Gamer and Music Listener - Need Headphones Suggestion(s)

[GheP]

Hey all,

I've been aware of these forums for some time now and use it for research on new headphones, just never posted anything; so here I am!

So, I have a lot of music, and am currently using Sennheiser HD212 headphones for music on my desktop computer and with my mp3 on the go. For games I use IceMat Siberia headphones with an included USB soundcard with 7.1 virtual surround sound. I am quite happy with both sets of headphones, but it's time for something better. I plan on getting one of those ASUS Xonar soundcards.

I was wondering if anyone here had any suggestions for headphones that I could use for both gaming and music enjoyment. I listen to any type of music (my collection is quite eclectic) but mainly instrumental hip-hop and chillout music. For games, I need headphones that have good directional qualities because it is pretty important in a competitive environment. I have looked at most of the Audio Technica headphones; the ATH-A700 or ATH-PRO700 looked most intriguing. I asked my friend for suggestions, he told me to get a pair of Beyerdynamics; as for these, the DT 770 M seemed best.

Also reading around on these forums, I've seen people talking about how good the Sennheiser HD500/580/600 headphones are for all around use.

I can't decide whether or not to get open/closed back headphones. I like open because I can hear outside noise, but I like the closed for traveling/on the bus.

Can you guys give me any insight on which ones to get? Or any other brand suggestions? My price range ends at about $250 (US).

Edit: oh, and I'm not quite ready to get an AMP setup. So that is right out.

 

[GheP]

anyone? :X

 

[Tiemen]

I have a Beyerdynamic DT 770 pro, 80 ohm.
My son is a PC gamer, so I'll asked his opinion about gaming with the Dt770. He was really impressed. So I think that's a recommendation. And some like it for music as well.
The DT770M is a different can, designed for use by drummers.

 

[GheP]

Oh! I read somewhere (I think here) that the DT 700M was the 80 ohm version (good for mp3 players). Didn't know there was a DT 770 Pro 80 ohm headphone. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Henmyr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GheP /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oh! I read somewhere (I think here) that the DT 700M was the 80 ohm version (good for mp3 players). Didn't know there was a DT 770 Pro 80 ohm headphone. Thanks for the clarification.

For some reason, the DT770M is not very well regarded here. The DT770pro are well regarded though. DT770pro 80ohm seem to be what most people recommend here (haven't heard any of them except for a few seconds of dt770pro).
was
EDIT: Doh, Tiemen already clearified all this.

 

[bjarnetv]

the dt770pro are good for both hiphop and gaming, and can be found cheap on ebay.

 

[Tiemen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjarnetv /img/forum/go_quote.gif the dt770pro are good for both hiphop and gaming, and can be found cheap on ebay.

....or buy mine

 

[bjarnetv]

no, buy mine, i hate them, you will get it cheap

 

[TheDeliveryMan]

our pc350 has taken off like a rocket...noise cancelling mic and HD595 drivers in there

Amazon.com: Sennheiser PC 350 Gaming Headset: Electronics

 

[TheDeliveryMan]

...oooh...and a rebate for the month of may!

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/G4ME_Rebate/G4MErebate.pdf (take $20 off the purchase price

)

 

[GheP]

TheDeliveryMan: LOL! I want something I can wear on the bus or at school! hahaha. Although, those headphones do look pretty nice, I want one without a mic (or at least one that comes off).

Anyone care to comment on the Sennheiser and Audio Technica headphones I mentioned in my first post?

 

[KikassAssassin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDeliveryMan /img/forum/go_quote.gif our pc350 has taken off like a rocket...noise cancelling mic and HD595 drivers in there Amazon.com: Sennheiser PC 350 Gaming Headset: Electronics

Thank you for posting this! I've been trying to find a full-sized headset with a mic, and it seems like almost every headset out there are the smaller kind that rests on the ears (which hurts my ears after awhile). I adore my HD595's, so those look like exactly what I'm looking for.

It looks like they're sealed phones, too? I'd been considering looking into some sealed headphones for situations where I want to listen to them while people in the room are being noisy, so that could kill two birds with one stone. From what I've read, most sealed phones take a hit in audio quality compared to open-backed phones. How do the sealed earcups on the PC350 compare to the sound quality of the open-backed HD595's, since you said they use the same driver?

I have no problem with keeping my HD595's in addition to the PC350's if there's a sound quality difference (and I'd likely keep my 595's anyway, because sometimes being able to hear the room around me is nice), I'm just curious, and I'd be buying them more for the comfort factor, anyway. I'm also sure they'll sound significantly better than my PC151 headset even if there is a sound quality hit compared to the 595's.

 

[kool bubba ice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDeliveryMan /img/forum/go_quote.gif our pc350 has taken off like a rocket...noise cancelling mic and HD595 drivers in there Amazon.com: Sennheiser PC 350 Gaming Headset: Electronics

Damnit, hurry up & get us the HD700's..