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: Computer HEADSETS


OhSoGood
07-27-2010, 03:02 PM
What are some good brands and what should I be looking for?

I bought a Skullcandy G.I. today. The bass is good but the sound quality is mediocre. Ill use it mostly for games.

Any recommendations?
My budget is around $100 or less

twitchyzero
07-27-2010, 03:08 PM
http://www.revscene.net/forums/fs-razer-megalodon-t620507.html
that's a very nice price for one of the best headsets on the market.
but to fully enjoy it you'll need a nice sound card...which most people don't have nowadays.

edit: disregard my last comment :)

OhSoGood
07-27-2010, 03:40 PM
read some reviews on it and it says it fucks up on windows 7.

09k20
07-27-2010, 03:44 PM
I'm selling a Sennheiser PC151 Gaming Stereo Headset http://www.revscene.net/forums/fs-sennheiser-pc151-t619739.html?t=619739

It's an entry level headset compared to the one mentioned above. But it is a Sennheiser and is a great bang for the buck. I'm selling for $20 and with the rest you can get a good sound card.

mrks
07-27-2010, 04:06 PM
http://www.revscene.net/forums/fs-razer-megalodon-t620507.html
that's a very nice price for one of the best headsets on the market.
but to fully enjoy it you'll need a nice sound card...which most people don't have nowadays.

You might be wrong there.
Those headphones plug in via USB, which means the control box takes care of all the audio processing, in other words it is the sound card.
That means if you do have a nice sound card will be bypassed.
On the flip side it would help the OP since he wouldn't need to spend more money on a high end sound card.

JLASA
07-27-2010, 05:06 PM
i got the Creative Fatal1ty headset for around $60-80....great headset..i only use it for CS but it does the job. Mic is hella clear too

twitchyzero
07-27-2010, 05:06 PM
yep my bad..i was thinking of another razer headset...this one is via USB (hence no soundcard needed)

VroOoM
07-27-2010, 05:38 PM
to OHSOGOODS coment:
the reviews written were when this headset first came out. there are absolutely no problems whatsover at all now..

i have used the headset on windows 7 both 32 and 64 bit. the razer website has great support for anything u need about this headset. and for problems with ppl that have a sound card.. ive never heard of such problem

the sound card built into the headset emulates 7.1 audio.
more up to date info about the headset
http://youtu.be/44m12jAw9FI?hd=1

Gh0stRider
08-06-2010, 08:56 AM
hows this thing? anyone have it?

http://store.razerzone.com/store/razerusa/en_US/pd/productID.169415800

MegaHurtz
08-06-2010, 10:18 AM
I've used many types of headsets during my day, and I'm currently very happy with this one:

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=45743&vpn=51100&manufacture=Steelseries

Good quality all around and reasonably priced, I'd recommend it

mb_
08-06-2010, 11:04 AM
I have a SteelSeries 5Hv2, probably one of the best GAMING headsets out there imo. Music quality is meh but I use speakers when I don't game. It got replaced by 7H though :(

roastpuff
08-06-2010, 11:33 PM
Sennheiser makes awesome headphones/headsets. Had a 151, which was decent, but currently running a PC350 which is absolutely amazing at games AND music. $129 at NCIX when on sale.

woob
08-07-2010, 12:23 AM
I suggest buying some serious headphones (i.e. no mic) like the Sennheiser HD5xx series and add a clip-on mic like the Zalman ZM-MIC, which can be pricematched for around $5.

FN-2199
08-07-2010, 12:49 AM
Anybody own any of the Tritton AX series? I'm curious to know how they fair both on console and pc.

Culverin
08-07-2010, 01:47 AM
I suggest buying some serious headphones (i.e. no mic) like the Sennheiser HD5xx series and add a clip-on mic like the Zalman ZM-MIC, which can be pricematched for around $5.

Bingo.

You only have a pair of ears.
Since headphones are attached to your head, it doesn't matter if they are 5.1 or not.

Good soundcards and headphones will give you all the competitive advantage you need in an FPS.

Also, your music will sound much better that way.


I've got 2 pairs of headphones I cycle through depend on how I feel.

BeyerDynamic DT-990 and AKG K-702.
And yes, I've got the same Zalman mic, total bang for buck, and because of the clip shape, it doesn't get in the way at all.

OhSoGood
08-07-2010, 02:15 AM
Thinking of getting the Dr.Dre headphones

woob
08-07-2010, 11:10 AM
whooaa where are you getting Beats for $100?

Stevie P
08-07-2010, 02:10 PM
+1 for Siberias.

twitchyzero
08-07-2010, 04:34 PM
Logitech G930 was just introduced 2 days ago
wireless 7.1 surround
http://www.logitech.com/en-roeu/gaming/headsets/devices/7248?WT.ac=GSeries|7295|G930Getthedetails

woob
08-07-2010, 10:02 PM
Seven drivers (8 incl. sub) cramped into such a small area, millimeters from your ear, with a closed design, mean that a) the drivers have to be cheap to keep cost down for the consumer, b) the soundstage will be minimal, and thus c) the headset will not sound like it has seven drivers, negating the fact that there are seven drivers in the first place.

Theoretically, this makes sense, but I haven't actually tested a 5.1 headset. So, has anyone actually A/Bed some 5/7.1s against really good stereo headphones in a video game?

underscore
08-07-2010, 10:06 PM
You only have a pair of ears.
Since headphones are attached to your head, it doesn't matter if they are 5.1 or not.

Good soundcards and headphones will give you all the competitive advantage you need in an FPS.

If it properly creates the 5.1 or 7.1 effect, and the game supports it, then a 5. or 7.1 headset will give even more of an advantage. Playing FPS games on a 5.1 setup vs 2.1 is a whole different game with full speaker setups.

twitchyzero
08-08-2010, 12:29 AM
surround sound headphones are simulated by Dolby
and for games taht do support it...it's amazing (left 4 dead 2..bad company 2)..i've never tried $150+ stereo headphones nor do i have a good sound card so i can't compare 'em.

woob
08-08-2010, 09:53 AM
a 5. or 7.1 headset will give even more of an advantage. Playing FPS games on a 5.1 setup vs 2.1 is a whole different game with full speaker setups.

I tear it up whether I'm on my 2.1 headset or 5.1 speakers :rofl:

For reals though: I agree that surround sound changes the entire game when using full speaker set ups (I have the Logitech Z-5300e). However, when using headphones, since the drivers are so close to your ears, it is difficult to create the broad soundstage needed for the "surround" experience without a good sound card (a small soundstage is characteristic of most gaming headsets, since they have closed headphone designs). Many of Grado's and Sennheiser's headphones are praised for creating a huge soundstage, which is possible due to their open-backed design.

I place more weight in the sound card than the cans, though, when it comes to FPS. My sound card simulates 5.1 on my $30 headphones.

Also, it's not really an advantage in-game to have 5.1 sound. I have a friend who wrecks most people using a set of 2.0 speakers. So skill trumps the audio set up haha.

underscore
08-08-2010, 10:23 AM
^ Oh of course, it also depends on the game type. Playing something like CoD Search and Destroy, being able to hear exactly which direction the footsteps or shots are coming from is very helpful.

woob
08-08-2010, 01:36 PM
While we're on this topic, where can I demo some headphones nowadays?

twitchyzero
08-08-2010, 08:01 PM
i dont think such thing exists for computer headsets..maybe music headsets if you hit up music stores like Long & Mcquaed (sp)
they'll just tell you return the product if you are not satisfied...
and if it's only avaliable through those computer stores that employs the 15% restock fee..well that blows.

woob
08-08-2010, 10:30 PM
yeah I wanna try some "serious" stereo headphones like Beyerdynamics DT880, Sennheiser HD595, Audio Technica ATH-M50s, etc.

k2_alpha
09-21-2010, 12:42 PM
bringing the thread from the dead!

Im looking to get a pair of headset for my xbox and ps3.

I was looking at the Tritton as the Turtle Beaches seem to be getting mixed reviews.
As I will be gaming I will need a mike.

Anyone have person experiences with these brands?
If so, where you did you get them?

Thanks!

twitchyzero
09-21-2010, 08:57 PM
tried tritton ax7 pro 5.1
it's alright...i didnt think the mixer thing that you need for consoles would be that huge (size of a regular router). it was comfy though..i dont have it myself but frd got it at ncix for 100 w/ the mixer thing

kchan
09-26-2010, 11:46 AM
razer megaloden, logitech g35, Sennheiser PC350, or Sennheiser HD550?

im leaning towards the megaloden because of the built-in sound card on the panel already, as im only running through my mobo's soundcard to an optical to an amp and receiver

not sure if i want to dump ~$100 or so for a sound card

bobola
09-26-2010, 01:31 PM
razer megaloden, logitech g35, Sennheiser PC350, or Sennheiser HD550?

im leaning towards the megaloden because of the built-in sound card on the panel already, as im only running through my mobo's soundcard to an optical to an amp and receiver

not sure if i want to dump ~$100 or so for a sound card

I got the Logitech G35 when it was on sale on some site last week.
I returned it after 1 day of using it.
It was so uncomfortable for me just under 30 mins of gaming.

So I'm waiting on the razer to go on sale then I will get it.
USB seems good for me because I only want my headset on when I'm playing games.
When I'm doing other things I would want speaker, so I just go to control panel and set my speaker to default. Dont have to keep unpluging stuff.

twitchyzero
09-26-2010, 01:39 PM
damn amazon.com doesn't have price-watch..i'm waiting for the g930 to hit sub $100 mark around holiday season. it's currently sitting at $135 and they sell it for $165-180 up here..fucking ridiculous.

kchan
09-26-2010, 02:25 PM
Since I don't have a soundcard, I'm scared the g35 and sennheisers would be pulled back from my motherboard soundcard...
I don't want to spend more $, so buying a sound card isn't an option

Maybe in the future I will, but for now would the razer headset be my best bet?
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

woob
09-26-2010, 02:50 PM
G35 has an impedance of 32 Ohms (32 is very low. the higher this is the harder to drive) and a sensitivity of 90 dB. An iPod would be able to drive them no problem so your onboard should drive this eeeaassy. The benefit of a good sound card is the included CMSS 3D or Dolby Headphone, each of which provides a boost in accurate positional audio.

twitchyzero
09-26-2010, 05:08 PM
g35 is digital as well..so you wont need a dedicated sound card like the razor's

the senns are a different story

kchan
09-26-2010, 05:29 PM
i guess i will stick with the razer then lol

trip
09-26-2010, 06:02 PM
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=26836&vpn=51MZ0310AA002&manufacture=Creative%20Labs

just got these

roastpuff
09-26-2010, 08:38 PM
Since I don't have a soundcard, I'm scared the g35 and sennheisers would be pulled back from my motherboard soundcard...
I don't want to spend more $, so buying a sound card isn't an option

Maybe in the future I will, but for now would the razer headset be my best bet?
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

Don't understand what you're afraid of here.

I use the Senn PC350 straight from my motherboard's back port, since my speakers are busted.

No soundcard needed.

kchan
09-26-2010, 11:18 PM
Don't understand what you're afraid of here.

I use the Senn PC350 straight from my motherboard's back port, since my speakers are busted.

No soundcard needed.

well i was asking just incase if my onboard sound card would be restricting the full potential of the sennheiser headphones

woob
09-26-2010, 11:46 PM
The PC350 shares the same driver as the HD595, but they sound different due to different build structure (i.e. 595 is open, 350 is closed). HD595 is known to benefit from an amp. Thus, there is no doubt the PC350 could sound great, but you'd best get an amp if you want to use them at their best.

Also, if you want a cheaper option, the HD555s can be made to sound exactly the same as the HD595 with the relatively easy mod of removing the piece of foam behind the driver. For a mic, the Zalman ZM-MIC does its job well. The 555/595 also have the amazingly comfy velour earpads.

Jaay90
09-27-2010, 01:18 PM
def turtle beaches man those are so solid

kchan
09-28-2010, 10:40 AM
The PC350 shares the same driver as the HD595, but they sound different due to different build structure (i.e. 595 is open, 350 is closed). HD595 is known to benefit from an amp. Thus, there is no doubt the PC350 could sound great, but you'd best get an amp if you want to use them at their best.

Also, if you want a cheaper option, the HD555s can be made to sound exactly the same as the HD595 with the relatively easy mod of removing the piece of foam behind the driver. For a mic, the Zalman ZM-MIC does its job well. The 555/595 also have the amazingly comfy velour earpads.

i returned the razer and got the hd555 because i got it for such a good deal, i wouldnt resist :thumbsup:

i run through an amp and receiver for my computer setup, so everything is perfect ;)

Jeremy617
09-28-2010, 03:45 PM
I've been using the sennheiser PC350 for over a year and love them for games. The mic quality is great, and build quality is excellent. I've owned lots of different headsets over the years and i've never had one last over a year, the plastic would always snap and one of the ears would fall off, including an expensive 5.1 tritton set, which had AWFUL sound quality.

The only drawback for the PC350 headphones is that they are awful for music, they've tuned them to lower the bass volume and raise the mid level sounds. Makes music sound somewhat distorted. I always listen to music on speakers and only use the headset when i'm playing something with voice chat.

striderblade
10-02-2010, 06:20 AM
HD 555 on ncix weekend special for 79.99 Regular is 199.99. Pretty damn good deal. i Dont use this but heard great review on it. So for those who's looking for head phone. DONT MISS OUT ON THIS.

Forgot to add. You can do this simple and easy mod to make your HD 555 sound like a pair of $350.00 HD 595.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvQ8PzBrHXE&feature=channel

Jeremy I own a PC350 myself and i can say yes music was awful with it. However there is a mod you can do to make it sound so much better. I did it on mine and the bass now are so much better. So now my PC350 is awsome for games and music. Here's the link i follow to do my mod
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/406187/modding-the-sennheiser-pc350-headset

Most ppl who did it there use dremel drill. It wasn't that safe when i attempt to do it due to the soft netting it had inside and i didnt' want to risk the chance of poking a hole on it if i apply too hard pressure on the drill. so i found a easier and cheaper way. All you have to do is find a decent size philip screw driver or nail. Heat the head with a lighter for a good 20-30sec and poke into the plastic shield. It'll just melt a hole on it. Very simple and effective. =)

twitchyzero
10-02-2010, 12:51 PM
motherfucker!
i went to ncix broadway at 12:30..about 15 people in line they still had 3 in stock..the guy in front of me bought the last one.

GRR...there were still 20 in-stock at aberdeen then..but it's too much hassle to drive through saturday afternoon traffic for a headset that might not even be there.

kchan
10-03-2010, 02:25 PM
motherfucker!
i went to ncix broadway at 12:30..about 15 people in line they still had 3 in stock..the guy in front of me bought the last one.

GRR...there were still 20 in-stock at aberdeen then..but it's too much hassle to drive through saturday afternoon traffic for a headset that might not even be there.

luckily i got mine price-matched
and was able to snag another pair

if my friends dont want it, do you want it? if not im just gonna return it anyways

twitchyzero
10-03-2010, 02:46 PM
where did you get it PM'd? Memory Express? I didnt bother 'cause i didn't think any other comp store would budge as it is a door-crasher sale.

send me a pm if your buddie doesn't want it. cheers

StylinRed
10-03-2010, 04:00 PM
memory express; pc360 for $200 -_- damnit to hell i missed it -_-

supposedly they're like the 350s but with an open design so your ears don't sweat
and lower Ohms so you don't need an amp to power it (50 ohms vs 150 ohms)

kchan
10-03-2010, 05:36 PM
where did you get it PM'd? Memory Express? I didnt bother 'cause i didn't think any other comp store would budge as it is a door-crasher sale.

send me a pm if your buddie doesn't want it. cheers

i got it price matched at ncix, cuz i bought the hd555 a week before and when i got there the manager was nice enough to price match it for me

roastpuff
10-03-2010, 09:36 PM
where did you get it PM'd? Memory Express? I didnt bother 'cause i didn't think any other comp store would budge as it is a door-crasher sale.

send me a pm if your buddie doesn't want it. cheers

I think London Drugs might PM it. Try them... pretty good PM policy.

woob
10-03-2010, 10:39 PM
I think London Drugs might PM it. Try them... pretty good PM policy.

Have you dealt with LD before? Their PM policy states "no online pricing". Does this mean that they will only PM from a physical flyer?

twitchyzero
10-03-2010, 10:50 PM
they've helped me PM against BB before from their website
ymmv?
moot point as the sale is over but thx for the suggestion

kchan
12-08-2010, 01:46 PM
bump back up
i have a HD555, but am looking for a gaming headset with a mic
if it supports PS3 thats a plus

looking at the megaloden again since i can get it for cheap, but also debating the pc350, or the razer catharsis(sp?) any other recommendation?

roastpuff
12-08-2010, 02:30 PM
New headset from Sennheiser now available for gaming... PC333D.

Not wireless unfortunately. :(

kchan
12-08-2010, 04:00 PM
New headset from Sennheiser now available for gaming... PC333D.

Not wireless unfortunately. :(

not looking for wireless, the PC333D is too expensive, and i already have the hd555 every other needs, i just want a gaming headset for gaming @ night so i dont disturb neighbours and my family lol

twitchyzero
12-08-2010, 10:02 PM
im waiting for logitech to come out with a surround sound version of http://www.logitech.com/en-ca/gaming/headsets/devices/7362

NimbeeTT
12-08-2010, 10:18 PM
I really want the Astro gaming A40 headset.. it looks pretty sweet. But it's $200 :(

http://www.astrogaming.com/products/detail/4/A40-Headset/

kchan
12-08-2010, 11:10 PM
anyone using the sennheiser pc350, razer megaloden, razer catharsis or steelseries?

im holding back on steelseries because i heard they break easily from friends who've used them in the past. but your inputs are welcome
they all fit in the budget of ~$100

roastpuff
12-09-2010, 06:28 AM
I am using the PC350... fricking awesome. Best headsets I have ever used. I don't buy the whole 5.1, 7.1 surround sound headset stuff because I only have two ears, and they're good enough to detect where the sound is coming from when your headphones have good enough sound imaging and staging. Tons of bass, sound stage and positions doesn't feel like headphones - more like very good stereo speakers. I can always hear when someone is trying to sneak up on me without ninja...

Very comfy, have done 6+ hour gaming marathons and clan matches in them before. Microphone is crystal clear, team mates are amazed at how good I sound.

Very solid build quality as well, typical Sennheiser.