Looking for Some New Gaming Headphones - Overclock.net

brandon6199 · 10-07-08

Hello OCN

I want to get a new set of gaming headphones for my PC. I don't know too much about audio, so this is why I'm posting here in hopes that you guys can help me out

I listen to music almost all the time, when I am at home and when I am at school, and I CAN recognize noticeable differences in quality (between 128 kbps/320 kbps/FLAC etc.), but I wouldn't go as far as calling myself an audiophile. Most of my mp3's are CD rips encoded to 320 kbps, so quality does matter in my case. I also do a lot of gaming, and would also like a really good auditory experience while playing my games.

I would also like to point out that I do not have a sound card, only an integrated sound solution found on my motherboard, although I am quite pleased with the sound it puts out. Will this be an issue when I am looking for a pair of decent headphones?

I currently have a pair of Sennheiser PC160SK headphones, and would like to upgrade to something better. I would not like to spend more than $100, but I would also like a really good pair of headphones that will last me quite a while. I've been looking at these, and I'm wondering if they are any good.

Thanks in advance, and +rep to all!

Ducky · 10-07-08

You can get the nicest headphones in the world, onboard sound is your downfall. Not only does it sound pretty weak in comparison to a good soundcard, but it also takes up power to process the sound, which could be better put to use in your games. I would recommend a sound card, and if you still wish o buy headphones, Sennheiser HD555's or AudioTechnica ATH-A700's will do the job at that price.

theCanadian · 10-07-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ducky

You can get the nicest headphones in the world, onboard sound is your downfall. Not only does it sound pretty weak in comparison to a good soundcard, but it also takes up power to process the sound, which could be better put to use in your games. I would recommend a sound card, and if you still wish o buy headphones, Sennheiser HD555's or AudioTechnica ATH-A700's will do the job at that price.

Are you sure that there is any CPU usage difference there?

Erwin · 10-07-08

Well if it is there, it would be a minimal gain, i meen it has to forward the sound to the onboard or a soundcard, so the signal creatated it still the same. The only thing the soundcard does is makeing a better sound kwality.

theCanadian · 10-07-08

I would guess that the ones you are looking at are on par with the Fatality headset.... I recommend these: http://www.plantronics.com/north_ame.../audio-650-usb

Or the plantronics 550... I think both have come down in price.

Or these http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836504001

All should satisfy..... especially if you've never had a pair of quality headphones before.

All of these should improve your experience even with your sound card. If you upgrade your soundcard, I suggest you go somewhere other than newegg for you headset.

Ducky · 10-07-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by theCanadian

Are you sure that there is any CPU usage difference there?

I don't have the elaborate programs to test, but I do recall someone writing up an article or something on this board about the benefits of a soundcard over onboard, and I do remember one point being that it took up processing power.

theCanadian · 10-07-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erwin

Well if it is there, it would be a minimal gain, i meen it has to forward the sound to the onboard or a soundcard, so the signal creatated it still the same. The only thing the soundcard does is makeing a better sound kwality.

Thats what I was saying. It sounded like ducky said the addon soundcard offloads the CPU. I was questioning whether or not that was true.

theCanadian · 10-07-08

ooooh. the .audio 370 has come down too. http://www.google.com/products/catal...719#ps-sellers

edit. I'd go for this one. I didnt realize they were so cheap now.

Best Deal: http://www.antonline.com/p_.AUDIO%20370-GP_268042.htm

I think those were like $70 a year ago.

dmreeves · 10-07-08

I recently purchased the Sennheiser HD 555's and love them. I would recommend them to you for $100. There are a few pairs of sennheisers that I looked at that are cheaper if you want to save some money. I would bet they are all good performing headphones. Very comfy for a big set of headphones. My ears haven't been sore yet.

HD280
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16826106328

HD555
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2&Tpk=HD%20555

HD515 - Save a few bucks

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16826106391

These would be my recommendations, though I have only used the 555's.

Stillhouse · 10-07-08

If you want headphones, go with the Sennheiser or Audio-Technica (and a better soundcard) like Ducky mentioned. If you need a mic, just get the headphones and a cheap lapel clip mic.

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Looking for Some New Gaming Headphones

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