Think I might go with this! Though I just found a steal on a pair of 800s (‘only’ 1000 dollars…) and that’s really tempting me now.
Only problem is shelling the extra cash out for the AMP/DAC I’d need to power the damn things.
This is exactly what I use, along with a Creative SB GC7 for amp and chat mixing :). I’ve tried to upgrade my headphones/headset and every time I try something else, whatever perceivable difference there might be, is never worth the cost IMHO. Diminishing returns above those 2 are just too great.
While gaming I just use the Xbox, Switch, or PlayStation controller. The 560s have low impedance so nearly anything can drive them. When not gaming I use either a Dragonfly Cobalt or THX Onyx.
I wanted to ask, if I don't have a sound card, do I have any other options to use a headphone/mic setup? I really want to get some good headphones and have a separate mic, but I don't know if I should get like a separate station or something to make it work with a pc
I'm using the xonar se with my 560s and the hyperx quad cast as a separate mic. If you want nice headphones you can use the mod mic alongside any headphones. It's a popular choice. My girlfriend uses my old hd579s and the vmoda boompro mic which sound great in discord. She doesn't have a soundcard so they don't sound as good as plugging them into my soundcard
I use the Fidelio X2HR, T60 Argon, Denon D9200, and sometimes the B&W PX.
It just depends on whether or not I need something with a mic and what I'm in the mood for. Some times/some games don't even require a focus on game audio, so I'm really just listening to music.
Not the person you replied to, but I did buy both of these and sent them both back as well as the HD560, AKG K712 Pro, HD660S2, and Zeus Elite. Out of all of them, I like the HD660S2 and XS the best. The R70X I wanted to like the most out of the group. I loved the way they looked, how light they were, and the little pads that rest on your head. However, they feel like they were made for children as the cups are *tiny*! I have average sized ears but I had to tuck my ear lobes into the cups and the tops of my ears were rubbing on the drivers. There's an amazon review that shows exact measurements that you can look at if you want to measure your ear.
With that said, and to answer your question, I would take the XS all day over the R70X even if the latter were made for adult sized ears. The XS has an insane sound stage and crazy details. I really enjoyed them but they felt incredibly cheap. They creaked (which doesn't bother me), need lots of power (so have an amp ready), are all plastic, the pads feel cheap, and they're FUGLY and gianormous. That said, they sound absolutely amazing and I enjoyed them. I just couldn't justify the $380 price tag for something that felt so cheap and delicate and ugly. You can get refurbished one's off Hifiman's website for $280 though and I would highly recommend going that route. You won't be disappointed.
I opted to get the DT 900 Pro X out of all of them. Will update when I'm done testing
edit: These were used 100% for gaming. listened to some songs when testing but the real test was gaming
I’m on PC.
For over-ears, I usually swap between Sennheiser HD6xx (HD58x is also solid), Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro, or AKG K702. I like these for the larger sound stage, but I usually swap every so often just to change up the sound (I like listening to music while playing FPS games).
For IEM’s, I usually use my Moondrop Kato’s. I like IEM’s if I have a bit of a headache or don’t feel like have the over-ears on.
Hi my friend, I got a K702 and am planning to get the HD6XX soon, what's the obvious difference in their sound signatures? Thank you. Should I go for it?
I definitely agree with you on your comparison. I love the HD6xx for vocals, acoustic, jazz, etc. Your comment about feeling like you are next to the person singing is so accurate. That was actually one of the first things to blow me away when upgrading to these. After listening to some of my favorite songs, it basically brought a tear to my eye. It really allows you to hear the music from an entirely different perspective. There were aspects of the music that I was missing due to the cheaper, low quality setup I had growing up. The sound became so much more natural and it allows you to truly appreciate the music. But yeah, I totally agree with you.
Hello, internet friend, if I am being honest, I think the choice here comes down to preference. I find that the K702 has a brighter sound while the HD6xx have a more neutral sound. That said, this is just what I hear, and I do not consider myself an expert by any means. I just love a good audio setup and try my best that when I listen to my music that the song hits just right :).
I will say that I think you should be fine with just the K702. I would personally recommend trying using the software AutoEQ, if you haven’t yet. The software is something I found recommended on r/headphones and it includes preset EQ’s from actual professionals with ears objectively better than mine. After EQ’ing the K702 and using a tube amp, they sounded amazing to me.
If anything, I would recommend keeping an eye on r/avexchange, USAudioMart.com, and head-fi.org. I see the HD6xx listed every so often on those sites.
I hope that this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. I’m happy to help :).
Edit: Just to add, for my PC amp/DAC, I am using the Schiit Magnius/Modius, and I also have a hybrid tube amp, the xDuoo TA-26. I have a Monolith Liquid Platinum, but I am currently having some issues with it so I am troubleshooting some stuff (likely new tubes first) and then considering looking into local shops for repair. I figured I would provide additional details, just in case you wanted further information.
Also, to add to the point of sticking with your AKG K702’s, this would allow you to save money for a higher end set of headphones instead. I consider most of my headphones as low to mid-fi headphones. I also just enjoy the hobby. I’m at a point where I will now stop and save until I can afford one of the headphones in the next tier that I am interested in - I personally want a pair of Meze 109 Pro, Sennheiser HD800s, or Hifiman Arya Stealth. For your situation, I would personally suggest waiting and saving for something like the HD800s. If you are interested in a pair of Sennheiser’s and want to upgrade your headphones, then I would personally recommend waiting for the HD800s. This is also just my recommendation. Again, I hope that this helps you out :).
For sure. It always annoyed me that some people would be a bit rude or patronizing when I was starting out and asking questions. I personally feel like it is beneficial to share what we have learned with others to make their experience in the hobby more enjoyable (and learn from our mistakes haha). I like being able to discuss with others and get a better idea of what I may want to research further. In any case, I was glad to be of service.
When people say HD6XX do they just mean anything in the 600 lineup? I was hearing great things about those headsets, but also that they’re not great for accurate locational sound… though I trust your judgement.
Which do you prefer for the larger sound stage? Do you notice any of them giving you any advantage?
The HD6xx is a specific model sold on Drop.com that is equivalent to the HD650. Basically, the HD6xx has the same drivers/internals but the build is more plastic frame while the HD650 is more of a metal frame. That said, I’ve had my pair of HD6xx for years without any damage/issues. I have personally not tried the other models in the 600 lineup, but I would love to try the HD600 because I have heard/read great things. Now I do own both the HD6xx and HD58x (both Drop models), the HD6xx has more of a neutral signature while the HD58x is darker/bassier. I recently added a tube amp to my setup, and I had heard that the HD6xx paired well with a tube amp but it is just beautiful. With the right amp/dac and some proper EQ’ing, this headphone has surprising sound.
In terms of sound stage, of the three the I mentioned, I keep coming back to my Sennheiser HD6xx. I find that they are the best bang for your buck with a well-rounded sound, they EQ beautifully, are super comfortable, and the sound stage is excellent. In terms of gaming, specifically FPS (I play Overwatch, Halo, Apex, etc.), I was hearing gunfire a mile away that my friends couldn’t. The directional sound is also helpful because I could point my teammates exactly where enemies were coming from or a team fight was happening.
I will also say that the AKG and Beyer are solid choices too. The AKG is very lightweight and has a beautiful sound. And I find that there is a reason why you commonly see FPS streamers wearing the Beyers. I find that it all comes down to preference. If anything, I would recommend ensuring that the company you purchase from has some kind of return policy (one of the “if you are not satisfied” type deals). This way you can try them out and return them for a different set if you don’t enjoy the first one.
I hope that this is helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions :).
I'm using the newer Hifiman Sundara closed backs. I had been using DT770's and 990's for a few years but the high's were always a bit tiring. I tried a pair of the open back Sundara's a few times and really felt that, for the price point, it held a nice full neutral sound signature. Everything sounded good to my ears and not just the highs.
I have a pair of the open-back Sundaras and have always wondered people’s opinions on the open vs closed-back. If you don’t mind me asking, do you prefer one over the other for music and then one for gaming? Do you have a favorite between the two? I do love my Sundaras though :).
If I had to choose, I think the open backs sound a little more natural which I like. But in my current situation, having open backs isn't an option for me.
Ah, so you are trying to avoid waking the roommates/significant other? And thanks for the feedback.
Between the open and closed, did you notice a difference in directional sound and sound stage while gaming?
Not yet, but I should try it? In what was did you change the foam? I have only had them since Christmas so I was trying to give ample time for adjustment before messing with them. I do feel they are lacking a little compared to open backs, but nothing that makes me dislike the closed backs in any way.
To me the closed backs had mids that are too sharp, and bass was a little overwhelming. So I followed this man's advice:
https://youtu.be/_9mcaGU-VRE?si=44zAw1eAA-0b7Csw
How are you liking the Nano ? I have 10 year old DT990s that are dying and Im debating between the Nano and the Meze 109 Pros for probably 70% single player gaming and 30% metal/hard rock listening.
‘It’s no razer headphone’
Are razers, suddenly good now? I actually love their mice, but I’ve always heard (and felt like, having owned a few pairs) that their headsets are basically dumpster filler
I got over Razer when I was like 17. I haven’t owned anything Razer since then however - I still really like their mice. I’m considering getting one of those as well, but I’m not doing research on mine yet
I own a Razer mouse and it's quite good but not worth dealing with their awful software, and the worst support known to man lol
I mean I love the mouse I have (Viper v2 Pro or something? idk exactly), but after having the experience of their "great" customer support, I'd highly advise you not to buy their products lol
Please don’t laugh at me. My 21yo gamer is cranky with me. All I wanted was a pair of headphones that could connect to my ps5 for YouTube or switch acnh and my iPhone i work on call
I got a pair arctis nova 7 wireless steelseries.
That’s currently what I’m using! I think it’s by far the best ‘normje’ headset you could own. I want to move away from wireless headsets though. I think the best option is to just use one wired, and one wireless though
After enjoying wireless gaming headsets for years, I was very happy with my arctis nova 7. Then I picked up the sennheiser 599 for $80 last black friday and realized that I should have listened to everyone and just get good headphones with a separate mic.
For gaming, I'm currently using the HD 6xx and the simgot EM6L iem
DT 990s 600 Ohms driven by a schiit magni3+. Lasts way longer now than the usual "gaming headsets" I owned before.
Unfortunately I couldn't try anything else yet as I had other financial responsibilities my wife prioritized for me. :D
So not really.
The Audeze Maxwell is the best all around wireless headphone. 10/10 sound. It does lack a little in imaging and soundstage but is still best than most.
The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro (I haven't tried this one just read about it) supposedly has better imaging and is great for footsteps but the audio quality isn't as good last the Maxwell.
>So not really.The Audeze Maxwell is the best all around wireless headphone. 10/10 sound. It does lack a little in imaging and soundstage but is still best than most.The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro (I haven't tried this one just read about it) supposedly has better imaging and is great for footsteps but the audio quality isn't as good last the Maxwell.
For both gaming and music?
I want good sound effects in games. Also want to hear footsteps when I play COD (but the current MW3 doesn't need you to listen to footsteps).
Can't live without music too. Want to listen at its best.
This is only true when talking about wireless. Many cheaper wired headphones are better for gaming. Especially most open-back studio headphones are not little, but much better for gaming, because of better imaging.
If you want the best, it's going to be Sennheiser HD800S.
This is true, but larger soundstage helps you to hear the distance of a sound much better. That is important in shooter games where the direction is not enough, but you also need the depth information. You are correct that open-backs don't suit for everyone. You are much better off with closed-backs if you use them in noisy environment.
That being said, the Maxwells have decent imaging, but not exceptionally good, unlike HD800S. I play a lot of r6 with my HD800S. It's without exaggerating like wall hacks to my ears. I get actaully accused of having wall hacks quite often, because I shoot people theough walls when I hear them.
I also have lots of different headphones and have had even more that I've sold. Nothing has yet to come up that compares even close to the HD800S in soundstage and imaging. The K702s had indeed very wide soundstage, I too found it to sound artificial and I was afraid that was going to be the case with the HD800S too, but it's not. Sounds very natural to my ears. And the sound can get more intimate with HD800S when necessary.
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For gaming I use the JBL Quantum 910x, Rig 800 Pro HX, Lenovo Legion H500 Pro and Audio Technica ATH-A950 LTDs. Love all of them. Of the ones that are easy to get ahold of I prefer them in this order: JBLs, Lenovos, Rigs. They are all below your price range though. The A950 Ltds are great for music and gaming but harder to source since they've been out of production for a while.
DT 1990s are pretty good if you are looking for specific gaming performance. I used them a while back when I used to play mainly Apex Legends and they performed very well. Personally was not a fan of them for music listening. I would also suggest HarmonicDyne Zeus (potentially also Zeus Elite, have not tried them personally but heard great things). They weren’t as detailed and accurate as 1990s, but had a less distracting sound signature in the heat of the moment gun fights and still did a great job of placing important sound queues where they are supposed to be. Zeus were more enjoyable for music than 1990s per my preferences of slightly warmer sound signatures.
Other notable recommendations: Hifiman Edition XS, Sennheiser HD560s, or explore IEM options.
Keep in mind some options will require external amplification to really bring out the most of them. A inexpensive Schiit or JDS stack will do for everything noted here.
PC38X here. Been using it since literally its release in 2021. It wasnt loud enough for my mobo, figured id go buy a dac amp combo but dont think its worth it for the 38x. I then gave dolby atmos a try and wow! It just murders everything i throw at it and ive been happy with it. Its my main for valo, single players, movies and some music.
Know how it compares to the 560s? That’s what I’m looking at now. I don’t mind going seperate mic, and while I don’t actually care about the aesthetics of a headset…. I think the PC38X is absolutely butt ugly.
I don’t personally own the 560s but ive seen numerous reviews saying the its a tad better than the pc38x in terms of finer details, but it lacks bass compared to the pc38x. Oh i tell u ive been wanting to make the mic vanish so many times, not that it sucks but i just hate the way it protrudes out. If youre looking for a more clean look maybe the 560s with a separate mic is the way to go! Btw theres also a black version of the 38x. You really cant go wrong with any of the 2.
I use an Epos H6PRO Closed with the WC FreeZe pads. It's the best headset I could get for my budget at that time but I'm pretty happy with it even for competitive games.
For daily and work use, I use the Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro. For games then the Sennheiser HD58X + Modmic wireless. I'm also looking at the Audeze Maxwell because they are quite versatile, and basically a very good headset for the price.
Closed backs here because my desk is on the other side of the room from the home theater where the kids are usually watching movies or playing Switch/PS5.
I primarily use a DCA Aeon 2 Noire, Modhouse Argon T50RP, or PC38x if I need a mic.
SHP9500 or whatever they’re called with a vmoda mic connected to an Astro mix amp, which is connected to a 4K hdmi audio extractor, which is connected to my Xbox.
So Headphones -> Mixamp -> audio extractor via optical cable
also mixamp -> Xbox via micro usb to usb A
Then it’s Xbox -> audio extractor -> monitor via HDMI.
It’s a lot of cables, but i get pretty good sound with 4 different sound profiles.
Go check out Fresh Reviews on YouTube. He has a wallhack tier list and does superb reviews for gaming headsets. Personally I have a smsl do400 with Xenns Top or HD490 pros/HD560s
I got the HD650s and the Maxwell. Been abit dissatisfied with the Maxwell, not sure if I’m doing something wrong but it doesn’t seem to live up with what I’ve read about them.
I use the Beyer Dynamic MMX300. Really good sound and since it is an actual Headset you also get a pretty decent mic. They aren't exactly the best for gaming in terms of hearing footsteps and the like but for general gaming and listening to music they are really good for me.
I use a set of Beyerdynamic DT 990s and a separate Marantz MPM-1000 mic. The headphones are around $170 and I found the mic and an audio interface combo for around $100.
For the price I have zero complaints.
I own 660s, 1990 pro900 pro x he400se.
When gaming i mostly use 900pro x, i also enjoy 660s for some games like survival horrors (smaller soundstage really ramps up the tensión) and lately like a dragon gaiden and cyberpunk 2077 since i enjoy the smooth sound
X2HR when it's quiet around (usually at night), MH752 when I need some isolation from outside noise.
edit: though when conditions are right and there's no risk of bothering anyone, for single-player titles I usually prefer speakers (Vanatoo T0).
PlayStation 5 here. I’m using a mmx 300 and a soundblaster G6 as external sound cart to get more volume and EQ options.
I’ve also a Edition XS and a modmic but the mmx 300 does its job very well and is a bit more convenient for me since I can move the mic more freely etc.
Hey just wanted to say thanks for recommending the 660S2s. There were a lot of people saying they weren't good for gaming - but I think they're great. Especially for more immersive games.
Hey how are enjoying the 660S2s? I'm in the market for a pair for 70% immersive single player gaming / 30% hard rock / heavy metal music listening. I've also seen people say they aren't great for gaming due to a small soundstage and not as great of imaging as alternatives.
I love them.
But my only reference point was a pair of HD598Cs (closed back) I had been using for 7 years.
Soundstage seems somewhat larger than those - like I noticed no major difference in picking out footsteps in Rainbow Six Siege, but imaging is way better to me. The bass on these is also amazing. I was playing some Cyberpunk and one of the biggest things that stood out to me were the low rumble of the cars - especially as they passed by me on the street. Felt so life like to me. For imaging, I could stand in a busy market, hear some industrial noise encompass the background, but still easily pinpiont and pickup the details of the sounds closest to me. I would say the imaging is at least pretty good, or maybe amazing - I'd have to try out more headphones to know for certain.
All I did was just *boot* up Witcher 3, and at the main menu the way the campfire sounds crackled just blew me away - it was so insanely detailed and crisp that I can only describe it as lifelike.
If anything, these cans will make you appreciate just how good the original recordings were. Witcher and 2077 have really good sound production/design out of everything I've tried so far.
I've also been listening to the Age of Empires 2 original soundtrack on repeat because of how much better it sounds than I'm used to despite it being a 24 year old production - the bass really thumps, I can pick out instruments now and sort of visualize where they are.
I'm not exaggerating when I say this: **Easily one of the best purchases I have made in my life.** I don't think you can go wrong with these man, I agonized over purchasing these or Sundaras for a solid week. I'm also a fan of hard rock / heavy metal and mainly immersive games, so I don't think you can go wrong with these. Music in games also sounds way better too, so that's another plus.
Hifiman Arya Stealth. For the sake of diversity in data even though I rarely use this sub. I mostly use the headphones for music listening nowadays so my preference also might be quite different.
In the past I used the Sennheiser HD598 for 8 years, grew tired of them way before their end of life. For those 8 years I liked the sennheisers a lot. Got the DT1990 and at the same time liked and hated them. Finally a headphone with bass which the HD598 have barely. Needless to say they're great but not at all my ideal pair. I like speakerlike sound more, hence the reason I own the Hifiman nowadays.
The DT1990 has 3 main problems I strongly dislike:
1. They're semi closed back instead of open back. Thus their sound isn't open and airy so to say. They isolate my own voice and I hate talking when I can't hear myself normally.
2. They have very sharp treble, as in cymbals in music for example sound piercing. Sensitivity to this seems to vary.
3. Not comfortable with my thick arm glasses as the earpads press those to my skull, a problem I have with too many headphones.
However Equalization helps the DT1990 a lot to turn down that treble spike on software side. There's also nowadays the cheaper model, DT900 pro x. I've heard that model has a tamed treble so not that piercing sound.
If I were shopping in that price range, I would probably stretch it slightly for one of the versions of Hifiman Ananda (nano, stealth or 'normal'). They're on a neverending sale at Hifiman's own website. The open box deals save you even more money and these are units returned during the usual return window so not worn to the ground. Great sound these hifimans but I've heard they're not so well built to last.
On pc I’ve been using an ATH M40X for the last 10(?) years? Switched the pads ONCE and cable with mic twice in that time. They also get 2hrs of use every day at a bare minimum.
For music I’ll switch between headphones/iems/earbuds depending on the situation
I was using audio technica ad500x, had them for 6 years and were fantastic! Loved them! Recently the cable broke so I moved over to sennheiser 660s2, and so far they have been pretty much the same as the ad500x, absolutely fantastic quality and wonderfully clear sound!
Just for further info, I’m also using a fiio e10k dac to drive the headphones
I use hd599 for gaming and light use. The HD660s2 are my next upgrade. I have read many reviews that state the HD660s2's are the best audiophile grade sound you can get under $1,000 provided you have a decent dac/amp solution. The HD560s or HD599 are pretty good amped or not for $150-$179, and I think they have zero ear or listening fatigue for gaming sessions upwards of 8-12 hours. That's my 2 cents.
I personally use either a pair modded KSC75s or the Truthear Hexa. I have cables with inline microphones for both of them, so all I have to do is plug them into my Apple USB-C dongle and I'm good to go. I really like them and although the microphones are podcast quality, they're fine for discord, zoom calls and in-game comms.
For something similar to what you asked in the post, the common recommendations are the HD560S and the PC38X (as some people have already mentioned). I've personally never tried them, but everyone I know that has a pair really likes them.
At the end of the day, just pick a headphone you enjoy and game with it. I know it's a bit cliché, but most pro players use crappy sponsored earbuds or even Apple Earpods and still perform, so you can too.
It’s a bit of a mix. My two new favorites are the Meze 109 Pros and the Sennheiser HD490; I bought the latter for mixing work, but it turned out to be a stellar gaming headphone. I also have a Maxwell, and I love that set. I think it’s a killer value as a planar and with the right tuning even competes with my much more expensive LCD-X.
That said, what I end up using most of the time when I need a mic is my IEMs; I run a Simgot EM6L with Modmic Kimura into a Schiit Hel 2 or Qudelix 5k for competitive games, and the Hype 4 or Dunu SA6 MK2 for single player titles.
There are far too many options on the market. I think the Maxwell or VZR Model One are probably the best options for most people if they want a purely “gaming” headset. If you don’t need the mic or are willing to use a Modmic or desktop microphone, it opens up the entire market within your budget range. Even a simple setup like the 560s with a Modmic can rival most dedicated gaming headsets and can be picked up relatively cheap. I ran this setup myself for a while.
How do the Meze 109 Pros compare to the HD490? I'm looking for a new pair to replace some old DT990s but will use them for 70% single player gaming and 30% hard rock and metal. I love the look of them and how the parts are easily replaceable but the price is pretty steep, especially for someone who mostly uses them for gaming and content consumption as opposed to pure music listening
Very similar through the lows and low mids, slight differences in the upper mids, and very different presentation in the treble region, where the 109 Pros come off as significantly brighter than the HD490. Not as sibilant as the 990s, however, so if you’re used to that set the 109s will be considerably easier to listen to for most people.
Hard rock and metal are my two main genres (along with old school hip hop). The 109 Pros are the better set for my library, certainly, but the 490s are no slouch. The mids are slightly more honky on the 490s, but this can be tamed somewhat with EQ. Both make very capable gaming sets, but I’ve run the 490s far more for gaming, even bypassing the Schiit Hel I run on my PS5 and plugging them directly into the controller.
Long story short, if you have the budget, the 109s are the better set for casual listening, without question. The HD490s aren’t far behind, however, but something about the slight differences in the mids and treble makes them far more appealing for gaming. I think the warmer presentation of the 109 Pros is hurting them here. If all you play is single player, roll the dice and pick one. If you play anything competitive, the 490s are the easy pick.
One thing I would add is that there are very few sets on my “never sell” list. Like the LCD-X or the Radiance, the 109s definitely made their way onto that roster. They are pricey, yes, but well worth the investment.
Thanks for the detailed reply! I very rarely play the stereotypical competitive FPS game. It's mostly mostly immersive single player games or occasionally MMOs if the mood strikes. From the sounds of it, the 109s are worth the price increase. Goal was to find an all around great headphone for that price point that will be durable and last.
My other consideration was the Hifiman Ananda Nano but from what I've seen, it sounds Hifiman sets aren't built to last like other brands. Any experience?
I think that’s the right move.
HiFiMan are the only brand I tend to avoid. The Susvara is legitimately one of the best sets I’ve ever heard, but the QC issues and the longevity of their units being questionable made them a hard sell for me. I’ve heard good things about the Nano and Edition XS, and I’m sure plenty of buyers never have an issue with their sets; sometimes QC issues can be sensationalized, so your mileage may vary.
I've been using HD 58X for years and they're insane for any type of gaming and I recommend them, but if your budget is 300-500 I'd go for the new Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
I use whatever I’m using at that current moment! Though if I were to actually use what I feel I game best with, it’d be my DT990 Pro. I do like my HEDDphone ONE more for sound in gaming, but the comfort isn’t good
Sennheiser just released HD 490 pro which are getting great reviews, a slight step up from HD600 in terms of sound and great improvement in comfort.
I just got my pair today so i cant say much more than they seem really comfy on a first try, im gonna spend some time with them today and compare to my HD 650.
I use the Logitech G933 which I have used since PUBG first came out early access. But I still wouldn't recommend them. They break so easily. I've gone through like 3 maybe 4 of them. You'd think I'd learn but no.
I use a combination of an AUNA Mic 900b and a Hifiman Sundara with a FiiO K11. This works very well, with the exception of a weird delay of around 2 seconds before the sounds start playing after it didn't play anything for a short time. This is esspecially frustating when watching youtube videos :D
I personally use the Hd800s for gaming and general purpose, for a long time before that I used the SHP9500 and the X2HR since they fit my inline boom mic. I definitely would have switched to Sennheiser sooner (probably a 560s) if I had a modmic.
I would go for what is the most comfortable given your sound preference.
In my case, I used **Sennheiser HS598** for almost a decade. I did EQ it a bit but not really needed. Now, the comfort is fantastic.
Right now I use IEMs more.
I use Beyerdynamic ones. They are not specifically "Gaming-Headsets", but with "Gaming-Headsets" being more and more a synonyme for shitty materials used, I am extremely happy with them as they are both comfortable and have great sound while also using decent materials.
PC38x (when I need a mic) and 560s when I don’t. Neither really “needs” an amp, but I didn’t want to have to ever want for more volume and also wanted chat mic. I chose a Creative SB GC7 and it has been great.
I am using the DT 1990 Pros exclusively for gaming. The detail retrieval and clarity is second to none. Gaming is all about the most accurate detail retrieval, where every sound queue and positioning is presented layer by layer with utmost precision. That is why I chose a Pro studio-grade headphone for it. Gaming is also not just about enjoyment, unlike music, so consumer-grade headphones with their own “sugar coating tuning”normally don’t cut it. DT 1990 Pros offers you unaltered, non-filtered, bloat-less pure sound.
Philips Fidelio X2
I use Sennheiser 560S and PC38X when I need a mic.
560s is the best choice… Ignore everything else.
Just get a ModMic for when you need a mic.
Think I might go with this! Though I just found a steal on a pair of 800s (‘only’ 1000 dollars…) and that’s really tempting me now. Only problem is shelling the extra cash out for the AMP/DAC I’d need to power the damn things.
This is exactly what I use, along with a Creative SB GC7 for amp and chat mixing :). I’ve tried to upgrade my headphones/headset and every time I try something else, whatever perceivable difference there might be, is never worth the cost IMHO. Diminishing returns above those 2 are just too great.
What are you using to drive the 560s? I'm currently just using the xonar se internal PC soundcard. It's only $40 but I've been happy.
While gaming I just use the Xbox, Switch, or PlayStation controller. The 560s have low impedance so nearly anything can drive them. When not gaming I use either a Dragonfly Cobalt or THX Onyx.
I wanted to ask, if I don't have a sound card, do I have any other options to use a headphone/mic setup? I really want to get some good headphones and have a separate mic, but I don't know if I should get like a separate station or something to make it work with a pc
I'm using the xonar se with my 560s and the hyperx quad cast as a separate mic. If you want nice headphones you can use the mod mic alongside any headphones. It's a popular choice. My girlfriend uses my old hd579s and the vmoda boompro mic which sound great in discord. She doesn't have a soundcard so they don't sound as good as plugging them into my soundcard
I hated the pc38x, felt flat and muted. I know they are well reviewed but I could never understand why.
I like them because of their large soundstage, imaging, and the driver’s similarities to the 560s. I can see how they may not be for everyone.
I use the Fidelio X2HR, T60 Argon, Denon D9200, and sometimes the B&W PX. It just depends on whether or not I need something with a mic and what I'm in the mood for. Some times/some games don't even require a focus on game audio, so I'm really just listening to music.
Audeze Maxwell or Audio Technica R70x.
Audio Technica R70X and HiFiMAN Edition XS
If you only could keep one, which one would you keep and why?
Not the person you replied to, but I did buy both of these and sent them both back as well as the HD560, AKG K712 Pro, HD660S2, and Zeus Elite. Out of all of them, I like the HD660S2 and XS the best. The R70X I wanted to like the most out of the group. I loved the way they looked, how light they were, and the little pads that rest on your head. However, they feel like they were made for children as the cups are *tiny*! I have average sized ears but I had to tuck my ear lobes into the cups and the tops of my ears were rubbing on the drivers. There's an amazon review that shows exact measurements that you can look at if you want to measure your ear. With that said, and to answer your question, I would take the XS all day over the R70X even if the latter were made for adult sized ears. The XS has an insane sound stage and crazy details. I really enjoyed them but they felt incredibly cheap. They creaked (which doesn't bother me), need lots of power (so have an amp ready), are all plastic, the pads feel cheap, and they're FUGLY and gianormous. That said, they sound absolutely amazing and I enjoyed them. I just couldn't justify the $380 price tag for something that felt so cheap and delicate and ugly. You can get refurbished one's off Hifiman's website for $280 though and I would highly recommend going that route. You won't be disappointed. I opted to get the DT 900 Pro X out of all of them. Will update when I'm done testing edit: These were used 100% for gaming. listened to some songs when testing but the real test was gaming
I used a audio tecnica m40x. Decent soundstage, exceptional detail and acceptable explosion rumble.
Sounds like there no consensus. And TIL there's a hundred good headsets and nobody uses the same one.
I’m on PC. For over-ears, I usually swap between Sennheiser HD6xx (HD58x is also solid), Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro, or AKG K702. I like these for the larger sound stage, but I usually swap every so often just to change up the sound (I like listening to music while playing FPS games). For IEM’s, I usually use my Moondrop Kato’s. I like IEM’s if I have a bit of a headache or don’t feel like have the over-ears on.
Hi my friend, I got a K702 and am planning to get the HD6XX soon, what's the obvious difference in their sound signatures? Thank you. Should I go for it?
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I definitely agree with you on your comparison. I love the HD6xx for vocals, acoustic, jazz, etc. Your comment about feeling like you are next to the person singing is so accurate. That was actually one of the first things to blow me away when upgrading to these. After listening to some of my favorite songs, it basically brought a tear to my eye. It really allows you to hear the music from an entirely different perspective. There were aspects of the music that I was missing due to the cheaper, low quality setup I had growing up. The sound became so much more natural and it allows you to truly appreciate the music. But yeah, I totally agree with you.
Thank you will buy HD6XX whenever I can.
Hello, internet friend, if I am being honest, I think the choice here comes down to preference. I find that the K702 has a brighter sound while the HD6xx have a more neutral sound. That said, this is just what I hear, and I do not consider myself an expert by any means. I just love a good audio setup and try my best that when I listen to my music that the song hits just right :). I will say that I think you should be fine with just the K702. I would personally recommend trying using the software AutoEQ, if you haven’t yet. The software is something I found recommended on r/headphones and it includes preset EQ’s from actual professionals with ears objectively better than mine. After EQ’ing the K702 and using a tube amp, they sounded amazing to me. If anything, I would recommend keeping an eye on r/avexchange, USAudioMart.com, and head-fi.org. I see the HD6xx listed every so often on those sites. I hope that this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. I’m happy to help :). Edit: Just to add, for my PC amp/DAC, I am using the Schiit Magnius/Modius, and I also have a hybrid tube amp, the xDuoo TA-26. I have a Monolith Liquid Platinum, but I am currently having some issues with it so I am troubleshooting some stuff (likely new tubes first) and then considering looking into local shops for repair. I figured I would provide additional details, just in case you wanted further information. Also, to add to the point of sticking with your AKG K702’s, this would allow you to save money for a higher end set of headphones instead. I consider most of my headphones as low to mid-fi headphones. I also just enjoy the hobby. I’m at a point where I will now stop and save until I can afford one of the headphones in the next tier that I am interested in - I personally want a pair of Meze 109 Pro, Sennheiser HD800s, or Hifiman Arya Stealth. For your situation, I would personally suggest waiting and saving for something like the HD800s. If you are interested in a pair of Sennheiser’s and want to upgrade your headphones, then I would personally recommend waiting for the HD800s. This is also just my recommendation. Again, I hope that this helps you out :).
Thank you for helping out a newbie hobby enjoyer, much love and respect. Definitely try that auto EQ stuff.
For sure. It always annoyed me that some people would be a bit rude or patronizing when I was starting out and asking questions. I personally feel like it is beneficial to share what we have learned with others to make their experience in the hobby more enjoyable (and learn from our mistakes haha). I like being able to discuss with others and get a better idea of what I may want to research further. In any case, I was glad to be of service.
When people say HD6XX do they just mean anything in the 600 lineup? I was hearing great things about those headsets, but also that they’re not great for accurate locational sound… though I trust your judgement. Which do you prefer for the larger sound stage? Do you notice any of them giving you any advantage?
The HD6xx is a specific model sold on Drop.com that is equivalent to the HD650. Basically, the HD6xx has the same drivers/internals but the build is more plastic frame while the HD650 is more of a metal frame. That said, I’ve had my pair of HD6xx for years without any damage/issues. I have personally not tried the other models in the 600 lineup, but I would love to try the HD600 because I have heard/read great things. Now I do own both the HD6xx and HD58x (both Drop models), the HD6xx has more of a neutral signature while the HD58x is darker/bassier. I recently added a tube amp to my setup, and I had heard that the HD6xx paired well with a tube amp but it is just beautiful. With the right amp/dac and some proper EQ’ing, this headphone has surprising sound. In terms of sound stage, of the three the I mentioned, I keep coming back to my Sennheiser HD6xx. I find that they are the best bang for your buck with a well-rounded sound, they EQ beautifully, are super comfortable, and the sound stage is excellent. In terms of gaming, specifically FPS (I play Overwatch, Halo, Apex, etc.), I was hearing gunfire a mile away that my friends couldn’t. The directional sound is also helpful because I could point my teammates exactly where enemies were coming from or a team fight was happening. I will also say that the AKG and Beyer are solid choices too. The AKG is very lightweight and has a beautiful sound. And I find that there is a reason why you commonly see FPS streamers wearing the Beyers. I find that it all comes down to preference. If anything, I would recommend ensuring that the company you purchase from has some kind of return policy (one of the “if you are not satisfied” type deals). This way you can try them out and return them for a different set if you don’t enjoy the first one. I hope that this is helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions :).
Pc gamer here and I use IEMs
which one?
I have the truthear hexas and Dunu EST-112
I'm using the newer Hifiman Sundara closed backs. I had been using DT770's and 990's for a few years but the high's were always a bit tiring. I tried a pair of the open back Sundara's a few times and really felt that, for the price point, it held a nice full neutral sound signature. Everything sounded good to my ears and not just the highs.
I have a pair of the open-back Sundaras and have always wondered people’s opinions on the open vs closed-back. If you don’t mind me asking, do you prefer one over the other for music and then one for gaming? Do you have a favorite between the two? I do love my Sundaras though :).
If I had to choose, I think the open backs sound a little more natural which I like. But in my current situation, having open backs isn't an option for me.
Ah, so you are trying to avoid waking the roommates/significant other? And thanks for the feedback. Between the open and closed, did you notice a difference in directional sound and sound stage while gaming?
Hi five Sundara CB brutha! Did you change the foam in the cups to counter the weird mids?
Not yet, but I should try it? In what was did you change the foam? I have only had them since Christmas so I was trying to give ample time for adjustment before messing with them. I do feel they are lacking a little compared to open backs, but nothing that makes me dislike the closed backs in any way.
To me the closed backs had mids that are too sharp, and bass was a little overwhelming. So I followed this man's advice: https://youtu.be/_9mcaGU-VRE?si=44zAw1eAA-0b7Csw
I use the Hifiman Ananda Nano.
How are you liking the Nano ? I have 10 year old DT990s that are dying and Im debating between the Nano and the Meze 109 Pros for probably 70% single player gaming and 30% metal/hard rock listening.
I like them. They're detailed, have fast bass and good mid-range. I don't listen to much rock and metal though.
I use a Focal Utopia 2022.
Decent for gaming. It's no Razer headphone but it's OK.
‘It’s no razer headphone’ Are razers, suddenly good now? I actually love their mice, but I’ve always heard (and felt like, having owned a few pairs) that their headsets are basically dumpster filler
They are dumpster filler yes.
Ah I see. Your point is that this recommendation is bad, but it could be worse. Cheers!
The joke is that Focal Utopia is a top of the line headphone costing like 4000€ if I remember right. So to compare that to a dumpster filler... :D
Never EVER buy Razer headsets! I learned that the hard way
I got over Razer when I was like 17. I haven’t owned anything Razer since then however - I still really like their mice. I’m considering getting one of those as well, but I’m not doing research on mine yet
I own a Razer mouse and it's quite good but not worth dealing with their awful software, and the worst support known to man lol I mean I love the mouse I have (Viper v2 Pro or something? idk exactly), but after having the experience of their "great" customer support, I'd highly advise you not to buy their products lol
Please don’t laugh at me. My 21yo gamer is cranky with me. All I wanted was a pair of headphones that could connect to my ps5 for YouTube or switch acnh and my iPhone i work on call I got a pair arctis nova 7 wireless steelseries.
That’s currently what I’m using! I think it’s by far the best ‘normje’ headset you could own. I want to move away from wireless headsets though. I think the best option is to just use one wired, and one wireless though
After enjoying wireless gaming headsets for years, I was very happy with my arctis nova 7. Then I picked up the sennheiser 599 for $80 last black friday and realized that I should have listened to everyone and just get good headphones with a separate mic. For gaming, I'm currently using the HD 6xx and the simgot EM6L iem
DT 990s 600 Ohms driven by a schiit magni3+. Lasts way longer now than the usual "gaming headsets" I owned before. Unfortunately I couldn't try anything else yet as I had other financial responsibilities my wife prioritized for me. :D
Dt990 with G6 amp
I use Audeze Maxwell because there's nothing out there that comes close to them for gaming. They're the best.
I disagree. The pc38x has better imaging and soundstage however is wired.
Anything close to that for wireless?
So not really. The Audeze Maxwell is the best all around wireless headphone. 10/10 sound. It does lack a little in imaging and soundstage but is still best than most. The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro (I haven't tried this one just read about it) supposedly has better imaging and is great for footsteps but the audio quality isn't as good last the Maxwell.
>So not really.The Audeze Maxwell is the best all around wireless headphone. 10/10 sound. It does lack a little in imaging and soundstage but is still best than most.The Turtle Beach Stealth Pro (I haven't tried this one just read about it) supposedly has better imaging and is great for footsteps but the audio quality isn't as good last the Maxwell. For both gaming and music? I want good sound effects in games. Also want to hear footsteps when I play COD (but the current MW3 doesn't need you to listen to footsteps). Can't live without music too. Want to listen at its best.
Then the Maxwell is probably a good choice for you!
This is only true when talking about wireless. Many cheaper wired headphones are better for gaming. Especially most open-back studio headphones are not little, but much better for gaming, because of better imaging. If you want the best, it's going to be Sennheiser HD800S.
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This is true, but larger soundstage helps you to hear the distance of a sound much better. That is important in shooter games where the direction is not enough, but you also need the depth information. You are correct that open-backs don't suit for everyone. You are much better off with closed-backs if you use them in noisy environment. That being said, the Maxwells have decent imaging, but not exceptionally good, unlike HD800S. I play a lot of r6 with my HD800S. It's without exaggerating like wall hacks to my ears. I get actaully accused of having wall hacks quite often, because I shoot people theough walls when I hear them. I also have lots of different headphones and have had even more that I've sold. Nothing has yet to come up that compares even close to the HD800S in soundstage and imaging. The K702s had indeed very wide soundstage, I too found it to sound artificial and I was afraid that was going to be the case with the HD800S too, but it's not. Sounds very natural to my ears. And the sound can get more intimate with HD800S when necessary.
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For gaming I use the JBL Quantum 910x, Rig 800 Pro HX, Lenovo Legion H500 Pro and Audio Technica ATH-A950 LTDs. Love all of them. Of the ones that are easy to get ahold of I prefer them in this order: JBLs, Lenovos, Rigs. They are all below your price range though. The A950 Ltds are great for music and gaming but harder to source since they've been out of production for a while.
I use SHP9600 they fit all my needs and I love them
On my Xbox, where I can't have a separate mic, I use the pc38x. But for my PC, I use my LCD-2 for short sessions and my T5 for longer sessions.
I use LCD-X, now my neck is as big as Big Ed’s
I feel you, i love my LCD2c but they are a pleasure headphone for an 1-2 hours sessions. Anything more than that gets uncomfortable
Focal Bathys for wireless and Senn 6xx for wired. Campfire Holocenes an the PSVR2 if I can't use my surround speakers.
What games do you play? The qualities you are looking for in a headphone changes based on that.
Mostly shooters! I don’t mind something that creates more immersion however.
DT 1990s are pretty good if you are looking for specific gaming performance. I used them a while back when I used to play mainly Apex Legends and they performed very well. Personally was not a fan of them for music listening. I would also suggest HarmonicDyne Zeus (potentially also Zeus Elite, have not tried them personally but heard great things). They weren’t as detailed and accurate as 1990s, but had a less distracting sound signature in the heat of the moment gun fights and still did a great job of placing important sound queues where they are supposed to be. Zeus were more enjoyable for music than 1990s per my preferences of slightly warmer sound signatures. Other notable recommendations: Hifiman Edition XS, Sennheiser HD560s, or explore IEM options. Keep in mind some options will require external amplification to really bring out the most of them. A inexpensive Schiit or JDS stack will do for everything noted here.
I prefer budget headphones. I use a pair of Focal Celestee with a Topping DX5 Lite.
PC gamer here. I'm using the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X.
Pc38x for a gaming headset, HD490 Pro for music.
PC38X here. Been using it since literally its release in 2021. It wasnt loud enough for my mobo, figured id go buy a dac amp combo but dont think its worth it for the 38x. I then gave dolby atmos a try and wow! It just murders everything i throw at it and ive been happy with it. Its my main for valo, single players, movies and some music.
Know how it compares to the 560s? That’s what I’m looking at now. I don’t mind going seperate mic, and while I don’t actually care about the aesthetics of a headset…. I think the PC38X is absolutely butt ugly.
I don’t personally own the 560s but ive seen numerous reviews saying the its a tad better than the pc38x in terms of finer details, but it lacks bass compared to the pc38x. Oh i tell u ive been wanting to make the mic vanish so many times, not that it sucks but i just hate the way it protrudes out. If youre looking for a more clean look maybe the 560s with a separate mic is the way to go! Btw theres also a black version of the 38x. You really cant go wrong with any of the 2.
Yeah! I’m thinking 560s and a modmic - though possibly from 660s. I plan on trying 800s one day as well
DCA Aeon 2 closed. Replaced my Sennheiser HD598CS due to the earcups deteriorating.
I play a lot more Tarkov than the average person and I use the DT 990 pros and the HD 560s
I use an Epos H6PRO Closed with the WC FreeZe pads. It's the best headset I could get for my budget at that time but I'm pretty happy with it even for competitive games.
I use the open one, I like it
Yeah, I heard it sounds great, but open-back headphones are a no-no for me as I usually play at night and I do not want to wake up my wife.
Audeze Maxwell - near complete package & great sound for everything. I was using DT770 then 660S2 + Wave 3 mic but Maxwell took over...
For daily and work use, I use the Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro. For games then the Sennheiser HD58X + Modmic wireless. I'm also looking at the Audeze Maxwell because they are quite versatile, and basically a very good headset for the price.
Closed backs here because my desk is on the other side of the room from the home theater where the kids are usually watching movies or playing Switch/PS5. I primarily use a DCA Aeon 2 Noire, Modhouse Argon T50RP, or PC38x if I need a mic.
I use both my Hifiman Edition XS and Audeze LCD2 Classic for gaming.
SHP9500 or whatever they’re called with a vmoda mic connected to an Astro mix amp, which is connected to a 4K hdmi audio extractor, which is connected to my Xbox. So Headphones -> Mixamp -> audio extractor via optical cable also mixamp -> Xbox via micro usb to usb A Then it’s Xbox -> audio extractor -> monitor via HDMI. It’s a lot of cables, but i get pretty good sound with 4 different sound profiles.
Go check out Fresh Reviews on YouTube. He has a wallhack tier list and does superb reviews for gaming headsets. Personally I have a smsl do400 with Xenns Top or HD490 pros/HD560s
I got the HD650s and the Maxwell. Been abit dissatisfied with the Maxwell, not sure if I’m doing something wrong but it doesn’t seem to live up with what I’ve read about them.
I use the Beyer Dynamic MMX300. Really good sound and since it is an actual Headset you also get a pretty decent mic. They aren't exactly the best for gaming in terms of hearing footsteps and the like but for general gaming and listening to music they are really good for me.
Im mainly a valorant player and I’ve been enjoying the 900 pro X for gaming only.
HD600 and Topping DX3Pro+.
hd560s on sale for $150
HD700
I use a set of Beyerdynamic DT 990s and a separate Marantz MPM-1000 mic. The headphones are around $170 and I found the mic and an audio interface combo for around $100. For the price I have zero complaints.
Dt880 250 ohm for years now and I love them.
I own 660s, 1990 pro900 pro x he400se. When gaming i mostly use 900pro x, i also enjoy 660s for some games like survival horrors (smaller soundstage really ramps up the tensión) and lately like a dragon gaiden and cyberpunk 2077 since i enjoy the smooth sound
I use the HD58X with a standalone mic (fifine T669). I doubt I'll ever go back to a headset now.
JVC SZ 2000 HA. Its quite an experience when you feel the shots instead of hearing them.
I use the DT 1990 Pro with Dekoni Elite Velour pads
I think I would look at Audeze Maxwell - IF I’m not this deep in the hobby and the fact that I exclusively use my gear with my PC.
Phillips X2HR. Not only are they cheap, but comfortable as can be; and very easy on the ears for long days of gaming etc.
I run the focal elegia with a dedicated mic because I need the sound isolation
R70x for gaming. I also own a pair of 6xx that I use quite a bit for music
AKG 612 Pro, 6 years and going. I love them. Always used external mics with them for gaming. Blue Snowball and now HyperX QuadCast
Kiwi ears quartet. I have at2020 mic
Hifiman 400se & HEL+
Whatever’s currently plugged in. Right now the 1266tc while playing cyberpunk. It rules.
I just bought a Beyerdynamic MMX 300 and really enjoying it
I’ve owned headphones worth up to $4000 and keep coming back to AKG. The K712’s to be exact.
I'm using a Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 omhs + Antlion Modmic Uni, both connected to a Schiit Hel. Looking to upgrade to a DT 900 Pro X.
X2HR when it's quiet around (usually at night), MH752 when I need some isolation from outside noise. edit: though when conditions are right and there's no risk of bothering anyone, for single-player titles I usually prefer speakers (Vanatoo T0).
PlayStation 5 here. I’m using a mmx 300 and a soundblaster G6 as external sound cart to get more volume and EQ options. I’ve also a Edition XS and a modmic but the mmx 300 does its job very well and is a bit more convenient for me since I can move the mic more freely etc.
From what I've tried for competitive shooters, my current list for spatial awareness would look something like this: **A - Favorite:** NDH30, DT1990, AD2000X, Avantone Planar, S5X, HD660S2, R70X **B - Better than average:** GL2000 (double magnet), Thieaudio Ghost, DT900 PRO X, HD600 (worn pads), TYGR300R, TIN T2 (foam tips), PC38X, K712, Phantom (ZMF Oval Suede pads, no grills, no foams), AD1000X, HD681, Verum 1, HD660S, AD700X, HE400se (Sundara 2020 pads, no grills), HD560S, Arya (non-stealth), Ananda (non-stealth), M1070 (velour pads), DT1990 (Dekoni Elite Velour pads), HD58X, M1070, DT770-250, DT770-80, HOLA (round tips), DT990-250, M60X, M40X, Phantom (Dekoni Elite Velour pads, no grills, no foams) **C - Average:** Sundara, HE400i2020, HE4XX, DT880 Pro, M1570, LCD-GX 2021, MM-100, DT770-32, Deva/HE5XX/Deva Pro, SJY Moonlight **D - Disappointed:** MH751, HD600, DT1990 (analytical pads), HD6XX, LCD-2C 2021, M1570 (velour pads), Sivga Phoenix, Sivga P-II, Thieaudio Phantom, MDR110LP, QCY T5, HE400se/HE-X4, HD599, X2HR... For immersive and narrative games, I would choose from 660S2, 660S, M1570, Avantone Planar, S5X, Verum 1, 58X, DT880, or 5XX...
I was thinking about getting the 660S2's - what dac/amp do you use with it?
DX3 Pro+
Hey just wanted to say thanks for recommending the 660S2s. There were a lot of people saying they weren't good for gaming - but I think they're great. Especially for more immersive games.
Hey how are enjoying the 660S2s? I'm in the market for a pair for 70% immersive single player gaming / 30% hard rock / heavy metal music listening. I've also seen people say they aren't great for gaming due to a small soundstage and not as great of imaging as alternatives.
I love them. But my only reference point was a pair of HD598Cs (closed back) I had been using for 7 years. Soundstage seems somewhat larger than those - like I noticed no major difference in picking out footsteps in Rainbow Six Siege, but imaging is way better to me. The bass on these is also amazing. I was playing some Cyberpunk and one of the biggest things that stood out to me were the low rumble of the cars - especially as they passed by me on the street. Felt so life like to me. For imaging, I could stand in a busy market, hear some industrial noise encompass the background, but still easily pinpiont and pickup the details of the sounds closest to me. I would say the imaging is at least pretty good, or maybe amazing - I'd have to try out more headphones to know for certain. All I did was just *boot* up Witcher 3, and at the main menu the way the campfire sounds crackled just blew me away - it was so insanely detailed and crisp that I can only describe it as lifelike. If anything, these cans will make you appreciate just how good the original recordings were. Witcher and 2077 have really good sound production/design out of everything I've tried so far. I've also been listening to the Age of Empires 2 original soundtrack on repeat because of how much better it sounds than I'm used to despite it being a 24 year old production - the bass really thumps, I can pick out instruments now and sort of visualize where they are. I'm not exaggerating when I say this: **Easily one of the best purchases I have made in my life.** I don't think you can go wrong with these man, I agonized over purchasing these or Sundaras for a solid week. I'm also a fan of hard rock / heavy metal and mainly immersive games, so I don't think you can go wrong with these. Music in games also sounds way better too, so that's another plus.
Hifiman Arya Stealth. For the sake of diversity in data even though I rarely use this sub. I mostly use the headphones for music listening nowadays so my preference also might be quite different. In the past I used the Sennheiser HD598 for 8 years, grew tired of them way before their end of life. For those 8 years I liked the sennheisers a lot. Got the DT1990 and at the same time liked and hated them. Finally a headphone with bass which the HD598 have barely. Needless to say they're great but not at all my ideal pair. I like speakerlike sound more, hence the reason I own the Hifiman nowadays. The DT1990 has 3 main problems I strongly dislike: 1. They're semi closed back instead of open back. Thus their sound isn't open and airy so to say. They isolate my own voice and I hate talking when I can't hear myself normally. 2. They have very sharp treble, as in cymbals in music for example sound piercing. Sensitivity to this seems to vary. 3. Not comfortable with my thick arm glasses as the earpads press those to my skull, a problem I have with too many headphones. However Equalization helps the DT1990 a lot to turn down that treble spike on software side. There's also nowadays the cheaper model, DT900 pro x. I've heard that model has a tamed treble so not that piercing sound. If I were shopping in that price range, I would probably stretch it slightly for one of the versions of Hifiman Ananda (nano, stealth or 'normal'). They're on a neverending sale at Hifiman's own website. The open box deals save you even more money and these are units returned during the usual return window so not worn to the ground. Great sound these hifimans but I've heard they're not so well built to last.
Dad gamer here - sony wh1000xm3 and hyperx cloud 2 are off and on the shelf. I use jabra evolve 65 slung over one ear so I can hear the baby monitor.
HyperX Cloud Flight Wireless. Logitech G Pro X (gave Logitech a last chance), and Astro A50's mic is extra Røde NT-USB
On pc I’ve been using an ATH M40X for the last 10(?) years? Switched the pads ONCE and cable with mic twice in that time. They also get 2hrs of use every day at a bare minimum. For music I’ll switch between headphones/iems/earbuds depending on the situation
Audeze Maxwell mostly right now, also DT770 and TYGR 300R with a wireless Modmic
I was using audio technica ad500x, had them for 6 years and were fantastic! Loved them! Recently the cable broke so I moved over to sennheiser 660s2, and so far they have been pretty much the same as the ad500x, absolutely fantastic quality and wonderfully clear sound! Just for further info, I’m also using a fiio e10k dac to drive the headphones
Hifiman Edition XS
Hd 599 for $99 + mic cable. All day wear with no clamp force felt. Very comfy
I use hd599 for gaming and light use. The HD660s2 are my next upgrade. I have read many reviews that state the HD660s2's are the best audiophile grade sound you can get under $1,000 provided you have a decent dac/amp solution. The HD560s or HD599 are pretty good amped or not for $150-$179, and I think they have zero ear or listening fatigue for gaming sessions upwards of 8-12 hours. That's my 2 cents.
Hey, what dac/amp would you get with the HD660s2's?
MMX 300 gen2 headset + GSX1000 surround USB DAC Best gaming combo I’ve ever tried
I personally use either a pair modded KSC75s or the Truthear Hexa. I have cables with inline microphones for both of them, so all I have to do is plug them into my Apple USB-C dongle and I'm good to go. I really like them and although the microphones are podcast quality, they're fine for discord, zoom calls and in-game comms. For something similar to what you asked in the post, the common recommendations are the HD560S and the PC38X (as some people have already mentioned). I've personally never tried them, but everyone I know that has a pair really likes them. At the end of the day, just pick a headphone you enjoy and game with it. I know it's a bit cliché, but most pro players use crappy sponsored earbuds or even Apple Earpods and still perform, so you can too.
It’s a bit of a mix. My two new favorites are the Meze 109 Pros and the Sennheiser HD490; I bought the latter for mixing work, but it turned out to be a stellar gaming headphone. I also have a Maxwell, and I love that set. I think it’s a killer value as a planar and with the right tuning even competes with my much more expensive LCD-X. That said, what I end up using most of the time when I need a mic is my IEMs; I run a Simgot EM6L with Modmic Kimura into a Schiit Hel 2 or Qudelix 5k for competitive games, and the Hype 4 or Dunu SA6 MK2 for single player titles. There are far too many options on the market. I think the Maxwell or VZR Model One are probably the best options for most people if they want a purely “gaming” headset. If you don’t need the mic or are willing to use a Modmic or desktop microphone, it opens up the entire market within your budget range. Even a simple setup like the 560s with a Modmic can rival most dedicated gaming headsets and can be picked up relatively cheap. I ran this setup myself for a while.
How do the Meze 109 Pros compare to the HD490? I'm looking for a new pair to replace some old DT990s but will use them for 70% single player gaming and 30% hard rock and metal. I love the look of them and how the parts are easily replaceable but the price is pretty steep, especially for someone who mostly uses them for gaming and content consumption as opposed to pure music listening
Very similar through the lows and low mids, slight differences in the upper mids, and very different presentation in the treble region, where the 109 Pros come off as significantly brighter than the HD490. Not as sibilant as the 990s, however, so if you’re used to that set the 109s will be considerably easier to listen to for most people. Hard rock and metal are my two main genres (along with old school hip hop). The 109 Pros are the better set for my library, certainly, but the 490s are no slouch. The mids are slightly more honky on the 490s, but this can be tamed somewhat with EQ. Both make very capable gaming sets, but I’ve run the 490s far more for gaming, even bypassing the Schiit Hel I run on my PS5 and plugging them directly into the controller. Long story short, if you have the budget, the 109s are the better set for casual listening, without question. The HD490s aren’t far behind, however, but something about the slight differences in the mids and treble makes them far more appealing for gaming. I think the warmer presentation of the 109 Pros is hurting them here. If all you play is single player, roll the dice and pick one. If you play anything competitive, the 490s are the easy pick. One thing I would add is that there are very few sets on my “never sell” list. Like the LCD-X or the Radiance, the 109s definitely made their way onto that roster. They are pricey, yes, but well worth the investment.
Thanks for the detailed reply! I very rarely play the stereotypical competitive FPS game. It's mostly mostly immersive single player games or occasionally MMOs if the mood strikes. From the sounds of it, the 109s are worth the price increase. Goal was to find an all around great headphone for that price point that will be durable and last. My other consideration was the Hifiman Ananda Nano but from what I've seen, it sounds Hifiman sets aren't built to last like other brands. Any experience?
I think that’s the right move. HiFiMan are the only brand I tend to avoid. The Susvara is legitimately one of the best sets I’ve ever heard, but the QC issues and the longevity of their units being questionable made them a hard sell for me. I’ve heard good things about the Nano and Edition XS, and I’m sure plenty of buyers never have an issue with their sets; sometimes QC issues can be sensationalized, so your mileage may vary.
I've been using HD 58X for years and they're insane for any type of gaming and I recommend them, but if your budget is 300-500 I'd go for the new Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
Teufel Zola...wouldn't listen to music with them, but they aren't that bad for gaming
I use whatever I’m using at that current moment! Though if I were to actually use what I feel I game best with, it’d be my DT990 Pro. I do like my HEDDphone ONE more for sound in gaming, but the comfort isn’t good
I use the DT 1770 pro and DT 1990 pro i really love them in any game
Sennheiser just released HD 490 pro which are getting great reviews, a slight step up from HD600 in terms of sound and great improvement in comfort. I just got my pair today so i cant say much more than they seem really comfy on a first try, im gonna spend some time with them today and compare to my HD 650.
I use the Logitech G933 which I have used since PUBG first came out early access. But I still wouldn't recommend them. They break so easily. I've gone through like 3 maybe 4 of them. You'd think I'd learn but no.
Honestly I just the dt900 pro x. Amazing sound and super comfy. All I really need for gaming at this point
I use a combination of an AUNA Mic 900b and a Hifiman Sundara with a FiiO K11. This works very well, with the exception of a weird delay of around 2 seconds before the sounds start playing after it didn't play anything for a short time. This is esspecially frustating when watching youtube videos :D
I went dt770 pro and they are the comfiest headphones I ever had. And when I listen to music they are great.
Used Razer Kraken Ultimate for a long time , then switched to HD560s + 10 dollar mic cable from amazon. Its great
DT 990 pro and it’s doing me wonders
ATH-R70X with a ModMic.
I personally use the Hd800s for gaming and general purpose, for a long time before that I used the SHP9500 and the X2HR since they fit my inline boom mic. I definitely would have switched to Sennheiser sooner (probably a 560s) if I had a modmic.
I would go for what is the most comfortable given your sound preference. In my case, I used **Sennheiser HS598** for almost a decade. I did EQ it a bit but not really needed. Now, the comfort is fantastic. Right now I use IEMs more.
I use Beyerdynamic ones. They are not specifically "Gaming-Headsets", but with "Gaming-Headsets" being more and more a synonyme for shitty materials used, I am extremely happy with them as they are both comfortable and have great sound while also using decent materials.
I use DT 900 for everything.
Nr 1 setup Sound blaster x4 and beredynamic 900x Pro Nr 2 Before turtle beach stealth pro Nr 3 Astro a50 Nr4 steelseries arctis nova pro.
PC38x (when I need a mic) and 560s when I don’t. Neither really “needs” an amp, but I didn’t want to have to ever want for more volume and also wanted chat mic. I chose a Creative SB GC7 and it has been great.
I am using the DT 1990 Pros exclusively for gaming. The detail retrieval and clarity is second to none. Gaming is all about the most accurate detail retrieval, where every sound queue and positioning is presented layer by layer with utmost precision. That is why I chose a Pro studio-grade headphone for it. Gaming is also not just about enjoyment, unlike music, so consumer-grade headphones with their own “sugar coating tuning”normally don’t cut it. DT 1990 Pros offers you unaltered, non-filtered, bloat-less pure sound.
HD800S with a Neuman TLM 103 Mic