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The Best Gaming HeadSET

S

Suds

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jul 24, 2007
Messages
352
So I've been reading up, and no matter what people ask about headsets, they always get referenced to headphones. I understand you get better overall quality, but I am curious about people's opinions. I want to know what people believe to be the best gaming headset for a budget, of say, $150. I know I can get better headphones for that price, but I am specifically looking for a headset. One with a good mic and good sound quality. Thanks.

Also, please don't say get headphones. I know I am limiting my options and not getting the best I could get for my money. I understand that. :)
 
Gaming headsets suck. Period. The companies that make them don't really care about sound quality.

You can get a much better sound just by buying a desktop mic and some decent headphones, or by attaching a microphone to some headphones. Desktop microphones often have better sound quality than headset mics anyway, and don't be fooled by people saying that they pick up all sounds. They're unidirectional for a reason.
 
nice way to threadcrap everyone!
a headset is more covenient for speaking and nobody complains about hearing your family in the next room (unlike an omnidirectional desktop mic), nearly all headsets have unidirectional mics- as opposed to omnidirectional

ok i've tried several headsets (and many headphones!) including plantronic audio 90, audio 350, and audio 370 ; icemats, steelsound 5hv2, some assorted altec lansings, razer 5.1's, xfx vibration headset.

altec lansings generally sound flat and are low build quality- never heard one i care for.
plantronics audio 90's are ok but discontinued, audio 350 has a good mic, very messy midrange. of course the are only 20$ too! the audio 370 has a much cleaner midrange -is about 35.00 , and is freaking huge too! decent bass also- needs a lot of eq playing to get right, comfortable and light
icemats arent really a headset- just headphones with a clip on mic. they squeezed my head too! a lot of peeps like these, a lot dont. the audio 370's which sound identical are a much better choice.
the steelsound 5hv2 are my faves, very nice highs and mids, so-so bass, nice cable mic, braided lines, quality build. expensive at 70.00 tho. i got them on sale a year ago during the google checkout 20.00 off thingy
razer 5.1's are a 5.1 set, lots of quality issues- buyer beware! expensive and pretty lousy sound imo. no bass from rear or front speakers- only sideways sound sources sounded good
the xfx vibration headset is fun for the vibration effect- u get a lot of bass effect even when volume is low. the mic doesnt turn off tho and picks up sound from the headset speakers very easily (adjusting the mic volume fixes this ez0. u can find these for 10.00 and its a good buy if u need a headset to go along with ur good headphones lol. sound is average for a headset but fun with the vibration turned on

not a lot of 150.00 gaming headsets- with that budget i would get a headset for multplayer gaming and a decent set of headphones for single player games and music
 
Most desktop microphones are unidirectional.

And how is it more convenient to use a headset? My desktop mic sits on my desk and can easily pick up my voice. In fact, if I lean forward and talk into it, people complain that it's too loud.
 
So Ranma, say I were to grab some Audio Technica A700(Does closed or open matter), what desktop/clip on mic would you get? If I did get the A700, I would order them from Amazon and would prefer not to order from 2 different places.
 
I got the Logitech Desktop Microphone, USB version. It's $30.

As for closed vs. open, open headphones have slightly better sound, but you can hear outside noises and people can hear what you're listening to. Closed headphones isolates outside noises to varying degrees depending on the headphones, and people can't hear what you're listening to. If you LAN a lot, closed headphones would work better for you.
 
if u lan a lot u definately need a headset if u plan on talking- a clip on or desk mic would pick up too much outside noise. if u game at home lonely in the dark i guess it doesnt matter...

also try not to mix usb mics with other sound sources- such as pci sound cards. some games that have voice comms built in cant handle it well if u use teamspeak also -such as bf2 and 2142

p.s. i looked on newegg and most of the mics were omnidirectional (all but one)
 
I had bass from the front and side but not rear. But I would recommand you buy a pair of ATH-AD700 for 107-109 from amazon,Or the ATH-A900. and clip a mic on it. Both of these sound great for gamings. I enjoying mine with games besides movies and music.
And if you cant spend that much then a pair of ATH-A500/AD500

The headsets with gaming in its name tends to be focus around having a mic mostly marketing I learned that the hard way

I have a older pair of E-D forcefeedback headsets which worked nice but there annoying at times with the static.

if you use a XFI or a dd live card. use CMS3d Headphone/Dobly Headphone. So you can have both Great sound qualty and surrounding.

even a pair of beryers I know i spelled it wrong is another great choice. then any of the so called gaming headphones. ATH-AD700/A700/A900/AD900 beryers stomp any so called 5.1 headsets and so called gaming headphones in sound qualty and sound stage.

Amazon usually sells them for a good price.
 
Koss $40. Owns all headsets. Get them they are new and they are good. Well built with a lifetime no questions asked they will replace them warranty. Can't beat them with a stick. I am a SNOB and I dig the $20 Koss Sportapro and KSC-75s.

http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/p?openform&pc^mm^SB45

SB45 Multi-Media Stereophone

Ideal for gamers who enjoy deep bass, the SB45 features a dynamic element constructed of anisotropic ferrite magnet structures the deliver high sensitivity and reduced distortion for premium sound at all volume levels. Incorporating a frequency response of 18Hz - 20,000Hz, the SB45 delivers a full-range of sound that will bring your favorite games to life. Utilizing oxygen free copper voice coils for improved signal transmission and conduction, sound comes through loud and clear.

Whether you're alone or online, the SB45's sound will be so efficient that you'll hear your opponent before they even know you're there. Its large, closed ear cups surround the ear for maximum isolation so you can stay focused on saving the world or kicking a forty-yard field goal.

Soft, leatherette ear cushions envelope your ears without creating pressure for long lasting comfort. Koss' Clear Voice Technology (CVT) noise canceling electret condenser microphone eliminates excessive background noise for a greater ease of use with PC voice applications, such as speech recognition.

The SB45 has an adjustable headband to fit most head sizes. Built of durable plastic, the SB45's headband can stand up to the rigors of daily wear and tear for a fits-like-new feel after years of use. The SB45 also folds up for compact storage to reduce pains from your desktop clutter and to conveniently fit in your briefcase or backpack if you're gaming on the road.

Built to last, the SB45 is covered under Koss' No-Questions-Asked Lifetime Warranty - the only warranty of its kind in the stereophone industry.
 
spaceman give me a comparable sounding headphone to to the koss sb45 headset- just so i know what to expect if i get these! i have the ksc75 earclips, senn 4415, 465, hd525, koss pro4aat, grado 80
 
the Koss pro is the closest.

the pro is probably a bit better for music in the mids at least but it should be close. the ksc 75s are nice but do not have a largish soundstage like the over the ear type of headphones do.

For the $$ there is nothing else for a headset that I would recommend. The Sennheisers are ok sure but they cost more and are on the ear basically and lack the build quality, comfort and bass that these Koss have.
 
no. one of my teammates has a pair and had the Senn PC160s. He told me the difference is very noticable and much more comfortable. for $40 it pretty much is a can't miss for a gaming headset. Koss is the original headphone company btw. just b/c they are inexpensive does not mean that they are cheap.
 
iRoNeTiK said:
pc-160 are comfortable, so that part is is subjective :D
Click to expand...

They are. They are also more expensive, smaller, and not exactly durable compared to the Koss with their lifetime warranty. Sennheiser are good but this Koss has much more value and BASS. lol

For the $$ the Koss are the best deal atm for a headset.
 
Spacemen, thanks for the help. Just one quick question:

How big of a sound difference would I see between the Koss SB45 and Audio Technica A700(Open)? Thanks.
 
The AD700 will have better mids and highs but less bass. Soundstage is slightly wider with the 700 b/c it is open partly and the sound is more refined. Games need bass though. My one gripe with audiotechnica at every level I have heard them is that the bass slam is not present really. I include the 900 series in this. Good detail and sound stage but not enough bass for games. Koss has tons of bass. Good thing about that is you can eq the bass to be a bit less if you want. If a headphone lacks bass it is pretty hard to eq more at all without distorting.
 
So If I am using them for mainly FPS gaming/voice chat, I should grab the Koss's you recommended because of better bass(and much cheaper)?
 
So let me rephrase my question; What would be the best headphones for around $100, give or take $20. And if it is the A700, would I be better off with the Koss Spaceman recommended for gaming/voice chat?

Edit: Are the A700 worth the extra $40 over the A500?
 
DrangdPony said:
How do the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro-80s match up to the AD700s in gaming?
Click to expand...

Although I'm in no position to make a comparison, I'd say the former would be better. They're probably more comparable to the A900s, which are closed and offer better/more bass impact than the AD700s which are open.
 
Well, if you have $100 or so and don't mind not having big bass slam but being able to hear the bass notes then the Ad700 is a good choice. It will have better sound quality than the Koss for sure. The A700 is the closed version and it will have more bass impact than the AD700. So yes, if you have $100 the general opinion is that the AD700(less bass, bigger soundstage) or the A700(more bass impact, about the same soundstage but also hotter) is the best gaming headphone.

The 770/80 ohm is ALL bass, no midrange and recessed highs. Now if you LOVE big honking bass slam it is the king no doubt.

The middle of the road is the Audio Equation RP-21 which is closed, looks nice, has bass slam but not quite as good as the A or Ad700 in terms of sound quality.

Koss owns the under $50 market, AudioTechnica the under $150 and after that it really gets subjective.

Me? I have Stax and a 12" sub lol.
 
found the koss at buy.com for 28.00 shipped!
my only concern is that too much bass doesnt lend itself well to voice chat -such as teanspeak. prob why i use steelsounds when i am on teamspeak. how do the koss do in highs? the ksc75 have good highs- are they comparable?
 
The ksc 75 is very similiar to the SB45. The SB45 has a larger soundstage being that it is around the ear instead of on ear. It is not the bass monster the 770 is no. If there is too much bass simply turn that down a bit with the X-Fi EQ or whatever equivalent that you have.

Bass is like what the ladies say. Always better to have to much than too little. You don't have to use ALL of it. :p
 
Thank you for all the help, Spaceman. I actually ended ordering the Koss because I was able to get a Logitech G9 to replace an old wireless. I most likely wont be disappointed because ATM, I am using some Plantronics $10 headset. Thanks again.
 
oh lol yes it is safe to say that the Koss will walk all over that pos plantronics. let me know how you like them!
 
These SB45's look pretty nice and I think I might pick some up also. I noticed that Koss also has an SB49 now as well. Spaceman, are you familiar with this model and how it stacks up against the 40 and the 45? From looking at the pictures it looks like there is a volume/mic control on the cable but otherwise looks like the 45. So I'm curious if the SB49 is just an SB45 with an added volume/mic control or if it's a whole new unit.
 
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docvego said:
These SB45's look pretty nice and I think I might pick some up also. I noticed that Koss also has an SB49 now as well. Spaceman, are you familiar with this model and how it stacks up against the 40 and the 45? From looking at the pictures it looks like there is a volume/mic control on the cable but otherwise looks like the 45. So I'm curious if the SB49 is just an SB45 with an added volume/mic control or if it's a whole new unit.
Click to expand...

Looks like exactly that to me too. Just an upgrade with the volume/mic control BUT it could cause some sound quality loss and/or complications b/c it interferes with the signal. Best to control that stuff via windows imo.
 
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I recently got myself a pair of the Equation Audio RP-21s. Now, I am, by no means an expert when it comes to headphones, but these things are NICE! Blows my old Grado SR80s away.

I found out about them over at the headfi.org forums, this thread in particular: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=236104

I picked up the cans off Amazon for $99. They are worth that and more. Anyone looking for headphones in that price range should definitely put these on their list.
 
you are right about the Rp-21s. They made the list for the new headphone sticky here. Well worth the $$ and they are moddable for greater comfort, bass and overall sound quality.
 
Yeah, I read about the mod to replace pads with the Beyer Pleather pads and foam covers. Supposedly sounds even better and comfort is greatly increased with these mods. I make try them as they are cheap and reversible. I have had no problems with comfort wearing these headphones though. They do clamp the head somewhat, but it isn't too bad. Compared to my Grados, these things are like pillows! :D
 
koss sb49 at buy.com 19.99 w/google checkout and free shipping!

couldnt resist- ordered a set
 
I got a pair of eDimensional Audio FX Force Feedbacks from gameplay and their very good.

Their well built with good forcefeedback (great for games like Call of duty),you can switch it on or off and vary the amount of it plus the mics good as well.They are abit heavy though and the foam padding can make your ears hot after awhile.

Worth a go at £34.99
 
Blackstar said:
I got a pair of eDimensional Audio FX Force Feedbacks from gameplay and their very good.

Their well built with good forcefeedback (great for games like Call of duty),you can switch it on or off and vary the amount of it plus the mics good as well.They are abit heavy though and the foam padding can make your ears hot after awhile.

Worth a go at £34.99
Click to expand...

I have those laying around. when you turn them on the feedback makes the headphones static. I dont recommand at all because of that. He better off with a better pair around the same price.
 
Steelside 5hv2 gets my vote. Good build, comfortable, great mic and build quality in general.
 
spaceman said:
The 770/80 ohm is ALL bass, no midrange and recessed highs. Now if you LOVE big honking bass slam it is the king no doubt.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't go quite that far. the 770/80 is pretty bassy, and does have slightly recessed mids, but I wouldn't say it's all bass and no midrange/highs. A pair of leather pads help considerably to tighten up the bass and bring forth the mids/highs a bit more.

I use 770/80's for gaming and couldn't be happier with them. They are the best gaming cans I've found to date. granted I've tuned them up a bit ;)









leather pads and cardas cable. I also drive them with an amp (maxed PIMETA or maxed MIllet Hybrid Max)
 
http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/prod...AFEED->PRODUCTS&cm_ite=1 PRODUCT&cm_keycode=4

bose lightweight tri-ports. imho incredible bass wether movie watchin or listening to music.
really if tuned well u'll pulled them off to scratch your ear lobes cause the bass is that clear and tight. cause the whole head phones vibrate like the trunk of a car. just with out the rattle.

the sound is really clear as well i bought them used after trying them out with my ipod a year or so ago. was stuck on these or a set of sony reference monitors.
but after alot of testing i settled on the bose. sony's only had ok mid to highs. the bose seem to solid from low - mid - high.

that and i use some desktop mic i found in an drawer at work like 2 yrs ago. does the job not muc more i can say bout that cept "free is me" cant complain
 
if bose are free or less than half their normal price great. if you pay retail then all you are doing is paying a huge markup to help pay for their marketing.

in other words, bose is really overpriced for what they deliver. not saying that they suck but for the same $$$ there is much better.
 
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