gaming/music headphones

[Haaspac]

I just ordered all my parts to put my computer together and the only thing I need now are a good set of headphones to be the cherry on top.

I was originally going to buy the PsykoAudio headphones because of how amazing they supposedly are for games, but then I was reading about how everyone says how terrible they are for music reproduction. If you are specifically using them for FPS games then they are unmatched apparently, but just plain suck if you listen to mp3's on your computer. That being said, even though I know mp3's are compressed audio etc etc etc, I need a set of headphones that will be great for both games and music on my new PC.

So I guess my requirements would be a 5.1 gaming headset with mic that can double as a fairly good music headset as well. I am thinking maybe Seinnheiser HD's(dont know if they are 5.1) or Astro A40's just based on internet opinion. I really have no experience with headphones at all so anyone that knows more than me and can give me some suggestions would be great.

 

[its phillip]

I don't think any "5.1" headset will be good for music. If you really want the "5.1" aspect, why not just buy a headset and a decent pair of normal stereo headphones as well?

Anyway, my recommendation is to just get a good pair of headphones, and seeing how you like that first, before trying those gimmicky "5.1" sets. A common recommendation at the $100 price point is the audio technica ath-ad700 (i have em). They are fine for music and all that good stuff, and I hear everything in counterstrike. If you have a larger budget you might want to take a look at the 32-ohm beyerdynamic dt880. For a mic I recommend the zalman clip mic.

But if you are set on the "5.1" headsets, I don't have any input to help you there :/

 

[Haaspac]

Yea after looking further and knowing I would probably use them atleast 80% of the time for music listening (death metal yay!) I guess it would be better to get some audiophile cans instead of gaming ones. I can make the dive for some Sennheiser HD 650's or the beyerdynamic dt880's but I suppose I will need a headphone amp to get the best from them, whats the compatibility with those amp's and computers? Plug the amp into the headphone jack on the computer and then the cans into the amp? I would want a volume knob on the amp since I've got a Deck Ice 82-key keyboard with no media controls. Got a suggestion for an ok headphone amp? presonus hp4? Only reason I ask is because I saw http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039L0O7G/sr=1-3/qid=1274479219/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1274479219&sr=1-3&seller=

for 100 bucks cheaper I might have just bought them outright.

 

[its phillip]

Well the reason why I recommended the 32-ohm versions of the dt880s is so you wouldn't need to spring for an amp.

also not all amps would have the same connections. i imagine most would require a 1/8" from headphone jack - > rca on amp

but i know nothing about headphone amps and such

 

[sholling]

I love my HD600s but I would not match HD600s or HD650s with MP3s or metal. In my opinion it's not a good match. HD600/650 are nearly unmatched for well mastered classical or jazz or anything accoustical but they will spotlight any flaws in the recording. They're power hungry critters to. My Total Airhead pocket amp will barely power my HD600s.

I'd look hard at a Grado SR225i or SR325is which are really more of a rock headphone. Not as comfy but a good choice and a bit less money. I came very close to choosing a 325 over the Senn but at the time I was listening to more classical and new age. For headphone amps and honest headphone reviews I like Headphone.com.

 

[MinusTheBear]

In my opinion the best budget headphone for this application is the Audio Technica ATH-AD700. For something more expensive the Beyerdynamic DT880 (32ohm) will work great.

 

[Haaspac]

My Beyer Dynamic dt880 32ohm's came in fedex today and they are absolutely tasty for listening to music on my PC. Thanks for the help guys!

 

[its phillip]

Glad you like em. I intend on buying a set eventually.

 

[MinusTheBear]

My Beyer Dynamic dt880 32ohm's came in fedex today and they are absolutely tasty for listening to music on my PC. Thanks for the help guys!

Excellent choice, excellent headphone. Enjoy!

 

[JonPW]

Glad you like your headphones. I love my sennheiser 595's, wear em all the time even when I do not need to. They are super comfortable and sound nice.

 

[Haaspac]

After spending lots of time with my new beyerdynamic headphones I was wondering about the benefits of having a discrete audio card to get more oomph out of them. I was thinking this:

http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=zCDHPnfR1jymHK2f&templete=2

Apparently it's the best sound-card strictly for headphones for your PC. The only thing I have a reserve about would be that my headphones are the 32-ohm version and not the 600 ohm version since I will use them with my ipod(hopefully zune HD soon), and I don't know if getting this awesome sound-card will boost my headphone's performance. I found myself listening to these headphones for hours and hours and hours at a time and they are phenomenal, so I was wondering if this upgrade would be noticeable. Plus I like having nice things.

 

[its phillip]

Well, it couldn't hurt. I've heard nothing but good things for the essence stx, and in my experience anything is better than onboard

 

[Edmonton]

a good sound card is a very good idea, it will clean up the sound considerably and give it more juice which the headphones need.

i now run a receiver from the computer to power my headphones and the difference is amazing.