle.

"Audiophile" grade headphones have certain characteristics which cut out the middle man and IMHO will give a better gaming experience. Thing's like soundstage which allows the sound to appear as if it is coming from further away or closer or anywhere in-between, almost like speakers. Imaging which allows you to pinpoint the direction a stereo sound is coming from. Stereo separation which helps define left vs right. And in general provides a better quality sound.

I will admit that certain headsets may provide a sound signature tuned for gaming, however that's the only thing they are good for, so I prefer headphones that are good for music.

So far as budget goes, the bang for the buck range is $100-150 but the sky is the limit. I have headphones ranging from $15-700 and each of them provides something unique.

You need to pick a budget and decide a couple things. Do you want that budget to include a dac and amp? Do you want to bother with a dac/amp? Open or closed back? What kind of music do you listen to? Where on this blue marble are you located? Also do you have any special concerns like a big head, wear glasses, want a good clamping force to be able to look up and down regularly. Do you need an included mic? Do you want a bass heavy headphone, a warm headphone, a bright (treble heavy) headphone or an accurate headphone? Is this going to be a hobby or one and done?