Let me make this clear as day. This quick guide is for Headphone gaming WITH Dolby Headphone virtual surround (google it). NOT stereo, so those looking at this guide as a headphone guide for stereo gaming will be wasting their time looking here. I ONLY play with Dolby Headphone virtual surround, so I CAN'T and WON'T make suggestions to those who wanna play in plain stereo. That is all.
edit: 5/9/2012:
Added the HE-4 and DT990 Pro
Somewhat fixed the format of this post, bolded and added underlines to each headphone listing
Adjusted the DT880's and HD201's scores
Moved my top choices to the top of the page before the individual scores
Added a bit of info after the top choices
Added an All-rounders top list
edit: 4/12/2012 (added the AKG Q701 scores)
I found the PERFECT video to demo Dolby headphone. EVERYONE can hear this, so try it!
NOTE: At 1:08, this is pretty much exactly how Dolby headphone sounds on the Mixamp:
The 5.1 DH: On section at 0:54 sounds like a weaker version, which honestly doesn't sound like the Mixamp's DH, but it still showcases positional cues. Now, if you didn't believe in DH before, you probably will now. Remember: At 1:08-2:00 is pretty much how the Mixamp sounds.
edit: 3/10/2012 (Head-fi's Video Games Discussion Sub-forum!)
http://www.head-fi.org/f/7775/video-games-discussion
Our petition for a new video games discussion board here on Head-fi has succeeded! The link above is the main page! Of course, now that this thread has moved to said section, it might be a bit moot at this point, but still, for those who googled their way here, they can see that we can discuss more than just headphones!
edit: For PC Gaming Audio advice, I highly recommend you guys read The Nameless Guide To PC Gaming, which is written by NamelessPFG, and specializes in the PC related side of gaming audio, which I am 100% not knowledgeable of. I'd consider it a great extension to my own guide for those who aren't console gamers.
edit: 2/6/2012: Added video game remix music site, OC Remix. ALL FREE.
Quote:
Before I start, let me get a few things out of the way. Everything I say is PURELY personal opinion. If you don't like it, well... tough. I'm not a professional. I have clearly stated that is is all my opinion, so don't get butthurt about anything I write. Okay, now moving on.
Hello everyone. I wanna make an introduction on my journey into headphone gaming, and pretty much headphones in general. I myself actually got into this audiophile hobby BECAUSE I fell in love with the sound of the AD700 when I paired it up with my Mixamp. I first started this journey when I looked for a discrete solution for gaming during the night time, where my home theater at the time (Pioneer HTS-G1) was just too much for my roomates and neighbors. Being someone who reads up on the things he buys before making purchases, I read up about how good the A40+Mixamp combo was, and that it would be all I would ever need. It was $250, which was extremely expensive for me at the time (at least I thought such a thing was too expensive back then). I caved in and went for it, as long as it delivered as promised.
Once I got it, I have to say that I was somewhat underwhelmed. I was expecting something that mimicked my surround sound. I wasn't feeling dolby headphone in the least. I was so underwhelmed that I barely used it, and decided to just play my games really quietly, which to me hurt, as I like to be immersed, and concentrate quite a bit when I game online. Fast forward to a few months later, where I decided to give it another try. Much to my dismay, my practically brand new A40s (very rarely touched back when I did use it) had lost the right side audio. I was so peeved that I didn't bother contacting Astro. I tossed them... just like that.
So there I was back again, with a seemingly useless Mixamp, and no headset. I went back online and read up on ACTUAL headphones that worked very well with gaming and the Mixamp in general. I, like many of you, heard how grand the AD700s were especially for games like Call of Duty 4, which was my favorite game back in the days I got into this hobby. So what the hell, I went for it. When I got it, I was somewhat turned off by the color, and they didn't exactly sit well on my head. It was slippery as hell, and it just sorta pissed me off. I then did the rubberband mod and then felt it was good enough to try.
I then hooked them up to the Mixamp, and fired up Call of Duty 4... let's just say... my mind was BLOWN. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was hearing EVERYTHING. Sounds were coming from all around me. I could hear exactly where people were around me. A pin drop was easily distinguishable for me. I did notice the distinct lack of bass, but for this game, I couldn't care less. I felt like I had an unfair advantage against those who DIDN'T wear a headset. Bass was the last thing on my mind. My speakers sounded like pure crap next to this ridiculous soundfield I was suddenly enveloped in. Dolby Headphone and Headphones in general showed me what a miraculous combo they could be, and I told myself I would never seriously game without either of them ever again. I had converted. This was just but the first step into this disease called upgraditis.
Since then, I have somewhat gone through literally COUNTLESS of headphones, both for gaming, and for music/movies. I knew I'd have to own at least two pairs: One for direct hardcore gaming, where bass was on the lighter side so I could focus on the more important sounds like a grenade pin being released, footsteps, or claymores being placed. The other would be for more, non-competitive gaming where I could enjoy what audio as a whole has to offer. I wanted a nice boost in bass, to feel the explosions. Something to directly contrast the sound of the AD700 but still work well with the Mixamp. I was also a budget headphone hunter. I loved what cheap headphones had to offer: bang for the buck. So I have bought my share of garbage, and gems.
Enough of that, I'm now going to attempt to remember ALL the headphones I have bought and used since the beginning of my journey. One criteria HAD to be met at first: The headphones would have to work well with Dolby Headphone, or they were gonna be returned or sold. It was that simple to me.
Okay, I'm gonna list my share of WORTHY headphones, especially for gaming. By worthy, I mean worthy of being discussed (some may be added to let you know they are NO GOOD for gaming with DH). This list doesn't include headphones I bought/used that were never intended to be used for gaming (for example, my HAS700, ES7, ESW9, though I did try them with meh results, obviously). I couldn't begin to remember them all anyway. Also rating them based on how good they are for 'fun' gaming (anything not taken too seriously, where sound accuracy isn't a huge concern), and competitive gaming (where sound is incredibly important, specifically positional accuracy and ability to pick up the finer details). The scores aren't scientific. It's just MY opinion on how they score from a scale of 1-10 by their own merits, and not how they compare to other scores whether higher or lower, so don't whine about scores, lol.
MY VERY TOP CHOICES (for quick reference)
Competitive:
K701
Q701
HD598
PC360
AD700
DT990 Premium model
D7000
HE-4
Fun:
D7000
DT990 Premium model
DT990 Pro Model
HE-4
Creative Aurvana Live
DT770 Pro 80
DT880
Q701
All-rounders (for both uses):
D7000
Q701
DT990 Premium model
HE-4
DT880
PC360
KSC75
Special note: All-rounders are based on how worthwhile they are in that they perform well enough for all uses. So this list is somewhat separated from the individual fun/competitive lists. if the headphones are on there, it's because I feel they are great choices for ALL uses, even if they may not necessarily excel in either category alone. the Q701 I would still say is the best headphone for both competitive and fun, so if you were only getting one headphone, the Q701 would be pretty damn hard to beat. As for the DT880, they didn't make the list for competitive because of how they just don't do rear positioning well as mentioned time and time again. If you can get over that glaring issue, they would be damn good for competitive. Also, although the DT770 Pro 80 has an amazing sense of virtual sound placement, the bass is just too much to take them seriously for competitive gaming.
Okay, now for individual scores and personal thoughts on the headphones.
AD700
Spectacular for FPS games. Great detail in the mids and energetic treble. Soundstage is the biggest of any headphone I have heard in Dolby Headphone mode (including the K701). Everything sounds just so crystal clear and sparkly. Directional accuracy is just bloody fantastic (2nd only to the DT770 Pro 80s for me). If you want a headphone that just murders practically everything else for FPS games, the AD700s is that headphone. They are really bass light. That is their biggest issue. Bass is so light, it sounds like a tin can attempting to sound like a subwoofer. Just no bass, lol. So for immersive, non-competitive gaming, these aren't going to impress. The pads are super comfortable, but the cans are way too loose for some people, and your ears may touch the drivers, which a shock prone person like me couldn't handle anymore. the treble can also be quite grating and harsh. They also sound somewhat artificial, so don't expect accurate and realistic sounds coming from this headphone.
Fun: 6/10 (the soundstage is it's own brand of fun, but soundstage and clarity aside, they're not going to wow you.)
Competitive: 10/10
M50
Dreadful soundstage, bad width and depth. Just doesn't work all too well with Dolby Headphone. The bass is a bit too prominent for hardcore gamers. As much as I love them for music, they just don't do well with DH. Look elsewhere for gaming.
Fun: 7/10
Competitive: 1/10
Koss UR40
Tried two of these... both were so ridiculously bloated and congested in bass, and everything sounded like pure muffled nonsense. Hated EVERYTHING about them. Of course the HD650 fans actually like this thing, so I'll chalk it up to me hating that ridiculously warm/smooth sound. Still, I felt the bass was ridiculously out of proportion, more so than heavy hitters like the XB700. It was giving me headaches. You can bs about modding and whatever, but I'm not gonna mod anything. If it doesn't work for me as is, then I'll look elsewhere. You can also tell me about how they use the same drivers as my beloved KSC75, and I'd still think you're herpa derping for thinking they sound even remotely similar. We all should know by know how different a driver sounds depending on housing and other factors.
Fun: 2/10 (give you an extra point for the obsecene bass... if that's a good thing...)
Competitive: 1/10
Philips SHP2500
Budget closed back headphone found for less than $20. Very comfortable, and has a surprising decent sized soundstage for gaming. Not bad AT ALL for gaming with Dolby Headphone. Won't top the KSC75, but if you need isolation when gaming for the least amount of cash, this is a fine choice.
Fun: 5/10
Competitive: 6/10
DT770 Pro 80
Comfort king. This is a heavy hitter. Very impressive for non-competitive gaming, especially if you wanna feel like you're in a movie theater. The bass is considerably super powered, and would make this a bad choice for competitive gaming. However, the soundstage depth and width is surprisingly large for a closed headphone. These also have the VERY best sense of distance when positioning sounds that I have heard. Nothing has toppled this headphone when it comes to that. Not the AD700, K701, or HD598. Too bad it's too wild in bass for hardcore FPS gaming. The finer details are pretty much sucked out because of the bass.
Fun: 9/10
Competitive: 6/10 (positional accuracy is the very best, but the bloated bass makes it hard to pick up details, so it hurts it quite a bit.)
XB700
My real guilty pleasure. I knew what I was getting into, and I LOOOOOVED it... for music that is. For gaming...well, let me give you an example. In Mass Effect 2, when you're on your ship, you CAN'T hear the dialogue, because the humming sounds the ship makes is SOOOO pronounced, voices are pretty much completely drowned out. Needless to say, these are NOT ideal for picking up finer details. Pass for gaming. The 770 Pros do a better job at keeping mids intact, and they are pretty bad in that regard themselves.
Fun: 7/10
Competitive: 1/10
Premium DT880
Fantastic. Absolutely. Comfortable, durable, and prestigious. Best balanced signature I have heard. If you want a gaming headphone based off sound alone, the DT880 is that headphone. It's so good, the sound works well in both hardcore gaming, and when just enjoying a game. The bass is quick, unobtrusive, but can get deep when the game calls for it (for example: Mass Effect 2, when you warp from one place to another, there is a low end rumble that sounds pretty **** epic on the DT880. Lovely. They do have one possibly major drawback. Think of yourself being in the center of a clock. Sounds with Dolby Headphone pretty much come from any direction relative to the clock.
The DT880s had a problem accurately depicting sounds that come from between 5 o clock to 7 o clock. Pretty much everything behind you. It actually sounds closer to the center, as opposed to sounding like it's actually behind you. With practice you can LEARN the distinct signature a rear sound makes with the 880s, but it will take you a split second to register that it's coming from behind you. That split second is enough to get you killed in an FPS game. Trust me. This is an issue with all models of the Premium DT880s, as I have compared with a few of my AVS friends who have owned different versions. They all came with the same conclusion. Some others don't experience this problem, but they also don't have the experience I have with headphones that DO have a much better sense of rear sound pinpointing (like say the 770 Pro 80s or K701).
If FPS gaming isn't a priority, don't skip these. They are ABSOLUTELY wonderful for gaming.
Fun: 8/10
Competitive: 6.5/10
Before anyone asks about the DT880's competitive score going from an 8 to a 6.5, I had to directly compare the score to the HE-4 (again, this is a SPECIAL case... for everything else, scores should NOT be compared), as I felt they were very similar, though the HE-4 is slightly better for competitive use due to better positioning. That, and it just felt odd to give them an 8 for competitive when I've been quite vocal on their issues with rear sound placement.
K701 (or K702 for those who went that route)
Remember how I felt the AD700 did something to me? How it completely change my view on headphones and Dolby Headphone? Well, I got that same feeling again with the K701. In fact, I felt like god had given me the secret to just out right smite my enemies with the hammer of justice. The K701 to me, is pure, unadulterated, SMACKDOWN inducing OWNAGE. The very first time I used them (Modern Warfare 2), I went 2 straight 25-0 games in Free For All. I mean, holy smokes. The K701 was like wearing x-ray vision goggles for my ears. Depth, width, imaging, complete detail retrieval... it had it all. These to me, are the very vision of the perfect gaming headphone (with Dolby Headphone). I'd still place the overall positioning behind the DT770 Pro 80, and AD700, but it's on par with the HD598. We're talking about them being maybe a 9.9 instead of a 10 (which is what the 770s and AD700s are to me). Those two have NOTHING on the clarity and detail-whoring the K701 has. The bass is light, but present enough for it not to be anywhere near a complaint for me. It just works. You want my top pick for a purely godlike hardcore gaming headphone? The K70x is it. Now if only they were easy to drive. Believe it or not, the Mixamp does a SPECTACULAR job driving the K70x, as long as you don't mix in voice chat whatsoever. Talking about leaving the game/voice balance completely on the game side. Once you nudge the balance away from game, the volume takes a steep dive, and you will note how badly the things need an amp.
Now I already know how volume =/= driving force, but for gaming with dolby headphone, you WON'T think about that or notice. Trust me, the Mixamp is enough for the K701 if again, you don't add voice chat. If you do, you WILL need to attach an amp to the Mixamp's headphone out, just to juice the K70x and voice chat audio.
Fun: 6/10
Competitve: 10/10
Q701
Fun: I want to give them an 8 for fun, and they do deserve that most of the time, but there are times when you can tell that sub bass is lacking. Don't get me wrong, they can be quite bassy, but its leaning more towards mid bass (the quick hits), than the ambient/mood setting bass that I prefer. Still, they can get very fun at times, and anyone looking for a well balanced can that can perform great overall, these are better than the PC360 and DT880 overall.
Competitive: I can't directly compare the two for competitive use, but no one should pass these up for the slight decrease in score. They are essentially just as good, but the K701 lacks a proper balance for overall use, so you end up really focusing on details, which is the main strength in the K701. The emphasis on detail retrieval is what makes the K701 just beastly. The Q701 is tuned for more enjoyment FWIH, though they are still detail monsters, just not as glaringly obvious. As far as positional cues and accuracy, they are every bit as good as the K701. Soundstage may be just a smidge smaller, but I attribute that to the fuller sound. Soundstage to me is bigger on headphones that lack a lower end, letting the space breathe more, if that makes sense.
Seriously, get the Q701 over the K701. Its just an overall better can. If you seriously just want detail whoring for gaming, the money is better spent/saved on some AD700s. The K701 is overkill for that specific need, as the Q701 can be just as good, and be enjoyable outside of gaming. I didn't like the K701 for anything other than competitive gaming. I like the Q701 for most purposes. I tend to use them over the D7000 when watching my favorite shows, due to comfort (love me open+velour pads), and voices are clearer, or playing games that aren't reliant on bass. My D7000 is mostly for music, action movies, and intense games.
As far as my second fave balanced can (DT880) compared the Q701, the DT880 slightly edges out the Qs in fun due to having a more appreciable amount of low end which makes them better to me for music and fun gaming, but falls short on competitive for the lack of positional accuracy. Still, for the uses that I need my balanced can for, the Q701 is still a better fit due to richer mids, better comfort (one of the few who doesn't take Beyers well comfort-wise), and just great all-purpose gaming cans.
Fun: 7.5/10
Competitive: 9.5/10
Premium DT990
These are GREAT for gaming. Probably easier on the ears than they are for music, as the treble's edge isn't as pronounced in Dolby Headphone mode. There is a greater soundstage, more fantastic bass impact than the 880s (super quick and tight, and unobtrusive still, but more lively), and the detail retrieval is on par, if not better than the 880s due to the more emphasized treble, and just as detailed mids (though the mids aren't as forward as the bass and treble). If you want a more fun oriented sound than the 880s have for gaming, the 990s are it, and they do it RIGHT. The bass isn't boomy, but more theater-like, which adds to the immersion. They also work very well for the hardcore gamers out there who wanna nitpick the finer details in games like Call of Duty. Imaging is excellent, and overall positioning is better than the 880s. The hole between 5 and 7 is no longer there, though it's still not as good at judging front and rear sounds as my other faves. However it does it well enough for me that I happily sold the killer K701s as I saw no need to own anything for gaming after the 990s at the time. The treble will be too much for some people, though I believe that is more of an issue with it's use in regular stereo. For gaming, I didn't ever feel it got up there...
Fun: 9/10
Competitive: 8/10
DT990 Pro
These are just different enough from the Premiums that I felt needed their own rating. Most of what I've said about the Premium DT990 holds true about the DT990 Pro. However, there is a big difference, and that's in it's mid bass. The kind of bass that attacks your senses directly. The Premium DT990 isn't particularly strong in that department, instead doing the lower bowels of bass some great justice for an open can. The DT990 Pro however has some pretty strong emphasis in all areas of bass. The mid bass hits DAMN hard. It was actually a bit too much for me, as I'm quite sensitive to strong mid bass, as I felt like a jack hammer was hitting me directly in the ears. If bassheads were disappointed in the Premium DT990's bass, they need not look further than the DT990 pro, which is a different beast in that category. But that's the biggest difference. The Premium DT990 and DT990 Pro sound very much the identical to one another otherwise, though the stronger midbass actually helped smooth out the treble a bit, so I felt the treble to be considerably easier on the ears. In this case, it trades off treble discomfort for bass discomfort. Still, I'm a special case, so I'm sure most bassheads would welcome the DT990 Pro with open ears. As for virtual surround placement, these are almost as good as the DT770 Pro 80. They do an amazing job, even more so than the Premium DT990's in this regard. That's why I have to rate them very high on the fun list. They are incredibly immersive. If you can handle aggressive mid bass (not bloated or smothering, but just...very strong), the DT990 Pro is one of the best values in headphones. I just wish I wasn't so sensitive to the particular range of bass that it's so good in.
Fun: 9/10
Competitive: 7/10 (the bass while not exactly obtrusive like closed headphones with such a strong emphasis, it is still quite emphasized, so it may distract you)
Premium DT770 (non Pros)
Hmmm... this one is a tough case. There are a few versions out there. A bass light version, and a bass heavy version. In my case, I received the bass heavy 600ohm version. And I will state right now, that the bass was RIDICULOUS. It had a disorienting amount of bass... but it was weird... I could still pick up the other sounds, not like the 770 Pros. However, I felt that it added bass to every little thing. More than I could ever want for my always maturing ears. Let's get into the gaming aspect. Positioning, soundstage, and front/back positional accuracy were all there. Maybe as good as the 770 Pros. However, the bass was just messing with my ears, so I didn't test it out enough. I returned them quickly. There was just way too much. Don't give me the burn in nonsense, because I doubt a million hours of burn in would tame it down to considerable levels. It was leaning too heavily on that side. I actually believe it may have been faulty, but it's too late to go back now. If one of you ends up getting one with tamer bass, I believe that the synergy it has with Dolby Headphone could be a potentially godly combo.
Fun: 8/10
Competitive: 3/10 (can possibly be a 9/10 if the bass is tamed)
Hifiman HE-4
I feel I should add these to the list as I did own them for quite a bit and loved them almost as much as my D7000, and more than the rest. That being said, while they are my second fave music headphone I have owned, they are in the middle of the pack in terms of gaming either competitively or for fun. First, they are ridiculously illogical to use, as they require a substantial amount of power to drive properly. Seriously, nothing outside of powerful amps should even touch this. The E9 was driving them loudly, but MAAAAAN, the dynamics were non-existent. I've never heard a headphone sound loud, yet so inadequate, but there you have it. I specifically bought the Schiit Lyr for these back then. It was a huge difference. So yeah, imagine having to attach something like the Lyr to the Mixamp to give the HE-4 some Dolby Headphone love? But I'm a man of certain passions, so I did just that. You can forget about trying to drive these with the Mixamp alone. It was very, very low.
Now how did they perform? Well enough. The HE-4 distinctly reminds me of a cross between the DT880 and premium DT990. Seriously, take both of them, fused them together, add some good refinement, and you have the HE-4. What was lost in that fusion was a little bit of the soundstage. They even sounded halfway between the DT880's issue with rear positioning and the decent performance of the DT990 in that department.
They are VERY detailed headphones, with plenty of bass impact, but not nearing the DT990s in this regard, and energetic treble close to the quantity of the DT880. If I had to give the bass/mid/treble fictitious but numbers on a scale (5 being the neutral point), it'd be 6.5/4/7.
In any case, my scores...
Fun: 8/10
Competitive: 7/10
Creative Aurvana Live
Ah, the little Fostex driver that could. For $70 or so, this is one seriously good headphone, that works very well with Dolby Headphone. For a closed headphone, the soundstage is decent. Positioning is good, bass is excellent but not overwhelming, and the treble is relaxed enough to bring out the mids a bit more than the M50s, IMHO. I would directly compare them to the M50s. The M50s are more aggressive, with smaller soundstage, while the CAL is more laidback with a better sense of depth and width. If you're looking for a closed headphone under $100 for gaming, seriously consider the Creative AUrvana Live. I had absolutely no problem using them during my more competitive gaming sessions in CoD4 and MW2, though in the end, they are warmer in signature than I prefer.
Fun: 8/10
Competitive: 7/10
HiFiMAN RE0 (IEM)
Can an IEM truly be good for gaming with Dolby Headphone? Astrogaming just released the A*Stars to use with the Mixamps, so they believe so. My experiences with the highly regarded HiFIMAN RE0s leads me to believe the same. The sound signature is like a VERY neutral to slightly bright sound, lacking a little in bass, but being incredibly analytical. That to me, sounds like a perfect headphone to test for hardcore gaming. Being an IEM, the RE0 doesn't have any worthy soundstage depth and width to speak of even with Dolby Headphone. Everything sounds pretty much close to you. What they DO however, is accurately pinpoint which direction sounds are coming from, and pick up all the detail you could possibly want for gaming. No one will be sneaking up on you with the RE0s on. Still, you will be missing the soundstage, which helps in immersion. Still, when it comes to IEMs, this is a fantastic one to use.
Fun: 2/10
Competitive: 7/10
Denon D7000
Normally, I wouldn't be recommending you spend anywhere near the price of the D7000 for gaming needs, but since I happen to own them, I'll go ahead and critique them. This may or may not be a surprise, but they are absolute gaming monsters. Despite them being closed, there is a ridiculously great soundstage, with plenty of depth and width. Pinpointing directional sounds around you is a BREEZE. Detail is in everything you can focus on. If you happen to own the D7000 and something with Dolby Headphone, you need not look further for your pleasureable gaming needs. The bass is so magnificently present without it smearing over the rest of the frequencies. The mids are rich though obviously taking a slight step back because of the bass and pronounced treble. The treble is sparkly but nowhere near the emphasis of the DT990s. They are also GREAT for hardcore gaming, but in all honesty, the bass is so good, you'll find yourself paying attention to it when you should be picking up the finer details, which is why I'd still choose something with quicker, and less present bass like the AD700, K701, HD598, and even DT990 for hardcore gaming. Still, yes, they can do it all.
Fun: 10/10
Competitive: 8/10
HD598
You all know it as an improved HD595, which is a consistent fave among gamers, especially those who use virtual surround amps like the Mixamp. My opinion? The hype is well justified, at least when it comes to the HD598. They are incredibly well balanced. Somewhat bass neutral, mid rich, and energetic treble (never harsh) translates to a very promising headphone for gaming on paper. And I'm happy to report that they are ABSOLUTELY phenomenal for gaming. They belong right up there with the AD700 and K701 when it comes to my very faves hardcore gaming headphones. Soundstage? Check. Positional accuracy? Double check. Detail retrieval? Triple check. The trifecta. It's missing nothing for those needs. The bass may be a bit too laid back for those wanting some immersion in their non-competitive gaming however.
I have to note, these are not a typical Sennheiser. It is not warm or smooth. It's bright and energetic. All for the better, IMHO.
Fun: 6/10
Competitive: 9.5/10
KSC75
I mentioned this a few days ago, but let me bring them up again. Yes, this $13-20 clip on BELONGS here. Most of you already know what a bang for the buck these are, and I'm more than happy to say that they are also absolute stellar gaming headphones. Directionality is wonderfully accurate, detail is fantastic, and treble is pretty much the perfect amount. The bass is also no slouch, assuming you are in a decently quiet atmosphere. The KSC75 is very picky about what is around you, so the quieter the place you're in is, the better they perform. If you want to game on a budget, these should be not be taken lightly. I use them when I wanna relax and lay back, since I don't ever have to worry about them sliding off or out of position. They stay in place no matter what. I love them so much. You couldn't get me to give mine up unless it's for another pair...
Fun: 7/10
Competitive: 8/10
HD280 Pro
Needed to mention this one. Like the M50... these are NO GOOD for Dolby Headphone gaming. The soundstage is so miniscule, everything sounds pretty much like it's right next to you. No sense of depth or width. My RE0s were better at least.
Fun: 5/10
Competitive: 1/10
HD201
Another budget performer. Very well balanced sound signature. Closed headphone with a sense of depth and width. Not terribly exciting, but for $20, these are a prety good alternative to the Philips SHP2500 when it comes to budget closed cans. Id still say the Philips SHP250 performs a little better with Dolby Headphone and is more comfortable.
Fun: 6/10
Competitive: 6/10
Sennheiser PC360 (ADDED 1/21/2011)
Seriously, if you want a headset, don't even think twice. Get it. NAO. Easily the best headset I have heard. THE BEST.
Clarity? Check. 8/10
It lags behind the AD700, K70x, Q701, and HD598, but for gaming, it is NO slouch. Trust me, you won't need it any more clear than it is. I won every single match in CoD4. EVERY SINGLE ONE. I can say that it COULD be clearer as a whole, but no other headSET comes close.
Balance? Check. 9/10
There is no part of the audio spectrum that I felt was truly emphasized over the rest. Well balanced. That's all I can say. Treble is neither too smooth, nor too sparkly. It sounded neutral. Fantastic.
Soundstage? Check. 8.5/10
Obviously lagging behind the monsters that are the K70x and AD700, but is indeed no slouch. I'd say it has a bigger soundstage than the DT990. Fantastic sense of space and airiness.
Directional Cues? Check. 9.5/10
What can I say? This may actually be as good as the best when it comes to overall directionality. Trust me when I say that I could EASILY tell where everyone was around me.
Easy to discern front and back? Check! 10/10
Perhaps the most important aspect of Dolby Headphone, and the PC360 got it down masterfully.
If you're in the market for a headSET, this should be the top priority. If you're looking for clarity, I'd say that others mentioned have it beat, but the PC360 does a fine job.
Fun: 7/10 (well balanced, but not really matching the punch in bass I like from funner cans, though the bass is enjoyable).
Competitive: 9.5/10 (I highly doubt you'll be complaining about anything as you're precisely locating anything and everything around you).
If these indeed sound exactly the same as the 595 (or modded 555s), then unless you really need a mic and volume control all in one package, you'll be saving money by going with the 555's and modding them for the 595 sound and attach a mic. However, the PC360 can be had for around $180, and brings everything in one very attractive package. I can't say anything about the 555 and 595, but the PC360 is definitely a gaming beast.
Astro A40
To be honest, I can't remember them all too well, though I remember them sounded pretty hollow, and I couldn't really pinpoint sounds behind me. I'd like to give them another chance though.
Fun: ?/?
Competitive: ?/?
Tritton AX720
My roommate recently purchased the AX720, and I'm happy to say that it's a pretty decent headset. I find it better than what I remember the A40s to be, but the general consensus is that the A40s are slightly better than the AX720, which is why I can't really judge the A40s. The AX720's mic works fine, the amp is comparable to the Mixamp if slightly MORE powerful and sleeker and more practical (it's a set top box, which you don't need next to you unlike the Mixamp). The headset itself is closed and comfortable, with good positional accuracy, with a small but still decently spaced out soundstage. It doesn't come close to the headphones I have mentioned, but it's a great starting headset which you can consider FREE, as what you really want is the AX720 virtual surround amp. Many people wouldn't have an issue with the AX720 headset. It doesn't do anything horribly wrong, but doesn't do anything particularly particularly well either. It's just good enough to get you going.
Fun: 6/10
Competitive: 7/10
Tritton AX Pro (TRUE 5.1 headset)
This is my first and LAST 5.1 headset. This is the worst frigging headset I have ever heard. I couldn't believe this junk was worth $189... I was peeved. The sound quality was absolutely mediocre, more on par with $30 headphones (KSC75 excluded). Now to the meat of the reason anyone would get this garbage: The 5.1 speakers. If it's better than virtual surround, it sure could have fooled me, because I wasn't buying into that gimmick. There was a noticeable gap between the drivers when a sound switched from one driver to the next. Sure, you can TELL where sounds are coming from if you pay attention to which driver is currently puting off noise, but I'll take the complete 360 degree soundfield Dolby Headphone has to offer over this tripe. Yes, I absolutely hated this **** thing. Anyone who thinks this is better in positioning than a pair of AD700s, DT770 Pro 80s, and K70x with Dolby Headphone is someone I'd call a bold faced liar. Sorry, but I'm seriously angry this thing is actually more expensive than the AX720 which I consider better in pretty much every way, and costs $50 less. Let me not get into this as we have a few Ax Pro fanboys on here...moving on.
Fun: 1/10
Competitive: 5/10
Turtle Beach PX21
Hey, do you like hiss with your sound? Yeah? Then the PX21 is PERFECT for you. There is an audible hiss blanketed over the sound due to it's proprietary inline amp. Yeah, if you hook this up to the Mixamp, you're geting a hissy, double amped (in a bad way) piece of crap. Okay, not crap. If you can get over the hiss, the sound is actually pretty crisp and detailed. I actually LIKE the sound it has, hiss aside. However, due to the hiss, I won't go any further into trying to remotely going into the specifics. And yes, this is an innate issue with all PX21s. The inline amp is the problem.
Fun: 4/10
Competitive: 5/10
Turtle Beach Z2
Lol, these come with 50mm drivers, has no inline amp, and is cheaper than the PX21. These MUST be good! Okay, so when I opened the package and attempted to adjust it... the right cup snapped off. FUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-- Seriously. Just snapped. That goes to show you the kind of quality to expect. I couldn't even test the **** sound quality properly. Not to be unfair, I asked for a replacement on Amazon, which was shipped to me within 2 days. Knowing the durability issues, I took RIDICULOUSLY special care on not snapping one of the cups off when adjusting them on my head.
The sound: Hmm... bad. Just...REALLY bad. Now I will tell you why: the pads. It uses neoprene pads that don't isolate, and don't form any sort of seal. Why in the flipping hell would TB use pads that let the potential sound quality escape before it reaches your ears?
The Z2 is a closed headphone, with non-sealed pads. WTF. Okay, the AX720 is the same and sounds decent, but it just doesn't work for the Z2. Avoid it like the plague. If you really want me to tell you how it worked with Dolby Headphone, well... not even remotely good. Terrible lack of soundstage and positional accuracy. Actually, I think it's the very worst I have ever used with Dolby Headphone. Just...no. If I had to choose between the Z2 and the AX Pro, I'd probably just shoot myself.
Fun: 1/10
Competitive: 1/10
Steelseries Siberia V1
Bought these for my now-ex girlfriend. Quiet possibly the most comfortable headphones I have ever worn. Seriously. The self adjusting headband is just AWESOME. Very light, and very open. Looks like a budget Sony MDR-F1. On to the sound... hmm... a bit on the veiled side. To be honest, they sounded better with music than they did with gaming. It wasn't even impressive with Dolby Headphone. I wouldn't look at these twice. The Siberia V2 is known to be pretty good, but sadly, I didn't get those because she didn't want pleather pads, so opted for the inferior version with tiny velours and smaller drivers.
Fun: 5/10
Competitive: 4/10
Now here's a general idea of which headphones will more than likely perform very well with Dolby Headphone that are not on this list:
1. Large soundstage: Yes, the soundstage itself isn't a deal breaker, but it truly helps as it adds distance between you and the directional sounds. This is extremely helpful as it adds rear depth, making it a lot easier to diferentiating between front and rear sounds, which many closed headphones just can't do properly due to small soundstage.
2. Balanced sound: You wanna be able to hear all sounds right?
3. Relatively bass light, and slightly energetic treble. This is the makings of a truly great headphone for competitive gaming. Really brings out the more subtle but doubly important details.
Like I mentioned before, to anyone wanting to try any pair of headphones for gaming, a good place to start is with headphones that have a good sized soundstage, and a more balanced sound. If the headphones are too colored, it just won't work well with online gaming. This is why I suggest having two pairs of headphones, one for online gaming, one for when you're enjoying a campaign, or just messing about. That is, unless you get something like the DT990 which pulls off both very well (however, remember the sizzling treble that may bother you). Closed headphones CAN work well. Just read up on those that have a large soundstage for closed headphones. Also have to note, that warm/smooth headphones are usually claustrophobic is DH mode, so they don't work well. The brighter it is, the bigger the soundstage seems to be able to project further. Just my impressions.
Edited by Mad Lust Envy - 5/10/12 at 3:53pm
edit: 5/9/2012:
Added the HE-4 and DT990 Pro
Somewhat fixed the format of this post, bolded and added underlines to each headphone listing
Adjusted the DT880's and HD201's scores
Moved my top choices to the top of the page before the individual scores
Added a bit of info after the top choices
Added an All-rounders top list
edit: 4/12/2012 (added the AKG Q701 scores)
I found the PERFECT video to demo Dolby headphone. EVERYONE can hear this, so try it!
NOTE: At 1:08, this is pretty much exactly how Dolby headphone sounds on the Mixamp:
The 5.1 DH: On section at 0:54 sounds like a weaker version, which honestly doesn't sound like the Mixamp's DH, but it still showcases positional cues. Now, if you didn't believe in DH before, you probably will now. Remember: At 1:08-2:00 is pretty much how the Mixamp sounds.
edit: 3/10/2012 (Head-fi's Video Games Discussion Sub-forum!)
http://www.head-fi.org/f/7775/video-games-discussion
Our petition for a new video games discussion board here on Head-fi has succeeded! The link above is the main page! Of course, now that this thread has moved to said section, it might be a bit moot at this point, but still, for those who googled their way here, they can see that we can discuss more than just headphones!
edit: For PC Gaming Audio advice, I highly recommend you guys read The Nameless Guide To PC Gaming, which is written by NamelessPFG, and specializes in the PC related side of gaming audio, which I am 100% not knowledgeable of. I'd consider it a great extension to my own guide for those who aren't console gamers.
edit: 2/6/2012: Added video game remix music site, OC Remix. ALL FREE.
Quote:
OC Remix is a website where video game remixes are submitted. Before you judge video game music, you must know, the remixers here tend to master their tracks BETTER than typical lables. They take special care in their music.
http://ocremix.org/
They have a whole bunch of FREE remix albums which also have FLAC of their tracks...
http://ocremix.org/albums/
Lots of awesome orchestra, rock, EDM, you name it. If you have a favorite game, chances are, there's plenty of remixes for the music.
I'm surprised some of you don't know of OCRemix's existence. If you're new to it, prepare to spend days (maybe weeks) of sifting through all that godly music.
Mad Lust Envy aka. Shin CZ's Gaming Headphone/Headset Guide
Before I start, let me get a few things out of the way. Everything I say is PURELY personal opinion. If you don't like it, well... tough. I'm not a professional. I have clearly stated that is is all my opinion, so don't get butthurt about anything I write. Okay, now moving on.
Hello everyone. I wanna make an introduction on my journey into headphone gaming, and pretty much headphones in general. I myself actually got into this audiophile hobby BECAUSE I fell in love with the sound of the AD700 when I paired it up with my Mixamp. I first started this journey when I looked for a discrete solution for gaming during the night time, where my home theater at the time (Pioneer HTS-G1) was just too much for my roomates and neighbors. Being someone who reads up on the things he buys before making purchases, I read up about how good the A40+Mixamp combo was, and that it would be all I would ever need. It was $250, which was extremely expensive for me at the time (at least I thought such a thing was too expensive back then). I caved in and went for it, as long as it delivered as promised.
Once I got it, I have to say that I was somewhat underwhelmed. I was expecting something that mimicked my surround sound. I wasn't feeling dolby headphone in the least. I was so underwhelmed that I barely used it, and decided to just play my games really quietly, which to me hurt, as I like to be immersed, and concentrate quite a bit when I game online. Fast forward to a few months later, where I decided to give it another try. Much to my dismay, my practically brand new A40s (very rarely touched back when I did use it) had lost the right side audio. I was so peeved that I didn't bother contacting Astro. I tossed them... just like that.
So there I was back again, with a seemingly useless Mixamp, and no headset. I went back online and read up on ACTUAL headphones that worked very well with gaming and the Mixamp in general. I, like many of you, heard how grand the AD700s were especially for games like Call of Duty 4, which was my favorite game back in the days I got into this hobby. So what the hell, I went for it. When I got it, I was somewhat turned off by the color, and they didn't exactly sit well on my head. It was slippery as hell, and it just sorta pissed me off. I then did the rubberband mod and then felt it was good enough to try.
I then hooked them up to the Mixamp, and fired up Call of Duty 4... let's just say... my mind was BLOWN. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was hearing EVERYTHING. Sounds were coming from all around me. I could hear exactly where people were around me. A pin drop was easily distinguishable for me. I did notice the distinct lack of bass, but for this game, I couldn't care less. I felt like I had an unfair advantage against those who DIDN'T wear a headset. Bass was the last thing on my mind. My speakers sounded like pure crap next to this ridiculous soundfield I was suddenly enveloped in. Dolby Headphone and Headphones in general showed me what a miraculous combo they could be, and I told myself I would never seriously game without either of them ever again. I had converted. This was just but the first step into this disease called upgraditis.
Since then, I have somewhat gone through literally COUNTLESS of headphones, both for gaming, and for music/movies. I knew I'd have to own at least two pairs: One for direct hardcore gaming, where bass was on the lighter side so I could focus on the more important sounds like a grenade pin being released, footsteps, or claymores being placed. The other would be for more, non-competitive gaming where I could enjoy what audio as a whole has to offer. I wanted a nice boost in bass, to feel the explosions. Something to directly contrast the sound of the AD700 but still work well with the Mixamp. I was also a budget headphone hunter. I loved what cheap headphones had to offer: bang for the buck. So I have bought my share of garbage, and gems.
Enough of that, I'm now going to attempt to remember ALL the headphones I have bought and used since the beginning of my journey. One criteria HAD to be met at first: The headphones would have to work well with Dolby Headphone, or they were gonna be returned or sold. It was that simple to me.
Okay, I'm gonna list my share of WORTHY headphones, especially for gaming. By worthy, I mean worthy of being discussed (some may be added to let you know they are NO GOOD for gaming with DH). This list doesn't include headphones I bought/used that were never intended to be used for gaming (for example, my HAS700, ES7, ESW9, though I did try them with meh results, obviously). I couldn't begin to remember them all anyway. Also rating them based on how good they are for 'fun' gaming (anything not taken too seriously, where sound accuracy isn't a huge concern), and competitive gaming (where sound is incredibly important, specifically positional accuracy and ability to pick up the finer details). The scores aren't scientific. It's just MY opinion on how they score from a scale of 1-10 by their own merits, and not how they compare to other scores whether higher or lower, so don't whine about scores, lol.
Headphones
MY VERY TOP CHOICES (for quick reference)
Competitive:
K701
Q701
HD598
PC360
AD700
DT990 Premium model
D7000
HE-4
Fun:
D7000
DT990 Premium model
DT990 Pro Model
HE-4
Creative Aurvana Live
DT770 Pro 80
DT880
Q701
All-rounders (for both uses):
D7000
Q701
DT990 Premium model
HE-4
DT880
PC360
KSC75
Special note: All-rounders are based on how worthwhile they are in that they perform well enough for all uses. So this list is somewhat separated from the individual fun/competitive lists. if the headphones are on there, it's because I feel they are great choices for ALL uses, even if they may not necessarily excel in either category alone. the Q701 I would still say is the best headphone for both competitive and fun, so if you were only getting one headphone, the Q701 would be pretty damn hard to beat. As for the DT880, they didn't make the list for competitive because of how they just don't do rear positioning well as mentioned time and time again. If you can get over that glaring issue, they would be damn good for competitive. Also, although the DT770 Pro 80 has an amazing sense of virtual sound placement, the bass is just too much to take them seriously for competitive gaming.
Okay, now for individual scores and personal thoughts on the headphones.
AD700
Spectacular for FPS games. Great detail in the mids and energetic treble. Soundstage is the biggest of any headphone I have heard in Dolby Headphone mode (including the K701). Everything sounds just so crystal clear and sparkly. Directional accuracy is just bloody fantastic (2nd only to the DT770 Pro 80s for me). If you want a headphone that just murders practically everything else for FPS games, the AD700s is that headphone. They are really bass light. That is their biggest issue. Bass is so light, it sounds like a tin can attempting to sound like a subwoofer. Just no bass, lol. So for immersive, non-competitive gaming, these aren't going to impress. The pads are super comfortable, but the cans are way too loose for some people, and your ears may touch the drivers, which a shock prone person like me couldn't handle anymore. the treble can also be quite grating and harsh. They also sound somewhat artificial, so don't expect accurate and realistic sounds coming from this headphone.
Fun: 6/10 (the soundstage is it's own brand of fun, but soundstage and clarity aside, they're not going to wow you.)
Competitive: 10/10
M50
Dreadful soundstage, bad width and depth. Just doesn't work all too well with Dolby Headphone. The bass is a bit too prominent for hardcore gamers. As much as I love them for music, they just don't do well with DH. Look elsewhere for gaming.
Fun: 7/10
Competitive: 1/10
Koss UR40
Tried two of these... both were so ridiculously bloated and congested in bass, and everything sounded like pure muffled nonsense. Hated EVERYTHING about them. Of course the HD650 fans actually like this thing, so I'll chalk it up to me hating that ridiculously warm/smooth sound. Still, I felt the bass was ridiculously out of proportion, more so than heavy hitters like the XB700. It was giving me headaches. You can bs about modding and whatever, but I'm not gonna mod anything. If it doesn't work for me as is, then I'll look elsewhere. You can also tell me about how they use the same drivers as my beloved KSC75, and I'd still think you're herpa derping for thinking they sound even remotely similar. We all should know by know how different a driver sounds depending on housing and other factors.
Fun: 2/10 (give you an extra point for the obsecene bass... if that's a good thing...)
Competitive: 1/10
Philips SHP2500
Budget closed back headphone found for less than $20. Very comfortable, and has a surprising decent sized soundstage for gaming. Not bad AT ALL for gaming with Dolby Headphone. Won't top the KSC75, but if you need isolation when gaming for the least amount of cash, this is a fine choice.
Fun: 5/10
Competitive: 6/10
DT770 Pro 80
Comfort king. This is a heavy hitter. Very impressive for non-competitive gaming, especially if you wanna feel like you're in a movie theater. The bass is considerably super powered, and would make this a bad choice for competitive gaming. However, the soundstage depth and width is surprisingly large for a closed headphone. These also have the VERY best sense of distance when positioning sounds that I have heard. Nothing has toppled this headphone when it comes to that. Not the AD700, K701, or HD598. Too bad it's too wild in bass for hardcore FPS gaming. The finer details are pretty much sucked out because of the bass.
Fun: 9/10
Competitive: 6/10 (positional accuracy is the very best, but the bloated bass makes it hard to pick up details, so it hurts it quite a bit.)
XB700
My real guilty pleasure. I knew what I was getting into, and I LOOOOOVED it... for music that is. For gaming...well, let me give you an example. In Mass Effect 2, when you're on your ship, you CAN'T hear the dialogue, because the humming sounds the ship makes is SOOOO pronounced, voices are pretty much completely drowned out. Needless to say, these are NOT ideal for picking up finer details. Pass for gaming. The 770 Pros do a better job at keeping mids intact, and they are pretty bad in that regard themselves.
Fun: 7/10
Competitive: 1/10
Premium DT880
Fantastic. Absolutely. Comfortable, durable, and prestigious. Best balanced signature I have heard. If you want a gaming headphone based off sound alone, the DT880 is that headphone. It's so good, the sound works well in both hardcore gaming, and when just enjoying a game. The bass is quick, unobtrusive, but can get deep when the game calls for it (for example: Mass Effect 2, when you warp from one place to another, there is a low end rumble that sounds pretty **** epic on the DT880. Lovely. They do have one possibly major drawback. Think of yourself being in the center of a clock. Sounds with Dolby Headphone pretty much come from any direction relative to the clock.
The DT880s had a problem accurately depicting sounds that come from between 5 o clock to 7 o clock. Pretty much everything behind you. It actually sounds closer to the center, as opposed to sounding like it's actually behind you. With practice you can LEARN the distinct signature a rear sound makes with the 880s, but it will take you a split second to register that it's coming from behind you. That split second is enough to get you killed in an FPS game. Trust me. This is an issue with all models of the Premium DT880s, as I have compared with a few of my AVS friends who have owned different versions. They all came with the same conclusion. Some others don't experience this problem, but they also don't have the experience I have with headphones that DO have a much better sense of rear sound pinpointing (like say the 770 Pro 80s or K701).
If FPS gaming isn't a priority, don't skip these. They are ABSOLUTELY wonderful for gaming.
Fun: 8/10
Competitive: 6.5/10
Before anyone asks about the DT880's competitive score going from an 8 to a 6.5, I had to directly compare the score to the HE-4 (again, this is a SPECIAL case... for everything else, scores should NOT be compared), as I felt they were very similar, though the HE-4 is slightly better for competitive use due to better positioning. That, and it just felt odd to give them an 8 for competitive when I've been quite vocal on their issues with rear sound placement.
K701 (or K702 for those who went that route)
Remember how I felt the AD700 did something to me? How it completely change my view on headphones and Dolby Headphone? Well, I got that same feeling again with the K701. In fact, I felt like god had given me the secret to just out right smite my enemies with the hammer of justice. The K701 to me, is pure, unadulterated, SMACKDOWN inducing OWNAGE. The very first time I used them (Modern Warfare 2), I went 2 straight 25-0 games in Free For All. I mean, holy smokes. The K701 was like wearing x-ray vision goggles for my ears. Depth, width, imaging, complete detail retrieval... it had it all. These to me, are the very vision of the perfect gaming headphone (with Dolby Headphone). I'd still place the overall positioning behind the DT770 Pro 80, and AD700, but it's on par with the HD598. We're talking about them being maybe a 9.9 instead of a 10 (which is what the 770s and AD700s are to me). Those two have NOTHING on the clarity and detail-whoring the K701 has. The bass is light, but present enough for it not to be anywhere near a complaint for me. It just works. You want my top pick for a purely godlike hardcore gaming headphone? The K70x is it. Now if only they were easy to drive. Believe it or not, the Mixamp does a SPECTACULAR job driving the K70x, as long as you don't mix in voice chat whatsoever. Talking about leaving the game/voice balance completely on the game side. Once you nudge the balance away from game, the volume takes a steep dive, and you will note how badly the things need an amp.
Now I already know how volume =/= driving force, but for gaming with dolby headphone, you WON'T think about that or notice. Trust me, the Mixamp is enough for the K701 if again, you don't add voice chat. If you do, you WILL need to attach an amp to the Mixamp's headphone out, just to juice the K70x and voice chat audio.
Fun: 6/10
Competitve: 10/10
Q701
Fun: I want to give them an 8 for fun, and they do deserve that most of the time, but there are times when you can tell that sub bass is lacking. Don't get me wrong, they can be quite bassy, but its leaning more towards mid bass (the quick hits), than the ambient/mood setting bass that I prefer. Still, they can get very fun at times, and anyone looking for a well balanced can that can perform great overall, these are better than the PC360 and DT880 overall.
Competitive: I can't directly compare the two for competitive use, but no one should pass these up for the slight decrease in score. They are essentially just as good, but the K701 lacks a proper balance for overall use, so you end up really focusing on details, which is the main strength in the K701. The emphasis on detail retrieval is what makes the K701 just beastly. The Q701 is tuned for more enjoyment FWIH, though they are still detail monsters, just not as glaringly obvious. As far as positional cues and accuracy, they are every bit as good as the K701. Soundstage may be just a smidge smaller, but I attribute that to the fuller sound. Soundstage to me is bigger on headphones that lack a lower end, letting the space breathe more, if that makes sense.
Seriously, get the Q701 over the K701. Its just an overall better can. If you seriously just want detail whoring for gaming, the money is better spent/saved on some AD700s. The K701 is overkill for that specific need, as the Q701 can be just as good, and be enjoyable outside of gaming. I didn't like the K701 for anything other than competitive gaming. I like the Q701 for most purposes. I tend to use them over the D7000 when watching my favorite shows, due to comfort (love me open+velour pads), and voices are clearer, or playing games that aren't reliant on bass. My D7000 is mostly for music, action movies, and intense games.
As far as my second fave balanced can (DT880) compared the Q701, the DT880 slightly edges out the Qs in fun due to having a more appreciable amount of low end which makes them better to me for music and fun gaming, but falls short on competitive for the lack of positional accuracy. Still, for the uses that I need my balanced can for, the Q701 is still a better fit due to richer mids, better comfort (one of the few who doesn't take Beyers well comfort-wise), and just great all-purpose gaming cans.
Fun: 7.5/10
Competitive: 9.5/10
Premium DT990
These are GREAT for gaming. Probably easier on the ears than they are for music, as the treble's edge isn't as pronounced in Dolby Headphone mode. There is a greater soundstage, more fantastic bass impact than the 880s (super quick and tight, and unobtrusive still, but more lively), and the detail retrieval is on par, if not better than the 880s due to the more emphasized treble, and just as detailed mids (though the mids aren't as forward as the bass and treble). If you want a more fun oriented sound than the 880s have for gaming, the 990s are it, and they do it RIGHT. The bass isn't boomy, but more theater-like, which adds to the immersion. They also work very well for the hardcore gamers out there who wanna nitpick the finer details in games like Call of Duty. Imaging is excellent, and overall positioning is better than the 880s. The hole between 5 and 7 is no longer there, though it's still not as good at judging front and rear sounds as my other faves. However it does it well enough for me that I happily sold the killer K701s as I saw no need to own anything for gaming after the 990s at the time. The treble will be too much for some people, though I believe that is more of an issue with it's use in regular stereo. For gaming, I didn't ever feel it got up there...
Fun: 9/10
Competitive: 8/10
DT990 Pro
These are just different enough from the Premiums that I felt needed their own rating. Most of what I've said about the Premium DT990 holds true about the DT990 Pro. However, there is a big difference, and that's in it's mid bass. The kind of bass that attacks your senses directly. The Premium DT990 isn't particularly strong in that department, instead doing the lower bowels of bass some great justice for an open can. The DT990 Pro however has some pretty strong emphasis in all areas of bass. The mid bass hits DAMN hard. It was actually a bit too much for me, as I'm quite sensitive to strong mid bass, as I felt like a jack hammer was hitting me directly in the ears. If bassheads were disappointed in the Premium DT990's bass, they need not look further than the DT990 pro, which is a different beast in that category. But that's the biggest difference. The Premium DT990 and DT990 Pro sound very much the identical to one another otherwise, though the stronger midbass actually helped smooth out the treble a bit, so I felt the treble to be considerably easier on the ears. In this case, it trades off treble discomfort for bass discomfort. Still, I'm a special case, so I'm sure most bassheads would welcome the DT990 Pro with open ears. As for virtual surround placement, these are almost as good as the DT770 Pro 80. They do an amazing job, even more so than the Premium DT990's in this regard. That's why I have to rate them very high on the fun list. They are incredibly immersive. If you can handle aggressive mid bass (not bloated or smothering, but just...very strong), the DT990 Pro is one of the best values in headphones. I just wish I wasn't so sensitive to the particular range of bass that it's so good in.
Fun: 9/10
Competitive: 7/10 (the bass while not exactly obtrusive like closed headphones with such a strong emphasis, it is still quite emphasized, so it may distract you)
Premium DT770 (non Pros)
Hmmm... this one is a tough case. There are a few versions out there. A bass light version, and a bass heavy version. In my case, I received the bass heavy 600ohm version. And I will state right now, that the bass was RIDICULOUS. It had a disorienting amount of bass... but it was weird... I could still pick up the other sounds, not like the 770 Pros. However, I felt that it added bass to every little thing. More than I could ever want for my always maturing ears. Let's get into the gaming aspect. Positioning, soundstage, and front/back positional accuracy were all there. Maybe as good as the 770 Pros. However, the bass was just messing with my ears, so I didn't test it out enough. I returned them quickly. There was just way too much. Don't give me the burn in nonsense, because I doubt a million hours of burn in would tame it down to considerable levels. It was leaning too heavily on that side. I actually believe it may have been faulty, but it's too late to go back now. If one of you ends up getting one with tamer bass, I believe that the synergy it has with Dolby Headphone could be a potentially godly combo.
Fun: 8/10
Competitive: 3/10 (can possibly be a 9/10 if the bass is tamed)
Hifiman HE-4
I feel I should add these to the list as I did own them for quite a bit and loved them almost as much as my D7000, and more than the rest. That being said, while they are my second fave music headphone I have owned, they are in the middle of the pack in terms of gaming either competitively or for fun. First, they are ridiculously illogical to use, as they require a substantial amount of power to drive properly. Seriously, nothing outside of powerful amps should even touch this. The E9 was driving them loudly, but MAAAAAN, the dynamics were non-existent. I've never heard a headphone sound loud, yet so inadequate, but there you have it. I specifically bought the Schiit Lyr for these back then. It was a huge difference. So yeah, imagine having to attach something like the Lyr to the Mixamp to give the HE-4 some Dolby Headphone love? But I'm a man of certain passions, so I did just that. You can forget about trying to drive these with the Mixamp alone. It was very, very low.
Now how did they perform? Well enough. The HE-4 distinctly reminds me of a cross between the DT880 and premium DT990. Seriously, take both of them, fused them together, add some good refinement, and you have the HE-4. What was lost in that fusion was a little bit of the soundstage. They even sounded halfway between the DT880's issue with rear positioning and the decent performance of the DT990 in that department.
They are VERY detailed headphones, with plenty of bass impact, but not nearing the DT990s in this regard, and energetic treble close to the quantity of the DT880. If I had to give the bass/mid/treble fictitious but numbers on a scale (5 being the neutral point), it'd be 6.5/4/7.
In any case, my scores...
Fun: 8/10
Competitive: 7/10
Creative Aurvana Live
Ah, the little Fostex driver that could. For $70 or so, this is one seriously good headphone, that works very well with Dolby Headphone. For a closed headphone, the soundstage is decent. Positioning is good, bass is excellent but not overwhelming, and the treble is relaxed enough to bring out the mids a bit more than the M50s, IMHO. I would directly compare them to the M50s. The M50s are more aggressive, with smaller soundstage, while the CAL is more laidback with a better sense of depth and width. If you're looking for a closed headphone under $100 for gaming, seriously consider the Creative AUrvana Live. I had absolutely no problem using them during my more competitive gaming sessions in CoD4 and MW2, though in the end, they are warmer in signature than I prefer.
Fun: 8/10
Competitive: 7/10
HiFiMAN RE0 (IEM)
Can an IEM truly be good for gaming with Dolby Headphone? Astrogaming just released the A*Stars to use with the Mixamps, so they believe so. My experiences with the highly regarded HiFIMAN RE0s leads me to believe the same. The sound signature is like a VERY neutral to slightly bright sound, lacking a little in bass, but being incredibly analytical. That to me, sounds like a perfect headphone to test for hardcore gaming. Being an IEM, the RE0 doesn't have any worthy soundstage depth and width to speak of even with Dolby Headphone. Everything sounds pretty much close to you. What they DO however, is accurately pinpoint which direction sounds are coming from, and pick up all the detail you could possibly want for gaming. No one will be sneaking up on you with the RE0s on. Still, you will be missing the soundstage, which helps in immersion. Still, when it comes to IEMs, this is a fantastic one to use.
Fun: 2/10
Competitive: 7/10
Denon D7000
Normally, I wouldn't be recommending you spend anywhere near the price of the D7000 for gaming needs, but since I happen to own them, I'll go ahead and critique them. This may or may not be a surprise, but they are absolute gaming monsters. Despite them being closed, there is a ridiculously great soundstage, with plenty of depth and width. Pinpointing directional sounds around you is a BREEZE. Detail is in everything you can focus on. If you happen to own the D7000 and something with Dolby Headphone, you need not look further for your pleasureable gaming needs. The bass is so magnificently present without it smearing over the rest of the frequencies. The mids are rich though obviously taking a slight step back because of the bass and pronounced treble. The treble is sparkly but nowhere near the emphasis of the DT990s. They are also GREAT for hardcore gaming, but in all honesty, the bass is so good, you'll find yourself paying attention to it when you should be picking up the finer details, which is why I'd still choose something with quicker, and less present bass like the AD700, K701, HD598, and even DT990 for hardcore gaming. Still, yes, they can do it all.
Fun: 10/10
Competitive: 8/10
HD598
You all know it as an improved HD595, which is a consistent fave among gamers, especially those who use virtual surround amps like the Mixamp. My opinion? The hype is well justified, at least when it comes to the HD598. They are incredibly well balanced. Somewhat bass neutral, mid rich, and energetic treble (never harsh) translates to a very promising headphone for gaming on paper. And I'm happy to report that they are ABSOLUTELY phenomenal for gaming. They belong right up there with the AD700 and K701 when it comes to my very faves hardcore gaming headphones. Soundstage? Check. Positional accuracy? Double check. Detail retrieval? Triple check. The trifecta. It's missing nothing for those needs. The bass may be a bit too laid back for those wanting some immersion in their non-competitive gaming however.
I have to note, these are not a typical Sennheiser. It is not warm or smooth. It's bright and energetic. All for the better, IMHO.
Fun: 6/10
Competitive: 9.5/10
KSC75
I mentioned this a few days ago, but let me bring them up again. Yes, this $13-20 clip on BELONGS here. Most of you already know what a bang for the buck these are, and I'm more than happy to say that they are also absolute stellar gaming headphones. Directionality is wonderfully accurate, detail is fantastic, and treble is pretty much the perfect amount. The bass is also no slouch, assuming you are in a decently quiet atmosphere. The KSC75 is very picky about what is around you, so the quieter the place you're in is, the better they perform. If you want to game on a budget, these should be not be taken lightly. I use them when I wanna relax and lay back, since I don't ever have to worry about them sliding off or out of position. They stay in place no matter what. I love them so much. You couldn't get me to give mine up unless it's for another pair...
Fun: 7/10
Competitive: 8/10
HD280 Pro
Needed to mention this one. Like the M50... these are NO GOOD for Dolby Headphone gaming. The soundstage is so miniscule, everything sounds pretty much like it's right next to you. No sense of depth or width. My RE0s were better at least.
Fun: 5/10
Competitive: 1/10
HD201
Another budget performer. Very well balanced sound signature. Closed headphone with a sense of depth and width. Not terribly exciting, but for $20, these are a prety good alternative to the Philips SHP2500 when it comes to budget closed cans. Id still say the Philips SHP250 performs a little better with Dolby Headphone and is more comfortable.
Fun: 6/10
Competitive: 6/10
Gaming Headsets
Sennheiser PC360 (ADDED 1/21/2011)
Seriously, if you want a headset, don't even think twice. Get it. NAO. Easily the best headset I have heard. THE BEST.
Clarity? Check. 8/10
It lags behind the AD700, K70x, Q701, and HD598, but for gaming, it is NO slouch. Trust me, you won't need it any more clear than it is. I won every single match in CoD4. EVERY SINGLE ONE. I can say that it COULD be clearer as a whole, but no other headSET comes close.
Balance? Check. 9/10
There is no part of the audio spectrum that I felt was truly emphasized over the rest. Well balanced. That's all I can say. Treble is neither too smooth, nor too sparkly. It sounded neutral. Fantastic.
Soundstage? Check. 8.5/10
Obviously lagging behind the monsters that are the K70x and AD700, but is indeed no slouch. I'd say it has a bigger soundstage than the DT990. Fantastic sense of space and airiness.
Directional Cues? Check. 9.5/10
What can I say? This may actually be as good as the best when it comes to overall directionality. Trust me when I say that I could EASILY tell where everyone was around me.
Easy to discern front and back? Check! 10/10
Perhaps the most important aspect of Dolby Headphone, and the PC360 got it down masterfully.
If you're in the market for a headSET, this should be the top priority. If you're looking for clarity, I'd say that others mentioned have it beat, but the PC360 does a fine job.
Fun: 7/10 (well balanced, but not really matching the punch in bass I like from funner cans, though the bass is enjoyable).
Competitive: 9.5/10 (I highly doubt you'll be complaining about anything as you're precisely locating anything and everything around you).
If these indeed sound exactly the same as the 595 (or modded 555s), then unless you really need a mic and volume control all in one package, you'll be saving money by going with the 555's and modding them for the 595 sound and attach a mic. However, the PC360 can be had for around $180, and brings everything in one very attractive package. I can't say anything about the 555 and 595, but the PC360 is definitely a gaming beast.
Astro A40
To be honest, I can't remember them all too well, though I remember them sounded pretty hollow, and I couldn't really pinpoint sounds behind me. I'd like to give them another chance though.
Fun: ?/?
Competitive: ?/?
Tritton AX720
My roommate recently purchased the AX720, and I'm happy to say that it's a pretty decent headset. I find it better than what I remember the A40s to be, but the general consensus is that the A40s are slightly better than the AX720, which is why I can't really judge the A40s. The AX720's mic works fine, the amp is comparable to the Mixamp if slightly MORE powerful and sleeker and more practical (it's a set top box, which you don't need next to you unlike the Mixamp). The headset itself is closed and comfortable, with good positional accuracy, with a small but still decently spaced out soundstage. It doesn't come close to the headphones I have mentioned, but it's a great starting headset which you can consider FREE, as what you really want is the AX720 virtual surround amp. Many people wouldn't have an issue with the AX720 headset. It doesn't do anything horribly wrong, but doesn't do anything particularly particularly well either. It's just good enough to get you going.
Fun: 6/10
Competitive: 7/10
Tritton AX Pro (TRUE 5.1 headset)
This is my first and LAST 5.1 headset. This is the worst frigging headset I have ever heard. I couldn't believe this junk was worth $189... I was peeved. The sound quality was absolutely mediocre, more on par with $30 headphones (KSC75 excluded). Now to the meat of the reason anyone would get this garbage: The 5.1 speakers. If it's better than virtual surround, it sure could have fooled me, because I wasn't buying into that gimmick. There was a noticeable gap between the drivers when a sound switched from one driver to the next. Sure, you can TELL where sounds are coming from if you pay attention to which driver is currently puting off noise, but I'll take the complete 360 degree soundfield Dolby Headphone has to offer over this tripe. Yes, I absolutely hated this **** thing. Anyone who thinks this is better in positioning than a pair of AD700s, DT770 Pro 80s, and K70x with Dolby Headphone is someone I'd call a bold faced liar. Sorry, but I'm seriously angry this thing is actually more expensive than the AX720 which I consider better in pretty much every way, and costs $50 less. Let me not get into this as we have a few Ax Pro fanboys on here...moving on.
Fun: 1/10
Competitive: 5/10
Turtle Beach PX21
Hey, do you like hiss with your sound? Yeah? Then the PX21 is PERFECT for you. There is an audible hiss blanketed over the sound due to it's proprietary inline amp. Yeah, if you hook this up to the Mixamp, you're geting a hissy, double amped (in a bad way) piece of crap. Okay, not crap. If you can get over the hiss, the sound is actually pretty crisp and detailed. I actually LIKE the sound it has, hiss aside. However, due to the hiss, I won't go any further into trying to remotely going into the specifics. And yes, this is an innate issue with all PX21s. The inline amp is the problem.
Fun: 4/10
Competitive: 5/10
Turtle Beach Z2
Lol, these come with 50mm drivers, has no inline amp, and is cheaper than the PX21. These MUST be good! Okay, so when I opened the package and attempted to adjust it... the right cup snapped off. FUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-- Seriously. Just snapped. That goes to show you the kind of quality to expect. I couldn't even test the **** sound quality properly. Not to be unfair, I asked for a replacement on Amazon, which was shipped to me within 2 days. Knowing the durability issues, I took RIDICULOUSLY special care on not snapping one of the cups off when adjusting them on my head.
The sound: Hmm... bad. Just...REALLY bad. Now I will tell you why: the pads. It uses neoprene pads that don't isolate, and don't form any sort of seal. Why in the flipping hell would TB use pads that let the potential sound quality escape before it reaches your ears?
The Z2 is a closed headphone, with non-sealed pads. WTF. Okay, the AX720 is the same and sounds decent, but it just doesn't work for the Z2. Avoid it like the plague. If you really want me to tell you how it worked with Dolby Headphone, well... not even remotely good. Terrible lack of soundstage and positional accuracy. Actually, I think it's the very worst I have ever used with Dolby Headphone. Just...no. If I had to choose between the Z2 and the AX Pro, I'd probably just shoot myself.
Fun: 1/10
Competitive: 1/10
Steelseries Siberia V1
Bought these for my now-ex girlfriend. Quiet possibly the most comfortable headphones I have ever worn. Seriously. The self adjusting headband is just AWESOME. Very light, and very open. Looks like a budget Sony MDR-F1. On to the sound... hmm... a bit on the veiled side. To be honest, they sounded better with music than they did with gaming. It wasn't even impressive with Dolby Headphone. I wouldn't look at these twice. The Siberia V2 is known to be pretty good, but sadly, I didn't get those because she didn't want pleather pads, so opted for the inferior version with tiny velours and smaller drivers.
Fun: 5/10
Competitive: 4/10
Now here's a general idea of which headphones will more than likely perform very well with Dolby Headphone that are not on this list:
1. Large soundstage: Yes, the soundstage itself isn't a deal breaker, but it truly helps as it adds distance between you and the directional sounds. This is extremely helpful as it adds rear depth, making it a lot easier to diferentiating between front and rear sounds, which many closed headphones just can't do properly due to small soundstage.
2. Balanced sound: You wanna be able to hear all sounds right?
3. Relatively bass light, and slightly energetic treble. This is the makings of a truly great headphone for competitive gaming. Really brings out the more subtle but doubly important details.
Like I mentioned before, to anyone wanting to try any pair of headphones for gaming, a good place to start is with headphones that have a good sized soundstage, and a more balanced sound. If the headphones are too colored, it just won't work well with online gaming. This is why I suggest having two pairs of headphones, one for online gaming, one for when you're enjoying a campaign, or just messing about. That is, unless you get something like the DT990 which pulls off both very well (however, remember the sizzling treble that may bother you). Closed headphones CAN work well. Just read up on those that have a large soundstage for closed headphones. Also have to note, that warm/smooth headphones are usually claustrophobic is DH mode, so they don't work well. The brighter it is, the bigger the soundstage seems to be able to project further. Just my impressions.
Edited by Mad Lust Envy - 5/10/12 at 3:53pm
