Gaming headphones for bf

[toshiya]

For Christmas I plan to give my bf some nice headphones and a mic for gaming.
Been doing some research, and AD700 seems to be the best choice.
However, where I am, they go for almost $140 which seems to be a ripoff (and a little over my budget).
Also seen people saying JVC HA-RX700/900, but they are not available here

So would AD500 be comparable to 700 or would there be a big difference?
Some more suggestions around the $100 budget would be wonderful.

Another thing is the mic, he will likely be using these in net cafe.
So the Logitech Desktop Microphone isn't a really good choice.
And Zalman isn't available here either...
So could I have other suggestion for some decent clip-on mic?

Thanks in advance.

Edit: He plays CS

 

[Nocturnal310]

You can buy Sennheiser HD555.. if he plays CS..he mite already be aware of them (i am a CS gamer myself)...and they are one of the highly recommended Gaming headphones.

cost around $100-120

 

[iareConfusE]

If its for gaming, you might want to find out if he is using ventrilo or teamspeak. If he is, then you might want to buy him a headset instead of just headphones, as the headphones will be useless for gaming if he communicates over voip. I think most of the headphone suggestions you'll find here are mainly for music, although they can be used for gaming as well. But apparently people here frown upon headsets, as it isnt usually audiophile quality.

 

[scytheavatar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iareConfusE /img/forum/go_quote.gif If its for gaming, you might want to find out if he is using ventrilo or teamspeak. If he is, then you might want to buy him a headset instead of just headphones, as the headphones will be useless for gaming if he communicates over voip. I think most of the headphone suggestions you'll find here are mainly for music, although they can be used for gaming as well. But apparently people here frown upon headsets, as it isnt usually audiophile quality.

There's such a thing as a clip on microphone you know........

 

[iareConfusE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scytheavatar /img/forum/go_quote.gif There's such a thing as a clip on microphone you know........

I know, I'm just suggesting a headset because they're more popular amongst gamers than a clip on mic is...

 

[moonboy403]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iareConfusE /img/forum/go_quote.gif I know, I'm just suggesting a headset because they're more popular amongst gamers than a clip on mic is...

That's why it would be special that she gets him some high quality stuff rather than the common cheap ones.

 

[LostOne.TR]

there was a decent following for the whole hd555 / audio technica + zalman clip on mic last I did some reading on it. Granted this was a period of 6 months - 1 year ago. Those involved in the discussions seemed semi-knowledgeable about the stuff (i.e. shooting down recs for hd600, since it's a bit harder to drive, and semi wasteful out of an x-fi)

 

[solessthanthree]

I'm with iareConfusE on this one, a headset might be the best choice IMHO. It's troublesome to have to set up every time you need to get up/sit down or adjust. I have sort of a small desk space so I tend to shuffle stuff around the table and wires get tangled (I tend to need to move the mic around a lot). Not to say that your friend will definitely have the same problems, but you might want to take into consideration the convenience of a single piece headset rather than the separate combo. You have quite a few choices you can make with the two options open to you; maybe you should wait for some more input?

 

[Nocturnal310]

I am a competitive Gamer and i use Clip on mics...because all these Headsets are usually made by wannabe manufacturers who dont a thing about good audio...example: Creative....muddy sound and inaccurate stereo imaging.

They mite make good soundcards...but their headphones aint good..especially the headsets.


I suggest u buy a good headphone and then buy a clip on mic as u were planning to.

 

[scytheavatar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iareConfusE /img/forum/go_quote.gif I know, I'm just suggesting a headset because they're more popular amongst gamers than a clip on mic is...

And more popular = better?

 

[toshiya]

Actually I was originally looking to buy a headset,
which is what he wanted
It would be more convenient for him to carry around

but after seeing nearly everyone advise to keep them separate,
I thought maybe this would be a better idea

 

[MaZa]

Audio Technica A700 and A900, closed versions and not open AD700 and AD900, has a reputation of good gaming headphone. Add a clip microphone and you should be set.

 

[Tacoboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by toshiya /img/forum/go_quote.gif For Christmas I plan to give my bf some nice headphones and a mic for gaming. Been doing some research, and AD700 seems to be the best choice. However, where I am, they go for almost $140 which seems to be a ripoff (and a little over my budget). Also seen people saying JVC HA-RX700/900, but they are not available here So would AD500 be comparable to 700 or would there be a big difference? Some more suggestions around the $100 budget would be wonderful. Another thing is the mic, he will likely be using these in net cafe. So the Logitech Desktop Microphone isn't a really good choice. And Zalman isn't available here either... So could I have other suggestion for some decent clip-on mic? Thanks in advance. Edit: He plays CS

You can buy JVC HA-RX700/RX900s from sellers (located in Japan) on EBay who will ship to Taiwan.
They are listed as Victor HP-RX700 & Victor HP-RX900
The only difference is the "HP" model come with an extra 1.5 meter extension cord.

 

[XXII]

I also suggest a headset. Why? It's probably a lot more convenient and I think if your bf is not an audiophile he will appreciate it more. SQ is not always the only consideration. Maybe look/ask around in a gaming forum?

 

[iareConfusE]

If he is an audiophile as well, then okay, go for the high quality headphones + clip on mic. But if hes just a regular gamer who just wants something thats convenient and works, then get him a headset. The headset can be had for much cheaper than a nice set of headphones + clip on mic, assuming it isn't some ridiculously overhyped headset like ones sponsored by Fatality.

I'm going to say go with the headset. If it works for billions of gamers around the world to just have a normal headset that doesn't produce the best sound in the world, it will work for him so long as he doesn't confuse left and right.