Looking for a decent Headphones/Mic combo

[alchemize]

I have a really cheap pair of headphones/mic from Radio Shack (the little earpiece covers keep falling off). I'm looking for a decent replacement pair but have only found "audiophile" comments so far in my searches.

Any thoughts on a decent pair to use for internet-phone and listening to games/MP3's? Looking to spend in the range of $20-50

 

[ojai00]

I have a pair of Labtec's Axis 302s, and they're pretty good. Labtec's Headsets. I believe Plantronics makes the best headsets, but they cost a lot (about $90-100)!. Hope this helps.

 

[rondeemc]

I have a pair of Plantronics HS1 that i picked up for $25 from amazon. Love them. They have very good base for the price and the mic is excellent for gaming (AOE). My kids use a Telex model but the quality is not the same. If you can find the HS1. Here is one source for them

HP store $24

 

[LoneWolf1]

Another vote for the Plantronics HS-1

 

[Maetryx]

<< If you can find the HS1. Here is one source for them HP store $24 >>



Is that a legitimate store? It's wierd because it's HP but through the Yahoo shopping frame. Does HP use Yahoo Shopping? Seems fishy.

 

[rondeemc]

Good point about the HP. I just did a search on yahoo and that came up. I did not think about it because it looked just like there site. There is always the number:

1-800-613-2222
Mon-Fri 5am-6pm PST

 

[alchemize]

I love newegg

Plantronics LS1 for $31 shipped... Text

Big difference between the LS1 and HS1?

 

[rondeemc]

Big difference between the LS1 and HS1?

I love newegg also but the ls1 is inferior to the HS1. I originally had the LS1 and took it back because of its poor sound quality. I replaced it with the HS1 and have been very satisfied...they are in completely different sound quality classes. The mics perform in a similiar fashion. I have the FPS 2000 cambridge speakers and use the headphones as a replacement when to family is asleep. For the same price the HS1's are a no-brainer. Almost everyone agrees that Plantronics is the leader in mic performance.

 

[rondeemc]

Plantronics description:
Plantronics Model HS1 offers hi-fi stereo for the ultimate
multimedia experience. 40mm speakers with dynamic bass response enhance multimedia games and music. The high-sensitivity microphone minimizes distortion and cancels background noise. The unique QuickAdjust? microphone ensures perfect placement. Model HS1 features a convenient volume control and microphone on/off switch. Padded circumaural earmuffs and soft, hypoallergenic ear cushions provide ultimate comfort. Plantronics Model HS1 is stress-engineered for durability. The stylish new design features revolutionary elastomer materials and cool color accents. Plantronics Model HS1 enhances all your business and entertainment applications, including speech recognition, Internet telephony, listening to CDs, and playing games.

Features:

Hi-Fi stereo sound
Volume control and microphone on/off switch
Retractable microphone boom
Dynamic bass response
Noise-canceling speech recognition microphone
QuickAdjust? microphone boom

 

[alchemize]

Just when I thought I had a decision made...I read amazon reviews

Seems the biggest complaint on the HS1's is comfort (too tight, not adjustable enough). Too bad I can't find these locally to try on first...or can I...anyone seen them in a Best Buy/etc?

 

[rondeemc]

I have seen the comments about comfort also. I have a moderate size head and a friend that has them is fairly large. We both think they are fine, more of just adjusting them to suit your taste. I have seen them at Office Depot, Best Buy, etc. so you might be able to find them locally.

 

[maddmax]

Check out the Labtec 8550's at www.dirtcheapdrives.com They are my favorite in that price range. You may be able to find them cheaper tho.

 

[Dabappa]

I have the Telex H-51 Full Ear w/ Mic from Office Max, and have to agree the construction quality is on the poor side.

Sound is fine, and the mic was good until it quit. The malfunction is a short in the Mic mute/Sound Volume switch on the headset cord. I was able to open this and fix it once, but the wires are too fine to easily fix/bypass.

I will probably get a plantronics w/ boom mic or use a wireless headset with my labtec stand mic.

Good Luck,

 

[Trashman]

I had the HS1 from plantronics but took back....head is too big, they kept riding up...I got the LS1 and works much better for me....works great for voice, smaller and lightweight.
LS1 is the same one's used for the Microsoft gamevoice.