Difficult choice (Headset for PC Gaming)

[andemirkan07]

Hi everyone!
For a long time I've been trying to decide which headphones I should buy.
The main requirement: full-size headphones with open acoustic system
Preferences for use: mainly for gaming and chatting (60%) and music (40%)
Musical preferences: rock (whether it's classics or modern trends like grunge, alternative rock, and so on), jazz, blues, classics and less often indie. I want "honesty" in the transmission of sound without artificial overstating, for example, low frequencies, as in cheap "gaming" headphones.
Game preferences: I want to immerse in the atmosphere of single games, due to the high quality of sound and good positioning where necessary (online FPS games, etc.) (I'm interested in virtual surround sound technology from Sennheiser in the model of the GSX 1000 amplifier).
Ergonomics: I want to not be afraid of the strength of the structure, although I'm careful about things, but the breakdowns have a place to be. Therefore, a special interest is the cable of headphones. For me it is necessary to be sure of its longevity. Ear pads preferably velor (which is already characteristic of headphones of an open type). Soundproofing, respectively, does not play any role. I would like to hear others when necessary (banal knock on the door, etc.). I do not like feelings of excessive soundproofing. I feel a kind of psychological discomfort.
Future upgrades: I'm planning to buy an amplifier (especially GSX 1000)
In advance I will make a reservation that the choice is not limited by the variants given below.
I've choosing between:
- Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X
- Beyerdynamic MMX 300 2nd gen (I know that this headset is a closed type)
- Sennheiser GSP 500
Thank you in advance! (And sorry for my english)

 

[True Buie]

Heyo andemirkan07

As of a headset, you've pretty much found the top crop yourself. I'd go for the ADG1X if that's your only options. However I'd like to add my own two cents.
If you're able to go for just headphones and a separate mic. There's a few options in this price range (Going for >= to the ADG1X)

Headphones[color]

Audio Technica ATH-AD900X
https/www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD900X-Open-Back-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B009S331VU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524028804&sr=8-3&keywords=adg1x

Basically the ADG1X, but with no microphone.

Sennheiser HD600
https/www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Open-Back-Professional-Headphone/dp/B00004SY4H/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524029060&sr=1-1&keywords=hd600

A very flat and narrow headphone. This will reveal a WHOLE LOT in your music and games. Never tried the headphone myself, but had the pleasure of using the HD650's for about 4 months. The HD650's are a little more "fun". By that I mean they have a little more bass and a wider sound stage.

HiFiMan He400I
https/www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-HE-400I-Full-size-Magnetic-Headphones/dp/B00MULH672/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524030472&sr=8-1&keywords=he400i

A fine entry level headphone for planar magnetic drivers. A rich bass and overall a clean sound for the money. This isn't the most revealing headphone ever, however it's more of a "fun and enjoyable" headphone. They will go well for more energetic music.

Monoprice M1060
https/www.amazon.com/dp/B01N32N5DD/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01N32N5DD&pd_rd_wg=i3uBR&pd_rd_r=9JSYRHEBEDKX099WD1AQ&pd_rd_w=oYdNi

Amazing planar magnetic headphone for the price. People say they sound like the Audeze LC2's, however I haven't tried that headphone. Comfortable af however they made very "american". By this I mean sharp edges EVERYWHERE

Microphones[color]

Antlion ModMic 5
https/www.amazon.com/Antlion-Audio-Modular-Attachable-Microphone/dp/B01MCYRKY3/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524029665&sr=1-3&keywords=modmic+5

Overall a clean microphone which can be attached to pretty much any headphone.

Superlux e205u
https/www.thomann.de/dk/superlux_e205u.htm?ref=search_prv_10

This microphone compared quite well with the Audio Technica AT2020. I own the AT2020 myself and one my friends are the owner of the e205u. I honestly have a hard time hearing the difference. I'm even using the XLR version with a dedicated audio interface with the AT2020 :|
Amazing mic for the money and it's even USB. You'll just need some form of boom arm for it and there you go.

https/www.amazon.com/Neewer-Professional-Broadcasting-Microphone-Adjustable/dp/B01I6LIZ8S/ref=ice_ac_b_dpb?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524030104&sr=1-2&keywords=neewer+nw-800

You can basically buy that package and throw the microphone away (It's trash lol) and jut use the accessories. Quite cheap for everything.

Cheers

 

[andemirkan07]

Heyo andemirkan07

As of a headset, you've pretty much found the top crop yourself. I'd go for the ADG1X if that's your only options. However I'd like to add my own two cents.
If you're able to go for just headphones and a separate mic. There's a few options in this price range (Going for >= to the ADG1X)

Headphones[color]

Audio Technica ATH-AD900X
https/www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD900X-Open-Back-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B009S331VU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524028804&sr=8-3&keywords=adg1x

Basically the ADG1X, but with no microphone.

Sennheiser HD600
https/www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Open-Back-Professional-Headphone/dp/B00004SY4H/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524029060&sr=1-1&keywords=hd600

A very flat and narrow headphone. This will reveal a WHOLE LOT in your music and games. Never tried the headphone myself, but had the pleasure of using the HD650's for about 4 months. The HD650's are a little more "fun". By that I mean they have a little more bass and a wider sound stage.

HiFiMan He400I
https/www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-HE-400I-Full-size-Magnetic-Headphones/dp/B00MULH672/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524030472&sr=8-1&keywords=he400i

A fine entry level headphone for planar magnetic drivers. A rich bass and overall a clean sound for the money. This isn't the most revealing headphone ever, however it's more of a "fun and enjoyable" headphone. They will go well for more energetic music.

Monoprice M1060
https/www.amazon.com/dp/B01N32N5DD/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01N32N5DD&pd_rd_wg=i3uBR&pd_rd_r=9JSYRHEBEDKX099WD1AQ&pd_rd_w=oYdNi

Amazing planar magnetic headphone for the price. People say they sound like the Audeze LC2's, however I haven't tried that headphone. Comfortable af however they made very "american". By this I mean sharp edges EVERYWHERE

Microphones[color]

Antlion ModMic 5
https/www.amazon.com/Antlion-Audio-Modular-Attachable-Microphone/dp/B01MCYRKY3/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524029665&sr=1-3&keywords=modmic+5

Overall a clean microphone which can be attached to pretty much any headphone.

Superlux e205u
https/www.thomann.de/dk/superlux_e205u.htm?ref=search_prv_10

This microphone compared quite well with the Audio Technica AT2020. I own the AT2020 myself and one my friends are the owner of the e205u. I honestly have a hard time hearing the difference. I'm even using the XLR version with a dedicated audio interface with the AT2020 :|
Amazing mic for the money and it's even USB. You'll just need some form of boom arm for it and there you go.

https/www.amazon.com/Neewer-Professional-Broadcasting-Microphone-Adjustable/dp/B01I6LIZ8S/ref=ice_ac_b_dpb?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524030104&sr=1-2&keywords=neewer+nw-800

You can basically buy that package and throw the microphone away (It's trash lol) and jut use the accessories. Quite cheap for everything.

Cheers

Thank you, True Buie. Really appreciate that you gave a detailed response.
Just want to ask several questions.
Which amplifier would you recommend to buy?
Because I don't understand anything at all in this market.

 

[True Buie]

Heyo andemirkan07

As of a headset, you've pretty much found the top crop yourself. I'd go for the ADG1X if that's your only options. However I'd like to add my own two cents.
If you're able to go for just headphones and a separate mic. There's a few options in this price range (Going for >= to the ADG1X)

Headphones[color]

Audio Technica ATH-AD900X
https/www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD900X-Open-Back-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B009S331VU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524028804&sr=8-3&keywords=adg1x

Basically the ADG1X, but with no microphone.

Sennheiser HD600
https/www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Open-Back-Professional-Headphone/dp/B00004SY4H/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524029060&sr=1-1&keywords=hd600

A very flat and narrow headphone. This will reveal a WHOLE LOT in your music and games. Never tried the headphone myself, but had the pleasure of using the HD650's for about 4 months. The HD650's are a little more "fun". By that I mean they have a little more bass and a wider sound stage.

HiFiMan He400I
https/www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-HE-400I-Full-size-Magnetic-Headphones/dp/B00MULH672/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524030472&sr=8-1&keywords=he400i

A fine entry level headphone for planar magnetic drivers. A rich bass and overall a clean sound for the money. This isn't the most revealing headphone ever, however it's more of a "fun and enjoyable" headphone. They will go well for more energetic music.

Monoprice M1060
https/www.amazon.com/dp/B01N32N5DD/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01N32N5DD&pd_rd_wg=i3uBR&pd_rd_r=9JSYRHEBEDKX099WD1AQ&pd_rd_w=oYdNi

Amazing planar magnetic headphone for the price. People say they sound like the Audeze LC2's, however I haven't tried that headphone. Comfortable af however they made very "american". By this I mean sharp edges EVERYWHERE

Microphones[color]

Antlion ModMic 5
https/www.amazon.com/Antlion-Audio-Modular-Attachable-Microphone/dp/B01MCYRKY3/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524029665&sr=1-3&keywords=modmic+5

Overall a clean microphone which can be attached to pretty much any headphone.

Superlux e205u
https/www.thomann.de/dk/superlux_e205u.htm?ref=search_prv_10

This microphone compared quite well with the Audio Technica AT2020. I own the AT2020 myself and one my friends are the owner of the e205u. I honestly have a hard time hearing the difference. I'm even using the XLR version with a dedicated audio interface with the AT2020 :|
Amazing mic for the money and it's even USB. You'll just need some form of boom arm for it and there you go.

https/www.amazon.com/Neewer-Professional-Broadcasting-Microphone-Adjustable/dp/B01I6LIZ8S/ref=ice_ac_b_dpb?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524030104&sr=1-2&keywords=neewer+nw-800

You can basically buy that package and throw the microphone away (It's trash lol) and jut use the accessories. Quite cheap for everything.

Cheers

Thank you, True Buie. Really appreciate that you gave a detailed response.
Just want to ask several questions.
Which amplifier would you recommend to buy?
Because I don't understand anything at all in this market.

First of all. I'd probably first acquire an amp when the headphones exceed around 50 ohms. But when that's said. Something like the Fiio e10k is something I'll always recommend to get started.
https/www.amazon.com/FiiO-E10K-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B00LP3AMC2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524038690&sr=8-1&keywords=fiio+e10k A nice little compact amp/DAC combo which runs of just USB. No drivers needed and there's even a bass boost if that's something you want to experiment with.

However, even though a dedicated amp and DAC is good to have, it's not literally needed. Of course unless your headphones are like 600 ohm you'd need an amp, but in laid man terms, then you'd probably be able to skip the amp/DAC until you get more comfortable to move along. Any decent amp/DAC combo is still like $60+.

I'd say you should probably go with your on-board for now until you decide if you want an amp/DAC or not.

Cheers

 

[andemirkan07]

Heyo andemirkan07

As of a headset, you've pretty much found the top crop yourself. I'd go for the ADG1X if that's your only options. However I'd like to add my own two cents.
If you're able to go for just headphones and a separate mic. There's a few options in this price range (Going for >= to the ADG1X)

Headphones[color]

Audio Technica ATH-AD900X
https/www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD900X-Open-Back-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B009S331VU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524028804&sr=8-3&keywords=adg1x

Basically the ADG1X, but with no microphone.

Sennheiser HD600
https/www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Open-Back-Professional-Headphone/dp/B00004SY4H/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524029060&sr=1-1&keywords=hd600

A very flat and narrow headphone. This will reveal a WHOLE LOT in your music and games. Never tried the headphone myself, but had the pleasure of using the HD650's for about 4 months. The HD650's are a little more "fun". By that I mean they have a little more bass and a wider sound stage.

HiFiMan He400I
https/www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-HE-400I-Full-size-Magnetic-Headphones/dp/B00MULH672/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524030472&sr=8-1&keywords=he400i

A fine entry level headphone for planar magnetic drivers. A rich bass and overall a clean sound for the money. This isn't the most revealing headphone ever, however it's more of a "fun and enjoyable" headphone. They will go well for more energetic music.

Monoprice M1060
https/www.amazon.com/dp/B01N32N5DD/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01N32N5DD&pd_rd_wg=i3uBR&pd_rd_r=9JSYRHEBEDKX099WD1AQ&pd_rd_w=oYdNi

Amazing planar magnetic headphone for the price. People say they sound like the Audeze LC2's, however I haven't tried that headphone. Comfortable af however they made very "american". By this I mean sharp edges EVERYWHERE

Microphones[color]

Antlion ModMic 5
https/www.amazon.com/Antlion-Audio-Modular-Attachable-Microphone/dp/B01MCYRKY3/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524029665&sr=1-3&keywords=modmic+5

Overall a clean microphone which can be attached to pretty much any headphone.

Superlux e205u
https/www.thomann.de/dk/superlux_e205u.htm?ref=search_prv_10

This microphone compared quite well with the Audio Technica AT2020. I own the AT2020 myself and one my friends are the owner of the e205u. I honestly have a hard time hearing the difference. I'm even using the XLR version with a dedicated audio interface with the AT2020 :|
Amazing mic for the money and it's even USB. You'll just need some form of boom arm for it and there you go.

https/www.amazon.com/Neewer-Professional-Broadcasting-Microphone-Adjustable/dp/B01I6LIZ8S/ref=ice_ac_b_dpb?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524030104&sr=1-2&keywords=neewer+nw-800

You can basically buy that package and throw the microphone away (It's trash lol) and jut use the accessories. Quite cheap for everything.

Cheers

Thank you, True Buie. Really appreciate that you gave a detailed response.
Just want to ask several questions.
Which amplifier would you recommend to buy?
Because I don't understand anything at all in this market.

First of all. I'd probably first acquire an amp when the headphones exceed around 50 ohms. But when that's said. Something like the Fiio e10k is something I'll always recommend to get started.
https/www.amazon.com/FiiO-E10K-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B00LP3AMC2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524038690&sr=8-1&keywords=fiio+e10k A nice little compact amp/DAC combo which runs of just USB. No drivers needed and there's even a bass boost if that's something you want to experiment with.

However, even though a dedicated amp and DAC is good to have, it's not literally needed. Of course unless your headphones are like 600 ohm you'd need an amp, but in laid man terms, then you'd probably be able to skip the amp/DAC until you get more comfortable to move along. Any decent amp/DAC combo is still like $60+.

I'd say you should probably go with your on-board for now until you decide if you want an amp/DAC or not.

Cheers

So I've decided to take a closer look on:
- Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X and ATH-AD900X + micro
- Sennheiser GSP 500 (just because of the simplicity) (despite the fact that you did not say anything about them)
Other headphones:
- Sennheiser HD 600 - awesome, but difficult to use because of the 300ohm, that requires instant buy of the amp
- He400I - really interesting headphones, but way too expensive (twice as expensive as ADG1X)
- Monoprice M1060 - difficult to buy in my city (I don't want to buy headphones without testing it)

 

[True Buie]

Great.
As far as my opinion on the GSP 500 I feel like it's a good headphone, however it really has the gamer look, which I'm not that keen on. The microphone is as usual great for a headset when it's from sennheiser's gaming series.
Personally I'd probably go for the AD900X+mic combo. Gives you a bit more freedom if you decide to change out the headphones and it's cheaper than the HD600 option.
The HD600 would be an amazing purchase, but as you said yourself that means you will need an amp NOW.

 

[andemirkan07]

Great.
As far as my opinion on the GSP 500 I feel like it's a good headphone, however it really has the gamer look, which I'm not that keen on. The microphone is as usual great for a headset when it's from sennheiser's gaming series.
Personally I'd probably go for the AD900X+mic combo. Gives you a bit more freedom if you decide to change out the headphones and it's cheaper than the HD600 option.
The HD600 would be an amazing purchase, but as you said yourself that means you will need an amp NOW.

About a week later I'll go to the store for testing.
Combination of great AD900X + good micro looks awesome.
Thank you so much for the help!