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Gaming Headsets - Yet Another Thread

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RanceJustice

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The last Gaming Headset thread has vanished, but I wanted to bring up the topic again because there was a lot of confusion. Please, I know some people are extremely in favor of a clip on mic with a "real" pair of headphones, but that's not what I want to discuss here. Sure, if you think Headset X has crappy sound, that's cool, but please compare it to headsets (with mic attached) and/or within price range.

That said here is what I in particular am looking for..

1. Linux compatibility. If the headset has regular RCA/3.5mm jacks, then there won't be any problem with this. However, if it uses USB or has an option to do so, some USB audio devices work under linux and others don't. If someone doesn't know for sure if it works for Linux, that's okay, I can likely find out, but if it requires drivers to work and doesn't have any hardware on the headset itself... probably not looking well (ie Logitech G35 requires software to work and only has a USB connection. It is not Linux compatible. However, Sennheiser Comm's old 150's detachable USB option requires no drivers in Windows, and works in Linux as a USB audio device)
2. Comfort and Sound Quality - I'd like good sound quality considering the money spent and headset category. I'd like to be able to listen to media content as well as game and use for VOIP without it sounding cheap and/or horrible. In addition, I wear glasses and some sets work better than others for people that do. Adjustable is good, as is high quality materials on the earcups and anything that touches skin, as I intend to clean/sterilize them often.
3. Multi-use. I'm pretty sure I don't want a pair that ONLY has USB connectivity. I'd like to be able to use these with other hardware as well on occasion. However, USB is certainly a plus provided it is some sort of adapter/card that allows me to use RCA or 3.5mm jacks as well when I wish.

So far this is what I've come up with

Razer Moray+ (PAX) - Good earbuds, microphone, multi use adaptors, seems like an excellent backup pair. No USB. Not horribly priced
Edge Acoustics GX400 - Expensive as bloody hell, but made by the gaming wing of legendary Etymotic research! Probably extreme quality, in a canalphone/earbud.
AstroGaming A40 - Not sure if I want to buy the "MixAmp" as well for a primary PC enviroment, but from the website it shows that it has USB for "audio/power" so perhaps that means it can be used as a USB audio device now? One review reports that the new version works awesomely with the PC as a USB sound device. Expensive (200 for headset, 249 for bundle), but it has some great reviews for quality and comfort.
Tritton AX720 - This thing seems to be the next generation after the AXPRO line. Reviews don't usually test how well it holds up on the PC and what connections you need to get both audio and voice on the PC. Anyone have any insight or a really good review? The few I'd read say that it still has the hissing problem with PCs.
SteelSeries 5H V2 w/USB - Company has a long history of good quality, slightly less expensive than Astro and Tritton. USB or 3.5mm is a plus. I think this is a good baseline of comparison for a high end headset. Only thing I'm a little worried about is the USB compatibility with Linux.
Creative Fatal1ty MKII - Surprising how many good reviews this thing gets. Supposedly the quality and audio for the price is great. Not USB, but I can always use an old USB headset dongle I have around here from a pair of Senns that wore out.

At the moment, I'm kind of leaning towards the Astro A40 on the super high end, or the SteelSeries 5H v2 w/USB for the more mid grade. What are your experiences?
 
I can confirm that the new Astro MixAmp does work as a PC USB sound device now. Its interesting because they only advertise it as adding PS3 voice support over USB.
 
I posted in your prior thread. Again, Astros are great because they are so comfortable while wearing glasses. I've done four hour Left 4 Dead 2 and TF2 sessions with no fatigue from wearing them with my glasses on. Sound quality is also excellent, and the Mixamp now taking audio over USB will put them over the top for some people (I'm fine going over TOSLINK optical). I like the Mixamp with the PC as a large convenient volume control, sits right on top of my case. If you also play on the 360 or PS3 then there really is no other option, being able to hear voice chat and game audio through the same headset and balance their levels with the amp is the best.

I like them so much I got them for a friend for an early Christmas present.
 
Thanks everyone. I've decided on the Astro A40 system (new version). Say, has anyone considered getting the HP Blackbird mount thingy and putting it onto a custom case?
 
SixtyWattMan said:
Get a real pair of headphones with a clip on mic.
Click to expand...
this++
why limit yourself to headsets when headphones offer a superior selection? then just get the mic separate
I like to buy those $10-15 logitech headsets, put it around my neck and just use the mic
 
lillimon04 said:
Anyone heard anything about the Logitech g35?
Click to expand...

They're not bad, but overpriced for what you get is what I hear. They're USB only, and require drivers to do the audio processing. Also, I don't think their Linux compatible, but I can't confirm that, if it matters to you as it does I. If you were looking for something in the same neighborhood, I'd go for the Razer Megalodon, as it handles the audio processing internally without drivers, still using a USB connection.
 
eon said:
this++
why limit yourself to headsets when headphones offer a superior selection? then just get the mic separate
I like to buy those $10-15 logitech headsets, put it around my neck and just use the mic
Click to expand...

The really I don't want to do this is because I don't just want to listen to media on them as my primary audio system. If that was the case I'd buy one of those really nice sound cards made for Headphones, and enjoy them. I want to have options. They will occasionally be my primary audio system, but most of the time they will be used in tandem with it. For instance, I'll be using them as a secondary device for voice coms while game audio comes out the speakers. Another issue comes with plugs- if I did as you suggest I'd have to find a way to plug this stuff in. Right now, my sound card won't let me use the front panel audio and the main audio at the same time. So it would mean unplugging my speakers and plugging in my headphones+mic from the back, every single time, then reconfiguring my drivers for headset mode etc.. It would just be a lot of trouble. Also, if I spent a good bit of money on good cans, I'd need a sound card with an amp to support them etc...
 
MDR-XD400 @ 5Hz - 30,000Hz. Comfortable to wear for 24+ hours. + a USB Mic.
Nuff said.
 
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