Best headphones for movies with virtual surround on PC

[r9800pro]

I have a very old 5.1 speaker system for PC but I watch movies at night with headphones and this has been my preferred method for years.

I have Samson SR850 semi-open back studio monitor headphones with Creative Sound Blaster Z card and in the past, I used to use Creative's SBX Pro Studio Virtual surround at 100% which was amazing for me until I listened to Atmos for Headphones app and decided that it will be my virtual surround DSP of choice.

A very good friend of mine insisted that the Samson SR850 as cheap as they are can't really compete with high quality, more expensive cans closed or open back and that I should really invest in high quality ones.

So after searching so much, I am really lost with too many options and since I can't try them, I have to ask here about the best pair of headphones around $200 for my specific needs.

They must have a great soundstage with width and depth, very good bass, great comfort and overall reproduce excellent sound quality for movies in virtual surround with accurate multi-channel separation and directional sound.

 

[r9800pro]

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[User00]

I think that something like the Sony MDR-Z7 would be great for movies with it's generous soundstage and bass. It's just a little too warm for me, though.

 

[r9800pro]

I think that something like the Sony MDR-Z7 would be great for movies with it's generous soundstage and bass. It's just a little too warm for me, though.

Thanks for the suggestion but unfortunately, it is way out of my budget. I need a pair in $200-$250 range and prefer open-back

 

[Arniesb]

Philips X2 should be one of the best option.

 

[Audioholic123]

I have a very old 5.1 speaker system for PC but I watch movies at night with headphones and this has been my preferred method for years.

I have Samson SR850 semi-open back studio monitor headphones with Creative Sound Blaster Z card and in the past, I used to use Creative's SBX Pro Studio Virtual surround at 100% which was amazing for me until I listened to Atmos for Headphones app and decided that it will be my virtual surround DSP of choice.

A very good friend of mine insisted that the Samson SR850 as cheap as they are can't really compete with high quality, more expensive cans closed or open back and that I should really invest in high quality ones.

So after searching so much, I am really lost with too many options and since I can't try them, I have to ask here about the best pair of headphones around $200 for my specific needs.

They must have a great soundstage with width and depth, very good bass, great comfort and overall reproduce excellent sound quality for movies in virtual surround with accurate multi-channel separation and directional sound.

I think you would like the JVC HA-SZ2000's. I think they are probably the best headphones for watching movies with, in this price category. They do the "surround sound" thing better than most because they have separate drivers for bass and treble (like speakers). They are bass monsters but do have accurate treble. Midrange is good too. Perfect for movies, gaming and electronic music IMO.

EDIT: If you prefer open-back headphones then i'd recommend the Beyerdynamic DT990's (32 Ohm version). They have very good imaging and soundstage for watching movies.