Best headphones (+other accessories) for under ~$120 for gaming and dubstep/techno

I've been wanting a great pair of headphones for a while to use on my computer. I've been using Razer Megalodons for over a year now, and I'm tired of dealing with them. I plan on using them for gaming, and listening to music, which is mostly dubstep/drumstep/drum and bass/glitch hop/occasionally rap (I don't know what most of the sub genres are, but a bunch of stuff in the general techno genre). Since I always like to talk to friends, I need a mic, so probably the Zalman headphone mic (or any better headphone mic), unless there is an actual headset that fits my criteria.

So, other accessories are things like amps, ear pads, etc. For example, headphones A may be a $120 headset which is better than headphones B which is a pair of $55 headphones. But, if headphones B plus better ear pads, a certain cheap amp, and a headphone mic together are all better than headphones A and stay within budget I'd rather go with B.

Also, I'd much rather closed back, since my computer case can get loud, and I don't like leaking. And the $120 is more of a price estimate. If a set is really worth the extra few bucks that's fine.

Sorry about all the specifications, but I have specific needs. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvs2squizz 

The Audio Technica ath-m50 is likely what you're looking for, possibly with a cheap DAC, like the Fiio e10 later on.
As for a mic, the zalman clip mic works, but personally I'm waiting for the new Antlion modmic 2.0
Edit: if you're keeping your Razer headset, you could just place it on your desk and use the attached mic with your new headphones

It's funny, since just as I was typing my post my friends on Skype were telling me they couldn't hear me, I think the mic's giving out. Great time to look for something new. And thanks for the advice. Anyone have other opinions?

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurpleAngel 

Asus Xonar DG ($26) or DGX ($41) sound card.

 

Sony MDR-V6 headphones ($68), closed.

Beyerdynamic EDT 200/250V Velour ear pads, $23

 

Technical Pro HPT990 (Takstar Hi2050) headphones, semi-open, $51

comes with decent Velour/Velvet ear pads.

 

Pick whatever mic you want.

Would a sound card really be necessary if I already probably have one built into my motherboard, or is the audio quality drastically better on a dedicated card? And are the MDR V6's good or how I want to use them? I had actually been planning on buying them for a while, but thought maybe they weren't the best for my usage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnarlsagan 

You might consider iems in which case I'd highly recommend the JVC FXD80. Full deep bass and really crisp highs great for sound effects like explosions etc. This would solve your sound leaking problem.

Sorry, I already have a pair of decent buds, and I don't want to leave them in my ears for hours every day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eargasmo 

what kind of games and how long are you gaming sessions?

It varies very greatly. During the week, I can usually only play for maybe an hour or two, but on the weekends I may play for 3-7 hours. I also play all kinds of games: Strategy (Starcraft, Total War series, Civ), FPS (Counter Strike, Portal, Borderlands), RPG (Torchlight, The Witcher, Dungeon Defenders), among many others. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurpleAngel 

Motherboard's usually come with the lowest cost DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) then can get away with.

The Asus Xonar DG(X) sound card comes with a half-way decent headphone amplifier and Dolby Headphone surround sound.

For you budget the MDR-V6s are a good value, the Beyer EDT Velour ear pads add comfort.

Another thing I completely don't understand is surround sound on sound cards. Is it somehow able to make a stereo headset surround sound? Or do you need a surround sound headset? Because I hate the way surround sound works on my current headset, so I just leave it on stereo now. And aside from more channels on the DGX vs DG, is there any other difference?

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurpleAngel 

We only have two ears (stereo), somehow our brains can figure out surround sound with only 2-channels (ears).

Someone (like Dolby?) figured out how to make the the ears "hear" surround sound from the two cups on the headphones.

Most "surround sound" headsets are stereo (2-channel) headphones with a separate surround sound processor.

I guess there are "surround sound" headphones with 5 or 6 speakers in each cups, but I never see their owners brag about how good they are.

I see what you mean. So do you see it as a better investment in the headphones or the sound card? Probably the headphones, but I just want to make sure.