[Prospekt]

Introduction:
Another PC gamer here ! Not sure if any of you Head-Fi'ers are familiar with LinusTechTips, but after watching more and more videos, I've finally come to the decision to split away from 'gaming headsets' to a more traditional pair of cans and a Zalman mic.
 
What do I plan to use them for?:
Funk, Electro, Nu-disco, Jazz/ec (No rock/anything heavy like that) and for gaming.
 
 
What am I looking for?: 
1.) Comfort (Pref. for long durations *6+ hours*)
2.) Sound quality
 
Comfort is a very big factor for me (Current pair is actually giving me sores on my ears, from having parts of my ear pressed to the drivers so forcefully.
 
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I've looked at a few pairs;
HD 518 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1J20V81617
JVC RX900 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826262103
AT ADH-900 http://icdn1.digitaltrends.com/image/ath_ad700-g1-800x600.jpg
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I'm looking for the best pair for my needs, up to ~$130 USD.
 
What would you recommend? Thoughts, advise?

 

[PurpleAngel]

Does your computer have an add-on sound card or are you using on-board audio?
Does it matter if the headphones are open or closed?
Guess we can assume your into FPS gaming?

 

[Prospekt]

  Does your computer have an add-on sound card or are you using on-board audio?
Does it matter if the headphones are open or closed?
Guess we can assume your into FPS gaming?

 
On-board audio currently
 
I have only experienced Closed, so I can't really say for sure. (Environment is in my own room, not a lot of background noise).
 
Gaming-wise, it's mainly SC2, League of Legends etc... Games that don't really require much 'pin-point surround precision' I suppose.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Get the Asus Xonar DG (PCI) sound card, $27 and there is a $10 mail in rebate this month (Amazon).
 
As there do not appear to be a noise problem, get open headphones.
Headphone wise, could order the Audio Technica ATH-TAD500, sells on eBay ($100), ships from Japan.
You might be able to get some used Sennheiser HD558s, with in you budget.
Samson SR-850, $50 and it's only $16 for cloth ear pads.
Takstar Hi2050 (Technica Pro HPT-990), $70

 

[Magicman74]

Sounds like the 558 would work. They are going for $131 on Amazon (New) or $109 Factory Refurb, I bought a Refurb set months back and they come brand spanking new, just without a box.
So you get a little savings. And you still get the Sennheiser warranty.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Sounds like the 558 would work. They are going for $131 on Amazon (New) or $109 Factory Refurb, I bought a Refurb set months back and they come brand spanking new, just without a box.
So you get a little savings. And you still get the Sennheiser warranty.

Who is selling the HD558 refurbs?

 

[Magicman74]

Who is selling the HD558 refurbs?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004FEEY9A/ref=dp_olp_refurbished?ie=UTF8&condition=refurbished

If don't have any on Amazon go directly to their site and look. Sometimes they sell out quick on Amazon and will not show up for sale.

http://www.adgtron.com/catalog/index.php

Drop them an Email or call, They also have another sister store as well that has stock.

 

[Prospekt]

Wow! 558's look amazing!
 
 
Question I've been meaning to ask; What would be the difference for open and closes pairs? (I assume for noise-isolation, but anything else?)

 

[Spastic]

In a closed headphone, the ear-cups are usually sealed to isolate other sounds from disturbing your music hence the term 'closed', but music usually sounds boxed inside a space. e.g. ATH-M50
In an open headphone, the ear-cups are either fully or partially open to give your ears the impression of better depth or space in the music at the cost of less isolation. e.g. HD558

 

[Prospekt]

Thanks everyone!
 
Final question;
 
I really enjoy listening to music when playing.
 
Would there be a noticeable difference between using say, a cheaper Xonar, over an on-board audio solution?

 

[PurpleAngel]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004FEEY9A/ref=dp_olp_refurbished?ie=UTF8&condition=refurbished
If don't have any on Amazon go directly to their site and look. Sometimes they sell out quick on Amazon and will not show up for sale.
http://www.adgtron.com/catalog/index.php
Drop them an Email or call, They also have another sister store as well that has stock.

I already have the HD558s, I usually try to keep tab of the best prices, as I like to recommend the HD558s to others.

 

[PurpleAngel]

I really enjoy listening to music when playing. Would there be a noticeable difference between using say, a cheaper Xonar, over an on-board audio solution?

I like to think the Xonar DG ($27. minus $10 mail in rebate, 27-10 = $17), is a cheap way to find out if a sound card would improve audio quality, plus it's basic headphone amplifier should be better at driving headphones then mid priced (under $150) and for sure low priced motherboards (under $100).