What headset to pick?

[Snixs]

Hi there.

I've recently started looking for a new headset, my current Sennhesier 350 PC is completely worn out.

Thing is, i don't know what's hot, and whats best anymore? I use it for different types of FPS games, movies, music and talking to friends.
I've been glad for my sennheiser, but i need some change for good.

But i've also start wondering: Do you need a soundcard now adays, to get the ultimate sound? My budget is about 120£, so anything you guys would like to suggest?

- I really would like a headset that goes all around your ears, and completely cover them (:

[Raykus]

Integrated audio should be okay inside that budget, unless it's of particularly low quality.

Stay away from USB-connected and "surround" headsets, often advertised as gaming or 5.1 headset. I'm not familiar with UK stores and headsets in that particular price range, so maybe someone else can give accurate recommendations.

[Nunally]

Sennheiser PC360 in that case. You LOVED your PC350. Why the need for a change. I have them too, and I can't imagine myself ever of switching again unless I feel the need to go with the 360 just cos i want a newer model

Most comfiest headset I've ever owned and the sound quality is amazing. As I'm sure you know.

[DeltrusDisc]

Sennheiser PC360 in that case. You LOVED your PC350. Why the need for a change. I have them too, and I can't imagine myself ever of switching again unless I feel the need to go with the 360 just cos i want a newer model

Most comfiest headset I've ever owned and the sound quality is amazing. As I'm sure you know.

This or if you want something cheaper but still great quality, I could suggest a slew of $100-200 headphones with an attachable Zalman $9 mic that should give you the same experience or perhaps even better!

[Xuvial]

Indeed, you probably didn't know that PC350 is still probably one of the best headsets out there in terms of sound quality and comfort. This is Sennheiser we're talking about. If you've managed to wear-out your PC350's (you must've used it a LOT lol) the natural upgrade would be PC360. They seem to be deactivated/out of stock in some stores though.

Or even better, do what Delt said and buy some excellent stereo headphones + seperate mic. You seem to use headphones quite a lot. To get the "ultimate sound" obviously a dedicated sound card will be vastly better than onboard, but decent soundcards definitely don't come cheap and combined with a decent headphones it could send you back a good 200-250£

[Mortalis71]

I really prefer headphones + seperate mic, but if you prefer headsets I am sure you would like the corsair or steelseries headsets. I have heard alot of good things about the Steelseries 7H, that would be my suggestion. I like my HD555 but it's discontinued, I would maybe look into the HD558 I believe is what it's called + a seperate desktop or attachable microphone. The HD555s are extremly comfortable I love them

[Xuvial]

I would maybe look into the HD558 I believe is what it's called + a seperate desktop or attachable microphone.

^ my exact setup (plus Xonar STX), works like a charm

I am however saving up quite a bit of cash to get a high-end 2.1 speaker setup (or maybe really high-end headphones) that does better justice to that soundcard.

[R4yn0r]

I'm using the HD558 aswell with a Xonar DX... can't get any better for that price

[DeltrusDisc]

I'm using the HD558 aswell with a Xonar DX... can't get any better for that price

Well your headphones are not getting properly powered/driven, unless you have an external headphone amp, but yeah, it's a kickass setup.

I personally am running a Xonar DX with 2x Samson MediaOne 3A studio monitors, paired up with Logitech Z2300 THX 2.1 speakers, and then a 5th speaker being an Event TR5 monitor. All 5.1 with Xonar DX Audio Center set to 2 channels - sounds bloody amazing and gets gorgeously loud with crisp clean reproduction of the music. I do plan to at some point however upgrade the Logitech speakers and perhaps everything.

I use Shure SRH440 headphones however, with a clip-on Zalman $9 mic. Great setup and works well.

[Marest]

Well your headphones are not getting properly powered/driven, unless you have an external headphone amp.

I would have to disagree (at least partially). A pair of HD 558 paired with a stand alone sound card like the Xonar DX will sound amazing. Sure, it will sound better with an amp, but not nearly good enough to justify purchasing one (at least not a decent one for say $200-300). After all, the HD 558's are only 50Ω and not that hard to drive "properly".

[Xuvial]

HD558's don't need amping at all, they're only 50Ω impedence. Very easily powered by non-amp soundcards, onboard sound and even MP3 players (my Cowon J3 can certainly do it). Generally the higher-end stuff like HD600 or HD700 series (150-300Ω) is where you need amping.

edit: gah Marest beat me to it.

[DeltrusDisc]

I stand corrected!

---------- Post added 2012-05-08 at 02:42 PM ----------

Should also mention, if I'd known that HD 558s and the like at that power level could be fine without an amp, I would have totally bought a pair instead of my SRH 440s. =/

[theorangebox]

Hello there! As OP i'm also looking for a good headset, but i'd like to stay low budget 100-150 dollars, also, how good are Wireless headsets compared to standard ones?

Does anyone perhaps know a good one? because I usually wreck the wire on my headsets within 2 weeks.

[Marest]

Does anyone perhaps know a good one? because I usually wreck the wire on my headsets within 2 weeks.

Headsets =/ headphones.

If you have trouble with the wire or the microphone breaking on your headsets, I'd suggest swapping teams and go for a good pair of cans instead (headphones) and a stand alone microphone.

For ~$100-150 budget I'd personally get a pair of Grado SR60i and a Zalman MIC1, but the SR60i's aren't the most comfortable cans. Instead, for long gaming sessions, I'd recommend the Audio Technica ATH-AD700.