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[MyNameIsRye]

I know there's a lot of threads asking about headsets, but a lot of them aren't looking for high end. I'm looking for a high end headset that works on PS4, X1, PC. Preferably wireless since I wear a headset when I workout. Also want 7.1.

I recently upgraded my Sony golds to the Platinums, and I hate them. The VSS/3D sounds like I'm in a cave, and the sound just doesn't seem that much better than the golds. So now I'm looking to get something drastically better, and would like some recommendations. Thanks guys.

Price range of $200-$300.

 

[Square Triangle]

I bought the Astros A50 (PS4/PC) last week and love them. The sound quality is fantastic, mixer is built into the headset, super comfortable and lightweight for being wireless. The charging dock doubles as a stand too

These will work with XBO but you won't be able to get chat audio, if you want that, you'll have to buy the XBO charging dock for it.

 

[VlaudTheImpaler]

Oh, Lord God in heaven. Please don't do this to yourself.

Please take the time to read this, http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?p=228703154#post228703154

Just browse that thread and ask your questions there.

I absolutely guarantee you it's not worth it to go gaming branded. I work out as well with my headphones on and my E-MU's stay on tight though I do have to work around the wire. I also have a sit stand desk that I pace all around with while I consume media and such. Just learn to mind the cable and soon it's like it isn't even there. Trust me the downgrade in quality from wireless isn't worth it. This is from someone coming from an Astro A50 that I used for years.

If you want I or the people in that thread can throw together a setup for you that would beat any gaming branded headphones hands down for your price range.

 

[MyNameIsRye]

I bought the Astros A50 (PS4/PC) last week and love them. The sound quality is fantastic, mixer is built into the headset, super comfortable and lightweight for being wireless. The charging dock doubles as a stand too

These will work with XBO but you won't be able to get chat audio, if you want that, you'll have to buy the XBO charging dock for it.

That's actually ok. I don't game with anyone on Xbox. I just play single player games.

I should mention I have the PS4 Pro, which I believe doesn't have optical.

 

[MyNameIsRye]

Oh, Lord God in heaven. Please don't do this to yourself.

Please take the time to read this, http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?p=228703154#post228703154

Just browse that thread and ask your questions there.

I absolutely guarantee you it's not worth it to go gaming branded. I work out as well with my headphones on and my E-MU's stay on tight though I do have to work around the wire. I also have a sit stand desk that I pace all around with while I consume media and such. Just learn to mind the cable and soon it's like it isn't even there. Trust me the downgrade in quality from wireless isn't worth it. This is from someone coming from an Astro A50 that I used for years.

If you want I or the people in that thread can throw together a setup for you that would beat any gaming branded headphones hands down for your price range.

I guess I worded wrong. It doesn't have to be "gaming branded". I just want a headset for gaming.

 

[galv]

Any decent over-the-ear headphones with a detachable cable + VModa Boom Pro mic >>>>>>>> any of the fake 7.1 surround Razer TM stuff in terms of not only much improved audio quality and comfort but because there is no real gaming benefit to the gaming branded headphones.

If you don't find a good pair with detachable cable, get an Antlion Modmic instead of the Boom Pro - problem solved. And if you don't like the way that looks, get a cheap desk microphone with a cheap pop filter and it'll still be miles better than any "gaming" headset, barring maybe the Sennheiser ones, and even then, I'd recommend getting HD 598s or something instead.

 

[Akronis]

Don't buy a headset, buy good headphones and a ModMic.

HD 598C if you want noise cancellation, or HD 598 for better soundstage. AKG K7XXs are good as well, but they're power hungry so you'll probs need an amp.

 

[ViciousDS]

If you have to buy a headset buy a sennheiser headset.

This way you get premium drivers with a really solid mic.

The G4ME Ones for open back or the G4ME Zeros for closed

Open offers better acoustic but closed is for noisier environments


Everything else is just mediocre quality for a premium price.

 

[family_guy]

Stop buying gaming headsets. Get high end regular headphones.

 

[VlaudTheImpaler]

I guess I worded wrong. It doesn't have to be "gaming branded". I just want a headset for gaming.

Seriously, take it slow, ask questions and find a set of cans to invest in first. Get a mod mic to use along with it and then get a DAC/AMP combo when you can. Unless you have all of the money to spend up front. A Schiit Fulla is a perfect fit for most lower to mid range audiofile cans. I know that this sometimes has issues with PS4 audio being crossed or something. The guys in the thread I linked would most def know a better all round solution. Probably a Schiit stack.

If you are having trouble working out with your headsets on because of the wire then just try to have patience and down the line I would save up and invest in a shorter cable and use your phone and a portable DAC/AMP combo like my Fiio e17K that you can strap to your body and this would still allow you to wear your main headphones if they fit snug enough. If not then again, just have patience save up ask questions do research and find a nice pair that people like to work out with.

Don't get stuck in the low fi world like most people do for their entire lives and never get a taste of what a quality headphone experience is like. If you read my post, I had used gaming branded headsets my whole life and I never understood what the word sound stage meant that all the audio heads where talking about, including my uncle who is an radio station engineer, until I decided to take a chance and save up and buy a nice pair of non gaming branded headphones... I will never, ever go back.

 

[Miggytronz]

That's actually ok. I don't game with anyone on Xbox. I just play single player games.

I should mention I have the PS4 Pro, which I believe doesn't have optical.

Ya it does. SLIM doesn't.

 

[Rellik]

Don't buy a headset, buy good headphones and a ModMic.

HD 598C if you want noise cancellation, or HD 598 for better soundstage. AKG K7XXs are good as well, but they're power hungry so you'll probs need an amp.

I went the HD598 route a month back and couldn't be happier. No way I'd play without them now.

So much better than the crap PlayStation headset I had before.

 

[EVA UNIT 01]

Sennheiser 598s plus a cheap zalman clip on mic and a y splitter
175$

Ill never go back to "gaming" sound equipment

 

[anddo0]

Sennheiser 598s plus a cheap zalman clip on mic and a y splitter
175$

Ill never go back to "gaming" sound equipment

Open-back high-end headphones are the best route; better than any so called "gaming headsets"..

I went with the ATH-AD900X+SMSL SD793-II dac, and a mod mic myself.

If you must get a gaming headset look at these three choices. (none of these offer 7.1, but you don't need that gimmick.. These offer great positional sound)

Sennheiser GAME ZERO
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KNPYAEY/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Audio-Technica ATH-AG1X
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AYZZUDC/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X Open Air
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AYZZP5U/?tag=neogaf0e-20

 

[Momentary]

Sennheiser have the best product out there in my opinion. And that's if you really are serious about highend headsets.

 

[Zackat]

I use Phillips SHP9500 + V-MODA Boompro and I am very happy.

~100 bucks total

 

[deoee]

Don't buy any Gaming headsets.

Get a decent standalone mic and seperate cans.


I'm currently rocking the 7€ Zalman clip-on mic + Fiio E10K DAC + Sennheiser HD8 / HD598 and I would never ever go back to gaming headsets.

 

[Aztechnology]

Thread is full of the good stuff. Good work GAF.

I have Audio-Technica ATH-M50X's and a Mod Mic personally. I use it with a wireless Astro A40 mixamp and it's phenomenal.

Recommend the HD 598 Sennheiser's though. I just went with the Audio Technica's because of a really good deal $80 and they are smaller and more convenient for general usage as well.

 

[deoee]

Something like this. I Strongly recommend getting a pair of headphones with detachable cable, in the long run it's easier than trying to fix shorts in the cable yourself, you can just replace the cable.

I have Audio-Technica ATH-M50X's and a Mod Mic personally. I use it with a wireless Astro A40 mixamp and it's phenomenal.

Tried the M50X and they are clamping + uncomfrotable as hell.
So @OP be aware that the most important thing next to sound quality should be comfort.

 

[Gwyn]

Can someone help me out

I have Sennheiser PC 350 for my xbox one.

headset is connected through the controller
Do i need DAC or whatever to help get better sound?

 

[deoee]

Can someone help me out

I have these Sennheiser PC 350 for my xbox one.

headset is connected through the controller
Do i need DAC or whatever to help get better sound?

Yeah the controller isn't the best option to connect your headphones.

I don't know about the Xbox One but for the PS4 you can just attach the Fiio E10k and plug in your headphone

 

[geordiemp]

I use an astro mix amp (lets me mix game and chat nicely with surround using optical) and Senheisser game One.

Works great for positional sound on console and for party chat mixing, so much nicer than astro headsets.

Cant imagine plugging into the controller and not getting positional sound.

 

[Aztechnology]

Tried the M50X and they are clamping + uncomfrotable as hell.
So @OP be aware that the most important thing next to sound quality should be comfort.

You got a fat head boy

But yea, I mean it depends on what you're using them for. If specifically for gaming, get a larger more comfortable pair with larger drivers. In the future at some point, I plan to get a pair with a bigger sound stage.

 

[Gwyn]

Yeah the controller isn't the best option to connect your headphones.

I don't know about the Xbox One but for the PS4 you can just attach the Fiio E10k and plug in your headphone

Ok thanks will search around for more info

 

[ViciousDS]

Double chime here


The Game ones and zeroes are based on the 598 series. They are really close in terms of sound quality it's just the game series has a built in boom

Hence the original price being about $100 more for the Zeroes and $80 more for the Ones. It was to not cut into the 598 sales.

Now on sale it's only a tad more for the game series

 

[deoee]

You got a fat head boy

But yea, I mean it depends on what you're using them for. If specifically for gaming, get a larger more comfortable pair with larger drivers. In the future at some point, I plan to get a pair with a bigger sound stage.

Nah, they are just not comfortable compared to many other headphones I tried in that period

There's a nice post in the Headphone OT if you're interested in reading up

 

[Aztechnology]

Anyone remember this Kickstarter? How legit is this? I mean, surround sound on most headphones is essentially virtual given the spacial component and multiple smaller drivers mean quality is lowered.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/...C&utm_medium=preorder button&utm_campaign=igg

I don't see what exactly they are doing that's different. But I remember people being excited about them for some reason.

 

[ViciousDS]

Anyone remember this Kickstarter? How legit is this? I mean, surround sound on most headphones is essentially virtual given the spacial component and multiple smaller drivers mean quality is lowered.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/...C&utm_medium=preorder button&utm_campaign=igg

I don't see what exactly they are doing that's different. But I remember people being excited about them for some reason.

It's not different than the 7.1 razor

4 drivers per ear. I can't imagine it sounding good for music.

The 7.1 tiamats or whatever they were called again was one of the worst headsets I have ever owned. Complete shit for quality and absolute garbage for music or anything not catered to 7.1. Even pumping virtual to activate all the drivers sounded terrible. That's even with a good sound card, I can't imagine how bad it is with one built into the mobo

 

[Nara Seo]

Go with Sennheiser, you will not be dissapointed.

 

[Akronis]

Anyone remember this Kickstarter? How legit is this? I mean, surround sound on most headphones is essentially virtual given the spacial component and multiple smaller drivers mean quality is lowered.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/...C&utm_medium=preorder button&utm_campaign=igg

I don't see what exactly they are doing that's different. But I remember people being excited about them for some reason.

Never buy any headphone that has multiple drivers for each cup. It's snake oil bullshit.

If you want 3D audio, look into a sound card that does Dolby Surround or SBX. Those are the two best in my opinion.

 

[T_V_H]

Everyone is recomending Sennheisers and this is good, but one must not forget about Beyerdynamics, Dt-770 if you want closed, dt-880/990 if open is your thing. Personally I'd always go for open for that sweet soundstage.

However, my personal pair and my number one recomendation would be the Philips Fidelio X1's. The newer X2's sound just as good but have been known to have some QC issues. Great soundstage, and kickass bass for those explosions, not ovepowering though. Still great headphones for all genres.

Edit: Here's a review on the X1's. I've had my pair since 2012 I think, still going strong.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/670318/philips-fidelio-x1-review-comparison

 

[Rabid Dwarf 76]

I bought the Astros A50 (PS4/PC) last week and love them. The sound quality is fantastic, mixer is built into the headset, super comfortable and lightweight for being wireless. The charging dock doubles as a stand too

These will work with XBO but you won't be able to get chat audio, if you want that, you'll have to buy the XBO charging dock for it.

I have these as well but the Xbox version. They work great on both my PS4 and Xbone!

 

[Aztechnology]

Never buy any headphone that has multiple drivers for each cup. It's snake oil bullshit.

If you want 3D audio, look into a sound card that does Dolby Surround or SBX. Those are the two best in my opinion.

This is always what I tell people, It's ridiculous if you even understand basic physics. The whole concept of 7.1 surround sound headphones with tons of tiny drivers compared to large drivers with virtual surround. That's why I was thinking unless there's something super special here they aren't letting us onto, I don't know how this sold as well as it did.

 

[Aztechnology]

Everyone is recomending Sennheisers and this is good, but one must not forget about Beyerdynamics, Dt-770 if you want closed, dt-880/990 if open is your thing. Personally I'd always go for open for that sweet soundstage.

However, my personal pair and my number one recomendation would be the Philips Fidelio X1's. The newer X2's sound just as good but have been known to have some QC issues. Great soundstage, and kickass bass for those explosions, not ovepowering though. Still great headphones for all genres.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/beyerdynamic-dt880-990-600-ohm-all-black-everything

Edit: well that's not even a great deal.

Amazon has them for cheaper and Prime.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JM6K80Y/?tag=neogaf0e-20

 

[Akronis]

This is always what I tell people, It's ridiculous if you even understand basic physics. The whole concept of 7.1 surround sound headphones with tons of tiny drivers compared to large drivers with virtual surround. That's why I was thinking unless there's something super special here they aren't letting us onto, I don't know how this sold as well as it did.

Because people are dumb and marketing is effective.

Everyone is recomending Sennheisers and this is good, but one must not forget about Beyerdynamics, Dt-770 if you want closed, dt-880/990 if open is your thing. Personally I'd always go for open for that sweet soundstage.

However, my personal pair and my number one recomendation would be the Philips Fidelio X1's. The newer X2's sound just as good but have been known to have some QC issues. Great soundstage, and kickass bass for those explosions, not ovepowering though. Still great headphones for all genres.

Just a warning about the DT990s. They are V-shaped and it's almost on the level of the HD 700s in terms of sibilance. I am unable to use them on my current amp/DAC setup because of how piercing they are. Tube amps may be better for the 990s as it should smooth the sound out.

Not sure about the 880s, but the 770s are neutral.

 

[Kyoufu]

I recently upgraded my Sony golds to the Platinums, and I hate them. The VSS/3D sounds like I'm in a cave, and the sound just doesn't seem that much better than the golds.

There are only one or two games which currently support 3D Audio so I think you're writing it off a little too prematurely. Uncharted 4 clearly sounds much better with 3D Audio.

 

[Justinh]

I use Phillips SHP9500 + V-MODA Boompro and I am very happy.

~100 bucks total

I used to use these. I thought they were pretty good. I still think they're good. I use a set of Fidelio X2s now, although my boom mic busted, through an Astro Mixamp on my Xbox One and it sounds fantastic.

I remember when I got it I watched Mad Max Fury Road (for the first time all in one go) like 5-7 times in the following couple days with the volume all the way up. It was awesome.

Not wireless though, so probably not a good fit for OP...(also > 300 for headphones + mixamp)

Feel like this article from the EiC of MaximumPC is slightly relevant here.
Gaming hardware needs to grow up

 

[Aztechnology]

Because people are dumb and marketing is effective.

Probably helped considerably that someone like Ty Ahmad-Taylor the CEO of THX being in the video. Dat marketing, wonder if they're partnering.

https://youtu.be/fLHR9PL_wzI

It's like he'd never experienced 3D audio before lol.

 

[T_V_H]

Just a warning about the DT990s. They are V-shaped and it's almost on the level of the HD 700s in terms of sibilance. I am unable to use them on my current amp/DAC setup because of how piercing they are. Tube amps may be better for the 990s as it should smooth the sound out.

Not sure about the 880s, but the 770s are neutral.

I've heard something like this before with 990's having a harsh top end, I have never tried the 990's personally but I can vouch for the 880's which I have tried. Very "open" and neutral sounding to my ears. Still would take the Fidelios every day of the week.

Funny how Beyerdynamics seem to be much cheaper here in Europe, well they are German but with electronics it's usually the other way around.

Edit: Missed the wireless bit, still I would say go with a wired pair. You always give something up when going wireless. I'd get a cheap pair of bluetooth headphones for working out.

 

[Nutter]

Steelseries Siberia 800's are pretty good as well.

Works on PC, Xbox Family Consoles and PS Family Consoles.

 

[RedAssedApe]

kind of depends on your tolerance for a mess and convenience versus audio quality.

going wired for console gaming in a large living room setup kind of sucks imo if audio quality isn't of utmost importance to you.

 

[Paragon]

Seriously, take it slow, ask questions and find a set of cans to invest in first. Get a mod mic to use along with it and then get a DAC/AMP combo when you can. Unless you have all of the money to spend up front. A Schiit Fulla is a perfect fit for most lower to mid range audiofile cans. I know that this sometimes has issues with PS4 audio being crossed or something. The guys in the thread I linked would most def know a better all round solution. Probably a Schiit stack.

If you are having trouble working out with your headsets on because of the wire then just try to have patience and down the line I would save up and invest in a shorter cable and use your phone and a portable DAC/AMP combo like my Fiio e17K that you can strap to your body and this would still allow you to wear your main headphones if they fit snug enough. If not then again, just have patience save up ask questions do research and find a nice pair that people like to work out with.

This is terrible advice. Don't recommend stereo equipment for gaming.
For gaming you need a device that can take a 5.1 or 7.1 signal and create a virtual surround output from it.
Very few games do their own virtual surround processing to output 3D audio. Most of them just pan the audio across two channels in their stereo or 'headphone' mode.
There's really only a handful of them, and only once VR got here.

As I understand it, you have a very limited set of options if you want something like that for consoles, and most of them work with optical connections rather than HDMI or USB.
With PCs, there is a big selection of sound cards which can do this and a variety of different virtual surround technologies that you can use.

Never buy any headphone that has multiple drivers for each cup. It's snake oil bullshit.
If you want 3D audio, look into a sound card that does Dolby Surround or SBX. Those are the two best in my opinion.

Now this I can agree with - though I don't personally recommend Dolby Surround.
Dolby Surround has good positioning but makes the environment sound like you're in an empty 20'x20' room. At least that's how I hear it.

 

[Wallach]

Steelseries Siberia 800's are pretty good as well.

Works on PC, Xbox Family Consoles and PS Family Consoles.

I actually really like these. I got mine back when they were still called the Steelseries H.

My personal recommendation.

 

[VlaudTheImpaler]

This is terrible advice. Don't recommend stereo equipment for gaming.
For gaming you need a device that can take a 5.1 or 7.1 signal and create a virtual surround output from it.
Very few games do their own virtual surround processing to output 3D audio. Most of them just pan the audio across two channels in their stereo or 'headphone' mode.
There's really only a handful of them, and only once VR got here.

As I understand it, you have a very limited set of options if you want something like that for consoles, and most of them work with optical connections rather than HDMI or USB.
With PCs, there is a big selection of sound cards which can do this and a variety of different virtual surround technologies that you can use.


Now this I can agree with - though I don't personally recommend Dolby Surround.
Dolby Surround has good positioning but makes the environment sound like you're in an empty 20'x20' room. At least that's how I hear it.

What exactly is terrible advice here?

 

[Aztechnology]

kind of depends on your tolerance for a mess and convenience versus audio quality.

going wired for console gaming in a large living room setup kind of sucks imo if audio quality isn't of utmost importance to you.

With the Astro Mixamp 5.8 which is really the only survive piece of my Astro A40's. (been using the mixamp for years now) setup is pretty clean. Ignore the extra wires through the glass, I have sleeves coming for that stuff XD and I knocked the USB Hub off my desk so it's hanging there lol.

But I'll miss the Mixamp when it dies. Anyone know of a good option for a wireless audio/microphone amp?

 

[Akronis]

Now this I can agree with - though I don't personally recommend Dolby Surround.
Dolby Surround has good positioning but makes the environment sound like you're in an empty 20'x20' room. At least that's how I hear it.

This was my experience with Dolby Surround as well. From what I understand, it was going for more of a cinema 3D sound where the speakers sound like they're positioned far away from your head.

SBX feels much much closer and I think it's better for gaming overhaul.

 

[Paragon]

What exactly is terrible advice here?

Recommending stereo DACs for gaming instead of a device that can take a 5.1/7.1 input and apply virtual surround processing.
Pairing those devices with a nice pair of stereo headphones and/or a modmic is not bad advice - though the original poster was asking for a wireless headset and what you suggest doubles up on cables.

 

[Akronis]

Recommending stereo DACs for gaming instead of a device that can take a 5.1/7.1 input and apply virtual surround processing.

It depends. Some people claim that gaming focused DACs with a lot of audio processing ruins music.

I will say that you probably shouldn't listen to music with the virtual surround turned on.

 

[Lockjaw333]

Honestly for your budget you could buy a good pair of headphones with a separate mic and still have enough left over to get a wireless pair for working out.

Something like the SHP9500, an open back headphones with phenomenal sound quality that goes for the absurdly low price of around $60. Pair that with a v-moda boom mic and you have a headset that's better that basically anything gaming branded out there. Use the left over cash to buy a wireless pair of headphones for working out.

If you really want an all in one solution, get the Hyperx Cloud II for $99. It's an entry level audiophile grade headphone (closed back) with a detachable mic, and a 7.1 USB dongle that works on PC and ps4.

For gaming don't hamstring yourself to wireless. Plugging into the controller on both consoles is almost wireless, and you open yourself up to much better sound quality with wired headphones.

If you want the best gaming headset, get a Sennheiser game zero or game one. They go for like $160 ish. Again use the left over cash to grab wireless headphones.

Please don't go down the 7.1 gaming headset road. Be smart bruh.

 

[VlaudTheImpaler]

Recommending stereo DACs for gaming instead of a device that can take a 5.1/7.1 input and apply virtual surround processing.

Well, I will admit that I don't know much about how this works on console since I got into this after switching to PC. But I will say that I have my astro mixamp right here and switching back and forth between it with the dolby audio turned on and my setup now I see an enormous difference between the two. The positional audio on my Fiio E17k + Little dot I amp combo is exponentially better than the astro mixamp. On PC. I'm a pretty competitive FPS player so positional audio means a lot to me. It's been a while since I've booted up my Xbox but maybe I'll give it a try and see how it sounds. I've never used it with this setup.