Gaming headphones or headset?

[SirFelixCat]

So, I'm reading thru some of the other threads, coupled with various reviews and it seems that the "smarter" way to go is getting a solid (read: reasonably priced) pair of headphones and using a decent clip-on mic. Agree or disagree?

I have invested in a pretty great rig recently and have decided that headphones/headset is the way I want to go, as opposed to a speaker system. That being said, the name "Sennheiser" keeps coming up, esp. in regards to the 555's. They may be a touch more than I was hoping to spend.

So, with that in mind, anyone have anything to say, good or bad, about the Sennheiser HD 485's? I know what I've read on newegg, but I tend to take that with a grain of salt. I'd appreciate some feedback. Oh, and I should mention that they'll be plugged into an X-Fi XtremeGamer soundcard and will be primarily used for gaming & listening to music (either thru the x-fi or an ipod).

Thanks, as always, y'all.

 

[Never Knows Best]

Well for me I have a audigy2zs platinum and I have been through a lot of different headsets. I have had Sennheiser PC 150 and it was a good headset, but the only problem was the fact I would sometimes roll over the cord with my chair. The speaker wires were thick enough that I never lost sound in either ear. I did however sever or pinch the microphone wire which was much thinner then the speaker wires.

I have had this problem with other headsets too. I try to keep from rolling over it, but eventually I accidentally do and once is all it takes some times.

For gaming sound quality a xfi or audigy with simulated surround sound is very good, but it just doesn't match what 5.1 headsets can offer. I currently have a Medusa 5.1 pro gamer headset. Uses 4 stereo jacks for 5.1 and mic and plugs into a usb slot for power. I would recommend this one, but recently they redesigned it so you can't remove the microphone boom, which was one of the best features. It has 4 speakers per ear with a 40mm sub. With an audigy you can set the bass management to the subs specs of 10-120hz. It gives a great bass that no normal 2 speaker headset can give.

What I recommend is that you go to a local best buy if your near one and pick up a decent headset and buy a replacement plan. Almost all headphones headsets have some design defects so it's usually just a matter of time before they fail in some way. I got a nice altec lansing headset that sounded great and the mic was very clear. Only problem was the headphones were held on with 3 plastic tabs that would sheer off if you dropped them from even 12-6 inches. The replacement plan saved me a lot as I had to replace it I think 4 times before I finally gave it away and bought the medusa headset.

 

[Ika]

Best Buy usually carries some really crap headphones.

Listen to a pair of Bose Triports. Sound good, right? Take that $150 and chop it into three. You can get three better pairs of headphones than the Triports for the same price (meaning, Triports are about 3x as expensive as they should be).

I don't know much about the Sennheiser line below the 555s, but I do know that the Audio-Technica A500 will be a great buy for you. Pick that up from AUdiocubes, then get a Zalman clip-on mic from somewhere, and you'll be set.

If you absolutely need to get a headset with an attached mic, then get a Sennheiser PC150 or PC165.

 

[schneiderguy]

I got the HD485's for christmas and they sounded pretty good to me going through my onboard sound

Then, I installed my X-fi XtremeMusic. BF2 sounds AMAZING compared to my old headphones and using onboard sound. I havent really tried listening to music yet, but games sound great through them (especially since I only paid $65 for them )

 

[SirFelixCat]

Originally posted by: schneiderguy
I got the HD485's for christmas and they sounded pretty good to me going through my onboard sound

Then, I installed my X-fi XtremeMusic. BF2 sounds AMAZING compared to my old headphones and using onboard sound. I havent really tried listening to music yet, but games sound great through them (especially since I only paid $65 for them )

Where from? And seeing as they are open cans, how well do they leak sound in/out? Any and all help on those would be really appreciated!