Wondering whats recommended for a good pair of headphones for listening to music and play FPS. I'm stuck between AR5000, HD490 pro and have mixed feelings about the DT1990 MK2. Thinking of pairing with a schiit gunnr for easy Mic control. Currently using razer black shark V2 pro wireless which are fine but id like to try open back with increased sound stage.i live in the UK and Budget with a dac is around £700. Priory is hearing crispy footsteps while playing fps and i enjoy a wide range of music with a lively bassy sound. Don't have ability to sample any which is a bummer

Hi all,

I am looking for a headphone and dac/amp setup for my computer only, for gaming and music listening / got a midi keyboard as well..

My main purpose surely will be gaming like bf6 or singleplayer games.

Currently I use a Steelseries Nova Pro Wireless.

Budget around 700 Euro.

My first idea is the Sennheiser HD660s2, a colleague said if I ever want to play games with mic with it I should use a closed back.. but I honestly did not find a comparable closed back to the 660s2.. only at least Sennheiser option is the HD620s.. reviews are mixed..

For the DAC/AMP I looked at the FiiO K7.. honestly watched a lot of reviews and tests and comparisons but the marked is very unclear for me ..

So if it shall be a closed back.. is there any comparable 500 euro option? Is the DAC fine or anything else for around 200?

Many thanks!

Originally was wanting a wireless gaming headset, but now I’m thinking about getting an audiophile one. Don’t know much about headphones or anything. I use them for gaming mostly but music and movies too.

Current headset is Hyperx cloud alphas s and they are awesome. Honestly, the reason why I’m looking for something else is because I’m bored and wanna try something new, but so far haven’t found anything better. Maybe thinking open back?

Headphones I’m deciding on

• sennheiser hd 560s

• beyerdynamic dt 770 pro/880/990 closed or open back

• beyerdynamic mmx 300

• turtle beach stealth pro

• Corsair virtuoso pro

Headsets I’ve tried

• Audeze maxwells (ok, not worth 300 bucks compared to my alphas)

• turtle beach stealth 700 gen2 max (ok)

• steelseries arctis 7x (shit)

• hyperx cloud flights (shit)

From what I’ve tested, I like spacious, clear audio with good imaging. I play everything, so footsteps and good sounding immersion is important. I use Dolby atoms, and the pre sets I use are

• gaming setting I use the balanced preset

• movie setting I use the balanced preset

• music setting I use the balanced preset, but like detailed too

There’s that if it helps in deciding what kinda headset/phone id like lol

Overall whats some good headphones? I play on Xbox, ps, and pc. Idk how I feel about a dac amp, maybe in the future. Would I be able to get something that works on everything?Would I even tell the difference from my alphas and I should just save my money?

UPDATE: Tried the hd 560s but returned them. They were cool and the soundstage was awesome, but they didn’t sound as full as the Hyperx and after wearing them for 5 minutes they make my tinnitus go crazy. Like, it got so loud after using them.

Hd560s- awesome soundstage, it sounded less full then the Hyperx but good neutral sound. They were uncomfortable and for some reason made my tinnitus worse when wearing them. And I think I like closed backs better.

Hyperx- way more comfortable, decent soundstage, sounds more full and fun, can listen to them all day. Honestly think I prefer the tuning of them as well.

Hd560s were good, but I think for me personally the Hyperx is the best sound I can get and after that it’s diminishing returns.

Hello friends, I've always used gaming headsets and I'm trying to find a new one since mine broke, I've tried couple ones but didn't like any of them because they felt uncomfortable, so I decided to try audiophile headphones since I never had one was wondering if there's a good audiophile headphone + mic combination under $200(I live in the US), that's my budget unfortunately but I hope I can get some help here on what to do since I'm kind of lost right now.. and do I need to buy anything else to use these headphones on PC?
Thanks a lot

Requirements:
> Dont care if its Open-back or Closed-back, wired or wireless
> Pinpoint accuracy and good/loud volume of footsteps while the gunshots not overshadowing footsteps and faraway steps/ happening
> Dont need overpowering gunshots strictly
> Dont need/ care about mic - I have standalone EPOS B20 mic where I will plug my headset for the time being (if they are 3.5mm wired, amp/dac in future for sure)
> Dont care if gaming headset or audiophile, I would prefer Audiophile headset
> Budget - Around $300 USD

Headsets I have used ranking from Best to worse (for me) in ascending order:
> Corsair hs50 (with loudness equilization)
> EPOS GSP500 (with EPOS B20 mic as an amp/dac as my motherboard b550 was very low volume for it)
> Hyperx Cloud Alpha S (with the surround sound card plugged)
> EPOS H3
> Hyperx Cloud Stinger Core PS4 (the $20 one) (with loudness equilization)
> Alienware AW920H (mixed feelings about this one, only using because wireless)
> Blackshark v2 pro wireless
> Moondrop Chu
> Sony XB910N
> Coolermaster MH650 (worst headset ever btw personal opinion)

I will buy a good $200-300 amp/ dac in future for my PC 'if needed'
For the time being, 3.5mm will be plugged to my EPOS B20 mic's own amp/dac

I've recently bought a pair of headphones that's fairly recommended by audiophiles in my budget which are the Sennheiser Accentum plus. Turns out I didn't do enough research and I really regret my purchase for a few reasons. These headphones feel fairly uncomfortable when worn for a long time due to their small earcups and also you can't change any settings for them through PC it has to be done through mobile. Also the max volume is weirdly low on my PC.

But the biggest issue for me is that using these headphones for Discord sucks. I chose them because they are wireless and have a built in microphone but turns out that when you're using bluetooth the microphone messes everything up so it's completely pointless because you don't have any other options to connect them other than bluetooth.

Could anyone recommend me an alternative that meets these criteria:
Budget of up to 300$.

Wireless or wired with an easily replaceable cable

relatively large over-ear earcups that are comfortable for long periods of time.

preferably comes with a detachable mic but no mic is also fine.

And most importantly good sound quality for the price especially for music.

I know it's a bit specific but I'd just like to avoid spending a lot of money again and be disappointed so I'd be grateful for any help!

Looking for a top-shelf recommendation for a new wireless headset. Would like really high end audio quality, high end mic quality ('stickey-out' mic is fine), best quality of life features. Don't mind paying a lot of money for it as I would use it every day.

I'm considering using audiophile headphones, possibly with a DAC and amp, for PC gaming (mainly first person shooters but not only) using an LG C1 as display.

Does anyone have experience with this? How was it? Any advice?

Budget is $100-$200

I had bought the hd560s but they were mad uncomfortable to the point where they were causing headaches even after stretching the clamp.

I was looking into the sennheiser 599 but i’ve heard mixed things about it

Mainly looking to buy to help with footsteps

Why is it when I search for the best headphones I get brands like audio-Technica and Phillips but when I specify “gaming“ headphones I get stuff like steel series and hyperX. I’ve heard some say it’s just marketing but I’ve noticed that when you ask for headphone recommendations in a gaming subreddit vs in a general audio/music one you get different answers as well.

While I am doing some gaming on my PC I was also planning to use it to watch anime and listen to music so I’m wondering if getting good “gaming“ audio means sacrificing audio for other use cases. Or does it not really make any difference?

Hello everyone,

i am searching for 1000-2000 dollar headphones (dont mind if they are cheaper) for excellent immersion in single Player games. From what i gathered a comfortable fit, good bass for actions scenes, high detail retrieval and clearness for sound effects as well as a spacious soundstage with good 3d localization are most important here. I am new to the audiophile microcosmos, so if you think i should focus on other criteria please let me know!

any headphone type is ok for me. right now i am considering the sennheiser hd 800s becausse they fit all the criteria, except they fall a bit short on bass. does anyone know a headphopne that is similar but has more better/punchier bass?

would be much aprecciated!

I'm aware that most headsets sound like crap, but I primarily play on the Xbox & it doesn't support USB mic input, so I can't use my audio rig when playing with friends.

I need something that either directly plugs into the 3.5mm jack on the controller or is bluetooth compatible with the Xbox Series X. This sub requires a flair, so I picked closed-back but it can be open back as well.

Budget: up to $500

I have the steel series arctic pro garbage and am so sick of how bloated the software is and it is super buggy. After some research I've realized I should have gone with some real headphones instead of gaming headphones. I play almost exclusively apex legends so hearing footsteps and directions is paramount for me.

After researching this forum, I've come up with the following:

1. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

2. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

3. Beyerdynamic 880 Pro

4. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

5. DROP + EPOS PC 38x

6. Sennheiser HD 560 S

7. Sennheiser HD 650

8. Sennheiser HD 599

9. Philips Fidelio X2HR

10. Final VR3000

11. HarmonicDyne Zeus

I left out the HD800's because that's a bit out of my budget. I'd like to keep it under $500.

Also, I know absolutely nothing about DAC's. I have a Corsair Vengeance i7200 which doesn't have a great sound card it looks like. For my purposes, would a DAC be a good investment? I've seen recommendations for iFi Zen V2, FiiO K7 or K5 Pro, Sound Blaster X G6, EPOS GSX 1000.

Ya'll would be doing me a real solid helping me choose hear. Can't wait to hear your input!

To preface: I really only play competitive games and honestly immersion and sound effects for the solo games I play arent that important to me. Budget probably up to ~300

With that said, Ive been trying to decide between these wireless headphones:
Audeze Maxwell vs Astro A50 (gen 5) vs Steelseries Nova Pros (wow shocker I know, Im so basic Im sorry)

Some things that turn me off about each one
Maxwell: Weight, Heard theres QC issues

Astro A50: Heard logitech is starting become mid (in the sense that its just pretty average now)

Steelseries: I currently own the Nova 7 wireless ones and tbh their audio without any eq is pretty buns. Before this I had HyperX Cloud Alphas and man without the eq its hot garbage. Its just a little annoying to have to fine tune/swap profiles per game. Though, I heard the Nova Pros are also

Wired:

HD 560S, MMX 300, Alpha III

Now heres the big question, I know some of the headphones I listed are generally listed as audiophile headphones (ignoring QC issues). But I frequently see them being recommended to people who ask for "gaming" headphones (but the type of games you play probably would affect ur choices too). For someone who games (specifically competitive), where soundstage and imaging are important (which Ive heard that Maxwell actually has poor imaging so idk), is it worth it?

(Also if anyone wants to give personal anecdotes with their experiences with the headphones listed as well as the company (for RMAs) please share them)

Edit: Cant add a poll on pc

I ENDED UP GETTING THE HD560S AND I LOVE THEM THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!

I'm looking for new headphones that can be great for both music and gaming, something audiophile up to about 200-250e that can be driven without an amp, I was looking at beyerdynamic dt 900 pro x but I'm also not sure if closed back or open back are better, never tried open back myself. At first I was thinking getting the steelseries arctis nova pro but I heard mixed opinions.

Edit: After some research and some help I'm currently thinking about either trying to get audeze maxwells (a bit over my budget I know) or DT700 Pro x I think closed back would fit my style a bit more.

Edit 2: Finally found DT700 Pro X and I have to say they're amazing, a massive upgrade from razer blackshark v2, I was slightly scared because I didn't know what to expect and the clarity compared to the razers is amazing, the audio separation between left and right too, can hear all instruments exactly where they are and all enemies exactly where they are, they sound a bit airy in the highs?, not sure how to explain it, but with some eq they sound way better, the best eq settings that worked for me are from autoeq online (just google autoeq and open the website), I would definitely recommend getting these, can't compare them to others in this price range but compared to blackshark v2 they are a massive upgrade and better in every way.

My arctis pro wireless have started to breakdown and i have been looking at some headphones to replace them and i really want to get some that are better than them but i did really enjoy them alot. I looked at LCD-2 Classic but have heard that they are not good for really long sessions because of the weight. I have also looked at Hifiman Edition XS and sundara aswell but cant really decide. my budget it at a maximum 800$ for the headphones alone.

Hello! I am planing on buying sennheiser hd560s's as my first audiophile headphones, but then I saw a comment saying that it isn't really worth it buying audiophile headphones for primarily gaming, so I questioned myself. I mean I listen to music, but it's jot my passion and I do t put on music to only listen music. So I am wonderin, do I really need them. Thanks in advance!

Edit: After reading the replies I decided that I will go through with the hd560s. Thanks all for your help!

I’ve been looking into the idea of getting a new gaming headset recently cause my current one (PS Pulse Elite) has quite a few issues and I feel like there is definitely something else to go to for a better experience.

Ideally I’d like to get some headphones that are an amazing gaming headset (good audio quality and spatial positioning most of all) and can also be great for music, though that’s more secondary.

I don’t care if they’re wired or wireless, and I have a dedicated microphone already. Closed Back I think makes the most sense, but I’d be open to the idea of Open Back.

I’ve heard great things about the Audeze Maxwell. Any Beyerdynamic headphones seem to be a good option but I’m not sure which would suit the best for gaming.

Thanks for any help and recommendations!

I wanted to ask this more in the audiophile subreddit but they're still on strike. I hope to be able to get a couple of decent response here on whether features like 3d surround (to tell where footsteps are coming from, etc.) are on enthusiast headphones and something that PC games can carry to standard audio jacks? IIRC, games like Cyberpunk able to let you choose your USB headset for the curated experience...

EDIT: thank you all for the comments and gear recommendations! I'm reading through them all