*TPU's Gaming Headphone/Headset Thread*

[OnBoard]

Originally Posted by Soylent Joe

Purchased a pair of HARX700's today...Hopefully they'll be worth the wait

They are, have them on head right now Just give 'em a good bit of burning, before too serious listening. 50h that I read is pretty spot on, needs that for the sound to mature.

Still haven't got to te review Well a quick one:
A bit heavy, but good headband, so they don't feel the weight they are. Ears will get hot, but knew that from my earlier Sonys. Might get semi open ones next time, if they'd keep a bit cooler.

So far anything I've thrown at these have sounded good. Movies with explosions and games with gunfire especially. High end could be better, but then these phones would have a zero in the end of price

[Soylent Joe]

So should I put some music on full blast and just let them sit there for an hour or two?

Edit: Saw 50H, thanks.

[Kursah]

That's what many do for break-in, but for dozens or even hundreds of hours on higher end headphones. I personally just ran mine, I did notice after about a week of good listening that they seemed to have a better bass line, the felt mod helped bring out the hi's a little bit, but beyond that my 700's have sounded damn good from day one, especially for the price.

Just plug em' in and go! Looking forward to the future reviews submitted in this thread, keep us posted!

[Zubasa]

I am using my Sony MBR-XB500 right now, from my limited experience on head phones, they sound really good for the money.

[johnspack]

After I've burnt out, overused, or upgraded any of my other computer components, my turtle beach hpa2 rev2s will still be hanging on my gaming neck! If you can handle playing with x-fi's control panel and the thx control panel at the same time, and for every game ect, then this thing for well under $100can ($80can in my case) after taxes and delivered(if you use a good supplier like ncix.com) is the best dam true 5.1 gaming headset you can buy. Hands down. Bass is rich and as hard as you want. Positional sound is very good, much better than I expected from a headset! They will only pry these from my cold, dead, hands.....

[inferKNOX]

I've just sent for the Roccat Kave's, so will update you all on how they behave soon. No doubt it will be phenomenal if the reviews are anything to go by!

[Soylent Joe]

I got my HARX700's today, 5 days ahead of schedule (buy.com is da shiznit). They kind of squeeze my head, and it's awkward having my whole ear in the cup. Sound isn't that impressive, but they're burning in as I type. Kind of tweaking the settings around a little bit, can anyone recommend what needs to be turned on (in the advanced sound options)? And oh, they're huge

[Kursah]

For onboard you'll need a pretty steep V EQ for sure. Remember we told ya to try em' out with onboard and consider a sound card at a later date. But just run em, listen to em, tweak them to make the sound how ya want...if you can't find that sound, odds are you need more power going to them.

[suraswami]

I ordered this yesterday and will be getting it today

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...Y3A-_-26279003

has a $15 off coupon too

EMCMNNX67, final price including tax is only $27. Got some good reviews.

I will post my experience with it here tonight or tomorrow.

Nice thread

[OnBoard]

Originally Posted by Soylent Joe

I got my HARX700's today, 5 days ahead of schedule (buy.com is da shiznit). They kind of squeeze my head, and it's awkward having my whole ear in the cup. Sound isn't that impressive, but they're burning in as I type. Kind of tweaking the settings around a little bit, can anyone recommend what needs to be turned on (in the advanced sound options)? And oh, they're huge

The squeezing of head don't probably happen anymore, that was a couple first days thing. Remember the grip quite well, but now these are just snug.

For the EQ something like -v/ = bottom level, middle dib and highs a bit of gain. I keep mine as is as I don't like the onboard realtek panel and movies have a nice clear speech. Even winamp has default settings, it's not bad once they've burned in (now that I mentioned had to tweak a bit).

preamp +2db / 600 -2 / 1k -4 / 3k -2 / 14k +2 / 16k +4 / others 0

Sounds quite good and big difference :-o EQ off/on is like listening to small radio/good stereo system

[suraswami]

Watched Pearl Harbor movie with PowerDVD on Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit.

These are my ratings when compared to my old CyberHome 5.1 ch headset.

ABS vs CyberHome
Bass - 9 - 6
Treble - 9 - 6
Sound separation - 9 - 9 (used PowerDVD built in decoder with 8 ch output for ABS and SPDIF output for CyberHome to decode in 5.1ch)
Volume - 9 - 7
THX optimizer - 10 - 6 (left rear didn't work properly on the cyberhome, may be getting old?)
Clarity in voice with all the noise in the background - 9 - 8
Cord Length - 10 - 10
Comfort - 8 - 10 (can wear it probably for 1+ hrs on the ABS, but can watch a whole 3 hr movie or gaming with no hurting on the Cyberhome), ABS needs extra firm padding, ears touch the internal foam which is very light and so touches the speakers which starts to hurt the ears.
Number of speakers (not sure just visual) - ABS 1 + 1, Cyberhome - 3 + 3

8 ch configuration in W7 sounds better than 6ch.

DTS works on ABS, Cyberhome cannot decode DTS (but its not a fault, just the decoder)

In W7, to install the driver or not is upto the user. If you install driver it installs Cmedia drivers which I guess is the chip for this headset.

Music - Sounds better when compared to Cyberhome 5.1 or Panasonic 2 ch headphones.

Swami blessed? Yes - if the price is below $30. Not worth the full price. I would look at other options which might be comfortable to wear long hrs.

Only disadvantage I see is can't be used with a portable DVD player or mp3 player because of USB connection.

Overall experience - Positive.

I might use for few more days and if it still hurts I might return it and get a Tritton instead.

[AphexDreamer]

I just got my ABS FX 7 and installed what came on the CD and relized that I am no longer using my X fi Card to enhance the sound since its USB and does not plug into it. The sad thing is that I see no way to alter any sound settings besides the windows default for my new 7.1 soursound headset.

My questions are.... Can I use my X fi to enhance my USB headset or is there some software I missed out on for this headset?

I played a game in 7.1 using my headset and it didn't sound like it was in 7.1 Windows Sound is set to 7.1 though. I think its the same ABS posted above.

OK never mind I know the answer to my second question. The software is there but every time I open it it crashes my Computer. Running WIndows 7 64 bit.

Ok I think I installed it wrong. SHould Work now.

[AphexDreamer]

Ok I can't get the software to work for crap? Help?

[Kantastic]

Sennheiser PC151 - : -

The Good:

• In-Line Volume/Mic Mute
• Crystal Clear Mic
• Good Bass

The Bad:

• Uncomfortable after a certain amount of time due to the nature of the headphones.
• Thin cord, thinner than my first $12 eBay headset.
• Mediocre build quality.
• Expensive.

The Review:

I bought this headset on impulse and never looked back. It's relatively comfortable, but due to the way the earcups are this can be different from person to person. With all headphones/headsets you will bound to experience a little discomfort. The bass is great, I've always used the cheapest of the cheapest audio equipment because I never gave a crap about audio, but this really changed my perspective. The microphone on this is crisp and clear, I recorded myself and there was little to no background noise at all. The mic is also adjustable so you can set it as close or as far away from your mouth as possible. Unfortunately, the cord is THIN! Emphasis on THIN!! If you buy these you better be careful with them, I tripped over them just now and they broke.

Summary: I'm going to grab myself a Sennheiser HD555 in a moment and a desktop microphone, headsets are great and all but the quality just doesn't cut. If you're looking at Razer, more specifically the Razer Piranha then go for these instead. Same exact shape and specs, but I have no need for cheap LED lighting and prefer Sennheiser quality, or sound quality to be exact because the build quality was lacking.

[Kursah]

Nice job on the review, I had considered those a time or two in my last few runs of purchases but never did. Good to know about the cord too.

I've heard good about the HD555's too. I'm really enjoying my JVC's, the HARX700's and HADX3's. Recently started listening to the DX3's some more as they're a little more laid back but more detailed and comfortable. The 700's are in your face, tons of bass, but can wear on you after a few hours as far as comfort goes. I'm happy because both of them treat me really well and I'm at the point I have no need to buy anything else. Though between the two, the 700's get the most play time overall, I figure I'll give the DX3's a run for a while.

Again, nice review, looking forward to your future reviews! And to anyone else that feels like donating their 2 cents to this thread!

[Mussels]

Originally Posted by Kantastic

[B]
Summary: I'm going to grab myself a Sennheiser HD555 in a moment and a desktop microphone, headsets are great and all but the quality just doesn't cut. If you're looking at Razer, more specifically the Razer Piranha then go for these instead. Same exact shape and specs, but I have no need for cheap LED lighting and prefer Sennheiser quality, or sound quality to be exact because the build quality was lacking. [/I]

i've got 555's. they're awesome.


What i do for a mic, is i got a thin headset, and either sit it over the top of my 555's, or just have it sitting around my neck with the mic pointing up.

Sure its not the most comfortable, but it gives much better mic quality than yelling at a mic on the desk.

[Kursah]

I gotta say after a couple solid weeks of using these JVC HA-DX3's, they've really grown on me. Different tuning of the EQ, and the extra comfort, and more play time has really made them shine. I've even swapped my HPA2 mic boom over since they have a bit more depth and openenness to them for a closed headphone...even though they're an older design and a smaller ear cup lol.

Might have to add a part III to my DX3 review after a couple more weeks. The bass has really improved, while it still doesn't have quite the clear and hard punch the RX700's do, it's come a long way and is a lot more well rounded into the rest of the overall sound. So yeah I'm glad I got em', still think they're not worth a dime over $70-80, but they do sound damn good when driven well. No way you'd wanna even try these using onboard on MB's or laptops, or even lower end MP3 player. No chance of making them sound good, but my Auzen's amp has really done a nice job of making them sound very good without needing extra crap on my PC desk!

[johnspack]

Some people may thing hpa2s are crap, I love mine, they friggin work. I know there's better, but you'll pay a lot more money!

[douglatins]

hey you should put this on the first post

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/per...ming-headset/1

[Kursah]

Added. Some good info on newer models of gaming headsets..worth a read for sure.

[douglatins]

Originally Posted by Mussels

i've got 555's. they're awesome.


What i do for a mic, is i got a thin headset, and either sit it over the top of my 555's, or just have it sitting around my neck with the mic pointing up.

Sure its not the most comfortable, but it gives much better mic quality than yelling at a mic on the desk.

I sometimes hang my mic in my glasses.

Another thing, i was thinking about getting a Sonar D2 or another up to 100$ sound card, though most if not all of my use is in a headphone, so a sound card goes well with a headset or just waste?

Those H555 seem awesome but they aren't black and dont have a mic

[Frederik S]

Originally Posted by douglatins

hey you should put this on the first post

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/per...ming-headset/1

Good bass and midrange in the sub $100 range would be the Audio-technica AD700s plus any clip-on microphone. Incomparable sound quality to any "gaming grade" headset I have ever heard. They cost around $85 on amazon and for $15 you can easily get a decent clip-on microphone.

After hearing the awful sounding Fatal1ty headset I have severe doubts that a headset from creative sporting the same driver in a similarly shaped cup can sound anything but horrible.

The Plantronics and SS headset are alright, but hardly headsets that are anywhere near good value. The Logitech set is equally non-impressive.

I would suggest anyone looking for a new headset to go to a shop try out the headphones they have there and pic the one that sounds the best to them. For around $100 you have a gazillion choice, and most of the real headphones have way better sound quality than any of the headsets available today.

Cheers,
Fred

[Kursah]

Originally Posted by Frederik S

I would suggest anyone looking for a new headset to go to a shop try out the headphones they have there and pic the one that sounds the best to them. For around $100 you have a gazillion choice, and most of the real headphones have way better sound quality than any of the headsets available today.

QFT, hell even my $33 JVC HARX700's kick serious ass compared to my coveted Turtle Beach HPA2's, without contest, though it also helps to have a decent source. Onboard just won't cut it for may good headphones, where-as headsets with the crappy drivers are easier to drive and suffice for many. Sure onboard audio can do OK, it'll never do good or even great in comparison to the output an old X-Fi card can do, this I know from experience...but if you already have a decent sound card (and not an extra gimmick x-fi packaged with the mb), you owe it to yourself to shop for headphones and add a mic to it instead of going for a headset...very much worth it. I spent around $50-60 total for the HARX700's + TB HPA2 mic + 12ft of 3.5mm cord shipped...worth every penny.

[pjladyfox]

Name: Razer Barracuda
Time of Ownership: 3 years - currently hoping to replace soon
Replacements: 3, on third pair. One had a speaker that buzzed (swapped at store), second the lighting completely failed (warranty replacement), third has had earpads fall off due to glue failure (current set, out of warranty; repaired by re-gluing foam to mount)

Pros: True 5.1 audio connection (not emulated via USB), 5.1 analog connectors, very good positional audio during gameplay or movies that support 5.1 audio, individual volume control for all speakers, VERY loud volume using either X-Fi or onboard audio, comfortable for up to 2 hours of gameplay

Cons: Very poor build quality, not very durable (earpads came off after about a year), very little bass, start to feel tight across the upper part of the ear after about 2 hours, can be hot during the summer, mic not very responsive and requires mic volume to be adjusted to max on sound card to be heard.


Name: Logitech Premium Notebook Folding Headset
Time of Ownership: 2 1/2 years - use at work when at desk
Replacements: none, still on primary headset

Pros: Folds up for easy packing during trips, mic highly adjustable, can be used with analog connectors or included USB sound card, comfortable during both hot and cold weather, good sound for non-surround gaming, good sound for music and movies

Cons: Not very durable (cover on inside of headset right speaker pops off occasionaly), bass is not very responsive, VERY uncomfortable after about an hour due to tabs that support headset due to behind the ear design


Name: Logitech Digital Precision PC Gaming Headset
Time of Ownership: 1 week - gave away to someone who admired them with threat never to give back
Replacements: None.

Pros: Inexpensive, behind-the-ear design

Cons: Extremly uncomfortable for more than a 1/2 hour, terrible sound, mic not very responsive


Name: Speed-Link Medusa 5.1 (also sold under the Triton 5.1 and CyberSnipa Sonar 5.1 label)
Time of Ownership: 1 year - sold off to get Razer headset
Replacements: None.

Pros: True 5.1 audio connection (not emulated via USB), 5.1 analog connectors, very good positional audio during gameplay or movies that support 5.1 audio, comfortable for long hours of gameplay, solid construction, came with carrying case

Cons: VERY heavy and had a tendency to slip off of head frequently, VERY hot during the summer months due to ear padding


Other notes: I've tried several USB-based headsets over the years that emulate 5.1 audio and without fail they have always had problems sooner or later. From games that would crash, overly sensitive mics, poor voice quality, poor build quality dying after a year, poor audio quality, or would cause the system to lockup I have yet to find a USB-based headset that was worth the materials it was made from. Maybe I've just had terrible luck but if I'm going to spend upwards to $150 for a headset it had better be very durable, good mic and audio quality, and comfortable year-round. The fustrating part is that not many 5.1 analog headsets exist which only reinforces the mindset that companies would prefer to cheap out with crappy emulated USB, bypassing those who have better sound cards, instead of putting out a nice analog one.


Current prospects for new headset: Turtle Beach Ear Force HPA2, Psyko 5.1 PC Gaming Headset, Sharkoon X-Tatic Digital 5.1, ROCCAT Kave

[AddSub]

Originally Posted by pjladyfox

Name: Razer Barracuda
Time of Ownership: 3 years - currently hoping to replace soon
Replacements: 3, on third pair. One had a speaker that buzzed (swapped at store), second the lighting completely failed (warranty replacement), third has had earpads fall off due to glue failure (current set, out of warranty; repaired by re-gluing foam to mount)

Pros: True 5.1 audio connection (not emulated via USB), 5.1 analog connectors, very good positional audio during gameplay or movies that support 5.1 audio, individual volume control for all speakers, VERY loud volume using either X-Fi or onboard audio, comfortable for up to 2 hours of gameplay

Cons: Very poor build quality, not very durable (earpads came off after about a year), very little bass, start to feel tight across the upper part of the ear after about 2 hours, can be hot during the summer, mic not very responsive and requires mic volume to be adjusted to max on sound card to be heard.

Darn, Razer Barracuda's are that bad eh? I was about to buy them just now (they are on sale in several places) but I decided to do some research first. From what I see on Newegg, many reviewers say the same thing about build quality and how it is indeed very poor. But then again, I never had headphones that I didn't damage/break inside of a year at the most, so I guess that doesn't matter as far as I'm concerned. I do like my bass though. Each of the three sets you owned had bass issues?

I googled all the 5.1 sets you listed but most of them are nowhere to be found. Even on eBay and Amazon marketplace. Also, the CyberSnipa Sonar 5.1 you said were rebranded Speed-Link Medusa 5.1, I'm not sure about that. The few reviews I found on CyberSnipa set (OCIA.net and TechWareLabs) show them to be USB based and Medusa ones are not.

I really want to get some decent 5.1/7.1 gaming headphones and Razer Barracuda's seemed really nice, especially since they are not of the cra**y USB based type. I mean, I got a really nice dedicated sound card and I want to use it and it is probably way better than any trash they got handling all those USB cans.