Gaming Headphones w/ decent sound stage?

[JBzOrg]

Was looking at the ever popular Audio Technica ATH-M50's, but I have read that they have quite a small soundstage, so directional audio like footsteps or gunfire in FPS games all sounds closer than they should. Is there another closed headphone in the $150 range that performs well for PC gaming?

 

[LukaBoki]

Logitech G430 or Logitech G930 are great choices.

 

[ttimberlak443]

Take a look at the Sennheiser HD595 or HD598.

EDIT: Oops. Just saw that you wanted a closed design. The issue with a closed acoustic design is it will have a smaller sound stage. Open designs have larger sound stages.

 

[Greybeard Croft]

Corsair Vengeance 1400 is a good headset for like ~$80, big 50mm drivers.

 

[sarahragan2014]

I got a Logitech G430 three month ago, but I don't think it is worth the price.

 

[JBzOrg]

Take a look at the Sennheiser HD595 or HD598.

EDIT: Oops. Just saw that you wanted a closed design. The issue with a closed acoustic design is it will have a smaller sound stage. Open designs have larger sound stages.[/quotemsg

I see, good to know, thanks!

 

[LukaBoki]

What is your budget for your headsets?

 

[JBzOrg]

What is your budget for your headsets?[/quotemsg

I'm comfortable spending around $100 on headphones, max is $160. I should have clarified my original title, I'm looking for Headphones, not a gaming Headset. I plan on buying a microphone separately down the line. Something with a decent soundstage.

 

[ssddx]

closed headphones in general normally have small soundstages. the m50 however is at the smaller end of things. i personally own a pair and while they can be used for gaming they are better for music. i've used them when travelling for gaming and i had no issues but they wouldnt be my first choice to someone looking for a gaming headphone.

open designs have wide soundstages but typically lack the deep bass response of closed designs. they are typically more high/mid focused as well. its a tradeoff... soundstage or bass most of the time.

for $150 you may want to look at the ad700x which is a superb open headphone but it is rather bass light. the hd558 is similar to the hd598(out of budget) but with a reduced soundstage and a bit more bass with slightly less clarity. the 558 would have less soundstage but more bass then the 700x.

 

[LukaBoki]

For headphones,you can with:
1. Razer Electra,
2.Turtle Beach PX22 or
3.Logitech G430.
Everyone is under $80,with the G430 being $80.
For the mic ,go with an AudioTechinca AT2020.Great mic used by a lot of youtubers.

 

[JBzOrg]

closed headphones in general normally have small soundstages. the m50 however is at the smaller end of things. i personally own a pair and while they can be used for gaming they are better for music. i've used them when travelling for gaming and i had no issues but they wouldnt be my first choice to someone looking for a gaming headphone.

open designs have wide soundstages but typically lack the deep bass response of closed designs. they are typically more high/mid focused as well. its a tradeoff... soundstage or bass most of the time.

for $150 you may want to look at the ad700x which is a superb open headphone but it is rather bass light. the hd558 is similar to the hd598(out of budget) but with a reduced soundstage and a bit more bass with slightly less clarity. the 558 would have less soundstage but more bass then the 700x.

Thanks for the info. I'm currently looking at the Sennheiser HD 558 ($121) and the Beyerdynamics DT 990 Pro. Again these will be for gaming (BF4, DayZ, Borderlands 2 plus lots more) and music (Gorillaz, Tame Impala, to name a few), don't know if that info will help. It seems to be down to those three at the moment: AD700x, HD 558, DT 990. Thanks!

 

[LukaBoki]

I would get the cheaper one between the HD558 and the DT990 Pro.
I am always happy to help,brother. Have fun with your new headsets.

 

[ssddx]

the dt990pro is an excellent pair of cans for the money, howver at 250ohms you will need either an amp or decent soundcard to drive them. they are open, with fun profile, decent bass and crisp highs. i would say they are better than the 558/700 for anyone who likes a bit more bass.

if you did not want to get a soundcard or portable amp then you want either the hd558 or ad700x. if you like a bit more bass, go with the 558. if you dont care about bass at all then go with the ad700x.

--

for the record... the dt990pro can be paired up with a $30 xonar dg if you just needed them amped or the $80 creative z which would give you better quality than onboard and also allow them to be amped.

if its in budget... this might be the better set of cans for you however with soundcard you will certainly exceed your budget.

 

[JBzOrg]

the dt990pro is an excellent pair of cans for the money, howver at 250ohms you will need either an amp or decent soundcard to drive them. they are open, with fun profile, decent bass and crisp highs. i would say they are better than the 558/700 for anyone who likes a bit more bass.

if you did not want to get a soundcard or portable amp then you want either the hd558 or ad700x. if you like a bit more bass, go with the 558. if you dont care about bass at all then go with the ad700x.

--

for the record... the dt990pro can be paired up with a $30 xonar dg if you just needed them amped or the $80 creative z which would give you better quality than onboard and also allow them to be amped.

if its in budget... this might be the better set of cans for you however with soundcard you will certainly exceed your budget.

Awesome. I think I am leaning towards the 558's. I will be buying wither the DX or DXS sound card no matter what headphone I go with. The 558's are priced just right to allow me to afford a microphone later on.