Desperately want to get a new Headphone + Mic/Headset

[newcster2]

Looking for help with shopping for the right audio setup.

 

Have Sennheiser PC350 headset, the padding has become so worn down that it makes a very weak seal and noise cancelling is reduced to a point that audio quality is affected.  This can only be remedied by pressing the headset tightly onto my head.  The built in microphone has also just recently started producing a high pitched whining noise at all times, and the in-line mute function hasn't worked in over a year.

 

I really want a new audio solution fast, and I'm really out of touch with what to shop for these days.  My budget is flexible, could potentially spend up to $300 for an entire setup but I'd prefer to go for a more cost-effective option.

I have looked at a few different options, from these AKG's or these Sennheiser's with a ModMic 4, to an Audio-Technica Headphones + ModMic bundle, or just another Sennheiser Headset that's nearly identical to the one I have now that feels pretty ruined after 3 years.

 

Just looking for opinions on what I'm looking at, or for any ideas about better solutions.  I'd like to buy an entry level real microphone in the future, like a Blue Yeti with a shock mount and pop filter, but that's more than I'm willing to invest in at the immediate moment.

 

Edit: I'll specify that I'm looking for headphones with better noise-cancellation and bass response than what I currently have, so I think that means I should be looking for over-ear and closed-back.  Also just asked some friends and they recommended Sennheiser HD558 or 598, but I can't seem to find the right place to buy them or a reliable price.  Also interested in possibly using a DAC like this one.

 

Edit 2: Anyone like these or the DT 770, 880 versions?

[Exprima]

I currently use V-Moda M100s with BoomPro and XL Pads and it works amazingly. The M100s are perfect for games and great for music if you like a bit of kick in bass. I will be upgrading to a much more sophisticated (and costly) setup soon tho so I'll be looking to sell my mint pair. 

[Tz000]

On 8/4/2018 at 4:44 PM, newcster2 said:

Looking for help with shopping for the right audio setup.

 

Have Sennheiser PC350 headset, the padding has become so worn down that it makes a very weak seal and noise cancelling is reduced to a point that audio quality is affected.  This can only be remedied by pressing the headset tightly onto my head.  The built in microphone has also just recently started producing a high pitched whining noise at all times, and the in-line mute function hasn't worked in over a year.

 

I really want a new audio solution fast, and I'm really out of touch with what to shop for these days.  My budget is flexible, could potentially spend up to $300 for an entire setup but I'd prefer to go for a more cost-effective option.

I have looked at a few different options, from these AKG's or these Sennheiser's with a ModMic 4, to an Audio-Technica Headphones + ModMic bundle, or just another Sennheiser Headset that's nearly identical to the one I have now that feels pretty ruined after 3 years.

 

Just looking for opinions on what I'm looking at, or for any ideas about better solutions.  I'd like to buy an entry level real microphone in the future, like a Blue Yeti with a shock mount and pop filter, but that's more than I'm willing to invest in at the immediate moment.

 

Edit: I'll specify that I'm looking for headphones with better noise-cancellation and bass response than what I currently have, so I think that means I should be looking for over-ear and closed-back.  Also just asked some friends and they recommended Sennheiser HD558 or 598, but I can't seem to find the right place to buy them or a reliable price.  Also interested in possibly using a DAC like this one.

 

Edit 2: Anyone like these or the DT 770, 880 versions?

If your looking for some more bass response and isolation then your going to want closed backs.. 

 

I own the HD6XX , HD558's & M40x w/ Pad upgrade, all are great headphones but each have a use( for me at least ).  The HD6XX are primarily for music, HD558's are for competitive CS:GO (used to be my music cans until the 6XX) and the M40's are for everyday use (youtube, smartphone, travel etc) and are my "fun" gaming headphone.    

 

In your situation right now I would go for the ATH-M40x w/ the HM5 Angled pad upgrade.  The stock pads are unusable and you have to get the angled pads it makes the headphones 100% more comfortable and helps with sound stage and isolation. This was especially helpful when using these for FPS games and being able to pinpoint footsteps etc.  

 

If you looking at DAC + AMP units I would not go for that FiiO unit you can save a few bucks and go for the FX-Audio DAC X-6 it has alot more output power so if you get a harder to drive headphone in the future like the HD6XX or DT990's etc you will be able to drive them decently.  

 

The M40's are so versatile im glad I own a pair, games sound excellent, music is fun lots of bass , they get better with amplification but can easily be powered by a smart phone / computer.  They also fold up nice and small, don't bleed any sound so use on an airplane/transit etc is fine.

 

 

 

Here are amazon.com links to products recommended:

 

Headphones w/ mod mic:

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-Professional-Headphone-Attachable-Microphone/dp/B0722KM6FX/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1533513848&sr=8-16&keywords=ATH+m40x

Headphones:

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M40x-Professional-Headphones-Headphone/dp/B00UG7QMPO/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1533513889&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=ATH+m40x&psc=1

Ear pads (genuine):

https://www.amazon.com/Brainwavz-Angled-Memory-Foam-Earpad/dp/B00ZY8PGJI/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1533513909&sr=1-1&keywords=hm5+angled+pads

Ear pads(unknown probably would work cannot comment on quality):

https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Memory-Angled-Cushion-Cover/dp/B07BKSW8GF/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1533513963&sr=1-10&keywords=hm5+angled+pads

FX-Audio DAC X6:

https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-Optical-Coaxial-Amplifier/dp/B072JJT7SF/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1533514011&sr=1-2&keywords=dac+x6