Shameless bump before I sleep. :X

Are the Beyerdynamic DT 770 any good?

 

Roccat Kave 5.1 headset mate

Dave.

 

If you must have some sort of surround, which is not really 5.1 or whatever, I would go with these, GameCom 777

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinal_chord;15544181
Roccat Kave 5.1 headset mate

Dave.

I've read reviews on it and its supposed to be really bulky and heavy :X
Quote:

Originally Posted by Pheatton;15544219
If you must have some sort of surround, which is not really 5.1 or whatever, I would go with these, GameCom 777

I dont need surround sound technically, but I just want better sound quality in general to my Logitech G35s.

 

If you MUST have a headset, and not a headphone/microphone combo (I use HD595s with a Zalman wire mic) then you can try these:

http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-PC-350-Collapsible-Microphone/dp/B0012XFDWO/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1320256459&sr=1-2]Amazon.com: Sennheiser PC 350 Collapsible Gaming Headset with Vol Control & Microphone Mute: Electronics[/URL]

Comparable sound to the HD595s with a decent mic. Though at a premium price. Like all headsets, you're basically paying 40% more than a similar pair of headphones just by the nature of it having a microphone attached to it. When considering a Zalman clipon mic is like, 10 bucks~ is a bit silly to me. Still, if I had to buy a headset, that's probably the one I'd go for.

The PC360s however are open headphones, versus the above which are closed. I hear they give off a better soundstage and clarity, but they are both way over your budget.

Are you against using a quality headphone with a mic at all? Are you just traveling/competing a lot and just need the convenience of a headset?

 

Kinda going off of the last post, I just want to give you some user experience. Please note that what I am about to write WILL be outside your price range but it is worth considering saving for (IMHO).

I own the following kit:
Asus Xonar Essence STX (Not on current rig, doing some sound card testing)
AKG K701

The reason I bring this up, is because this is probably the best I have achieved for PC sound so far (pending further testing), without using an external system - such as my Grado RA1 Audio Amp - and I have to say, its worth it. Its probably the first time in a long time where I have experienced the same sense of awe since I first installed a discrete sound card on my PC.

Some things to note, the sound card choice is SPECIFICALLY because it has a built in headphone amp, which if used correctly DRASTICALLY can effect the level of detail you experience when listening. Of course, however you need a good headset, which is where the AKG 701 comes in.

Now, for the recommendation part, I'd recommend you grab a soundcard if sound quality really concerns you. It is true that onboard audio evolved from crap to decent in the past few years, but it is pretty well known that it can't display all the detail that a discrete card can. Pick this up when you can get a good price, if not hold off until you can pick a set of headphones and soundcard.

Since it sounds like you use personal audio rather than speakers, I'd recommend the AKG 240 Studio or
Grado SR60. These are both stand-alone headphones that deliver superior audio detail, but to achieve that detail, you need a headphone amp. The AKG 240 Studios can run about $120 and the Grados are BY FAR the best deal at $60. That being said, I'd still buy AKG because they are much more comfortable. Rather, the AKGs are insanely comfortable and self adjusting, since the cups are quite big. I can't wear the Grados for more than 2-3 hours at a time, and that is pushing it. Both of these have fantastic build quality (the Grados seem cheap, but my dad has a set of SR60 from the 1980s...I think that says something) with leather bands. None of these headphones have an integrated surround sound solution, however, since I recommend they be paired with a soundcard, it is possible to use a virtual surround solution(which is what I use). For all intents and purposes, it can be considered better than having it being processed by the headphones. Since sound positioning is done by the card, or some software therein, it is irrelevant of the headphones.

Now for the final part...I actually don't use ANY of my audiophile equipment for gaming. Like you, I owned a Logitech G35, and have recently moved onto a set of Razer Chimaera 5.1. Yes, readers, I know, what a let down. The reason why is because for the purposes of gaming, I only use the headset for chat and the occasional headset gaming when I want to be quiet. For me, the convenience of being wireless while gaming and having the mic and headphones in one unit far outweigh the loss of quality I experience.

Now the decision is yours, but I just wanted to give some input. Whew! That was long...

P.S. WHOOO AUSSIES! - Canberra, Australia, studying in the US

 

Will read this when I get back from work.

Cheers!

 

Ultrasone 550 Pro and Zalman MIC1 those are about 150-160 USD (i dont know how much in AUD)

 

$200 shipped to Aus

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ULTRASONE-PRO-550-PRO550-PROFESSIONAL-STUDIO-HEADPHONES-/230694321762?pt=DJ_Gear_Lighting&hash=item35b673fe62#ht_2235wt_1163

get a Xonar DG locally as well.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inverse;15545141
If you MUST have a headset, and not a headphone/microphone combo (I use HD595s with a Zalman wire mic) then you can try these:

Amazon.com: Sennheiser PC 350 Collapsible Gaming Headset with Vol Control & Microphone Mute: Electronics

Comparable sound to the HD595s with a decent mic. Though at a premium price. Like all headsets, you're basically paying 40% more than a similar pair of headphones just by the nature of it having a microphone attached to it. When considering a Zalman clipon mic is like, 10 bucks~ is a bit silly to me. Still, if I had to buy a headset, that's probably the one I'd go for.

The PC360s however are open headphones, versus the above which are closed. I hear they give off a better soundstage and clarity, but they are both way over your budget.

Are you against using a quality headphone with a mic at all? Are you just traveling/competing a lot and just need the convenience of a headset?

I dislike those headsets to be honest. And I don't 'technically' want a headset. I am fine using my webcam or buying a cheap zalman clipon mic. I want good sound quality and if that means getting a headphone over headset then so be it.
Quote:

Originally Posted by lynnperformance;15545456
Kinda going off of the last post, I just want to give you some user experience. Please note that what I am about to write WILL be outside your price range but it is worth considering saving for (IMHO).

I own the following kit:
Asus Xonar Essence STX (Not on current rig, doing some sound card testing)
AKG K701

The reason I bring this up, is because this is probably the best I have achieved for PC sound so far (pending further testing), without using an external system - such as my Grado RA1 Audio Amp - and I have to say, its worth it. Its probably the first time in a long time where I have experienced the same sense of awe since I first installed a discrete sound card on my PC.

Some things to note, the sound card choice is SPECIFICALLY because it has a built in headphone amp, which if used correctly DRASTICALLY can effect the level of detail you experience when listening. Of course, however you need a good headset, which is where the AKG 701 comes in.

Now, for the recommendation part, I'd recommend you grab a soundcard if sound quality really concerns you. It is true that onboard audio evolved from crap to decent in the past few years, but it is pretty well known that it can't display all the detail that a discrete card can. Pick this up when you can get a good price, if not hold off until you can pick a set of headphones and soundcard.

Since it sounds like you use personal audio rather than speakers, I'd recommend the AKG 240 Studio or
Grado SR60. These are both stand-alone headphones that deliver superior audio detail, but to achieve that detail, you need a headphone amp. The AKG 240 Studios can run about $120 and the Grados are BY FAR the best deal at $60. That being said, I'd still buy AKG because they are much more comfortable. Rather, the AKGs are insanely comfortable and self adjusting, since the cups are quite big. I can't wear the Grados for more than 2-3 hours at a time, and that is pushing it. Both of these have fantastic build quality (the Grados seem cheap, but my dad has a set of SR60 from the 1980s...I think that says something) with leather bands. None of these headphones have an integrated surround sound solution, however, since I recommend they be paired with a soundcard, it is possible to use a virtual surround solution(which is what I use). For all intents and purposes, it can be considered better than having it being processed by the headphones. Since sound positioning is done by the card, or some software therein, it is irrelevant of the headphones.

Now for the final part...I actually don't use ANY of my audiophile equipment for gaming. Like you, I owned a Logitech G35, and have recently moved onto a set of Razer Chimaera 5.1. Yes, readers, I know, what a let down. The reason why is because for the purposes of gaming, I only use the headset for chat and the occasional headset gaming when I want to be quiet. For me, the convenience of being wireless while gaming and having the mic and headphones in one unit far outweigh the loss of quality I experience.

Now the decision is yours, but I just wanted to give some input. Whew! That was long...

P.S. WHOOO AUSSIES! - Canberra, Australia, studying in the US

+Rep. Cheers that gave me a lot of information! And Aussie REP!

Love the look of the AKG 701 and the AKG K240S Pro look awesome for the price! I dislike those Grados though. :l I am thinking I could possibly buy a AKG K240S Pro and use an adpater to 3.5mm jack for NOW and then like in a month (around xmas when I get more money $_$) I can possibly buy a dedicated sound card like an ASUS Xonar with the amp. Another question, even though you don't use the headsets for gaming if you have ever tried has the sound quality been awesome playing an FPS, MMO, RPG etc?

Also since you are coming from a Logitech G35 like me, did you notice a crazy increase in sound quality from the G35 to your dedicated headphones (like the 701) that it made it an instachoice?
Quote:

Originally Posted by Crag;15547880
Ultrasone 550 Pro and Zalman MIC1 those are about 150-160 USD (i dont know how much in AUD)

Those look epic! Though $60 postage.... really.... T_T
Quote:

Originally Posted by chinesekiwi;15548486
$200 shipped to Aus

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ULTRASONE-PRO-550-PRO550-PROFESSIONAL-STUDIO-HEADPHONES-/230694321762?pt=DJ_Gear_Lighting&hash=item35b673fe62#ht_2235wt_1163

get a Xonar DG locally as well.

Like those but the postage...

Also are Xonar DG any good?

Just as an overview. I am leaning towards Headphones at the current time! Currently the AKG K240s and the Ultrasone Pro-550 are the main ones I like. Question; You think I could buy one of those headphones and use an adapter until I can afford to get a sound card? What about the Beyerdynamic DT 770, are they worth it (seen good reviews of them)?

I just want to play games and listen to music (mostly dubstep and drum and bass). But I am getting into sound quality. My only concern at this time is the price, but if its going to last me years, then I think its worth it? :L

But I am not weighing out headsets just yet.

Any more suggestions would be awesome!

 

why using an adaptor?

personally i think that the Ultrasone 55pro worth every penny paid for it , will suite you will ,and they are 60 ohms

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crag;15553395
why using an adaptor?

personally i think that the Ultrasone 55pro worth every penny paid for it , will suite you will ,and they are 60 ohms

Like I said. I don't have a 6.3mm amp sound card... And I am liking the Ultrasone, just that postage fee is like gahhhhh. T__T In a month or so I will buy a dedicated sound card like an Asus Xonar if I go for a headphone.

And the reason I keep mentioning the Beyerdynamic DT 770 is because they seem to have really nice bass.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hot Fuzz;15553468
Like I said. I don't have a 6.3mm amp sound card... And I am liking the Ultrasone, just that postage fee is like gahhhhh. T__T In a month or so I will buy a dedicated sound card like an Asus Xonar if I go for a headphone.

And the reason I keep mentioning the Beyerdynamic DT 770 is because they seem to have really nice bass.

IIRC, The lowest impedance DT 770s are 80 ohms, higher than the Ultrasone 550 PROs @ 60 ohms. Not that it's that high to start off with, but if you're worried about driving the Ultrasone, you'll have a harder time with the beyer.

Also pretty sure the Ultrasone come with a 3.5mm jack or a 6.3mm -> 3.5mm adapter.

 

oh yeah the Ultrasone has good bundled stuff

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crag;15553611
oh yeah the Ultrasone has good bundled stuff

that color scheme...

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by r31ncarnat3d;15553551
IIRC, The lowest impedance DT 770s are 80 ohms, higher than the Ultrasone 550 PROs @ 60 ohms. Not that it's that high to start off with, but if you're worried about driving the Ultrasone, you'll have a harder time with the beyer.

Also pretty sure the Ultrasone come with a 3.5mm jack or a 6.3mm -> 3.5mm adapter.

Cheers for the information!

Wondering would I see a substantial difference in sound quality if theoretically I bought the Ultrasone 550 Pros an used them running off my mobo sound compared to using a dedicated sound card or something like a ASUS Xonar Essence ST (with the amp) for example?
Quote:

Originally Posted by Crag;15553611
oh yeah the Ultrasone has good bundled stuff

That looks so nice! Though I prefer the white versions.

 

Do note that the AKG 240 type headphones are not closed back headphones. They are partially open. If you want a pair of closed back AKG headphones, the k271 is the equivalent of the 240 approximately.
Do note that the AKG k240, k140, k171, k271 and such all have variants, such as the MK1 and the MK2, and the consumer versions with non-detachable cables.

The other thing to note about driving high(er) impedance headphones that are in excess of 32 ohms is that most cheaper devices are designed to drive headphones that are not much more than 32 ohms. this means that higher impedance headphones frequently suffer low end attenuation and a lack of volume when used with cheap driving sources/headphone amplifiers.

For the best possible quality, invest in a good headphone manufacturer, like AKG, Beyerdynamic, Senheiser, Audio-technica... etc, then pair them with a decent headphone amp made specifically to drive high impedance headphones.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by khlae;15553745
Do note that the AKG 240 type headphones are not closed back headphones. They are partially open. If you want a pair of closed back AKG headphones, the k271 is the equivalent of the 240 approximately.
Do note that the AKG k240, k140, k171, k271 and such all have variants, such as the MK1 and the MK2, and the consumer versions with non-detachable cables.

The other thing to note about driving high(er) impedance headphones that are in excess of 32 ohms is that most cheaper devices are designed to drive headphones that are not much more than 32 ohms. this means that higher impedance headphones frequently suffer low end attenuation and a lack of volume when used with cheap driving sources/headphone amplifiers.

For the best possible quality, invest in a good headphone manufacturer, like AKG, Beyerdynamic, Senheiser, Audio-technica... etc, then pair them with a decent headphone amp made specifically to drive high impedance headphones.

I'm not too concerned with fully enclosed headphones, though I don't want it to leak out my music/gaming to everyone in the house. I didn't understand everything you said because I am not an audiophile and fairly new to all this, that is why I am asking so many questions. Still don't understand amps that well and how it effects sound quality. :X Though I am getting the jist of ohms.

Also I can get the Beyerdynamic DT 770 for $180 including postage compared to the Ultrasone 550 Pro and from this review thingie: http://www.overclock.net/sound-cards-computer-audio/1014902-most-commonly-recommended-audio-products.html

it says that the beyer are better quality? O-O

REMEMBER, I am gaming and music (DRUM AND BASS AND DUBSTEP).

More help pl0x.

 

AKG K 271, Beyerdynamic DT 770, AKG K240 S and Ultrasone 550 Pros.

Which one would be best for gaming and music (only listen to drum and bass and dubstep).

Also if I get like the AKG K 271 which is like $130ish on ebay, I can go for a nice sound card?

Need more help.

 

Both AKG k271 and k240 are fairly light on bass, the k240 less so than the k271, so keep that in mind.

$100 dollars for a pair of k271 is a good deal, but they are a bit difficult to drive, thus a good soundcard/headphone amp will get almost 2x the bass out of them than compared to an ipod. The bass will still be a bit light, and thus should get some bass boost, especially for drum and bass.

All of the headphones you listed are 'high' impedance headphones to some level, thus all of them will benefit from a proper high impedance headphone amp.

One pair that you've missed are the AKG k181dj headphones. They are sealed, have better bass than the k240/k271, are easier to drive, and obscenely loud. They should do quite well for the DnB

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by khlae Both AKG k271 and k240 are fairly light on bass, the k240 less so than the k271, so keep that in mind. $100 dollars for a pair of k271 is a good deal, but they are a bit difficult to drive, thus a good soundcard/headphone amp will get almost 2x the bass out of them than compared to an ipod. The bass will still be a bit light, and thus should get some bass boost, especially for drum and bass. All of the headphones you listed are 'high' impedance headphones to some level, thus all of them will benefit from a proper high impedance headphone amp. One pair that you've missed are the AKG k181dj headphones. They are sealed, have better bass than the k240/k271, are easier to drive, and obscenely loud. They should do quite well for the DnB

What do you mean by 'fairly light on bass'? Also the price is like $140 incl postage. What would be a decent sound card to get the 'bass' out of them?

Dont like the look or price of the K181dj.

Are there any other headphones that would be good for gaming/dubstep/drum n bass?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by r31ncarnat3d IIRC, The lowest impedance DT 770s are 80 ohms, higher than the Ultrasone 550 PROs @ 60 ohms. Not that it's that high to start off with, but if you're worried about driving the Ultrasone, you'll have a harder time with the beyer. Also pretty sure the Ultrasone come with a 3.5mm jack or a 6.3mm -> 3.5mm adapter.

32 80 250 600

The DT770s are the better headphones for gaming. The 80 ohm version should be easy enough to drive without an amp. The 80 ohm version is known to have more bass than other models. Reason you would want to go for the pro 550 is they're easier to drive and are cheaper.

Sent from my HTC Sensation XE using Tapatalk

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simca;15554960
32 80 250 600

The DT770s are the better headphones for gaming. The 80 ohm version should be easy enough to drive without an amp. The 80 ohm version is known to have more bass than other models. Reason you would want to go for the pro 550 is they're easier to drive and are cheaper.

Sent from my HTC Sensation XE using Tapatalk

So its really either the Pro 550 or the DT770? or are there any others I should consider? I am still liking the AKG series though... how about the K242HD, any good? Still don't know what sound card to potentially buy either. And would buying one with an amp help with sound quality ?

ULTRASONE PRO 550 (WHITE) $144 + $64.99 postage = $209 - http://www.ebay.com/itm/ULTRASONE-PRO-550-PRO550-PROFESSIONAL-STUDIO-HEADPHONES-/270810298734#ht_2028wt_1163 -

Beyer DT 770 PRO $149 + 65 postage = $214 - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beyerdynamic-DT-770PRO-Closed-Back-Headphones-/370554730787?pt=DJ_Gear_Lighting&hash=item5646c87923#ht_1578wt_1396

AKG K-271 MK-II $149.99 + $ 25 = $175 - http://www.ebay.com/itm/AKG-K-271-K271-MK-II-MK2-K271MKII-STUDIO-HEADPHONES-/220885066757?pt=DJ_Gear_Lighting&hash=item336dc6a405#ht_2138wt_1163

AKG K242 HD $190.95 + $0 postage = $190.95 - http://www.ebay.com/itm/AKG-K242-HD-High-Definition-Headphones-Around-Ear-Audio-DJ-K-242-HD-Wide-Dynamic-/300610551936?pt=Other_MP3_Player_Accessories&hash=item45fdc90080#ht_2173wt_1139

Also how about?

Audio-Technica ATH-M50 $150 no postage - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50-Studio-Monitor-Headphones-Coiled-Wire-NEXT-DAY-AIR-/390360062524?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ae345da3c#ht_2412wt_1396

These are dirt cheap:

Samson SR850 $40 + $38.55 = $78.50 - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Samson-SR850-Semi-Open-Studio-Reference-Headphones-/130593056746?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e67f3e7ea#ht_2493wt_1396

Audio Technica ATH A700 $158 no postage - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Audio-Technica-ATH-A700-Art-Monitor-Headphones-ATHA700-/300590125421?pt=Other_MP3_Player_Accessories&hash=item45fc91516d#ht_2153wt_1139

Like i said gaming and drum n bass/dubstep though I just want it to be well rounded and overall a great listening experience no matter what I do.

Also cheaper (and hopefully still good quality) better off I am in the wallet and then I can buy a sound card.

Sound cards...? What would be a good one for a headphone like the ones I listed?

EDIT: Also Audio Technica AD700 any good? Any others around the $100-$160 incl postage?

 

Scrap AD700s, those AKGs, and the SR850.

No bass, little bass, you can do a lot better for your price range.

A700s not enough bass for dubstep.

Buying stuff in Australia is death. Postage of 60+ dollars? Lmao? Are they sending the crocodile hunter out through the jungles to deliver the package to obscure places? Seriously, that's a joke. I could ship world wide for less.

I could ship TO Australia for 15 bucks. -_-

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simca;15556279
Scrap AD700s, those AKGs, and the SR850.

No bass, little bass, you can do a lot better for your price range.

A700s not enough bass for dubstep.

Buying stuff in Australia is death. Postage of 60+ dollars? Lmao? Are they sending the crocodile hunter out through the jungles to deliver the package to obscure places? Seriously, that's a joke. I could ship world wide for less.

I could ship TO Australia for 15 bucks. -_-

Hehe... You get sort of used to the ridiculous prices on everything here. :l

So... ULTRASONE PRO 550, Beyer DT 770 PRO and Audio-Technica ATH-M50? What would be the best for dubstep/drum and bass + gaming in general on a wide variety of platforms. How do they compare to eachother? The ATH M50 are considerably cheaper and look really good from the pictures/reviews/videos I have seen, worth thinking of getting since they are such a decent price? Also still don't know anything on what sound card to buy? Since these headphones have lower ohms I wouldn't need an expensive sound card right? Any other headphones I should look at?

I KNOW, I ask a lot of questions, but I spending a lot of money on something I know very little about and just want to get everything right so I can enjoy them.