Mad Lust Envy's Headphone Gaming Guide: (8/18/2022: iFi GO Blu Review Added)
Jul 23, 2018 at 7:22 PM Post #40,546 of 48,560
Hey guys, what headphones would you recommend for gaming that don't require an amp to perform well. I have been using Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus for about three and a half years but want to switch it up and try out some open backed headphones now that I no longer have a roommate. Any help would be much appreciated.
Try the Sennheiser 558 or 598 or Game One or PC37X. Painfully easy to drive. They're worth their cost especially since no amp is needed. I use my Game One sometimes directly from my PS4 controller.
 
Jul 24, 2018 at 1:13 PM Post #40,547 of 48,560
Hey guys, what headphones would you recommend for gaming that don't require an amp to perform well. I have been using Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus for about three and a half years but want to switch it up and try out some open backed headphones now that I no longer have a roommate. Any help would be much appreciated.

Try the Sennheiser 558 or 598 or Game One or PC37X. Painfully easy to drive. They're worth their cost especially since no amp is needed. I use my Game One sometimes directly from my PS4 controller.

I use my Sennheiser PC37X (from Massdrop.com) for gaming on my iPad (no extra amp), connected to my PS4 controller or a Sound Blaster E5 connected to my PS4, or plugged into my computer with a GSX 1000 for surround. I also use my PC37X and HD 1 Bluetooth wireless in-ear for conference calls, because they have the best microphones.
 
Jul 25, 2018 at 3:47 AM Post #40,548 of 48,560
+1 for the PC37X, such a good deal. Hope the Massdrop never ends so more people take off from Turtle Beaches, Astros and HyperX
 
Jul 25, 2018 at 10:48 AM Post #40,549 of 48,560
How does check bundle AE-5 and 712 pro?

Examples for check.

You can go to On-line service “Power and Sensitivity”. Add to compare AE-5 and AKG 712.

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http://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/param5.php?&idhp=52&hp=2&id=1192

On the graph horizontal upper scale indicates the impedances of the headphones in ohms, which are connected to the amplifier. The right vertical scale indicates the voltage in decibels (dBV).

You can see point in the graph. This point is the recommended voltage level for AKG 712. It is 13.6 dBV (4.7 Vrms) on the vertical scale. AKG 712 reproduces a sound at 90 dB SPL at 13.6 dBV input.

We see point above maximum level for AE-5.We can not get a louder sound in the bundle AE-5 with AKG k712 pro.

But, each man lisen different music and lisen of different volume, optimal for him. One human say - AE-5 with AKG 712 pro is a loud bundle, another human say is a quiet bundle. Who is right?

More precision answer can give compared known bundle vs AE-5 with AKG k712 pro.

Example, we have got X-Fi (base model), iPhone 5S and Audio-Technica ATH-M50, Kennerton Odin MK3, Sennheiser HD 600

Add this models in graph and choose «Max» option.

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http://reference-audio-analyzer.pro...dhp3=819&class=h&hp=2&id=1192&id1=843&id2=850

You can see four point (headphones) and three curves (amplifiers).

90 dB SPL is
  • Audio-Technica ATH-M50 need -3.9 dBV voltage for 90 dB SPL.
  • Kennerton Odin MK3 need -0.5 dBV voltage for 90 dB SPL.
  • Sennheiser HD 600 need 4.9 dBV voltage for 90 dB SPL.
  • AKG K 712 need 13.6 dBV voltage for 90 dB SPL.


AKG K 712 is quieter Audio-Technica ATH-M50 on (13.6 - -3.9) 17.5 dB

AKG K 712 is quieter Kennerton Odin MK3 on (13.6 - -0.5) 14.1 dB

AKG K 712 is quieter Sennheiser HD 600 on (13.6 - 4.9) 8.7 dB



The maximum voltage from the sources for Audio-Technica ATH-M50 (38.4 ohm)
  • Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 is 14.2 dBV
  • Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer is 0.9 dBV
  • Apple iPhone 5S is -0.3 dBV
Maximum SPL in the music for Audio-Technica ATH-M50
  • 90 dB SPL at -3.9 dBV and (90 + 14.2 - -3.9 = 18.1 + 90) 108.1 dB SPL at 14.2 dBV from Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5
  • 90 dB SPL at -3.9 dBV and 94.8 dB SPL at 0.9 dBV from Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer
  • 90 dB SPL at -3.9 dBV and 93.6 dB SPL at -0.3 dBV from Apple iPhone 5S


The maximum voltage from the sources for Kennerton Odin MK3 (43.6 ohm)
  • Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 is 14.2 dBV
  • Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer is 1.4 dBV
  • Apple iPhone 5S is -0.2 dBV
Maximum SPL in the music for Kennerton Odin MK3
  • 90 dB SPL at -0.5 dBV and (90 + 14.2 - -0.5 = 14.7 + 90) 104.7 dB SPL at 14.2 dBV from Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5
  • 90 dB SPL at -0.5 dBV and 91.9 dB SPL at 1.4 dBV from Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer
  • 90 dB SPL at -0.5 dBV and 90.3 dB SPL at -0.2 dBV from Apple iPhone 5S


The maximum voltage from the sources for Sennheiser HD 600 (352.2 ohm)
  • Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 is 14.4 dBV
  • Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer is 5.7 dBV
  • Apple iPhone 5S is 0.1 dBV
Maximum SPL in the music for Sennheiser HD 600
  • 90 dB SPL at 4.9 dBV and (90 + 14.4 - 4.9 = 9.5 + 90) 99.5 dB SPL at 14.4 dBV from Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5
  • 90 dB SPL at 4.9 dBV and 90.8 dB SPL at 5.7 dBV from Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer
  • 90 dB SPL at 4.9 dBV and 85.2 dB SPL at 0.1 dBV from Apple iPhone 5S


The maximum voltage from the sources for AKG K 712 (68.5 ohm)
  • Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 is 14.3 dBV
  • Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer is 2.9dBV
  • Apple iPhone 5S is -0.1dBV
Maximum SPL in the music for AKG K 712
  • 90 dB SPL at 13.6 dBV and (90 + 14.3 - 13.6 = 9.5 + 90) 90.7 dB SPL at 14.3 dBV from Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5
  • 90 dB SPL at 13.6 dBV and 79.3 dB SPL at 2.9 dBV from Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer
  • 90 dB SPL at 13.6 dBV and 76.3 dB SPL at -0.1 dBV from Apple iPhone 5S


Till now compare bundles!

  • ATH-M50 + X-Fi is 94.8 dB SPL
  • K 712 + AE-5 is 90.7 dB SPL
ATH-M50 + X-Fi is win. It is louder on 4.1 dB!



  • HD 600 + X-Fi is 90.8 dB SPL
  • K 712 + AE-5 is 90.7 dB SPL
Difference is 0.1 dB!



  • Odin + 5S is 90.3 dB SPL
  • K 712 + AE-5 is 90.7 dB SPL
Difference between bundles is 0.4 dB, but difference between sources 14.4 dB!

AKG is low-sensivity headphones.

How to understand dB?
foobar.png


You can play sound in foobar2000 and use volume control in "dB" in player.
 
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Jul 25, 2018 at 2:18 PM Post #40,554 of 48,560
Are there any good internal Soundcards these days? Most I see here talk about the x7 but id really prefer internal. Currently have a soundblaster ZX that I'm trying to replace
What don't you like about your current one? That would help us recommend something more appropriate.
 
Jul 25, 2018 at 2:23 PM Post #40,555 of 48,560
What don't you like about your current one? That would help us recommend something more appropriate.

I feel like the surround effect isn't very good primarily, I cant really here any separation when I listen to the video in the software, harder to even notice in games. The headphones I'm driving are some Mad dogz, not entirely sure what version
 
Jul 25, 2018 at 2:29 PM Post #40,556 of 48,560
I feel like the surround effect isn't very good primarily, I cant really here any separation when I listen to the video in the software, harder to even notice in games. The headphones I'm driving are some Mad dogz, not entirely sure what version
Fair enough, some of the surround DSPs work better for some people than others. Out of curiosity, have you messed with the settings on the DSP to increase the surround effect and see if that helps? The Mad Dogs (from memory) are very warm and very closed... probably one of the less good headphones you could use for gaming. It's possible that replacing the sound card might not help at all and the issue is more with the headphones. Replacing them with something with better treble and sound stage might be something to consider also.

Back to your actual question, I know there's an internal Asus Xonar that uses Dolby Headphone (Xonar DG?) that seems to be well regarded.
 
Jul 25, 2018 at 3:25 PM Post #40,557 of 48,560
Fair enough, some of the surround DSPs work better for some people than others. Out of curiosity, have you messed with the settings on the DSP to increase the surround effect and see if that helps? The Mad Dogs (from memory) are very warm and very closed... probably one of the less good headphones you could use for gaming. It's possible that replacing the sound card might not help at all and the issue is more with the headphones. Replacing them with something with better treble and sound stage might be something to consider also.

Back to your actual question, I know there's an internal Asus Xonar that uses Dolby Headphone (Xonar DG?) that seems to be well regarded.

Really? I was under the impression that the mad dogs are still pretty decent headphones
 
Jul 25, 2018 at 3:29 PM Post #40,558 of 48,560
Really? I was under the impression that the mad dogs are still pretty decent headphones
Oh they're not bad. They're a solid choice for a "fun" gaming headphone, and plenty of people like warm headphones for music.

But if you want imaging and surround, they're pretty low on the list IMHO.
 
Jul 25, 2018 at 3:41 PM Post #40,559 of 48,560
aLL THESE THINGS MEANS THAT SOUNDBLASTER AE.5 CANT HANDLE THE ΑΚG 712 PRO/?

OR ALL THESE THINGS MEANS THAT AKG 712 IS NOT VERY POWERFULL?? AS HEAdphone?

IT MEANS NOTHING. IT MEANS EVERY HEADPHONE HAS DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS TO REACH THE SAME PEAK VOLUME. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH K712 NOT BEING POWERFUL ENOUGH OR ANY SUCH NONSENSE. AGAIN, ENJOY YOUR HEADPHONE. STOP ASKING QUESTIONS. It looks like you WANT someone to tell you to get something else instead of just enjoy What you have.

YOU WILL NEVER BE HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU HAVE IF YOU'RE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO TELL YOU THAT THERE IS BETTER OUT THERE. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE BETTER. YOUR HUNT WILL NEVER END. The k712 is not a mistake, your ae is not a mistake. use them and enjoy, ***. Don't message me asking these same damn questions. I'm not gonna answer. Your repetition is getting old. Just ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE ALREADY.

YOU WANT BETTER? GO BUY SOME HIFIMAN HEX OR AUDEZE LCD4 OR STAX, OR SENNEHSIER HD800.

IN SHORT, FOR THE MONEY YOU SPENT ON THE K712, THERE REALLY ISN'T BETTER. IT IS FANTASTIC. OK
 
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Jul 25, 2018 at 3:43 PM Post #40,560 of 48,560
I have got AKG K340 and AE-5. This bundle is louder AKG K712 and AE-5 by less than 1 dB. This is the same level of maximum volume.


http://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/param5.php?&idhp=52&idhp1=555&class=a&hp=2&mh4=4&ma40=40&id=1192

I have enough volume to listen to music.

In games, the volume level is reduced for AE-5. This is necessary for effects. I do not have enough volume with AKG K340 and AE-5. I recommend another headphones for AE-5 for games.

But, best quality you can give in bundle X-Fi+AE-5+K712. X-Fi use only DSP with software connect soundcard. X-Fi do not reduced volume level in games.
 
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