Panasonic or Sony under 100?

[nuker47]

Hi, i've checked all the threads about gaming cans on this forum, but most people recommend things that are out of my budget 100< (since I live in Canada and most US stores charge $30+ to deliver a smallest thing here, no wonder - we are still a colony). Besides I have two preferred brands - sony or panasonic. I'm not hardcore gamer, and would use them for movies, music etc, but gaming is an important part.

thus I've narrowed it down to
Panasonic RP-HTX7 (looks great, but I doubt about their soundstage capabilities, like for fps games etc)

Sony MDRXD400 seem OK for my needs, but not enough reviews, can get them for $80ca shipped

or Sony MDR-SA1000

any advice is highly appreciated

 

[F107plus5]

...or Sony MDR-V6.

I hadn't thought about them for their soundstage since I don't use cans for gaming, but the V6 are within your price range and are a really rugged set of phones with lots of good history.

In this case the search function using MDR-V6 specifically may gather a hit.

Or perhaps someone with firsthand knowledge of the soundstage with these or the very similar MDR-7506 could give some input.

 

[noypi]

how about canal phones like the sony ex-90??

 

[nuker47]

Quote:

Originally Posted by noypi /img/forum/go_quote.gif how about canal phones like the sony ex-90??

Hm, look way too small, dont think they would do the job

F107plus5 thanks for the hint, but it looks like they would not cover my ears completely, yet I'm wondering about Sony MDR-V600 - they are the same in price, but v600 is full size.
anyone with any knowledge or experience with this one?

 

[F107plus5]

I've never heard either the V6 or the V600, but the word all up and down this forum is that the V600 is to be avoided. Not even worth a look.

 

[nuker47]

F107plus5 thanks for the warning! Yes, they do look kinda "low-end", if you know what I mean

. But thats kinda bad since I'm back to square one and my original options - I can get the panasonic RP-HTX7 locally - they do look nice, solid retro cans, but the tech specks are not as promising at all, even though it's a new model.

So I'm rather more into old-good Sony MDRXD400 - a friend of mine got them a few years ago (the funny thing is that was me who advised him to buy them) and he uses them the exact same way I'm going to use mine - gaming via Creative X-fi (he has Fatal1ty and I have Xtrememusic) card, movies, and some mp3s. He is in no way an audiophile and lives in europe so it's just his words on how good those cans are.

Finally there is Sony SA1000, not as great as SA5000 but I've heard a lot of good things about them. A bit more pricey than Sony MDRXD400 but I can handle it if they are good for my purposes.

 

[guzziguy]

I have a pair of Panasonic RP-HTX7 headphones. They are great sounding for the money. I'm not a gamer so I can't comment on whether they have enough soundstage for you there. I suspect that they'll have as much soundstage as other closed headphones in your price range.

 

[tbonner1]

Why these two brands? The Sony SA-1000 is bass challenged.

 

[nuker47]

Quote:

Originally Posted by guzziguy /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have a pair of Panasonic RP-HTX7 headphones. They are great sounding for the money. I'm not a gamer so I can't comment on whether they have enough soundstage for you there. I suspect that they'll have as much soundstage as other closed headphones in your price range.

I'm comparing them to sony MDRXD400, specs-wise they are lose-lose to sony in any regard, but I know paper specs are nothing, it's all about actual experience.
Thats very unfortunate you cant comment on their gaming performance, as it would help me to make a move.

2 tbonner1 - what do you mean by bass challenged, mind to elaborate?

 

[tbonner1]

In general, gamers like the visceral impact of deep bass to enhance the experience. Headphones that do not deliver the bottom octave are not considered in the top level of game headphones.

The Sony headphones you mentioned have a hard time delivering deep bass.

Please ask more questions so we can assist you.

 

[nuker47]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbonner1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif In general, gamers like the visceral impact of deep bass to enhance the experience. Headphones that do not deliver the bottom octave are not considered in the top level of game headphones. The Sony headphones you mentioned have a hard time delivering deep bass. Please ask more questions so we can assist you.

Oh, thank you for the explanation, tbonner1, I did not know that. Do you know if MDRXD400 has the same difficulties? As I recall, friend of mine that owns them, told me the bass is very good, like artillery strikes in games sound very impressive.

 

[nuker47]

so? anyone? thx

 

[ClieOS]

I'll say go for the RP-HTX7. It has an OK soundstage.

[EDIT] My review of HTX7 is in my signature.

 

[qazwsx]

I do know the SA1000's need a bassy amp otherwise they'll sound pretty shrill.

 

[grndslm]

Not familiar with the other models mentioned above, but the MDR-V6 is one heck of a can.

Durability, portability, awesome SQ, one long coily cord, about a 4 outta 10 in terms of soundstage, and a pretty comfortable headphone to boot.

I like it a lot... but its soundstage and comfort can't compare to the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700. However, the V6 whoops the AD700 in terms of bass, which is also pretty friggin' important in gaming.

Just depends on how much money you wanna spend, but the V6 is definitely one of the best "First real cans" you can find... period!