For what it's worth .. I went from Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro to AKG K712 Pro and thought I found my endgame headphones. I mostly play games and jam music(all types) About a month ago I saw some videos on YT about these Sennheiser HD490 Pro headphones for gaming. So I pulled the trigger. I snagged the HD490 Pro Plus set. (Carrying case and extra ear cups for mixing) Plugged them into my JDS Labs Atom stack (amp/dac) and played a few songs. The music was wonderful. So I jumped in a few games to check that out. Amazing sound on the battlefield of Warzone/Battlefield/Apex I could hear footsteps like I never have. The soundstage is perfect for me. Blew my K712 pros out of the water. These are the lightest and most comfortable headphones I have ever worn. Honestly they make you feel like nothing is in your head. The clamp force is light and feels great for hours. I ordered from Amazon just in case I did not like them. Plus the wife couldn't believe how much a set of new headphones was costing. (I showed her the HD800 price and she was ok with the HD490 Pro) Whatever you choose to get, I hope you can try these HD490 Pros at some point in life! Answer from smellinsweet on reddit.com
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/headphoneadvice › best audiophile headphones for gaming
r/HeadphoneAdvice on Reddit: Best audiophile headphones for gaming
February 8, 2025 -

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

Top answer
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For what it's worth .. I went from Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro to AKG K712 Pro and thought I found my endgame headphones. I mostly play games and jam music(all types) About a month ago I saw some videos on YT about these Sennheiser HD490 Pro headphones for gaming. So I pulled the trigger. I snagged the HD490 Pro Plus set. (Carrying case and extra ear cups for mixing) Plugged them into my JDS Labs Atom stack (amp/dac) and played a few songs. The music was wonderful. So I jumped in a few games to check that out. Amazing sound on the battlefield of Warzone/Battlefield/Apex I could hear footsteps like I never have. The soundstage is perfect for me. Blew my K712 pros out of the water. These are the lightest and most comfortable headphones I have ever worn. Honestly they make you feel like nothing is in your head. The clamp force is light and feels great for hours. I ordered from Amazon just in case I did not like them. Plus the wife couldn't believe how much a set of new headphones was costing. (I showed her the HD800 price and she was ok with the HD490 Pro) 🤣 Whatever you choose to get, I hope you can try these HD490 Pros at some point in life! ☮️🎧
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The Hifiman Arya Stealth is around £450 new on Amazon. It's extremely good for gaming. I promise you nothing else comes close at that price. It's also great for music, and it responds beautifully to EQ if you want to tailor it with more bass, tame any highs, etc. Edit - it's jumped up by £100 since yesterday. But it'll go back down, it always does on Amazon. Edition XS is also a very solid option, but if you get one, get a comfort strap from Custom Cans (they have a website). It makes the headband fit a lot better.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/headphoneadvice › should i get audiophile headphones for gaming?
r/HeadphoneAdvice on Reddit: Should I get audiophile headphones for gaming?
October 5, 2023 -

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.

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Think of it as less "audiophile headphones" vs "gaming headphones" and more just good headphones. Good headphones will sound good, period. No gaming headphones have anything in there that will make it better for gaming than other headphones. From your list, the HD560S and the Beyers DTxxx are great. Your HyperX are a third the price of any of those, and these mentioned headphones are certified good headphones for their prices (and even above) themselves. So yes, they're going to most likely beat your HyperX in most categories of listening, gaming or not. Should you buy them? Your choice, really. Closed back vs Open back, mostly depends on whether or not you prefer isolation (closed) or spaciousness/soundstage/how far apart sounds seem to appear when listening (open). Open-backs will make your life suffer if you have a noisy family. Other factors come into play, of course, but most people new into the scene will notice these first. You don't need an Amp/Dac other than maaaybe an Apple/Samsung/whatever dongle to connect the headphones to a device. As long as you use the lower ohm versions or the HD560S. Further reading on DTxxx difference between versions (incl. ohms): https://www.head-fi.org/threads/guide-sonic-differences-between-dt770-dt990-models-more.513393/ Short: the 80ohm ones sound well without amp. 32ohm versions don't need amp too, but have different sound profile. 250 ohm needs amp.
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Yeah, those things you say you like (spacious, immerssion, imaging, etc) are half the reason why people buy expensive headphones, everything improve. Get dt 880 or akg k612/k701/k702 (those are very similar, but k612 is slightly better for gaming). You may need an AMP if they sound too quiet to you.
People also ask

Are audiophile headphones best for gaming?
Audiophile headphones can provide excellent sound quality and accuracy, which can enhance the gaming experience, especially in games that prioritize immersive audio. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eHowever, gaming headphones with specialized features such as surround sound, dedicated microphones, and customizable gaming profiles are often designed specifically for gaming purposes and may offer additional advantages for gamers. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eUltimately, the best choice between audiophile headphones and gaming headphones depends on individual preferences and whether the user prioritizes overal
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reviewnery.com › best-audiophile-headphones-for-gaming-reddit
Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming: Top 5
Which headphones are best for gaming?
The best headphones for gaming depend on individual preferences and gaming needs. Some popular options known for their gaming-specific features, such as surround sound, low latency, and built-in microphones, include the SteelSeries Arctis Pro, HyperX Cloud II, and Logitech G Pro X. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIt's essential to consider factors like sound quality, comfort, microphone performance, and compatibility with your gaming platform when choosing the best gaming headphones for you.
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reviewnery.com › best-audiophile-headphones-for-gaming-reddit
Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming: Top 5
Are Hifi headphones worth it for gaming?
High-fidelity (HiFi) headphones can be worth it for gaming, especially for gamers who value exceptional sound quality and accuracy. HiFi headphones can provide a more immersive and detailed audio experience, allowing gamers to hear subtle in-game sounds, such as footsteps or environmental cues, more clearly. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eHowever, gamers who prioritize features like virtual surround sound, built-in microphones, and gaming-specific software may find dedicated gaming headphones more suitable for their needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preferences and priorities in
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reviewnery.com
reviewnery.com › best-audiophile-headphones-for-gaming-reddit
Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming: Top 5
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/inearfidelity › [ief] buyer's guide: best gaming headphones of 2021
r/inearfidelity on Reddit: [IEF] Buyer's Guide: Best Gaming Headphones of 2021
April 29, 2021 - These are fantastic for FPS and should be absolutely in the running for endgame category gaming headphones. ... Wow, I was ready to see the HD6X0 but really awesome to see the R70X beats them out. Moving them up the list of cans to try. ... 6X0 aren't good for gaming at all really. Poor bass, intimate soundstage, decent imaging. K7XX destroys them purely for gaming, especially fps games.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/headphoneadvice › audiophile headphones for music and gaming
r/HeadphoneAdvice on Reddit: Audiophile headphones for music and gaming
August 30, 2025 -

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!

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Skip the Beyerdynamics unless you can listen to them first. They’re … very trebly. If you go that route, buy from somewhere with a good return policy AND get the lowest Ohm version you can find. If you can buy them from someone with a better return policy than Hifiman directly, the Arya Stealth is a great gaming headphone around $500 USD. I prefer the Meze 105 AER and 109 Pro personally for music (warmer tune), but any of those will be great. If you really want closed backs (and it doesn’t sound like you do), the best value on the market is the Fiio FT1, an excellent headphone at any price but currently $160 USD. (Their open back sister the FT1 Pro are also excellent). The closed back upgrade pick is the DCA Aeon Closed. Reviews: Arya https://daemonxar.wordpress.com/2025/02/02/hifiman-arya-stealth-my-new-favorite-objective-open-back/ 109 pro https://daemonxar.wordpress.com/2025/02/08/meze-109-pro-review/ 105 AER https://daemonxar.wordpress.com/2025/06/05/meze-105-aer-review-another-great-meze-product/ FT1 https://daemonxar.wordpress.com/2025/04/17/the-fiio-ft1-a-truly-excellent-budget-closed-back/
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I really love my Meze 99s . They're closed back. Personally I have the Walnut Gold ones but the silver and black ones are cheaper. Amazing sound quality, ultra comfy, and they look sick. They do have one with a built in mic but I don't think audiophile headphones should have mics in them. Just get a separate desk mic. They can also be driven on your phone. Open back isn't terrible for gaming and it allows you to control your voice volume better. This is my I use the Micco origen 3 dac amp. Can't link to amazon. Plug and play, haven't had any issues in 5 years. Easy recommendation.
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reddit.com › r/headphoneadvice › audiophile headphones that are still good for pc and gaming
r/HeadphoneAdvice on Reddit: Audiophile headphones that are still good for PC and gaming
January 12, 2025 -

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!

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/pcmasterrace › gaming audio and you: why you *shouldn't* get "audiophile" headphones for gaming
r/pcmasterrace on Reddit: Gaming audio and you: Why you *shouldn't* get "audiophile" headphones for gaming
June 24, 2015 -

I'm seeing more and more posts here and elsewhere that gaming headsets suck, and you should never buy them. I'm here to tell you why that isn't completely true, and why most gamers should either buy a gaming headset or surround speakers.

There is a major drawback to getting generic high-quality headphones: you don't get positional audio. Most games, even in "headphone" mode, don't provide you with 3D (often colloquially called binaural) audio. You can tell whether sounds are coming from the left or right, but you don't know whether they're before, behind, or even right on top of you. The best audiophile headphones on the market won't fix this, but any gaming headset that's worth the money has virtual 7.1 surround sound. They come with an external DAC and connect to the computer via USB or Bluetooth so the game registers you as having 7.1 surround speakers and gives you positional audio. The DAC takes the audio and positional information and runs it through some filters to make you hear the noise as coming from a certain direction. This is incredibly important in shooters, horror games, and any other immersive games.

The lack of virtual 7.1 surround on headphones/DACs and 3D headphone audio support in games means that you will nearly always get a better experience from a decent gaming headset or surround speaker setup.

All that being said, the headset I use and recommend to anyone as the best value in gaming headsets is the HyperX Cloud II. They're well-built, extremely comfortable, have a decent mic, and can deactivate the virtual 7.1 surround for stuff where it doesn't make sense, like listening to music.

Find elsewhere
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Reviewnery
reviewnery.com › best-audiophile-headphones-for-gaming-reddit
Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming: Top 5
September 4, 2023 - The top contenders for the best audiophile headphones for gaming, such as the Sennheiser HD58X, AKG K712 Pro, and Beyerdynamic DT 990, are well-regarded for their outstanding audio performance and comfort, making them ideal choices for gamers ...
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RTINGS
rtings.com › home › headphones › best
The 6 Best Audiophile Headphones of 2025 - RTINGS.com
November 20, 2025 - The best audiophile headphones we've tested are the Sennheiser HD 800 S. These open-back over-ears have an outstanding soundstage that's large, natural, and spacious.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/headphoneadvice › budget $300, best (audiophile) headphones for gaming on pc mainly valorant and csgo and overwatch 2?
r/HeadphoneAdvice on Reddit: Budget $300, Best (Audiophile) Headphones for gaming on PC mainly Valorant and csgo and Overwatch 2?
March 6, 2023 -

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

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/headphones › the audiophile's guide to "gaming" headphones
r/headphones on Reddit: The audiophile's guide to "gaming" headphones
June 17, 2021 - A place for making the right decision when purchasing new headphones. Here you can ask which headphone is better, which amp you should buy, which gear best fit your budget and anything related to headphone comparisons and purchasing. ... Looking for starter audiophile/gaming headphones.
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reddit.com › r/headphoneadvice › help w/ audiophile headphones for gaming
r/HeadphoneAdvice on Reddit: Help w/ Audiophile headphones for gaming
November 6, 2023 -

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!

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/gaming_headsets › [help] looking for best high-end gaming headset of 2021
r/Gaming_Headsets on Reddit: [HELP] Looking for best high-end gaming headset of 2021
May 11, 2019 -

I didn't realize how much difference a headset could make until I bought my ASTRO A50 Gen 3's. I've been looking for an upgrade, but keep buying re-furb Gen 3's from a guy on Ebay bc I can't find anything I like more. I've been researching for days, but can't find a unanimous best "high end headset" for 2021. I've narrowed it to the Steelseries Arctis Pro Wireless, Audeze Mobius/Penrose X, ASTRO A50.. but it seems like each of those has significant flaws too. Also, are headsets like mouses in the sense that you'll get the best performance out of wired vs. wireless? Thanks for the help!!

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What I can think of off the top of my head are the as mentioned Audeze Mobius, the Audeze GX (both using planar magnetic drivers), the Beyerdynamic Tygr 300R and the Sennheiser PC38X (with dynamic drivers). These brands take a huge departure from the Gaming headset market as these are definitely audiophile brands with sets that go into the $4K range.

Most headphones that get past the $300 dollar range will be great for gaming as they are tuned for sound imaging, soundstage, instrument separation that will usually translate into object and player location, game audio resolution and just sound clarity. These headsets don't usually have as many features other than an attached mic on a few and a few color accents and they don't have any RGBs either.

As far as wired vs wireless I would always recommend wired as you wont have to worry about any latency in sound retrieval. Sound quality will take a hit as well but I don't think it would be as noticeable.

In the end I would recommend getting a good headphone with an external mic. If you're set on a headset with an attached mic, the PC38X are great for the price or if you're willing to spend more for better quality sound, the Audeze GX. You'd also have a fantastic headset for music as well with either one.

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Came from Astro A50s and Plantronics Rig to Sennheiser PC38X, world of difference and best headset I have used. I am on console and they are wired just to controller. Basically wireless with no need to charge, better/lower latency, and better mic sound. Work great for 3D Audio on PS5 and Dolby Atmos on Xbox or PC.

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/headphoneadvice › endgame audiophile headphones for immersion in gaming.
r/HeadphoneAdvice on Reddit: Endgame audiophile headphones for immersion in gaming.
March 6, 2022 -

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!

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/headphoneadvice › audiophile headphones for gaming on pc under $200
r/HeadphoneAdvice on Reddit: audiophile headphones for gaming on pc under $200
January 6, 2025 -

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

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/headphoneadvice › should i buy "audiophile" headphones for gaming
r/HeadphoneAdvice on Reddit: Should I buy "audiophile" headphones for gaming
September 10, 2021 -

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!

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/headphoneadvice › audiophile gaming headsets?
r/HeadphoneAdvice on Reddit: AUDIOPHILE GAMING HEADSETS?
May 8, 2017 -

Basically wondering what peoples thoughts are on the hifi gaming headset market, which I feel is very under utilized to be honest. If you search 'top gaming headsets of 201X' you don't even see the sennheiser GAME/PC line it's just a load of rubbish about how the razer, steelseries and logitech flagships headsets all sound 'good'. It's practically what everyone wants, the ease of use/utility of gaming peripherals without losing audio quality.

With the upcoming release of the Vokyl erupt, I wonder if people think it is worth holding out for over getting the sennheiser pc37x? If anyone wants to give their thoughts on this or point me towards other hifi gaming headsets also that would be great! I saw the audeze mobius but I don't like the look of them for some reason. I think this could be a good little thread for information on this niche that totally should not be a niche.

TL;DR: Looking for more hifi gaming headset products at it seems to be hard to find many or get any information on.