Audiophile headphones to replace my Plantronics Gamecom Commanders

TheRealBeandip · Jan 8, 2015

I am looking for a very high end set of headphones. I prefer over ear sets and it will be used for music, movies, and gaming. I want the best quality possible when listening to music but I also need very good directional sound for when I play games. I have a budget of ~350 USD for the headset but I can go up to around 400 USD.

Sound card: Integrated IDT 92HD73E
Motherboard: MSI MS-7778 (Jasmine)

If It would help to upgrade my sound card I have no problem doing that.

The most important features will be

- High quality sound
- good directional audio
- comfort (these will be worn for long periods of time)
- noticeable upgrade from my current set

I use a desk mic so I do not need a built in one.

Popa2caps · Jan 8, 2015

Please if you can, go to a guitar center and try some of these on, They should have them. It will definitely help you choose the right cans.

I looked around for postings about what is the best Headphones for gaming and then Music. Tends to be a offset some what, Some people think of gaming as in hearing all the footsteps and then there is gaming to hear a good soundstage like RPG Music. I'm trying to find the right Phones, cause i would like to know as well. If you didn't make this i would be here in the same boat.

Premium Headphone Makers, 18 Headphone Brands Ranked from Worst to First
http

/time.com/74886/best-headphones/

Find the best link,

http

/head-phones.findthebest.com/?launch_filters=%5B%7B%22field%22%3A%22style%22%2C%22operator%22%3A%22%3D%22%2C%22value%22%3A%223%22%7D%5D

TheRealBeandip · Jan 8, 2015

Yeah I know for gaming and music theres a pretty big difference. I suppose what I am looking for is just the highest quality sound and good directional audio. The footsteps I can pickup my self, I want the directions to be accurate when it comes to gaming. But then I want the sound to be good for the best immersion possible. And then for music just the best sound I can get. Also I cant get to a guitar center, Im from a pretty small town and it doesnt have one. Actually the only electronics store we have is radioshack. Do you have any experience with the Sennheiser HD 600s? The biggest problem is not being able to test them myself, so I have to rely on advice. Last time I bought a pair I ended up buying and returning 3 until I found what I wanted. By the way never buy from PDP, I was happier with no sound.

Popa2caps · Jan 9, 2015

TheRealBeandip :

Ya no never had anything PDP, i only got my AKG K702's from Ebay, kinda like a good deal at the time and for 206$ i was not risking much.

http

/www.head-fi.org/products/

I found this site i'm using for headphones reviews, good site.

Here is what i learned from looking around the net,

Soundcard , Audio Interfaces, DAC, AMP,

If you plug the headphones to your computer and you feel your not getting a lot of sound, ( Like volume , you will need to add a quality amp to the signal. It should not hurt the sound, before going to your ears, Most times helps it.

Audio Interfaces would be used for people that want to hook up (Active Monitors ) Plus headphones in a studio work space, you can use a Audio Interface but not having active monitors, i don't see why you would need this. More for DAW computers.

DAC means ( Digital to analog converter) Just like code on the computer, the sound you have digital is all zeros and ones before going to your ears, that's where your sound card changes it to a analog signal so your ears can listen to it. The better the DAC the better the sound going to your headphones. It's not always the chip but all the PCB chips together.

Headphone amps just add MW to a signal to boost it, The way to tell if a headphone amp would be to turn the volume up and hear for headphone distortion, mind you only works with quality headphones.

PCI sound cards should not be looked at, unless you want added fx. Tell i find a site that says a soundcard would be better then a audio interface or amp +dac i'm sticking with my thought, I don't take ASUS and Creative to audiophile level, It'e more like the same level as to why RAM has colors and LEDs for no reason.

Start with Closed back headphones on that link at the top, Look at reviews for the price range, remember not always up to date. I did find a old deal with some 1k headphones for 349$ but it was Dec 29th missed it but 9 days. i'll look harder.

List of things you need
DAC + Headphones add a amp if you need the power to drive the cans.

i've seen this headphone a lot voted very good for closedback. I have never used closedback, my ears would go crazy.

PSB M4U 1

Beyerdynamic DT 770

For the DAC + AMP i'm looking into the Fiio e17 because i own a Fiio E09k and the E17 sits in the top and turns the AMP into a AMP DAC or something.

But i'm looking for a Audio Interface as well because i own 2 Mackie Mr8's and i would need something with a TRS or XLR input. Back to reviews

TheRealBeandip · Jan 9, 2015

Popa2caps :

TheRealBeandip :

Ya no never had anything PDP, i only got my AKG K702's from Ebay, kinda like a good deal at the time and for 206$ i was not risking much.

http

/www.head-fi.org/products/

I found this site i'm using for headphones reviews, good site.

Here is what i learned from looking around the net,

Soundcard , Audio Interfaces, DAC, AMP,

If you plug the headphones to your computer and you feel your not getting a lot of sound, ( Like volume , you will need to add a quality amp to the signal. It should not hurt the sound, before going to your ears, Most times helps it.

Audio Interfaces would be used for people that want to hook up (Active Monitors ) Plus headphones in a studio work space, you can use a Audio Interface but not having active monitors, i don't see why you would need this. More for DAW computers.

DAC means ( Digital to analog converter) Just like code on the computer, the sound you have digital is all zeros and ones before going to your ears, that's where your sound card changes it to a analog signal so your ears can listen to it. The better the DAC the better the sound going to your headphones. It's not always the chip but all the PCB chips together.

Headphone amps just add MW to a signal to boost it, The way to tell if a headphone amp would be to turn the volume up and hear for headphone distortion, mind you only works with quality headphones.

PCI sound cards should not be looked at, unless you want added fx. Tell i find a site that says a soundcard would be better then a audio interface or amp +dac i'm sticking with my thought, I don't take ASUS and Creative to audiophile level, It'e more like the same level as to why RAM has colors and LEDs for no reason.

Start with Closed back headphones on that link at the top, Look at reviews for the price range, remember not always up to date. I did find a old deal with some 1k headphones for 349$ but it was Dec 29th missed it but 9 days. i'll look harder.

List of things you need
DAC + Headphones add a amp if you need the power to drive the cans.

i've seen this headphone a lot voted very good for closedback. I have never used closedback, my ears would go crazy.

PSB M4U 1

Beyerdynamic DT 770

For the DAC + AMP i'm looking into the Fiio e17 because i own a Fiio E09k and the E17 sits in the top and turns the AMP into a AMP DAC or something.

But i'm looking for a Audio Interface as well because i own 2 Mackie Mr8's and i would need something with a TRS or XLR input. Back to reviews

Holy shit bro, youve been a big help so far, I really appreciate all of this.

Popa2caps · Jan 11, 2015

I'm back, I lost the bookmark for this and i was oops, well you got any updates with the headphones?

Best deal i found i headphones so far is ,

http

/www.adorama.com/SEHD600.html?emailprice=t&utm_term=wFhU33xHG2bMQ2jVy9WLWVkmUkVzod3py13xUE0&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Other&utm_source=rflaid62905&cvosrc=affiliate.62905

But there openback

rexter · Jan 12, 2015

HD 600 is a very good headphone but there's two problem; one, there's no microphone but its easy to fix with external/add on mic. Two is harder to adjust if you're used to the closed acoustic type headphone which is the Plantronics is. Trust me, they're very much different. I'll give you a scenario about the open back headphones. You hear some bang noise from behind and you roll forward because you don't want to get shoot at, then you/re actually got nailed by the enemy to where you rolled because your someone just drop something outside your door. That's you start to scratch your head and say I need another headphone.

Open air design let you hear nature while hearing your music. That;s how it gets the airy sound.

What close to Plantronics dynamic is DJ headphones with lowest impedance possible like 16 ohms to 60 so you don't have spent more on DAC, and that's where I think you should start. There are few headphones but that also includes on ear design, that can do your music and games needs and some are way over $500.

Headphones/headsets to consider.

Sennheiser Momemtum
Sennheiser HD 380 Pro
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

M-Audio HDH50

V-MODA Crossfade LP

Ultrasone HFI-780 S-Logic

Sony MDR7506

Alesis SRP100
Alesis DRP100

Akai Professional MPC Headphne

I was gong to give links but I got lazy so, my apology.

Popa2caps · Jan 12, 2015

http

/www.headphone.com/collections/audiophile/closed

He should specify the type of music that he listens to the most. With his budget, you can't get any can that's bad - they are all good at that price range. It's just a question of what particular type of music he wants the cans to be better at. There really isn't a difference between gaming and music headphones. Any decent headphone will have the large soundstage you need in games to pinpoint the source. I use my HD650 for gaming and it makes my game more enjoyable the same way my music - perfect detail retrieval and with large soundstage (well, some games have bad sound the the HD650 proves to be too revealing Smilie).

rexter · Jan 12, 2015

Popa2caps :

I agree of what you're saying of depends of music you'll be listening to. I almost bought the HD600 myself, at the time HD650 were a year away to come out. In the end, after all the testing and thinking. I decided it's not for me.

The Alesis's don't even break $100 mark, but they're that good, and none that I suggested go over 300 because he might want to add DAC or/and amp with that. but having a low impedance will gives you less desire for an amp but a god DAC like the AUDIOQUEST - DRAGONFLY V1.2 or te Audioengine D1.

By the way, if you have the HD650, Arcam airDAC would be better pair for your headphone but if DAC is all you want then E17 would suffice. The HD 600 I listened at the store using my blackberry bold phone and connected to Chord’s Chordette with cheap tube amp sounds amazing. But when paired with less expensive DAC with more expensive amp and the sound is OK but not like the Chords.

Update--->

Sorry I can't remember the model of that chord but it was chodette, when I check the site just now I found different models that looks alike. Now I'm not sure with model it was. May be one I listened years ago has DAC and an Amp.

Popa2caps · Jan 12, 2015

rexter :

Popa2caps :

I agree of what you're saying of depends of music you'll be listening to. I almost bought the HD600 myself, at the time HD650 were a year away to come out. In the end, after all the testing and thinking. I decided it's not for me.

The Alesis's don't even break $100 mark, but they're that good, and none that I suggested go over 300 because he might want to add DAC or/and amp with that. but having a low impedance will gives you less desire for an amp but a god DAC like the AUDIOQUEST - DRAGONFLY V1.2 or te Audioengine D1.

By the way, if you have the HD650, Arcam airDAC would be better pair for your headphone but if DAC is all you want then E17 would suffice. The HD 600 I listened at the store using my blackberry bold phone and connected to Chord’s Chordette with cheap tube amp sounds amazing. But when paired with less expensive DAC with more expensive amp and the sound is OK but not like the Chords.

Update--->

Sorry I can't remember the model of that chord but it was chodette, when I check the site just now I found different models that looks alike. Now I'm not sure with model it was. May be one I listened years ago has DAC and an Amp.

Never used the HD650's my self, only own the AKG K702's and love them, but i tend to master music with them, no DAC ether just a Fiio e09K amp. I was going for a DAC, i looked at Schiit company, seems like there good and Fioo e17 would be nice to set in the dock of my Eo9k but i can find that on Ebay for 70 or so.

I tend to only post deals i see for headphones from slickdeals. They tend to have a ton of headphone deals.

Popa2caps · Jan 12, 2015

TheRealBeandip I'm still about waiting for deals for closedback headphones, not sure how long you can wait, hope a deal comes soon though. Better remember start with the headphones, Get a amp only if you need to drive the, find a good DAC, and i think your getting a Blue yeti. Set

Popa2caps · Jan 13, 2015

https

/www.massdrop.com/buy/samson-meteorite-microphone?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Personalization%20Email%2020150113%20%28Old%29&utm_campaign=Product%20Announcement%202015-01-13%20ol&mode=guest_open

Not sure if you got the mic yet, might want to look for reviews on this.

https

/www.massdrop.com/buy/xduoo-ta-01-dac-amp

Might be a good amp, Review check

Popa2caps · Jan 13, 2015

Found the first real deal for closed back headphones.

V-MODA Crossfade M-100

Link with the deal http

/slickdeals.net/f/7592306-v-moda-crossfade-m-100-headphones-250-amazon?v=1

http

/head-phones.findthebest.com/l/2186/V-Moda-Crossfade-M-100 Review

i have not used these, but being amazon easy returns and you can get them for $208 from amazon warehouse. Plus the guy in the post states you should buy the Extra Large Ear buds, not sure the cost.

I'm not sure if these need a amp but i'll check, If your think do you need a DAC, they just help the Digital to analog convert to your ears, means , Its better then most basic computer converting you get on cheap computers. Shoudl be able to get a DAC for $99 from Schiit.

Hope this helps.

Forgot to add, sign up for ether FatWallet and Ebates, it;s free and you get money back from most online stores. Need paypal. Doesn't cost anything. I do this on most online shooping if i remember and most times 3%. it adds up when you get $40 back.

let me know if you want to learn more.

The headphones can be upgraded with a mic for $30 .00

http

/v-moda.com/boompro-microphone/

Remember i don't want you to think this is the best deal, just the first i've seen, i in no way know how these sound.

theLeggo · Jan 13, 2015

if he is looking for closed back for gaming the beyerdynamic t70's are the best I have heard. Only problem is they are not that great for music. the hd650 and hd600 are okay at gaming, but positional audio is not the best when I play CS:GO. Positional audio is way more accurate depth and width wise with my AKG k612.

Are you set on getting closed back headphones? If so the three that are recommended most for closed back gaming are AKG K550, ath-a900x, and beyerdynamic dt770 250ohm. I haven't used the a900x, but have used the other two and the AKG better for hearing footsteps positionally, because of its leaner sound.

TheRealBeandip · Jan 15, 2015

Sorry for the delay guys, was busy with work. For music I mostly listen to Rock and Metal of varying subgenres (mostly power or folk metal). Im pretty set on getting the closed back headphones but Im always open to suggestions. And I have no problem with getting a DAC to go with them. Im not sure how well they perform but those V-Moda Crossfade M-100s look sexy and not a bad price, anyone have experience with the brand or model? I think I may be sold on those, Do the specs look good on them? and should I buy a DAC or anything to go with them? From what Im reading those crossfade m100s seem to be good for heavy metal. Ill Go with that moda boom mic if i get these. How should those headphones compare to what I am currently using?

I found those crossfade 100s for 250 USD. Thats a pretty good deal as well http

/www.ebay.com/itm/V-Moda-Crossfade-M-100-Ultimate-Noise-Isolating-Over-Ear-DJ-Headphones-/231437746270?pt=US_Headphones&var=&hash=item35e2c3c05e

Popa2caps · Jan 15, 2015

TheRealBeandip :

If i link a deal i would compare between the MSRP from that companies main website vs the deal price. And use Slick deals to review when the last deal was.

My friend has a pair of in-ear headphones from V-Moda but i have never used them.

The thing with open vs closed back would be the sound stage you would be getting for the type of cans. If your unsure would be best to try some out. If you can't try them out, stick with what you know best.

http

/slickdeals.net/f/7598170-sennheiser-hd-558-over-the-ear-headphones-90-free-shipping

TheRealBeandip · Jan 15, 2015

Popa2caps :

TheRealBeandip :

If i link a deal i would compare between the MSRP from that companies main website vs the deal price. And use Slick deals to review when the last deal was.

My friend has a pair of in-ear headphones from V-Moda but i have never used them.

The thing with open vs closed back would be the sound stage you would be getting for the type of cans. If your unsure would be best to try some out. If you can't try them out, stick with what you know best.

http

/slickdeals.net/f/7598170-sennheiser-hd-558-over-the-ear-headphones-90-free-shipping

Those Sennheisers dont look too bad. The V-Modas i found are MSRP 310 USD but I found them for 250 USD. Ill check that slickdeals site for some other discounts. Thanks for the help with discounts and cash back stuff, always thought those were scams.

Popa2caps · Jan 16, 2015

TheRealBeandip :

Ya it's funny my whole family think there scams but they have never used them, i try to tell them. they ask me to do all there shopping online and i use my fat wallet or ebates on most orders, so i get money back they get good deals, and i look good hehe.

One thing you might want to look out for, some people might try to link ebates or fat wallet to you and if you sign up they get like $25 i think for the first 2 and $75 for the 3rd, You would know if it's that kinda link if the link has something extra on it like , http//www.ebates.com=8235178263/blabla/ you see what i mean. I did not link you my link, i'm not trying to get anything for helping. Just trying to help.

Slickdeals is my main site to just look around, i'm not looking for any 1 thing but more of a what kinda deals are there. There is others but slick is done with a ton of people.

I do all my shopping by, looking at slickdeals finding something that a ton of people say are good, read reviews and then go to ebates and fat wallet and see what one gives the best return , (By the way Fat wallet is faster on returns of money, they just make you wait tell you have the item for like 15 days), Its that way so you don't return and keep the money back. Ebates is like 3 months for the money to be sent to your paypal or send you a check, i think.

Not sure if you have chrome but they have apps that run Ebates and Fat Wallet as well, just helps not oping to tabs.

I hope there is a deal on a Fiio E17 soon, really need one hehe. I've been busy with selling my old M-Audio Delta 44, i7 4770k. Just getting the i7 4790k to work right took a week plus the tabs i help in don't give me much time hehe.

Now i must sell a i7 5930k and waiting on a Casio PX-150 to get here. I'll still look for Headphone deals, let me know if you find any good DACs, would love one for my Mackie MR8's not sure if its the same as using headphones though.

By the way, that is a fake link i made just to so what it might look like if someone linked you to there account.

rexter · Jan 16, 2015

TheRealBeandip :

Yeah, that thing does like nice and you can customize those plating's too, If that's what you get, try to use it for at least a month before you try considering DAC, though DAC cleans the sounds, some DAC aren't that good, they just convert digital signal and give it a simple amplifier. Some digital amps are good too, though when you don't soundstage them, you won't know which works for your headphones best.

TheRealBeandip · Jan 16, 2015

Popa2caps :

TheRealBeandip :

Ya it's funny my whole family think there scams but they have never used them, i try to tell them. they ask me to do all there shopping online and i use my fat wallet or ebates on most orders, so i get money back they get good deals, and i look good hehe.

One thing you might want to look out for, some people might try to link ebates or fat wallet to you and if you sign up they get like $25 i think for the first 2 and $75 for the 3rd, You would know if it's that kinda link if the link has something extra on it like , http//www.ebates.com=8235178263/blabla/ you see what i mean. I did not link you my link, i'm not trying to get anything for helping. Just trying to help.

Slickdeals is my main site to just look around, i'm not looking for any 1 thing but more of a what kinda deals are there. There is others but slick is done with a ton of people.

I do all my shopping by, looking at slickdeals finding something that a ton of people say are good, read reviews and then go to ebates and fat wallet and see what one gives the best return , (By the way Fat wallet is faster on returns of money, they just make you wait tell you have the item for like 15 days), Its that way so you don't return and keep the money back. Ebates is like 3 months for the money to be sent to your paypal or send you a check, i think.

Not sure if you have chrome but they have apps that run Ebates and Fat Wallet as well, just helps not oping to tabs.

I hope there is a deal on a Fiio E17 soon, really need one hehe. I've been busy with selling my old M-Audio Delta 44, i7 4770k. Just getting the i7 4790k to work right took a week plus the tabs i help in don't give me much time hehe.

Now i must sell a i7 5930k and waiting on a Casio PX-150 to get here. I'll still look for Headphone deals, let me know if you find any good DACs, would love one for my Mackie MR8's not sure if its the same as using headphones though.

By the way, that is a fake link i made just to so what it might look like if someone linked you to there account.

Hey man go ahead and send me your link. youve helped out a lot, I might as well help you get something out of it.

Audiophile headphones to replace my Plantronics Gamecom Commanders

Estimable

Distinguished

Estimable

Distinguished

Estimable

Distinguished

Distinguished

Distinguished

Distinguished

Distinguished

Distinguished

Distinguished

Distinguished

Estimable

Estimable

Distinguished

Estimable

Distinguished

Distinguished

Estimable

Similar threads

Share this page