$200 headphones for gaming (that are an upgrade over AT AD700) | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

rage3324 · Nov 17, 2013 at 12:21 PM

I am looking for a new pair of headphones that will be used for gaming (maybe some movies if they prove to be better than AD700). I really like the AD700 but I am starting to get a little bored with them. My only major complaint is the lack of low-end for movies and games. I already have a mic and I do not want turtle beach type gaming headphones.

Criteria
Closed Headphones - I prefer closed but would consider open if the bang for the buck is better
Deep and accurate low end - I don't need my socks knocked off, but I would like to feel the impact yet remain accurate
Wide and Accurate Soundstage - This is what I love about the AD700. I know closed tend to not have as wide

Setup
My PS4/PS3 is connected to my Denon 1910 Receiver and the headphones will connect directly to the receiver. The PS3/PS4 will be sending a 7.1 track and I want to make sure the headphones are able to accurately represent the sound (footsteps and gun fire direction, etc.)

For music I am Grado 325i, Audio Technica AD700 and Monster Turbine PRO Copper. So the headphones for gaming/movies only need to be good for gaming and movies.

wphantom · Nov 17, 2013 at 12:29 PM

rage3324 said:
I am looking for a new pair of headphones that will be used for gaming (maybe some movies if they prove to be better than AD700). I really like the AD700 but I am starting to get a little bored with them. My only major complaint is the lack of low-end for movies and games. I already have a mic and I do not want turtle beach type gaming headphones.

Criteria
Closed Headphones - I prefer closed but would consider open if the bang for the buck is better
Deep and accurate low end - I don't need my socks knocked off, but I would like to feel the impact yet remain accurate
Wide and Accurate Soundstage - This is what I love about the AD700. I know closed tend to not have as wide

Setup
My PS4/PS3 is connected to my Denon 1910 Receiver and the headphones will connect directly to the receiver. The PS3/PS4 will be sending a 7.1 track and I want to make sure the headphones are able to accurately represent the sound (footsteps and gun fire direction, etc.)

For music I am Grado 325i, Audio Technica AD700 and Monster Turbine PRO Copper. So the headphones for gaming/movies only need to be good for gaming and movies.

you should try the sennheiser pc 350 se, it is closed, has a nice low end and is 182usd on amazon, the only problen is that it is hard to drive (150ohm), you need a proper dac/amp to get the best of it

rage3324 · Nov 17, 2013 at 12:34 PM

wphantom said:
you should try the sennheiser pc 350 se, it is closed, has a nice low end and is 182usd on amazon, the only problen is that it is hard to drive (150ohm), you need a proper dac/amp to get the best of it

Wouldn't Denon Receiver be able to drive them? Anyways, I don't need a mic

PurpleAngel · Nov 17, 2013 at 1:24 PM

rage3324 said:
Wouldn't Denon Receiver be able to drive them? Anyways, I don't need a mic

The Denon 1910 should not have a problem with headphones up to 300-Ohms
Chances are the Denon receiver's headphone output has a high impedance (Ohms), So headphones with an even higher impedance would be preferred, so maybe headphones over 100-Ohms.
(The ATH-AD700 has a low impedance and may not sound it's best connected to the receiver).
I doubt you could improve your FPS gaming with any other headphone, but better sounding music and movies should be easy.

AKG K612 Pro (120-Ohm)

Beyerdynamic Pro 250-Ohm headphones,
DT770 closed
DT880 semi-open (open)
DT990 open headphones

wphantom · Nov 17, 2013 at 3:50 PM

rage3324 said:
Wouldn't Denon Receiver be able to drive them? Anyways, I don't need a mic

I dont think the denon reciver is capable enough, but, if you need something closed, without a mic and under 200 you should go with the audiotechnica a500x, or the shure srh 440, i would prefer the sony mdr 1r, is a bit more expensive but it is excellent in all aspects

rage3324 · Nov 17, 2013 at 4:27 PM

wphantom said:
I dont think the denon reciver is capable enough, but, if you need something closed, without a mic and under 200 you should go with the audiotechnica a500x, or the shure srh 440, i would prefer the sony mdr 1r, is a bit more expensive but it is excellent in all aspects

If I were to buy an external amp, how would I hook it up to my receiver? I usually listen to music using my Grados via the receiver or my laptop which are also low impedance so maybe an external amp is a good idea for me

Lets limit the search to just closed headphones

PurpleAngel · Nov 17, 2013 at 5:43 PM

rage3324 said:
If I were to buy an external amp, how would I hook it up to my receiver? I usually listen to music using my Grados via the receiver or my laptop which are also low impedance so maybe an external amp is a good idea for me

Lets limit the search to just closed headphones

Getting an external amp (or DAC/Amp) for use with the laptop sounds good.
But With the PS3/PS4 connected to the Denon receiver, hopefully using HDMI (optical is second best), and the headphones plugged directly into the Denon receiver makes the most sense and value.
My $500 Yamaha receiver drives my 600-Ohm headphones.
For you, get the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 250-Ohm headphones.

Hooking an external headphone amplifier to the RCA outputs on the back of the receiver might(?) bypass any headphone surround sound features the Denon might have.

rage3324 · Nov 17, 2013 at 8:36 PM

purpleangel said:
Getting an external amp (or DAC/Amp) for use with the laptop sounds good.
But With the PS3/PS4 connected to the Denon receiver, hopefully using HDMI (optical is second best), and the headphones plugged directly into the Denon receiver makes the most sense and value.
My $500 Yamaha receiver drives my 600-Ohm headphones.
For you, get the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 250-Ohm headphones.

Hooking an external headphone amplifier to the RCA outputs on the back of the receiver might(?) bypass any headphone surround sound features the Denon might have.

Thanks, that is good info.

What is the sound like with the DT770? I am not a fan of the headphone design. Not a priority, but I would like something a bit more pleasing to the eye.

I am willing to spend $200-$250 on the headphones. I am willing to buy used as well

gibbro · Nov 17, 2013 at 10:32 PM

Audio Technica A900x is what you want.

I have the original A900 and it has a massive sound-stage, closed and has a decent low end. They perform good without a dedicated headphone amplifier and are under budget. I use them for games over many more expensive headphone options.

The also have a nice anti-tangle cable and are comfortable for long sessions.

PurpleAngel · Nov 18, 2013 at 12:00 AM

gibbro said:
Audio Technica A900x is what you want.

I have the original A900 and it has a massive sound-stage, closed and has a decent low end. They perform good without a dedicated headphone amplifier and are under budget. I use them for games over many more expensive headphone options.

The also have a nice anti-tangle cable and are comfortable for long sessions.

I have a ATH-A900X, great for anything audio on my computer, but has volume problems with receivers.

rage3324 · Nov 18, 2013 at 11:03 AM

purpleangel said:
I have a ATH-A900X, great for anything audio on my computer, but has volume problems with receivers.

I think the headphones are 42 ohms which is probably the problem

What high impedance headphones are out there that are closed?

rage3324 · Nov 18, 2013 at 6:45 PM

MODS PLEASE DELETE!

PurpleAngel · Nov 18, 2013 at 6:54 PM

rage3324 said:
I think the headphones are 42 ohms which is probably the problem

What high impedance headphones are out there that are closed?

I guessed it was the A900X's (42-Ohm) low impedance.
But surprisingly my 50-Ohm Sennheiser HD558s function fairly decently with the receiver.

Beyerdynamic DT770 600-Ohm (rare headphone).
I guess the Beyer DT770 250-Ohm is the most common.

rage3324 · Nov 18, 2013 at 6:56 PM

purpleangel said:
I guessed it was the A900X's (42-Ohm) low impedance.
But surprisingly my 50-Ohm Sennheiser HD558s function fairly decently with the receiver.

Beyerdynamic DT770 600-Ohm (rare headphone).
I guess the Beyer DT770 250-Ohm is the most common.

Hey PurpleAngel - I started a new thread since the topic has gone from gaming headphones to high impedance headphones.

MODS PLEASE DELETE or LET THIS THREAD DIE

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