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Need Headset Help

W

WesM63

2[H]4U
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
3,266
Short and simple, apparently i play games and watch tv too loud. (Complete BS,btw) Enough that one of my neighbors complained via a note.

Anyway, to avoid all issues i'm looking for a headset (with mic) that is super comfortable for extended periods of time (~5hrs) and produces decent sound. Wireless would be great, but not required.

Price range.. well there isn't really one, as long as we're not talking $500+, with that being said, ~$250 would be idea.

Suggestions?
 
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If you need a headset, as opposed to headphones and a mic, try to get a stereo headset that uses some kind of Dolby positioning, like the Logitech G35. Don't fall for the 5.1 headset trap.

But with that budget you might be better served with a discrete sound card, a pair of decent headphones, and a clip-on/desktop mic.
 
Thanks, the G35's look decent.

After your suggestion I started looking at just headphones. I don't know how good these guys are, but headphoneinfo.com has some pretty good reviews. I've found a few pretty close to the price range that have extremely high comfort level, what i'm really after in the end. (Holy Hell HD800 for $1400.. wowo)

EDIT: I should mention the cans i was looking at were Audio-Technica ATH-AD900, AKG K701 and Sennheiser PXC 450. If someone can recommend something similar with that level of comfort, that's what i'd be after. Also, for further reading, it sounds like some sort of amp would be needed. (Mic doesn't seem to be an issue, looks like there is some cheap zalman one that would fit the bill)
 
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The ATHs don't need an amp, not sure about the AKGs. I'm not sure if the AD900s are worth the extra cost over the AD700s for gaming or not - have to get someone to weigh in on that. The AD700s are really good for games - great for positioning.
 
What's the difference between the AD700's and A700's?

AD700

A700


I also keep reading about these Samson SR850's ($50 at amazon), how do they compare to either of the above?

Sorry, i'm full of questions after a good hour of reading and not really knowing what to look for.
 
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The A700s are closed, so they offer better bass and sound isolation at the expense of soundstage and positioning. The AD700s are open, so you do get some noise leakage, but they have a better positioning (so everyone says - I haven't directly compared them). Most people recommend the AD700s for gaming, unless you are worried about the noise.

If you are gaming, you'll also want a soundcard to go with the headphones. You can go with the $30 Xonar DG, which is an entry level Dolby Headphone source, or you could go higher with the Xonar DX, or even higher with the Creative Titanium HD. There is also the new Creative Recon3D, but there aren't any website reviews yet, so it's a little hard to know what you are getting there (it seems expensive at $99 minimum). All you are really looking for is something that does the virtual positioning, so a card that supports either Dolby Headphone or CMSS-3D, or the newer THX implementation (can't remember the name).
 
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Thanks for the input. Sadly I don't have space for another add-in card (matx motherboard).

I might give the AD700's a try, is there any reason they would be worse off in say something like watching tv/movies?
 
Samson Sr850 is the best all around headphone under $100 imo. I have had the AD700 and the a700. The only thing that I dislike about the 850 is the earpads. Which can simply be replaced or ghetto modded like I did. Either way, they sound good for the money, have a big soundstage, not as big as the ad700 but bigger than the a700, and have much better bass and overall sound quality.

Get those and a xonar dg or dx and you are golden.
 
How's the comfort on the SR850's? Comfortable for extended periods of time? (5hrs)

The price of any of the mentioned cans isn't of much concern. I just want super comfortable and decent sounding.
 
I would take the A700 over the AD700. I've owned the A700 in the past, and the closed back nature of it made the bass very present (certainly no earthshaking, no - nothing like that) but it was there, and you could feel it. The AD700 is like getting 2 bookshelf speakers that go down to only 50 Hz without getting a subwoofer -- very clear, sure, but missing something in the low end and gets real quiet real fast the lower the notes get, and it ends up sounding too thin to be right. The A700 is basically the full range.

That's just my opinion, though. I'm an AH-D5000 guy, so you definitely know I like a full sound that extends all the way down (and perhaps down beyond what some people would feel is necessary or desirable). I'd take full range sound with a sacrifice on soundstage any day. It's not like that ATH_a700 has a horrible stage, either, it just can't compete with the AD700.

If you do feel like upping the budget, the Denon line (AH-D2000 for your range) might be worth investigating.
 
WesM63 said:
How's the comfort on the SR850's? Comfortable for extended periods of time? (5hrs)

The price of any of the mentioned cans isn't of much concern. I just want super comfortable and decent sounding.
Click to expand...

If you mod them like I did which was basically double sided tape and some soft microfiber towels cut into strips, they are good for hours on end. I never notice them. Stock pads are kind of crappy in that they are pleather and a bit sweaty. Otherwise, awesome sound for the money. They are semi open so they breathe a bit and have a larger sound stage than a closed can.
 
Thanks again for the input. I don't feel like modding and never getting it right.

At this point, it really boils down to comfort. While all the mentioned cans sound great, i need to know how they feel during and after hours of listening.
 
WesM63 said:
Thanks again for the input. I don't feel like modding and never getting it right.

At this point, it really boils down to comfort. While all the mentioned cans sound great, i need to know how they feel during and after hours of listening.
Click to expand...

Replace the earpads with AKG 240 ones if you go the Samson route.

I had the AD700s for all of 10 minutes, and they were some of the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. I seriously doubt anyone would find them uncomfortable, even if worn for long periods. I just wish they had more clamping force.
 
BigJayDogg3 said:
Replace the earpads with AKG 240 ones if you go the Samson route.

I had the AD700s for all of 10 minutes, and they were some of the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. I seriously doubt anyone would find them uncomfortable, even if worn for long periods. I just wish they had more clamping force.
Click to expand...

Agreed. The AD700 is very comfortable.

The Samson with the velour is the same price as the AD700. It has more clamping force than the AD700 and better overall sound imo.
 
spaceman said:
Agreed. The AD700 is very comfortable.

The Samson with the velour is the same price as the AD700. It has more clamping force than the AD700 and better overall sound imo.
Click to expand...

I only just got a Samson SR850 myself. I can't comment on audio quality just yet but I will say that the soundstage is much smaller than the AD700 from what I've seen so far. I really want to use these cans for a few days before doing some real back to back comparisons.

I am enjoying these cans more for music but for gaming, I'm not so sure.
 
Ah, take the stupid foam cover and the paper damper off the driver. Hurts nothing and opens things up quite a bit. Also, my mod increased the distance from the drivers to my ear by about 2" which helps. Play with the settings too. I get a dramatic change in sound stage going from different stages of DH for instance. It is a smaller sound stage though.
 
BababooeyHTJ said:
I only just got a Samson SR850 myself. I can't comment on audio quality just yet but I will say that the soundstage is much smaller than the AD700 from what I've seen so far. I really want to use these cans for a few days before doing some real back to back comparisons.

I am enjoying these cans more for music but for gaming, I'm not so sure.
Click to expand...

Keep me updated.

Sounds like the AD700's might be the way to go.

Then again, more reading has people supporting the beyer dynamic DT 880 and AKG K702.

At this rate, i might just end up picking up multiple sets and seeing which ones I like best.
 
WesM63 said:
Keep me updated.

Sounds like the AD700's might be the way to go.

Then again, more reading has people supporting the beyer dynamic DT 880 and AKG K702.

At this rate, i might just end up picking up multiple sets and seeing which ones I like best.
Click to expand...

For what you're looking for you might be disappointed in the AD700. They sound great but they really do lack bass. Its noticeable. I'm going to play around with the SR850 for a while. I have a feeling that I'll eventually just pony up for an HD598 or DT880 since that seems to be what I'm looking for in a headphone.
 
WesM63 said:
Keep me updated.

Sounds like the AD700's might be the way to go.

Then again, more reading has people supporting the beyer dynamic DT 880 and AKG K702.

At this rate, i might just end up picking up multiple sets and seeing which ones I like best.
Click to expand...

Need an amp for those.

Get a pair of Denon D2000. Easy to drive and comfy as it gets. Otherwise, the DT880 + a small amp is bad ass.

Check out the headfi FS section for deals on just about any good headphone. Much cheaper than new.
 
BababooeyHTJ said:
For what you're looking for you might be disappointed in the AD700. They sound great but they really do lack bass. Its noticeable. I'm going to play around with the SR850 for a while. I have a feeling that I'll eventually just pony up for an HD598 or DT880 since that seems to be what I'm looking for in a headphone.
Click to expand...

Hmm.. the DT880's look comfy as hell.

Can anyone comment on either of them?
 
spaceman said:
Need an amp for those.

Get a pair of Denon D2000. Easy to drive and comfy as it gets. Otherwise, the DT880 + a small amp is bad ass.

Check out the headfi FS section for deals on just about any good headphone. Much cheaper than new.
Click to expand...

Double post..

Recommend a small amp? Do the D2000's need a amp?
 
spaceman said:
Agreed. The AD700 is very comfortable.

The Samson with the velour is the same price as the AD700. It has more clamping force than the AD700 and better overall sound imo.
Click to expand...

I find the Samsons sound better. For gaming I can EQ them a bit and get a more open feeling.

My advice to the OP. unless you have a place you can g to and hear all these headphones, go to Amazon, buy the top 3 on your list, and return the two you don't want. You'll have to eat shipping costs, but I get the feeling money isn't exactly an issue in your case.

Amazon has a really forgiving return policy, so you will only be out of shipping costs.
 
BigJayDogg3 said:
I find the Samsons sound better. For gaming I can EQ them a bit and get a more open feeling.

My advice to the OP. unless you have a place you can g to and hear all these headphones, go to Amazon, buy the top 3 on your list, and return the two you don't want. You'll have to eat shipping costs, but I get the feeling money isn't exactly an issue in your case.

Amazon has a really forgiving return policy, so you will only be out of shipping costs.
Click to expand...

and because of people like you abusing their generous return policy it isn't always going to be like that. Thats a real scumbag move.
 
spaceman said:
Ah, take the stupid foam cover and the paper damper off the driver. Hurts nothing and opens things up quite a bit. Also, my mod increased the distance from the drivers to my ear by about 2" which helps. Play with the settings too. I get a dramatic change in sound stage going from different stages of DH for instance. It is a smaller sound stage though.
Click to expand...

Yeah, when I first saw the headphones I wondered why there was a 1/4" of padding covering the driver. I may have to try your foam mod, its too bad that its so ugly. :p I bet that bringing the drivers a little further from the ear would help with the soundstage. I may shove some padding under the pads to try it out.
 
Heh.. i'm still reading.. i have 30 tabs open in chrome right now...

This is a pretty good dolby gaming specific thread.

Right now, i might just buy a few of the highly recommended sets and sell the ones I don't like (on [H] not returns)

Although, that list keeps growing. Ideally, top 2-3 depending on price.

SR850's, AKG 701's, DT880/990, A/AH700
 
WesM63 said:
Heh.. i'm still reading.. i have 30 tabs open in chrome right now...

This is a pretty good dolby gaming specific thread.

Right now, i might just buy a few of the highly recommended sets and sell the ones I don't like (on [H] not returns)

Although, that list keeps growing. Ideally, top 2-3 depending on price.

SR850's, AKG 701's, DT880/990, A/AH700
Click to expand...

Thats still only one persons opinion on how these headphones sound with dolby headphone which I don't use. For example one thing that I noticed in that thread was his opinion of the HD598 where he calls the headphone bright which means that it has accentuated highs. I've never heard someone call the HD598 bright. He also said that it isn't warm and that the bass is laid back. There are a lot of people that would disagree with that as well as some frequency graphs that I've seen. Here is a recent thread discussing some of the characteristics of the HD598. I actually just noticed that in this thread there are several people disagreeing with the op of that dolby headphone thread's opinion of the HD598.
 I'm not trying to say that thread is irrelevant but you should take more opinions into the mix.

I'm no audiophile by any means, I've just been on the search for some open headphones that are good for a bit of everything and am just relaying a little of what I've read.
 
Yea.. now i'm scratching my head lol.

I went ahead and ordered the 598's, as that thread has a link for $168. I think i'll also pick up the SR850's as well, at $40 it's hard not to try them.

We'll how it goes from here...
 
WesM63 said:
Heh.. i'm still reading.. i have 30 tabs open in chrome right now...

This is a pretty good dolby gaming specific thread.

Right now, i might just buy a few of the highly recommended sets and sell the ones I don't like (on [H] not returns)

Although, that list keeps growing. Ideally, top 2-3 depending on price.

SR850's, AKG 701's, DT880/990, A/AH700
Click to expand...

If you get either the DT990s or 701/702s, let me know how you like them. I've been looking at them for a while.
 
WesM63 said:
Yea.. now i'm scratching my head lol.

I went ahead and ordered the 598's, as that thread has a link for $168. I think i'll also pick up the SR850's as well, at $40 it's hard not to try them.

We'll how it goes from here...
Click to expand...

For $40 you really can't go wrong with the SR-850. I have no regrets on these headphones unlike the overhyped panasonic htf-600 that I bought a while back.

I think that I may end up going with an HD598 myself but I have to admit that I've been tempted by the DT990 as well.

Damn with that same coupon code I can get an HD558 for $123.85. I wonder if I should just spend the extra on the HD598?
 
Ok, orders placed for the HD598's and SR-850's.

(I actually went with the superlux HD-681 as they were ~$10 cheaper)

Hopefully they should both be here by Friday.
 
WesM63 said:
Ok, orders placed for the HD598's and SR-850's.

(I actually went with the superlux HD-681 as they were ~$10 cheaper)

Hopefully they should both be here by Friday.
Click to expand...

I can't wait to hear what you think. What were you using for speakers beforehand? Will you be using a sound card?
 
Eh the hd 681s are not the same headphone. Not bad but yeah. Don't judge the 850 by them.

I think you made a good choice w/ the 598 and the 681 though. Good to get a feel for the entry level and the mid range.

Oh, it is always good to have a cheap, keeper pair of headphones around. That allows you to sell your more expensive ones and to try other models without going headphone-less.
 
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BababooeyHTJ said:
Yeah, when I first saw the headphones I wondered why there was a 1/4" of padding covering the driver. I may have to try your foam mod, its too bad that its so ugly. :p I bet that bringing the drivers a little further from the ear would help with the soundstage. I may shove some padding under the pads to try it out.
Click to expand...

You ain't looking at your headphones son!

Yeah it is ugly but I really don't give a shit so long as it works. Truth is, there is a noticeable difference b/w stock and what I did. Sound is clearer and more airy while still having plenty of bass.
 
spaceman said:
You ain't looking at your headphones son!

Yeah it is ugly but I really don't give a shit so long as it works. Truth is, there is a noticeable difference b/w stock and what I did. Sound is clearer and more airy while still having plenty of bass.
Click to expand...

I'm sure that it does make a difference. Even pulling the cups off of my ears just a bit so there isn't so much clamping force makes a difference. I also know that cloth pads can help provide that airier sound. It made more of a difference than I would have figured when I put the Beyer pads onto an HTF-600.

I paid $35 for these cans so I'm not opposed to modding these a bit. I'll probably try it out.
 
BababooeyHTJ said:
I can't wait to hear what you think. What were you using for speakers beforehand? Will you be using a sound card?
Click to expand...

I only have onboard via the Asus Maximus Gene-Z. (No room to upgrade, so this or usb sound)

I have an old Logitech off the ear headset, like $10 about 5yrs ago. They work for just chatting an the like, more than an hour and they start to hurt my ears.

Oh.. I thought the 681's were the 668, the ones that are the same as the SR-850's.. dang. Oh well, i'll see how they do.
 
I'm an AD700 fan just giving you my two cents and telling you that I love them for movies and gaming. They pwn!

I would never buy a USB headset or 5.1 headset.

I have heard that the Samson headsets sound awesome. But they basically require you to switch out the earpads. The AD700 have pads similar to these. These earpads would drive up the price of the Samsons. I'd personally rather have the larger sound stage of the AD700 myself. The Samson are a semi open headset, so they fall right in the middle of both the A700 and AD700.

Since you have mITX, you might wanted to consider this external DAC. It's great for gaming so I hear. If you are more into music/movies then a more traditional DAC may be more appropriate. But this one will fair our well. I would NOT use on-board audio for the AD700. Talk about amplifying crap.
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Sound-Blaster-System-SB1240/dp/B004275EO4

GL
 
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Why no love for the Corsair HS1A headset? [H] tested them and found them to excellent, very comfortable for long periods of time and excellent and quite neutral sound reproduction. I have been using mine for about four months now and have been blown away by the sound quality right from the beginning, especially the awesomely wide soundstage.

I can't believe how muddy the AKG K77s I was using before sounded in comparison. The AKG K200s I was using two years ago were much worse as well in that they made my head hurt and never fit comfortably. That one was using 50 mm drivers too, just like this HS1A.
 
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