Best gaming headphones/headset for under $150

[GetOwnedGaming]

The title says it all, I got some corsair 2100's and they are 100% CRAP. Do not get them. Anyways, I want to get some 7.1 surround sound headphones or a headset. I do not care if it is wireless or not. Budget of $150.

 

[jjb8675309]

Thanks jjb for the reply, that explained a lot. I have one more question. On the Astro A40 headset, it doesn't have surround sound unless you get the mixamp. I couldn't really figure out how the Astros connect to the PC. Could I get the Astros without the mixamp and get razer surround? Would that be a good idea?

Isnt that headset just USB? USB would be your connection I think. Sounds like the mixamp does simulated 7.1 which is the same thing that Razer surround does. Sorry if I missed something I am a bit late to the party on this topic.

 

[GetOwnedGaming]

All of the advice above is sound, but I know sometimes you just want an answer within your parameters, so that's what I'm going to try to provide. All arguments of gimmickyness aside, http/www.razerzone.com/gaming-audio/razer-kraken-71-chroma may be worth looking at for your wants. Lots of audiophiles condemn Razer, but it seems like you're more interested in the 7.1 Virtual than perfect Audio, and with that in mind, you may like these. I have tried Steelseries Siberia V2 with USB soundcard, which were comfortable, but ear piece went out after like less than a year. If I was shopping for 7.1 virtual integrated gaming headset because that's what I wanted, I would probably give these a shot.

To put more simply what was said above, virtual 7.1 and perfect audio do not exist together. You sacrifice one for the other. I've used virtual 7.1 for gaming, and while the sound quality is not as good as it should be, it is more immersive for gaming. It may not sound great for music or movies, or maybe it will. it all depends on your expectations. You said you wanted a gaming headset with 7.1 for gaming, so that's what I'm suggesting. If you don't like them, you can always send them back and try something like http/www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Gaming-Headset-Surround/dp/B003VANOFY which are wireless and 7.1, but mic is questionable.

Finally, as far as the Tiamat goes, those are "Real" 7.1, which means there are 10 tiny drivers in the headset as opposed to 2 big ones. this means it might be the best surorund experience you can get from a headset, but the audio itself might be limited (for example, low bass) and they would probably sound really bad doing anything other than gaming with them.

In the end, nobody can tell you what you're going to like best because everybody has different expectations. We can suggest, but the choice is yours. Just remember you aren't locked into them for eternity. Trial and error. If you don't like them, send em back and try again. Hope this helps.

Bast

Thank you, that is the reply I was waiting for. After reading all of this and other reviews, I will be getting the Audio Technica M50's and maybe running Razer Surround software. Thanks all for the answers.

 

[RazerZ]

Good choice. You won't be disappointed, although they might be uncomfortable at first. There are mods for this.

 

[Bast]

Keep in mind, you need to verify that the motherboard on your laptop is 5.1 or 7.1 capable (likely is not), or I don't think the Razer Surround software will work (I could be very wrong, please correct me if so).

To clarify, you will notice all virtual "5.1" and "7.1" headsets are USB. This is because these headsets HAVE to be because they have their only little tiny sound card installed into them (usually a dongle on the cord) which needs to be powered by the USB. If you do not have a "5.1" or "7.1" headset and want surround on stereo headphones like the Audio Technicas, you either need a 5.1/7.1 enabled motherboard or sound card to plug into to get the software to work.

Again, I might be wrong, but just cautioning you ahead of time. Any confirmation?

 

[RazerZ]

^No, Razer surround is a stand alone software as is any surround sound software.

5.1 and 7.1 capable motherboards have nothing to do with software, it relates to how many audio channels the motherboard has.

 

[BlueFireZ]

As RazerZ said, your choice was a good one (sorry if i sound like yoda 😀) You wont regret something like this, having headphones it will be much more flexible than a gaming headset. When Bast talked about the Kraken 7.1 and how it might be worth to look at - Ive had a bad experience with them. They were actually my first headset buy and they had lots of static and problems with Synapse, I bought those after using $30 headphones for about 2 years, im not kidding.

In my post before i said this: "You said the title says that the Corsair sucks - it doesnt."
I didnt mean as the Corsair itself sucks, but that your title doesnt say that - If there was any confusion.

Happy to help and happy to see you got a answer.

 

[Bast]

^No, Razer surround is a stand alone software as is any surround sound software.

5.1 and 7.1 capable motherboards have nothing to do with software, it relates to how many audio channels the motherboard has.

Thanks for the clarity!

 

[GetOwnedGaming]

Thank you so much for all of the help guys! I am returning the Corsair Headset right now, and am using the Logitech G230 while I wait for the M50's to get here.

 

[RazerZ]

Sounds good. Let us know what you think of them when they arrive.

 

[GetOwnedGaming]

Sounds good. Let us know what you think of them when they arrive.

Will do!

 

[Baldwin22]

i recommend blmall store for your reference, ao many headphones for your chioce

 

[shotgunz]

No mention of open headphones? Sennheiser HD518/558 for their great comfort/soundstage/clarity or AKG Q701 and Audio Technica ATH-AD900X for their large soundstage/clarity. Open headphones have lower distortion than closed back ones.

Bigger soundstage (the perceived size of space a headphone can put sounds around you) and better clarity lead to more directional sound and hearing your enemies better = more winning

 

[RazerZ]

Mentioned open headphones a few posts above.

 

[BlueFireZ]

No mention of open headphones? Sennheiser HD518/558 for their great comfort/soundstage/clarity or AKG Q701 and Audio Technica ATH-AD900X for their large soundstage/clarity. Open headphones have lower distortion than closed back ones.

Bigger soundstage (the perceived size of space a headphone can put sounds around you) and better clarity lead to more directional sound and hearing your enemies better = more winning

I switched from open to closed, there not much of a difference though the sound is much more "dense" and it may be just a little harder hearing directional audio. But if you were to go for a walk, people passing buy may hear you with open ear headphones, there are advantages and disadvantages for both.

 

[GetOwnedGaming]

I got the Audio Technica M50 headphones and I love them. Thanks so much for all of the help guys!

 

[RazerZ]

Glad to help! Enjoy them