chicolom
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Mad Lust Envy's Headphone Gaming Guide: (8/18/2022: iFi GO Blu Review Added)
- Thread starter Mad Lust Envy
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- akg-k612-pro-reference-studio-headphones akg-k712-pro akg-q701-premium-class-reference-headphones-quincy-jones-signature-line astro-a40-audio-system-white audeze audio-technica-ath-ad700 audio-technica-ath-m50-studio-monitor-headphones beyerdynamic-dt-770-pro-80-closed-studio-headphones hd800 hd800s headphones over-ear philips-shp2500-37-full-size-headphone-with-volume-control sennheiser-hd-598 shure-srh1540-headphones sony-mdr-ma900-over-the-head-style-headphones sony-mdr-xb700-50mm-xb-diaphragm-driver-extra-bass-headphones soundmagic-hp200
chicolom
Headphoneus Supremus
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Contract security. Pay is based on a site by site basis. I'm basically getting paid less than when I started with the company 8 years ago. Rather not think about at the moment.
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You're beginning to think like me. That is precisely what I'm waiting on. Hoping to see frequency curves and more impressions. Its those or the DT990s. I love the HE400, but I don't wanna be constantly tethered to the E17 for the subtle bass boost I want. I guess I'm more of a basshead than I'd like to admit.
The HE400 sounds perfectly fine in bass, but I guess I personally prefer more presence. Having the 990/32 next to it, I was just fine with it. I can live with less fidelity, and more of my personal taste in tonal balance.
The issue with the X1 is that the Fidelio line isn't sold here, so I'd have to import. We'll see.
I heard they're quite bassy.
NamelessPFG
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Speaking of Philips, I should finally be getting that CitiScape Uptown come Wednesday. Then I can put it through its paces as a reasonably affordable headphone for those who need isolation.
As for the Fidelio lineup...too expensive, as in "used Stax expensive".
As for the Fidelio lineup...too expensive, as in "used Stax expensive".
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Putting my NFB-5 up for sale if anyone is interested in a fantastic DAC+AMP. The only downside being it doesn't have analog inputs, so you can't hook it up to something like the Mixamp.
Fegefeuer
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Quote:
I have the same experience. Now if you try CMSS-3D with OpenAL/EAX/DS3D then the experience with the HD800 is godly and full of superlatives. The same goes for movies, only T1 and T90 come closer. The only thing I miss from LCD-2 is the bass, anything else the HD800 does better for me.
Thanks MLE for the great thread. It's an awesome effort and contribution. I've read through it a few times and enjoy your updates / insight.
As to what I can contribute:
I currently have the LCD-2s as my primary headphone, as well as the HD-800s, the Beyer T1s, and the MrSpeakers Mad Dogs.
I have used the LCD-2s, the HD-800s, and the Mad Dogs for online FPS gaming. The games include Planetside 2, BF3, CS Source, etc.
In my experience, with my setup, I have observed the following:
The LCD-2s are not suitable for FPS by any standard. Yes, the explosions sound amazing. The sound is GREAT. However, the sound stage is all over the place. You can hear foot steps in places where NO ONE can be (such as in the ocean). It jumbles it all together and there is no sense of separation in the position of the individual sounds. You will not be able to predict where the opponent is coming from or where that shot was fired from. I had no luck with this on ANY game. That's my experience.
The Mad Dogs seem to do better at positional audio for games - for some odd reason, but are by no means something I would rely on in terms of using audio to determine the location of my enemies.
The HD-800s are like hitting ` then typing audio godmode. These things place the sounds PRECISELY where the opponent is - and they do it on a large scale. You can EASILY locate several opponents all at once at various locations around you. You can position yourself in a building and hear opponents above you, beside you, running outside in multiple directions, etc. and actually count the amount of opponents and judge the direction each opponent is heading. Of course you have to focus your brain on accomplishing that task, but that's not the fault of the head phone. The headphone provides the information and you have to be able to interpret it. Once you learn to process that information the HD-800s are providing you, you have a definite advantage over your opponent. There have been MULTIPLE times in games like BF3 (which I've read doesn't have the best positional audio, but does have GREAT audio quality) where I've been in a close quarter combat situation and been able to stop, listen, determine the location of multiple opponents, and proceed to take each of them out one by one, all the while judging their movements as they hear me killing their allies, and myself being able to adjust to that based simply on the sounds of them moving around me through the walls, hearing their footsteps, their ammo reloads, their shuffling around, etc.
It's awesome. I have the Q701s on order and they should be here this coming Thursday. I'm excited to see how they compare against the HD-800s.
Just wanted to provide my experience, but yeah. If you already have the HD-800s for music then definitely use them for gaming. It's just a HUGE added bonus to these cans.
I have the same experience. Now if you try CMSS-3D with OpenAL/EAX/DS3D then the experience with the HD800 is godly and full of superlatives. The same goes for movies, only T1 and T90 come closer. The only thing I miss from LCD-2 is the bass, anything else the HD800 does better for me.
Mjonir
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Yes, I don't think I can easily get the decoder box alone. At least I don't know any website selling it
Quote:
I looked around and only saw a "X-FI Titanium" for 77€ (105$) and "X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty" for 110€ (140$).
I see that these cards have an optical in. Could I take the audio from my Xbox 360 through optical and use that sound card to decode it? I wouldn't have to drop that Xbox compatibility this way
I also saw some Xtrem Audio for much cheaper (40/65€ (50/80$) depending on the model), but they were not recommended in your PC guide. There is also a Recon3D for 85€ (110$), I don't know what it's worth?
Looks like even with international shipping, I'd be paying at least double the price to buy it here, so I'm definitely interested if you know a way to get it this cheap ^^'
Quote:
Yes, I can get one for 28€ (36$). Here's a good reference for what I can get in Xonar (in French, but sound card names are the same
): http://www.ldlc.be/informatique/piece/carte-son-interne/c4692/p1e48t3o0a1.html
Yes, I don't think I can easily get the decoder box alone. At least I don't know any website selling it
Quote:
I looked around and only saw a "X-FI Titanium" for 77€ (105$) and "X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty" for 110€ (140$).
I see that these cards have an optical in. Could I take the audio from my Xbox 360 through optical and use that sound card to decode it? I wouldn't have to drop that Xbox compatibility this way
I also saw some Xtrem Audio for much cheaper (40/65€ (50/80$) depending on the model), but they were not recommended in your PC guide. There is also a Recon3D for 85€ (110$), I don't know what it's worth?
Looks like even with international shipping, I'd be paying at least double the price to buy it here, so I'm definitely interested if you know a way to get it this cheap ^^'
Quote:
Yes, I can get one for 28€ (36$). Here's a good reference for what I can get in Xonar (in French, but sound card names are the same
): http://www.ldlc.be/informatique/piece/carte-son-interne/c4692/p1e48t3o0a1.html
NamelessPFG
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Quote:
It wouldn't hurt to at least ask that seller here on the forums if he'll ship it out to Belgium. Who knows? You might still get a pretty good deal out of it.
Unfortunately, using PCs with sound cards that have S/PDIF inputs to act as headphone surround processors for consoles has proven to be impractical, as several people have already tried. The main problem is that they're meant to take stereo PCM signals only, not encoded Dolby Digital or DTS streams.
You can probably thank the MPAA and RIAA for that, the same groups that thought putting HDCP on HDMI and generally making things inconvenient for end users is a good idea. Seems like there's this SCMS flag for S/PDIF Dolby Digital and DTS sources that works similarly to HDCP in that if the other end isn't compliant, you either get silence or a downgraded (in this case, stereo PCM) signal.
As I offered before, if you want that X-Fi hardware at anywhere near US prices, I'll order it and ship it to you if you can cover the costs.
On the flip side, you have reasonably priced Xonar DG cards in your area. You'd lose out where DirectSound3D, OpenAL, and EAX support are concerned relative to proper X-Fi hardware, but they're still very capable cards for the price. I'll let you decide how to spend your money.
Yes, I don't think I can easily get the decoder box alone. At least I don't know any website selling it
I looked around and only saw a "X-FI Titanium" for 77€ (105$) and "X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty" for 110€ (140$).
I see that these cards have an optical in. Could I take the audio from my Xbox 360 through optical and use that sound card to decode it? I wouldn't have to drop that Xbox compatibility this way
I also saw some Xtrem Audio for much cheaper (40/65€ (50/80$) depending on the model), but they were not recommended in your PC guide. There is also a Recon3D for 85€ (110$), I don't know what it's worth?
Looks like even with international shipping, I'd be paying at least double the price to buy it here, so I'm definitely interested if you know a way to get it this cheap ^^'
Yes, I can get one for 28€ (36$). Here's a good reference for what I can get in Xonar (in French, but sound card names are the same
It wouldn't hurt to at least ask that seller here on the forums if he'll ship it out to Belgium. Who knows? You might still get a pretty good deal out of it.
Unfortunately, using PCs with sound cards that have S/PDIF inputs to act as headphone surround processors for consoles has proven to be impractical, as several people have already tried. The main problem is that they're meant to take stereo PCM signals only, not encoded Dolby Digital or DTS streams.
You can probably thank the MPAA and RIAA for that, the same groups that thought putting HDCP on HDMI and generally making things inconvenient for end users is a good idea. Seems like there's this SCMS flag for S/PDIF Dolby Digital and DTS sources that works similarly to HDCP in that if the other end isn't compliant, you either get silence or a downgraded (in this case, stereo PCM) signal.
As I offered before, if you want that X-Fi hardware at anywhere near US prices, I'll order it and ship it to you if you can cover the costs.
On the flip side, you have reasonably priced Xonar DG cards in your area. You'd lose out where DirectSound3D, OpenAL, and EAX support are concerned relative to proper X-Fi hardware, but they're still very capable cards for the price. I'll let you decide how to spend your money.
wmf
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yes great thread MLE, many thanks ...
whats your take on the HD650s for gaming ?.
im currently using either the D7000s, /or the Dt990s for FPS /and gaming in general ...
whats your take on the HD650s for gaming ?.
im currently using either the D7000s, /or the Dt990s for FPS /and gaming in general ...
Mikesin
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Definitely waiting for this review
Should of got the K702 though, would probably be a better test. Where the Q701 adds a touch of bass (from what i've read) and can hide footsteps etc.
Quote:
Should of got the K702 though, would probably be a better test. Where the Q701 adds a touch of bass (from what i've read) and can hide footsteps etc.
Quote:
The HD-800s are like hitting ` then typing audio godmode. These things place the sounds PRECISELY where the opponent is - and they do it on a large scale. You can EASILY locate several opponents all at once at various locations around you. You can position yourself in a building and hear opponents above you, beside you, running outside in multiple directions, etc. and actually count the amount of opponents and judge the direction each opponent is heading. Of course you have to focus your brain on accomplishing that task, but that's not the fault of the head phone. The headphone provides the information and you have to be able to interpret it. Once you learn to process that information the HD-800s are providing you, you have a definite advantage over your opponent. There have been MULTIPLE times in games like BF3 (which I've read doesn't have the best positional audio, but does have GREAT audio quality) where I've been in a close quarter combat situation and been able to stop, listen, determine the location of multiple opponents, and proceed to take each of them out one by one, all the while judging their movements as they hear me killing their allies, and myself being able to adjust to that based simply on the sounds of them moving around me through the walls, hearing their footsteps, their ammo reloads, their shuffling around, etc.
It's awesome. I have the Q701s on order and they should be here this coming Thursday. I'm excited to see how they compare against the HD-800s.
Just wanted to provide my experience, but yeah. If you already have the HD-800s for music then definitely use them for gaming. It's just a HUGE added bonus to these cans.
tokendog
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Quote:
Will do.
I went Q701 mainly based on MLE review of them AND the big factor that I have an accommodation with my work that gives me the Q701s at a nice discount - otherwise I would have went with or at least tried out the K series.
Definitely waiting for this review
Should of got the K702 though, would probably be a better test. Where the Q701 adds a touch of bass (from what i've read) and can hide footsteps etc.
Will do.
I went Q701 mainly based on MLE review of them AND the big factor that I have an accommodation with my work that gives me the Q701s at a nice discount - otherwise I would have went with or at least tried out the K series.
widdyjudas
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Finally tested the he400 rev3 and dt990 pro 250 ohm. Impression so far based on my ear, sorry if its not the same like you all.
Comfort wise the 990 pro is almost the same as the 770 pro, just clamp harder a little. If the 770 is 10/10, the 990 is 9.5/10.
The he 400 clamp is surprisingly comfy, less than the 650 but just a bit more than the 990. Too bad its heavy. However, the weight is not major issue to me. At least the cup is bigger than my ear, unlike the m50. 8.5/10 for the comfort.
Sound, I cant describe it as detailed as the pro here, but here is mine.
First he400, 1st I notice is the treble, its even more than my m50. Bass is powerfull too, just a bit more than the m50. The vocal and instrument are forward and clear, with good details.
Dt990, treble and bass are over emphasized, but the vocal and instrument seems more laid back and got less details. The sound is faster than hifiman, but still the 650 is the slowest of 3. Soundstage is wide, but the he400 got a decent amount too.
While the he 400 seems brighter on my ear, but i find the 990 is more tiring. Probably because the over bass and treble?
Conclusion, i just ordered the he400 and velour pad. Must wait 10 days, since its national holidays for a week here in hk and china. 650 while tempting, but its just too much more investment for me compared the he400.
Funny thing is the chinese name for hifiman, 真男人 or true gentleman...
Cant wait for it. Will be the longest 10 days. Hope it can satisfy my gaming and music need.
Comfort wise the 990 pro is almost the same as the 770 pro, just clamp harder a little. If the 770 is 10/10, the 990 is 9.5/10.
The he 400 clamp is surprisingly comfy, less than the 650 but just a bit more than the 990. Too bad its heavy. However, the weight is not major issue to me. At least the cup is bigger than my ear, unlike the m50. 8.5/10 for the comfort.
Sound, I cant describe it as detailed as the pro here, but here is mine.
First he400, 1st I notice is the treble, its even more than my m50. Bass is powerfull too, just a bit more than the m50. The vocal and instrument are forward and clear, with good details.
Dt990, treble and bass are over emphasized, but the vocal and instrument seems more laid back and got less details. The sound is faster than hifiman, but still the 650 is the slowest of 3. Soundstage is wide, but the he400 got a decent amount too.
While the he 400 seems brighter on my ear, but i find the 990 is more tiring. Probably because the over bass and treble?
Conclusion, i just ordered the he400 and velour pad. Must wait 10 days, since its national holidays for a week here in hk and china. 650 while tempting, but its just too much more investment for me compared the he400.
Funny thing is the chinese name for hifiman, 真男人 or true gentleman...
Cant wait for it. Will be the longest 10 days. Hope it can satisfy my gaming and music need.
Fa11ou7
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Quote:
Please give us your impressions of the Uptown's when you get them. They were down to $40 for a while on slickdeals which is like 73% off (they started at $150). I was going to try these out as my first serious cans since I'm using a free pair of HD 435 atm. They got a pretty good review from Manveru (Head-Fi Linky), just make sure that you leave the volume slider at full and adjust volume at the source.
Please give us your impressions of the Uptown's when you get them. They were down to $40 for a while on slickdeals which is like 73% off (they started at $150). I was going to try these out as my first serious cans since I'm using a free pair of HD 435 atm. They got a pretty good review from Manveru (Head-Fi Linky), just make sure that you leave the volume slider at full and adjust volume at the source.
mrkingdomhearts
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Hey again my HD558's arn't here yet, but I want to know will a headphone amp like the fiio E6 work with consoles?
I use this steelseries cross platform audio mixer to use headphones for consoles, but I hear a hiss on higher volumes and its pretty annoying
Also sorry if this is the wrong place to ask this. I did not think it was worth making a whole thread for.
I use this steelseries cross platform audio mixer to use headphones for consoles, but I hear a hiss on higher volumes and its pretty annoying
Also sorry if this is the wrong place to ask this. I did not think it was worth making a whole thread for.
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