[Mad Lust Envy]

X2 is definitely better than those Sennheisers. ALso 558 mod doesn't turn them into 598, it makes them CLOSER to 598. Either way, I actually prefer unmodded 558 obver legit 598. Haven't heard the 558 modded, just know what to expect from reliable sources whotested 558 mod vs 598 side by side.


So my X2 is about to sell, and I ordered my PMX95, and luckily found a deal on a new pair of Senn MM100s, which have gone for $200+, but a seller sold a new pair for $100. So with the X2 sale, I ended up with two headphones I wanted.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Hi after reading endless threads and posts all over the net. I've narrowed it down to x2, hd598 maybe get hd558 and mod them to be hd598 seems way enough. For ps4 mixamp and boom pro. Are the x2 so much better than the hd598 or modded hd558's to warrant the extra cash? I like the look of the x2 more than the hd598's. They are not ugly just remind me of a 1970's car interior. All help greatly received.

 
Guessing the modded HD558 do not sound exactly like the HD598, maybe somewhere in between.
I own the modded HD558, but never listened to the HD598.
I'm fairly sure the Philips Fidelio sound better then the HD558/HD598 (but never listened to the Fidelio myself)
If these headphones are to be used for music, then getting the Philips might be worth it.
If your just looking for gaming headphones, then get the HD558.

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

X2 is more dynamic sounding and engaging than either of those Senns. There is no reason why I would recommend the Senns over the X2 other than budget limits. Love the 558 for what it is at it's price, but you're moving up a tier with the X2 and stuff like the K7XX, etc.

 

[Mr Bee]

Going too see if any x2's come up at the right price. Either brand new from store or very good condition on either auction site or on here. I'm in no rush as I have a adequate headset for now. Just wanted to upgrade. I started looking at the usual suspects a40's. Then read about mix amp and pc headsets. Now I've settled on mixamp and headphone boompro combo. Things have changed in last couple of weeks. I've even ended up joining a headphone forum lol. Was trying to get my head round headphone amps earlier
So who knows what's next after my gaming set up is sorted lol

 

[cmclnd]

FOLLOW-UP:
 
In the end, here's what I did for my PS4 setup:
 
Headphones: 
 
1. Schiit Magni 2 Headphone Amplifier: http://www.amazon.com/Schiit-SCH-0702-Magni-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00SCBKPW2
2. Astro Mixamp Pro TR for PS4: http://www.amazon.com/MixAmp-Pro-TR-PS4-Black/dp/B014H2W1YO/
3. RCA to 3.5mm splitter: http://www.amazon.com/BlueRigger-3-5mm-Stereo-Audio-Cable/dp/B008UG6GCC/
4a. AKG K702 Headphones: http://www.amazon.com/AKG-Pro-Audio-K702-Headphones/dp/B001RCD2DW/
4b. Superlux HD688B Headphones for good measure: http://www.amazon.com/Superlux-HD668B-Dynamic-Semi-Open-Headphones/dp/B003JOETX8/
 
I've read so many great things about the Superlux HD688B's that I had to score a pair on top of my AKG's. I absolutely prefer the AKG's for gaming, but for music and movies the Superlux's are incredible. For $40, they're worth every damn penny. I did 80 hours of break in with Youtube videos on full volume. Before the break-in they were incredibly tinny, but now sound beautiful. The AKG's are the best headphones I've ever had the pleasure to listen to, and I've tested quite a few. I play a lot of Call of Duty, and they just can't be beat. The Q701's are also amazing, but they're a bit bassier and more for music than anything else. The K702's are much better for Call of Duty games and the like.
 
--
 
Microphone:
 
1. Behringer Xenyx 802 Microphone Mixer: http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-802-Premium-8-Input-Preamps/dp/B000J5XS3C/
2. Sendt XLR Male/Female 24 AWG Cable: http://www.amazon.com/Sendt-Foot-Female-Microphone-cable/dp/B008B2AA1I/
3. Ugreen 3.5mm TRS/4.5mm TS Mono Splitter Cable: http://www.amazon.com/Y-Cable-Splitter-Computer-Multimedia-Speakers/dp/B00ZKM3S4S/
4a. Behringer C-3 Microphone: http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-C-3-BEHRINGER/dp/B000KUA8EI/
4b. If you really want quality, go for the Audio-Technica AT2020 Microphone for $40 more: http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0006H92QK/
 
The microphone setup has been a hassle. Phantom power alone is not a workable solution for activating these microphones sufficiently for the Astro Mixamp on console gaming platforms. I tried, and it didn't work. Initially I attempted to power the microphone with a Behringer PS400 phantom power supply. It didn't come close to meeting the impedence of the microphone, and the signal to the Astro Mixamp was distorted and no one could understand me. I wanted a standalone microphone, not a clip-on boom microphone, so I could have it sit on my desk and never have to mess with it. 
 
There may be cheaper options for the Mic Mixer, but this one is beautiful and does everything I need it to do. The sound is crisp and clear for my party members. It actually does a relatively good job at drowning out noise, but it'll pick up a lot more than a standard headset mic would so be careful if you go this route.
 
--
 
Note 1: Make sure you grab some good quality foam microphone windshields to drown out ambient sounds from A/C, fans, drafts, etc. 
Note 2: If you snag a pair of the Superlux's, make sure to grab some replacement ear covers because the covers they come stock with are pretty worthless. I grabbed these: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLPRQMO/
 
This isn't a cheap setup, but I love it and it's mine and it works amazingly.
 
--
 
There is no doubt this setup would never have come into fruition if not for the help of all of you audiophile know-it-alls. Thank you so much, this forum is ****ing amazing!

 

[Hansotek]

Hi after reading endless threads and posts all over the net. I've narrowed it down to x2, hd598 maybe get hd558 and mod them to be hd598 seems way enough. For ps4 mixamp and boom pro. Are the x2 so much better than the hd598 or modded hd558's to warrant the extra cash? I like the look of the x2 more than the hd598's. They are not ugly just remind me of a 1970's car interior. All help greatly received.

I second MLE and Purple Angel's comments - the Philips Fidelios will serve you much better than the HD598. I still use the X1 all the time for gaming. I sold the HD598 a long time ago.

 

[Mr Bee]

Yeah I value all your opinions I am now definitely going for the x2's. I'm going to order the boom pro tomorrow and the mixamps ready and waiting. Just seen some x2's on coolshop.co.uk but seen a lot of bad feedback for the site and apparently they are a Danish company?? Any one ordered from these? If they are bandits I'll bide my time till I can get a good deal elsewhere.

 

[Evshrug]

HOLY CRAP CMCLND!
You, sir, win the title of adapter-master!

What kind of mic/chat setup would you use with an XBOne, eh? Just in case you feel like tackling another challenge

 

[trogdor796]

A bit of an add on to what evshrug asked, what's the difference between that mixamp linked and the white one that's labeled as for Xbox one? Do you honestly need two different ones, one for each console?

 

[Yethal]

Hi after reading endless threads and posts all over the net. I've narrowed it down to x2, hd598 maybe get hd558 and mod them to be hd598 seems way enough. For ps4 mixamp and boom pro. Are the x2 so much better than the hd598 or modded hd558's to warrant the extra cash? I like the look of the x2 more than the hd598's. They are not ugly just remind me of a 1970's car interior. All help greatly received.

X2 will be easier to connect to the boompro

 

[Mr Bee]

X2 will be easier to connect to the boompro

Yes thanks. I bought the adapter for the sennheiser just in case. But I'm going for the x2's now

 

[Yethal]

A bit of an add on to what evshrug asked, what's the difference between that mixamp linked and the white one that's labeled as for Xbox one? Do you honestly need two different ones, one for each console?

The new mixamp TR has usb chat functionality for XB1. However it is now either XB1 or PS4 compatible. Not both at once.

I have a strange feeling that you guys are trying to shame me into buying an X2.

 

[cmclnd]

HOLY CRAP CMCLND!
You, sir, win the title of adapter-master!

What kind of mic/chat setup would you use with an XBOne, eh? Just in case you feel like tackling another challenge

 
I'm not familiar with the Xbox One but assuming the USB ports function much the same as the Playstation 4 I'd do the exact same thing, except instead of the Astro Mixamp TR Pro for PS4, I'd get the Astro Mixamp TR Pro for Xbox One.

 

[cmclnd]

A bit of an add on to what evshrug asked, what's the difference between that mixamp linked and the white one that's labeled as for Xbox one? Do you honestly need two different ones, one for each console?

 
Yes. I'm not entirely sure why, but if I was going to wager a guess it'd have something to do with voice chat.

 

[cmclnd]

I'm wondering if it a microphone preamp might clean up the mic sound a bit. Any advice on this front?