For gaming and music, audiophile-grade headphones that balance exceptional sound quality with immersive audio performance are ideal. The Grado SR225X is recommended for competitive gaming due to its clear upper treble response and accurate imaging, allowing precise localization of in-game sounds like footsteps and gunfire, while its open-back design enhances spatial awareness and maintains clarity even after loud explosions. The HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth offers a flat, balanced sound signature with an expansive soundstage, making it suitable for both gaming and music, and its planar magnetic drivers deliver high clarity without listener fatigue during long sessions. For those preferring in-ear monitors, the Sennheiser IE200/IE600/IE900 and Final A4000 provide excellent imaging and clarity, with the A4000 offering superior spatial representation that can give a competitive edge in games relying on positional audio cues.
High-end options include the Sennheiser HD 800 S, praised for its vast soundstage and precise imaging, which are particularly beneficial in tactical shooters, though it requires a dedicated amplifier to reach its full potential. The Audeze LCD-GX is considered the audiophile’s dream, delivering unmatched audio clarity and detail, ideal for immersive gaming and critical music listening, though it weighs 600g and is priced at $900. The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro is another top contender, offering pinpoint imaging and durability, with a sound signature that excels in both gaming and music, though it also benefits from an external amplifier.
For wireless freedom without sacrificing too much audio quality, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless provides dual batteries, customizable EQ, and low-latency 2.4GHz connectivity, though its sound quality does not match wired high-end models. The Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X is a lighter, plug-and-play option with a natural sound and built-in mic, suitable for casual gaming and music, though it lacks a detachable mic.
Many experts recommend pairing standalone audiophile headphones with a separate microphone—such as a ModMic or Blue Yeti—over all-in-one gaming headsets, which often prioritize flashy features over audio fidelity. Ultimately, the best choice depends on budget, preference for wired vs. wireless, and whether a separate mic is acceptable.
I know gaming headsets are usually awful, so I don't know what to get.
I've had Razer headsets and they have terrible build quality. I've had ROG headsets and they have horrible, slowed down bloatware.
The issue is that these gaming headsets were really pleasing to my eye, and since I'm a closed back headphones RGB bass heavy gamer headset enjoyer, it's a bit hard to figure out where to go from here on finding a good headset.
I prefer wired connection as wired usually sounds better. I have never tried an open back headset, and I am sorta interested, but I also really like the feeling of being closed off from the world. However, I am also an audiophile and I'm all about getting the best sounds in the world.
I really like my headsets to be mostly, if not fully black. If I really need to and its not too complicated, I will repaint them.
I'm sorry for the generic "what game headset good??" question, but I genuinely am at a loss of where to go from here.
Sennheiser is worth a look, my HD 555 still work fine and I picked them up around 2004. I did replace the ear cups once, but as they where over 15 years old at the time I felt like it may be time.
I also have a set of HD 598, they sound a tad better than the HD 555 and I suspect will last as long. The old ones work fine but saw the HD 598's on sale at half price and felt like spending. Nice bonus on the HD 598's are the ability to replace the cable simply.
The first question I'd ask is if you're looking for a headphone or a headset (headphone + microphone).
You can find many nice open or closed back headphones without microphones, with a microphone in the cable or one with a detachable cable giving you the option for a cable microphone if desired.
Headsets often have a big bulky microphones protruding from the headphone, tend to be cheap plastic that breaks easy, and tend to sound like ass. They're an all in one solution, which means it doesn't really excel at anything but will function.
Most people would recommend the standard headphone paired with a separate microphone to get a superior audio quality I think.
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Hello, I want to purchase headphones for both for gaming and music. This is my first time audiophilling hehe, and I would like to have some guidance from you guys. I have always used corsair's void pro RGB, which have done an alright job so far. I have been looking into getting Sennheiser HD 590 or a steelseries artic pro.
I play a lot of games that rely on sound queues, but I can sacrifice that for better quality sound.
I don't know if this helps but these are some of my most listened to bands: Muse, Disturbed, Rishloo, woodkid, Devin Townsend, chet baker, and a silver mt. Zion.
My budget is around $400-500, I chose a flair because of sub rules, but anything works for me.
I appreciate any suggestions :)