[romantichero]

I'm looking for some headphones around $150 that don't need to be driven by a sound card, and this is mostly for GAMES and MOVIES on my PC, but I don't care so much for positioning in FPSs or anything, more like epic sounding music and sound effects in big games like Guild Wars, Skyrim, etc. I really don't want to have to buy anything else besides the headphones, and if I get a sound card I don't want to pay more than like $25. COMFORT is also important to me.
 
Please suggest choices and also rate the following choices:
 
Audio-Technica ATH-A900X
Audio Technica ATH M50
Shure 840
Sennheiser HD558

 

[PurpleAngel]

Asus Xonar DG sound card, $30 and there is a $10 mail in rebate this month.
Gemini HSR-1000 (Takstar Pro 80) closed headphones, $60.
So, after rebate, total is $80,
well under your $150 budget.
 
Used HD558s sometimes sell for use over $100.
So Xonar DG + used HD558, total  $130-$140?

 

[DJHeadshot]

The HD 558 aren't closed headphones though so you can rule those out.
 

 

[romantichero]

Purple, why are you so insistent on people getting the Gemini HSR-1000? I've seen you post it in several topics now. If I raised my budget to about $150 - 200, is there a better quality, better comfort choice to consider?

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Purple, why are you so insistent on people getting the Gemini HSR-1000? I've seen you post it in several topics now. If I raised my budget to about $150 - 200, is there a better quality, better comfort choice to consider?

The Takstar/Gemini for the price are a great value.
If Sony print their name over the Gemini label, I would think they would sell for $120.
and right now you can get the Gemini HSR-1000 for $60.
 
For $200 you can get the Audio Technica ATH-A900X

 

[romantichero]

How would you rate the ATH A900X in that case?

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

How would you rate the ATH A900X in that case?

For me personally, the audio on the A900X is just right.
I wear them a lot for listening to music.

 

[romantichero]

How is comfort on the A900X? Comfort is very important for me.
 
Also if I extend my budget to $200 is it worth it to consider the Audio Technica ESW9? I'm just scared that the A900X will be too big and uncomfy just for playing games for long periods, this is my first headphones purchase!

 

[ev13wt]

Beyerdynamic DT-770 has great bass for movies and such. Nice sounding headphone, 20 more than your budget. I usually game 3-5 hours on the weekends and its never uncomfy.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

How is comfort on the A900X? Comfort is very important for me.
Also if I extend my budget to $200 is it worth it to consider the Audio Technica ESW9? I'm just scared that the A900X will be too big and uncomfy just for playing games for long periods, this is my first headphones purchase!

To me the ATH-A900X has less "clamp" then the DT770, and I can wear my A900X for long periods.
but the DT770s have those nice soft Velour ear pads.

 

[romantichero]

And using the A900X with my onboard audio won't be bad? I don't need more pieces to "drive" the headphones as I've seen said around here?

 

[romantichero]

Can anyone lend some wisdom to these last few points? I'd like to order soon!

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

And using the A900X with my on-board audio won't be bad? I don't need more pieces to "drive" the headphones as I've seen said around here?

The on-board headphone jack can easily drive the 40-Ohm A900Xs
But it might give the A900Xs a very slightly bloated bass.
 
If you could spring for the Xonar DG ($20 after rebate), it might help a little for audio details.