Best headphones for gaming + music

[NightKast]

Hello,
As you can see I am completly new to buying headphones. Right now I own a pair of cheap proluxe headphones from walmart. I play alot of games and listen to music on my computer and need new headphones. What are the best headphones for gaming and music? I am looking at the Senn hd280 pro's or the senn hd555s. Are they decent for my situation? Will they have sufficient power w/ the computer w/o using an amp?

 

[Helter Skelter]

They'd both be good for those purposes and can be driven well without an amp, but unless you need the isolation of the HD280, I'd go for the HD555. Much better soundstaging, which is handy for games since it lets you place where sounds are coming from easier.

 

[NightKast]

At first I was learning towards the 280s but on second thought, I don't really need the isolation. So I think the 555s are my best bet. Thanks!

 

[Helter Skelter]

Just make sure to let them burn in a good long time (I'm talking 200+ hours) before you make any final judgements on the sound.

 

[Target1]

There are a ton of topics with almost identical names that you might want to search for. The general consensus relies heavily on your budget. The a900's get great reviews, though benefit quite a lot from an amp. They are closed, and seem to be a favorite for gamers. As far as I can gather the top of the line cans for sound stage would be the CD3ks. These run quite expensive and would need an amp. First, are you looking to game and listen to music, and listen to music and game? The priorities make a difference. Also what is your price point, and would you consider an amp in your future?

Once you answer these questions to yourself do a forum search, and you will probably find al the info you need. If you then have specific question post again.

Target

 

[NightKast]

well my price range is around $100. Please I am still accepting reccomendations on headphones mainly for gaming but a second priority on music.

 

[sp1N]

If you need isolation, the HD280pro.

If not, then the HD555 is pretty darn good from what I am hearing.

 

[kramer5150]

Not sure what your price range is but I really like my DT770 for its bass slam and midrange projection
Garrett

 

[sp1N]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NightKast well my price range is around $100. Please I am still accepting reccomendations on headphones mainly for gaming but a second priority on music.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kramer5150 Not sure what your price range is but I really like my DT770 for its bass slam and midrange projection Garrett

I think you can parouse (sp?) this thread a little more throughly than that there Garrett

.

 

[bg4533]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kramer5150 Not sure what your price range is but I really like my DT770 for its bass slam and midrange projection Garrett

The DT770 is a great choice for gaming and some music. A bit more than he wanted to spend, but a used pair isn't all that much more.

The ATH-A500 might also be a consideration. They work well unamped and do a decent job at music and gaming.

 

[kramer5150]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sp1N I think you can parouse (sp?) this thread a little more throughly than that there Garrett .

LOL I get lazy.... yeah used DT770s go for just a little more than $100 on ebay al the time.

Garrett

 

[philodox]

I think that the AKG K240 Studio would fit your needs nicely.

 

[NightKast]

ok I have narrowed it down to the HD555 and the ATH-A500. They are both around the same price range and I need help choosing between the two.

 

[grasshpr]

Have you ever played Doom3 at night using a HD600 as the headphone of choice? Its absolutely scary! It gets to the point in which I don't want to play the game any more because I scared like hell!

Anyway, let me get to the point. You might want to consider getting something a little more versatile like the hd600's for a gaming headphone. You can use it for music and games, whereas for games, I personally find its effect on me to be heart throbbing. Also, if your just playing games while using headphones, then I doubt you need a headphone amp (unless you want to hear the shrills and screams of monsters in doom 3 with great intensity and clarity).

Just my 2 cents

Grasshpr

 

[NightKast]

I know exactly what your're talking about. I have doom 3 and played it on my 4.1 400watt z560 surround speakers and it is awesome. All I need is a pair of headphones so I don't wake the neibors when playing at night. Keep in mind that $100 is my budget so either the hd555s or the A500s should do it.