Gaming headset suggestions

[Shadowless]

Currently have a Razer Kraken Tournament Edition that has a microphone that has become self-aware, and will randomly decide what my teammates can and cannot hear.

I am looking for wired headsets that are good for gaming, music, and movies (I don't want to have two separate sets of cans at my desk). It needs to be wired, and I would prefer it if came with some sort of amp/DAC. I'd like to keep it below $200.

I am leaning towards the Astro A40 TR w/ their MixAmp Pro TR. Gamestop has it on sale for $200, and I have a $25 GameStop gift card so it's only $175 out of pocket.

[shrike126]

I have a Sennheiser PC38X that I use for gaming on the Xbox and I like it enough to recommend it. You can pick up the Senn PC37X for about $50-60 cheaper. For PC gaming DAC-AMP I use a Schiit Hel which I really love. I think they just released a 2.0 version with USB-C among other small changes. If that $199 ish price range is a bit high you can go with the Schiit Fulla for $109.

I feel like I'm coming in suggesting something closer to $220-250 or a little over your $200 price point. But trying to suggest stuff I've used for years that I really liked. I used to pick up the Astro and Turtle Beach style headsets and found myself replacing them every other year or so. Never really happy with their build quality or durability or how they sounded. But I've been really happy with Schiit stuff and use their DAC/AMPs with either that Sennheiser headset I mentioned for gaming, or a few Beyerdynamics I have on my PCs.

Sorry if that's not helpful or what you were looking for.

[Shadowless]

Originally Posted by shrike126

I have a Sennheiser PC38X that I use for gaming on the Xbox and I like it enough to recommend it. You can pick up the Senn PC37X for about $50-60 cheaper. For PC gaming DAC-AMP I use a Schiit Hel which I really love. I think they just released a 2.0 version with USB-C among other small changes. If that $199 ish price range is a bit high you can go with the Schiit Fulla for $109.

I feel like I'm coming in suggesting something closer to $220-250 or a little over your $200 price point. But trying to suggest stuff I've used for years that I really liked. I used to pick up the Astro and Turtle Beach style headsets and found myself replacing them every other year or so. Never really happy with their build quality or durability or how they sounded. But I've been really happy with Schiit stuff and use their DAC/AMPs with either that Sennheiser headset I mentioned for gaming, or a few Beyerdynamics I have on my PCs.

Sorry if that's not helpful or what you were looking for.

So the PC38X was the first headset I looked at. The problems I have with it are 1) It's expensive by itself @ $180, so when you couple that with a decent DAC, we're pushing $300, and 2) I'm not at all a fan of that volume control knob on the headset.

I'm not usually a fan of "gaming" branded stuff either (outside of Secret Lab). The only reason I got my current Razer headset is because I got it for like 33% off (some random Best Buy sale) and at the time I already had a separate set of headphones for music/movies (that set has since bit the dust after 6 faithful years) so I wasn't overly concerned about music/movies, and they are actually great for gaming. What I will say about Turtle Beach is my brother had a wireless Turtle Beach headset for his XBOX that he absolutely beat the piss out of, and that friggin thing just wouldn't die. It was literally held together by duct tape (his fault, not the headset), and lasted a year longer than we both thought it would last in the condition it was in. I bought him another nicer TB headset for xmas, so we'll see how this one works out.

But I digress...

The only reason I was shopping the Astros (and only specifically the A40 TR) was because of the mixamp and the features it provides, and also because every review I've seen for them has been extremely complementary to the audio and build quality.

It's times like this were I miss my old Xonar DGX and it's built in headphone Amp.

[shrike126]

Originally Posted by Shadowless

So the PC38X was the first headset I looked at. The problems I have with it are 1) It's expensive by itself @ $180, so when you couple that with a decent DAC, we're pushing $300, and 2) I'm not at all a fan of that volume control knob on the headset.

I hear ya. That's why I was thinking maybe the PC37X. I think the volume knob on the side is one of the reasons I would recommend the PC38X because I've found it to be pretty handy. Do you do most of your gaming on Xbox, PC, PlayStation or all of the above?

Originally Posted by Shadowless

I'm not usually a fan of "gaming" branded stuff either (outside of Secret Lab). The only reason I got my current Razer headset is because I got it for like 33% off (some random Best Buy sale) and at the time I already had a separate set of headphones for music/movies (that set has since bit the dust after 6 faithful years) so I wasn't overly concerned about music/movies, and they are actually great for gaming. What I will say about Turtle Beach is my brother had a wireless Turtle Beach headset for his XBOX that he absolutely beat the piss out of, and that friggin thing just wouldn't die. It was literally held together by duct tape (his fault, not the headset), and lasted a year longer than we both thought it would last in the condition it was in. I bought him another nicer TB headset for xmas, so we'll see how this one works out.

But I digress...

The only reason I was shopping the Astros (and only specifically the A40 TR) was because of the mixamp and the features it provides, and also because every review I've seen for them has been extremely complementary to the audio and build quality.

It's times like this were I miss my old Xonar DGX and it's built in headphone Amp.

Yeah, I guess I didn't mean for it to sound like I was bagging on TB or the "gamer" stuff. I just feel like it's all I ever see, and my experiences weren't great. Like the Turtle Beach headset, once upon a time, that would sit on the docking cradle for the Xbox? I remember paying like $300 for that headset. But then when I would game on it, everyone said they could barely hear me unless I was basically eating the microphone. Then it wouldn't hold a charge within the first year so I had to have it plugged in all the time anyways. Then got suckered into another wireless "gamer" headset, I think a Corsair white wireless headset that also just stopped holding a charge at all. Would unplug it after overnight charging and it would be beeping within 30 minutes.

Anyways, if money wasn't as big an issue what would you pick up?

[Shadowless]

Originally Posted by shrike126

I hear ya. That's why I was thinking maybe the PC37X. I think the volume knob on the side is one of the reasons I would recommend the PC38X because I've found it to be pretty handy. Do you do most of your gaming on Xbox, PC, PlayStation or all of the above?

This is for PC. I have a headset for my XBOX already, but it's wireless and there's too much interference near my PC so all BT headsets just crap out.

Originally Posted by shrike126

Yeah, I guess I didn't mean for it to sound like I was bagging on TB or the "gamer" stuff. I just feel like it's all I ever see, and my experiences weren't great. Like the Turtle Beach headset, once upon a time, that would sit on the docking cradle for the Xbox? I remember paying like $300 for that headset. But then when I would game on it, everyone said they could barely hear me unless I was basically eating the microphone. Then it wouldn't hold a charge within the first year so I had to have it plugged in all the time anyways. Then got suckered into another wireless "gamer" headset, I think a Corsair white wireless headset that also just stopped holding a charge at all. Would unplug it after overnight charging and it would be beeping within 30 minutes.

Nah, TB used to be pretty crappy, and their <$100 stuff still is pretty crappy. Corsair's stuff sub-$100 tends to always get low markets, and their >$100 stuff tends to be middle of the pack at best. Most "gamer" stuff is not good, and you are right to not fall for it.

Originally Posted by shrike126

Anyways, if money wasn't as big an issue what would you pick up?

If money wasn't an issue I'd get a $300 set of Senns, a real mic with an arm, a nice Headphone AMP, and a GoXLR

[Silent-Runner]

you can't go wrong with a Sennheiser, of course. Adding the amp would be the problem budget wise. There are some good amps out there, like the FiiO K3 (E30). As for the headphones, well, there's a giant market. Personally i'd stay away from (most of) the so called "gaming" headsets. Also i'm quite sure you will have problems finding a set that's equally good for gaming, movies and music. At least in your pricerange.

Maybe look into something midrange, like the Teufel Cage (it's currently down to 99 bucks). It does have the volume wheel on the headset which you don' like.

[shrike126]

Originally Posted by Shadowless

This is for PC. I have a headset for my XBOX already, but it's wireless and there's too much interference near my PC so all BT headsets just crap out.

Gotcha. If it's just a set of cans for the PC then your goals make a little more sense.

Originally Posted by Shadowless

If money wasn't an issue I'd get a $300 set of Senns, a real mic with an arm, a nice Headphone AMP, and a GoXLR

Okay I guess I should've asked if an extra $50 wasn't an issue what would you get?

[CurrentlyPissed]

If you are wanting an actual headset (mic and speakers) as unfortunate as it is the best is the Arctis 7 / pro.

I had some for years, and really the only way to get anything better was to go outside the headset realm and get headphones/mic.

[Evileh]

Originally Posted by CurrentlyPissed

If you are wanting an actual headset (mic and speakers) as unfortunate as it is the best is the Arctis 7 / pro.

I had some for years, and really the only way to get anything better was to go outside the headset realm and get headphones/mic.

I liked my arctis 7 but i hated the surround audio until I installed the dolby atmos app. Ditched the arctis 7 for corsair virtuoso xt's the sound quality and mic quality are waaaaaay better, battery life not so much lol.

[Shadowless]

Update to this.


I haven't purchased anything. I fixed the issue with the Mic. I hate Razer Synapse with a passion.

[Evileh]

Originally Posted by Shadowless

Update to this.


I haven't purchased anything. I fixed the issue with the Mic. I hate Razer Synapse with a passion.

I don't like razer headsets

[Shadowless]

Originally Posted by Evileh

I don't like razer headsets

For the most part I don't have any complaints about the headset. But I won't be purchasing anymore Razer products moving forward as they ****ed my over on a warranty claim on my Viper Ultimate, and Razer Synapse is just a hot piece of garbage and has caused me so many issues on this PC and my last one.

[koralis]

Originally Posted by Silent-Runner

you can't go wrong with a Sennheiser, of course. Adding the amp would be the problem budget wise. There are some good amps out there, like the FiiO K3 (E30). As for the headphones, well, there's a giant market. Personally i'd stay away from (most of) the so called "gaming" headsets. Also i'm quite sure you will have problems finding a set that's equally good for gaming, movies and music. At least in your pricerange.
.

I just got this Epos (was Sennhieser) H6Pro headset that I'm very pleased with. See the "What have you last purchased thread" Found some reviews that thought the Mike quality was very good, which was part of what I needed it for (remote work on occasion.)
https://www.amazon.com/EPOS-H6Pro-Li...09FPCVHVN&th=1



Pair it with this cheapish DAC/AMP/soundcard? I connect to my old sound card, myself. Goes a little over your budget but not tooo far. Dunno the quality of this one and whether it's too low-end for your tastes or not.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088FXH2GK...NsaWNrPXRydWU=


Bundled here, but I think it's a little cheaper seperately??
https://www.amazon.com/EPOS-H6Pro-Li...09FPCVHVN&th=1


Edit: maybe not the DAC...l was reading some reviews of several people having it get flakey after a bit

[Shadowless]

So I won a buncha money from the superbowl so I went out yesterday and picked up the Astro A40 TR with the Mixamp and wow, my old headset is TRASH. The sound is night and day.

With that being said, I'm not sure if I'm going to keep them. I find them to be less comfortable than my Razer headset, the 3.5mm port on the headphones is in a spot where sometimes if I turn my head to the left the wire/end of the plug kinda digs into my neck (but this might be fixable). Also, the in-line mute toggle sometimes toggles off if you hit the cord a certain way, so at the very least I'll be doing an exchange.

But I'm strongly considering ordering the PC38x and just using it without a DAC for now, and then getting the EPOS GSX 1200 pro later on.

[Trunks0]

Hardware Canucks had a pretty good review of the PC38x

https://hardwarecanucks.com/audio/se...eadset-review/

[logical]

Originally Posted by Shadowless

So I won a buncha money from the superbowl so I went out yesterday and picked up the Astro A40 TR with the Mixamp and wow, my old headset is TRASH. The sound is night and day.

With that being said, I'm not sure if I'm going to keep them. I find them to be less comfortable than my Razer headset, the 3.5mm port on the headphones is in a spot where sometimes if I turn my head to the left the wire/end of the plug kinda digs into my neck (but this might be fixable). Also, the in-line mute toggle sometimes toggles off if you hit the cord a certain way, so at the very least I'll be doing an exchange.

But I'm strongly considering ordering the PC38x and just using it without a DAC for now, and then getting the EPOS GSX 1200 pro later on.

I know youre not looking to spend a lot of money still but if you thought the jump from your razr to the A40s is a crazy jump.. its probably a bigger jump to a proper headset. My wife uses the A40s and I use the Senns HD650 and its night and day not even close.


If you really care about audio and probably not spending anymore money in the future after the next purchase I would def suggest a proper set of headphones.


Drop has got the Senns 6xx(basically the same headset as I have) for 240: https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-sennheiser-hd6xx


But that leads you down the hole of spending money for an amp + a mic of some sort. But in the long run will probably save your money cause shouldnt need another set of headphones as long as you take care of your stuff.

[Trunks0]

And note, you can get external DAC/Amp combos that will interface with things like a console from companies like Creative Labs. Giving you even more flexibility.

Some of Creative's portable/externals also let you do proper multi-channel SBX virtual surround with the consoles.

[Nunz]

Astros.. I feel like I'm back in 2008 again on an xbox360.

Get a real pair of headphones, and leave the gaming marketing crap for the console kiddies. Grab the PC38x at a minimum.

[Trunks0]

You can also look into things like Antlion Audio mod mic's (or any other clip on mic). Then you can use whatever headphones you want

[logical]

Originally Posted by Trunks0

You can also look into things like Antlion Audio mod mic's (or any other clip on mic). Then you can use whatever headphones you want

I use modmic wireless, but I didnt want to suggest anymore things that cost more money

[mizzer]

Creative SB G6 https://www.amazon.com/BlasterX-Exte...s%2C116&sr=1-3

Modmic https://www.amazon.com/Attachable-No...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Beyer Dynamic 770 Pros https://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-.../dp/B0006NL5SM

That’s what I use.

[Shadowless]

Originally Posted by logical

I know youre not looking to spend a lot of money still but if you thought the jump from your razr to the A40s is a crazy jump.. its probably a bigger jump to a proper headset. My wife uses the A40s and I use the Senns HD650 and its night and day not even close.


If you really care about audio and probably not spending anymore money in the future after the next purchase I would def suggest a proper set of headphones.


Drop has got the Senns 6xx(basically the same headset as I have) for 240: https://drop.com/buy/massdrop-sennheiser-hd6xx


But that leads you down the hole of spending money for an amp + a mic of some sort. But in the long run will probably save your money cause shouldnt need another set of headphones as long as you take care of your stuff.

So I would love the whole headphones and separate mic thing, but I simply do not have the space for it. Also, I need something I can use with my laptop for voice/video calls when not at my desk.

Just ordered the PC38X and the SoundblasterX G6.

[mizzer]

Originally Posted by Shadowless

Just ordered the SoundblasterX G6.

I was surprised how good it sounded. Keep us in the loop.

[Shadowless]

Originally Posted by mizzer

I was surprised how good it sounded. Keep us in the loop.

I'm curious to see how it is. I really do like the Astro Mixamp Pro TR, so it has some shoes to fill.

[shrike126]

Originally Posted by Trunks0

Hardware Canucks had a pretty good review of the PC38x

https://hardwarecanucks.com/audio/se...eadset-review/

I have a set of the Senn PC38X's I use with my Xbox and PS5 and they sound great. Mic works really well (allegedly) for those on the other end of my gaming chat sessions. The only reason I would hesitate to recommend those to others is that they tend to squeeze my skull a bit. After a couple hours, I'm ready to take those off. They're just not comfortable for extended gaming sessions.

Originally Posted by mizzer

Creative SB G6 https://www.amazon.com/BlasterX-Exte...s%2C116&sr=1-3

Modmic https://www.amazon.com/Attachable-No...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Beyer Dynamic 770 Pros https://www.amazon.com/beyerdynamic-.../dp/B0006NL5SM

That’s what I use.

Beyerdyanmics though, on the other hand, I could wear for days. Those things are super comfy. I've had a set of DT 770 Pros around for a couple years now and I love those things. I currently have them connected to my work laptop without an external DAC which, isn't amazing but does the job for conference calls (I use a separate mic).



I also have a pair of open back DT 990 Pros (I liked the 770's so much I wanted something similar) for my gaming desktop setup. They're connected to a Schiit Hel DAC/AMP which I love.



Cannot recommend the Beyers enough.

[Quickstrike]

You're probably better off going headphones + separate mic.

My cousin just went through this.. Bought a bunch of cheaper headsets like the cloud II, 38x, and A40 w/mixamp.

Ended up returning them all and ordering a Sennheiser 560s + amp. He has a spare Logitech webcam that he uses for the microphone. Picks up his voice better than the guys that use cheaper headsets.

[Shadowless]

First impressions of this G6 aren't great. This thing may be getting returned tomorrow. What a pile of crap.

[Trunks0]

Whats up with it?

[Nunz]

I was contemplating getting rid of my AE5 for a USB DAC but changed my mind when I seen the downgrade the G6 would be in terms of quality.

The G6 isn't a bad product, though, it's just not comparable to the discrete soundcards. What issues are you having with it?

[Shadowless]

Originally Posted by Nunz

I was contemplating getting rid of my AE5 for a USB DAC but changed my mind when I seen the downgrade the G6 would be in terms of quality.

The G6 isn't a bad product, though, it's just not comparable to the discrete soundcards. What issues are you having with it?

• Sound Blaster Command crashes and resets settings if you breathe at it the wrong way.
• I can't use Direct Audio because it crashes Command, and then when command comes up again it turns it off even if I enable it through the physical button on the G6.
• I can't use SBX profiles for games because for whatever reason it makes voice calls sound ****ed up
• It randomly locked me out of the recording tab which meant I couldn't use my mic, and then for no reason it just started working again.
• When I'm muted, or my mic is unplugged, the G6 still appears to be sending out about half a second of "audio" every 1-2 seconds.
• I was under the impression that a firmware update Creative pushed last year enabled a chatmix feature on the G6, but it seems that only works for PS4.

Just brings back all the memories of why I stopped buying Sound Blaster products in 2010.