Is the PM-3 a good choice for gaming, movies, and music?

Amywalker730 · Mar 1, 2016

I've had my eyes on the PM-3 after many reviewers and people gave it such high praise, but as soon as I started asking around on the Hi Fi forum it became very unpopular due to a roll-off in treble at 7khz and sound-stage. I was told that it was a poor selection for gaming, which is a half of the reason why I had my sights on it.

Admittedly I am too new to the topic to know, and I have only been exposed to fairly cheap headsets of around $100 and certainly never headphones in the $400 range. Is the PM-3 as poor of an investment as it was made out to be, or is it down to personal preference?

po1nted · Mar 1, 2016

The PM-3 is a very good headphone. However, it is closed back. Which will suffer from a less than optimal soundstage for online gaming (surround, I am expecting?). I own them and they are often used for music on the train or sitting in a recliner for the evening. They are no slouch, definitely. However, the are NOT good for surround gaming. Nor are any other closed back cans that I have tried, for that matter.

I highly suggest looking at the AKG 7xx line. My favorite is the Q701. It is exceptionally comfortable for long term comfort (some people slice off a couple of nubs on the headband, I did).

The soundstage is incredible! Absolutely freakishly real. Using an Creative X7 with SBX sound processing is surprisingly realistic. I have been startled out of my chair playing some games or movies late at night in my office, thinking someone was physically right behind me.

Take it from someone with 17 different headphones, from 35 to 1300 dollars. The AKGs are my goto for gaming and PC sound. Everything I have purchased over the past few years to supplant them as my podium winner ends up hanging dormant on my wall.

Are there "better" headphones for music, yes. Are there "better" headphones for gaming or surround media.... that, IMHO, is a resounding no. The AKG 7xx line is the undisputed king of surround sound gaming. Add a modmic or use a Yeti and a good surround processor (I like Creative ABxxx-1 w/ SBX in their X5 or X7 external sound cards) and you are in the realm of gaming audio gods.

Feel free to PM me if you would like to discuss good sources for detailed reference material. Happy to help or point you to someone who can.

Amywalker730 · Mar 2, 2016

Wow, thanks so much Pointed! I've never tried an open-back headphone before, but hearing what you had to say about them and looking into both the X7 and Q701 have really excited me. I think I'm sold on your suggestion of a 7xx + X7 combo, but I'm now curious if there is anything else I should consider to compliment it, and if I might ask, what do you like about the Q701 to prefer them over the K702 and other models in the family?

It's strange you would suggest a Yeti microphone, I just received mine yesterday! Oddly enough when it's plugged in I don't get output audio for anything aapart from Skype. It makes me worried if I have a bad coard or if I did something wrong.

po1nted · Mar 2, 2016

You ask a very good question. Some people say that there is little or no difference in sound between the K7xx variations. Others can tell a difference. So it is really up to you (and your budget).

To my ears, the Q701 is much fuller in midrange and a tad more bass. Also, I can wear them all day without any fatigue. Whereas, my ears would feel strained after a while. I attributed this to more of a high frequency emphasis.

To me, the Q701s sound acceptable for all types of music. Unless you keen to massive bass.... then switch out for a closed back pair for EDM or bass heavy hip hop. The K702s sounded "thinner", not nearly as full.

For your Yeti concern, not sure. I switch between the following combinations in the Skype user interface all day. Sometimes in mid-call without an issue. Work from home on conference calls most of the day.

- Yeti and Q701s (when the wireless dies)
- Plantronics 700 wireless headset

Simple as selecting the input in Skype. I haven't tried switching devices in Windows, though. Always use "Tools -> Options -> Audio Settings" in Skype.

po1nted · Mar 11, 2016

The PM-3 is a love it or hate it, Do yourself a favor and go with the AKG 7xx range (Q701, my fav.... or the 701/2). The absolute best sound stage and top tier sound reproduction.

Take it from someone who owns 17 headphones, ranging from $35 bucks to $1300 and just as many amps/DACs. The AKG 7xx range is hands down the best for gaming audio. My go to, 90% of the time.

For almost everything gaming related now it is a Creative X7 feeding my AKG Q701s for (my) PC audio nirvana.

Feel free to reach out to me for any questions in the headphone audio world. Happy to help out or get you to someone who can.

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Is the PM-3 a good choice for gaming, movies, and music?

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