Headsets for every budget thread

[SynicalFox]

I decided I wanted to upgrade and posted this thread
After discussing this with friends I have decided to increase my budget to R2000 to see what all my options are and decide from there.
This will make it quite interesting and I want to try compile a list of all headphones a person could consider around different price ranges.

Heres a rough List of Headphones at specified budgets to get it started: (prices are estimated and could have changed dependent on when this thread is viewed)
R400 - Speedlink Coniux (brilliant Microphone - just have to find stock)
R850 - Corsair HS50 (Solid reviews for the price - comfortable, decent audio and mic)
R1000/R1100 - Cooler Master MH751 (Super comfy from reviews with solid audio and fantastic mic - also pair well with a DAC/AMP - needs a bit of EQ to emphasise the low end)

So now we just need to continue the trend and possibly find the best choice at each of these price ranges:
R1500 - ?????
R2000 - ?????
R2500 - ?????

Contenders:
Sennheiser PC37x/Zero/One (These tend to be EOL - difficult to find)
Philips SHP9500 (+ a separate desk mic) - R2000 budget [Importing is probable]
Audio Technica ATH-M20x + Mic - R1500 - R1800 budget
Audio Technica ATH-M50x + Mic - R3000 - R3500 budget

Mic option: FiFine K669

Looking forward to seeing your suggestions
I closed my other thread as there seemed to be quite a clear winner there for me (Cooler Master MH751)

 

[pseudomeaningful]

R3000 - Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ‘s
not actually gaming headphones but amazing none the less and can be driven by any source (almost)

 

[SynicalFox]

R3000 - Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ‘s
not actually gaming headphones but amazing none the less and can be driven by any source (almost)

Unfortunately I'd need a microphone then and that would be way over budget.
I always loved these headphones, will hopefully own a pair for Audio listening some day. For now my Sennheiser HD419 are perfect.

 

[Andrew_Smith]

Sennheiser Game Zero/One must be added to the list.

 

[SynicalFox]

Sennheiser Game Zero/One must be added to the list.

Where does one find the Game One or the PC37x new? I really like the velour pad option, especially if spending that price

 

[Andrew_Smith]

Where does one find the Game One or the PC37x new? I really like the velour pad option, especially if spending that price

EOL I am afraid...

You could maybe try your luck and get one secondhand because you can replace the earpads which you can buy from Wootware if they start to get old/tear.

I love the memory foam on mine, very comfortable for long sessions.

 

[goldfritter]

I've done some looking around at this. Based on various tech and audio people on YouTube etc, everyone recommends splitting the mic and the headphones.

My Googlings have come out to the following recommendations. As you can see there really is space for each level of budget. I don't own any of these personally but they are all highly regarded.

R 1 500
AKG K52 - R 749
FiFine K669 - R 679 (widely considered as really good for the price, but might pick up a bit of background noise as it's a condenser)

R 2 500
Audio Technica ATH-M20X - R 1 069
Behringer UM2 - R 995 (this plus the mic is Linus's top recommendation)
Behringer XM 8500 - R 599 (you can probably get away with a cheaper mic as long as it's dynamic with an XLR connection)
ShoTeq MS100 Stand - R 199 (or a desk stand, there are plenty on AudioMart's site)

I'll probably be getting the R 2 500 combo when I next upgrade, possibly with the AKG K92's instead as I'll get a chance to listen to them soon.

Note that the headphone recommendations are all "studio" headphones, which means the sound is supposed to be as true as possible to the original. This is good for gaming as all sounds are reflected accurately, but it's not as "fun" for listening to music as the bass won't be as punchy. Luckily when your mic is separate you can get any headphones you like and mix and match.

 

[SynicalFox]

EOL I am afraid...

You could maybe try your luck and get one secondhand because you can replace the earpads which you can buy from Wootware if they start to get old/tear.

I love the memory foam on mine, very comfortable for long sessions.

Yeah, sencond hand is an option but I'm going to try stick with new for now, so that kind of kills the vibe. Prefer them memory foam/velour pads as well.

I've done some looking around at this. Based on various tech and audio people on YouTube etc, everyone recommends splitting the mic and the headphones.

My Googlings have come out to the following recommendations. As you can see there really is space for each level of budget. I don't own any of these personally but they are all highly regarded.

R 1 500
AKG K52 - R 749
FiFine K669 - R 679 (widely considered as really good for the price, but might pick up a bit of background noise as it's a condenser)

R 2 500
Audio Technica ATH-M20X - R 1 069
Behringer UM2 - R 995 (this plus the mic is Linus's top recommendation)
Behringer XM 8500 - R 599 (you can probably get away with a cheaper mic as long as it's dynamic with an XLR connection)
ShoTeq MS100 Stand - R 199 (or a desk stand, there are plenty on AudioMart's site)

I'll probably be getting the R 2 500 combo when I next upgrade, possibly with the AKG K92's instead as I'll get a chance to listen to them soon.

Note that the headphone recommendations are all "studio" headphones, which means the sound is supposed to be as true as possible to the original. This is good for gaming as all sounds are reflected accurately, but it's not as "fun" for listening to music as the bass won't be as punchy. Luckily when your mic is separate you can get any headphones you like and mix and match.

I was also thinking about this as an alternative. It's why those Cooler Master MH751 actually stand out because they are literally a rebrand of studio headphones and you can opt for a better mic down the road. Although one might as well go for a better headphones in that case anyways.

Although for combo 2:
1) I don't have space for a microphone stand, my desk is a corner desk built onto the wall, I'd maybe need an arm.
2) The mic amp + mic is quite the combo and does eat into the price, I suppose one can opt to spend slightly less on mic and more on a pair of great headphones.
3) at R2500 you do enter the Wireless headphone category a bit which can add convenience over essentially a cabled headphone (However mic is now placed on desk and out of the way.

It's a great thing to think about and consider. Thanks for pointing it out. Maybe V-Moda Boom Pro and Audio Technica ATH-M40x

 

[ghostR]

Have had a GREAT number of headphones and sold most of them due to funds and it is a bloody expensive hobby. But honestly, most people should enjoy the Cooler Master MH751 as it has great quality for a "gaming" headset and is similar to the ATH series in comparison. But if you want the best bang for your buck, grab something like the Philips SHP9500 as that is a great way to start and throw a modmic on there.

I currently run the M50x and have been as a daily for 3 years now and no big regrets, besides them being slightly on the "painful" to listen to spectrum. They are great, accurate but they almost pierce your soul and ears in a number of ways. People always recommend these, but I wouldn't say jump right into it.

The problem with headphones is you need to listen to them to see if you like them, with stock issues and all this covid stuff its impossible. But my recommendation is the MH751 or SHP9500.

Others on the list to look at are:

• Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR
• DT 770 PRO's
• ATH-M40x's
• GRADO SR80e (doubt you can get these easily)
• HIFIMAN HE400S
• AKG Pro Audio K702

Most of the great headsets will require a mic + DAC though so for the sake of simplicity I would grab the MH751 and be done with it, then save for an even bigger upgrade. Have had many of other audiophiles try the MH751 and they really enjoyed it.

 

[Cujo26]

R3000 - Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ‘s
not actually gaming headphones but amazing none the less and can be driven by any source (almost)

For the R1500 range, I'd say ATH M20xes

They're cheaper than 1500, so you can spend the rest on a cheapish mic

 

[AresFaithfull]

R3000 - Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ‘s
not actually gaming headphones but amazing none the less and can be driven by any source (almost)

<3 beat me to it

 

[goldfritter]

I was also thinking about this as an alternative. It's why those Cooler Master MH751 actually stand out because they are literally a rebrand of studio headphones and you can opt for a better mic down the road. Although one might as well go for a better headphones in that case anyways.

Although for combo 2:
1) I don't have space for a microphone stand, my desk is a corner desk built onto the wall, I'd maybe need an arm.
2) The mic amp + mic is quite the combo and does eat into the price, I suppose one can opt to spend slightly less on mic and more on a pair of great headphones.
3) at R2500 you do enter the Wireless headphone category a bit which can add convenience over essentially a cabled headphone (However mic is now placed on desk and out of the way.

It's a great thing to think about and consider. Thanks for pointing it out. Maybe V-Moda Boom Pro and Audio Technica ATH-M40x

That's the beauty of splitting the two. You can get the FiFine and really good headphones if you want. Arms are also available for the same price as floor stands, or you can get a simple little desk tripod stand. Apparently dynamic mics are preferable to condenser mics because they pick up much less background noise. So releasing yourself from the mic/headphones headset combo opens up a whole new world.

I don't really believe in wireless headphones because I believe the fewer batteries in my life, the better. But other people may prefer them so it's a valid point.

 

[DeusExMachina]

Please don't listen to anyone else.
Buy these;
Check this out on takealot: HyperX: CloudX Gaming Headset (Xbox One )

Takealot

www.takealot.com

They have 3.5mm Jack's. If you want USB soundcard, get the Cloud 2's for around R2200.

You will thank me forever

 

[goldfritter]

But if you want the best bang for your buck, grab something like the Philips SHP9500 as that is a great way to start and throw a modmic on there.

Have you seen the ModMic available anywhere in SA? I saw it on either Loot/Raru, can't remember, but it was close to R 2 000 and out of stock. Which makes it not really an option I reckon, especially when you can get a decent USB mic for under R 700

 

[goldfritter]

Please don't listen to anyone else.
Buy these;
Check this out on takealot: HyperX: CloudX Gaming Headset (Xbox One )

Takealot

www.takealot.com

They have 3.5mm Jack's. If you want USB soundcard, get the Cloud 2's for around R2200.

You will thank me forever

+1 for this. I have the original Clouds from 2016, and they still work perfectly. The sound is great and the mic is really good for a headset. They're showing some cosmetic wear now, else I wouldn't even be thinking about upgrading.

 

[SynicalFox]

Have had a GREAT number of headphones and sold most of them due to funds and it is a bloody expensive hobby. But honestly, most people should enjoy the Cooler Master MH751 as it has great quality for a "gaming" headset and is similar to the ATH series in comparison. But if you want the best bang for your buck, grab something like the Philips SHP9500 as that is a great way to start and throw a modmic on there.

I currently run the M50x and have been as a daily for 3 years now and no big regrets, besides them being slightly on the "painful" to listen to spectrum. They are great, accurate but they almost pierce your soul and ears in a number of ways. People always recommend these, but I wouldn't say jump right into it.

The problem with headphones is you need to listen to them to see if you like them, with stock issues and all this covid stuff its impossible. But my recommendation is the MH751 or SHP9500.

Others on the list to look at are:

• Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR
• DT 770 PRO's
• ATH-M40x's
• GRADO SR80e (doubt you can get these easily)
• HIFIMAN HE400S
• AKG Pro Audio K702

Most of the great headsets will require a mic + DAC though so for the sake of simplicity I would grab the MH751 and be done with it, then save for an even bigger upgrade. Have had many of other audiophiles try the MH751 and they really enjoyed it.

Thanks for the depth of feedback. Definitely seems like a sensible route to go for proper studio headphones if spending more than R2000 and a decent mic to go with it but it comes to the price jump at times xD.

Going to be honest though, we don't have many places where you can test headphones here in KZN anyways. I bought the Sennheiser HD419 without ever testing them and they actually turned out fantastic except for the cable being so damn thin. They are going on 5 years old and still going strong.

Thanks for the other recommendations. I must say these MH751 are like a diamond in the rough for the price point!

For the R1500 range, I'd say ATH M20xes

They're cheaper than 1500, so you can spend the rest on a cheapish mic

Yeah, they seem decent as well, I think it's a toss up between those and the MH751 which also do seem superb (The mic is brilliant with 1 flaw, no noise cancelling. Anyways, there are so many options it's hard to just know which is right).

Please don't listen to anyone else.
Buy these;
Check this out on takealot: HyperX: CloudX Gaming Headset (Xbox One )

Takealot

www.takealot.com

They have 3.5mm Jack's. If you want USB soundcard, get the Cloud 2's for around R2200.

You will thank me forever

Do they work on PS4? (I know they have a specific version for PS4)

 

[Bearman]

Sennheiser PC37x sold by Massdrop. $100. Sennheiser 58x Jubilee next step up (no mic), $150. Importing can be... Interesting? These prices include $20 off discount.


Anyone have the 58xs for me, second hand?

SHP9500 should be on this list too, I think, according to reviews. Open Back headset, try it once, do yourself a favour. (All three my recommendations are).

 

[SILTECH786]

Hyperx cloud alphas - comfort levels are amazing
Logitech pro x - best mic by far !
Cooler Master MH752 - felt decent at rage

 

[Bearman]

I have Original Cloud 1 lying on my desk at work, too. Too much bass, every time. Always have to install system-wide EQ just to tone down the bass. My 2cs. Apart from that, pretty good, I'd say, but no-where near PC37x for me.

 

[Dr Evil]

Hyper X cloud 2 are really good.
Sennheiser GSP 300 is great as well. The mic sounds really natural and audio quality is very good.


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[goldfritter]

I have Original Cloud 1 lying on my desk at work, too. Too much bass, every time. Always have to install system-wide EQ just to tone down the bass. My 2cs. Apart from that, pretty good, I'd say, but no-where near PC37x for me.

This is the difference between you audiophiles and us plebs. I'm sitting here thinking "too much bass? There's no such thing!"

 

[SPWM]

Hi, is this a good quality headset to start out with for a 12 year old playing fortnite...it wont break in the first year and the mic sound quality is good?

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[wes1987]

Can't go wrong with the Philips SHP9500, great bang for your buck.

For a higher end set I would say:
HiFIMAN HE400i (around 3k)
DT990 Pro (Around 2.5k) - though you would ideally need external amplification depending on your chosen impedence.

Those would go well though if paired with an audio interface (Scarlet Solo or UMC22) I am not a fan of the UM2 - don't like knobs on the top and the plastic case and it doesn't use the midas pre-amps.

With Audio interface you can then choose a mic of your liking and possibly upgrade that in future. you looking around 1k for an audio interface.... bonus with this, if you play guitar you can use the audio interface as an instrument input. and also play rocksmith

 

[goldfritter]

Hi, is this a good quality headset to start out with for a 12 year old playing fortnite...it wont break in the first year and the mic sound quality is good?

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

I have no experience with these and I couldn't find any formal reviews on Google, but take a look at these Amazon.com customer reviews to help decide:

Amazon.com: Redragon H901 Gaming Headset with Microphone for PC, PC Gaming Headphones with Mic and Built-in Noise Reduction Works with PC, Laptop, Tablet, Playstation 4, PS4, Xbox One (Stereo Adapter Included): Home Audio & Theater

Amazon.com: Redragon H901 Gaming Headset with Microphone for PC, PC Gaming Headphones with Mic and Built-in Noise Reduction Works with PC, Laptop, Tablet, Playstation 4, PS4, Xbox One (Stereo Adapter Included): Home Audio & Theater

www.amazon.com

 

[SynicalFox]

Hyper X cloud 2 are really good.
Sennheiser GSP 300 is great as well. The mic sounds really natural and audio quality is very good.


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Are the HyperX Cloud II also end of life. They averaged between R1400 - R1800 mark and we're fantastic bang for buck with included velour pads and carry case!

Seems for me my only real options right now that I can actually get are between Cooler Master MH751 or Sennheiser GSP 300.

Even Phillips SHP 9500 would have to be imported.

 

[Dr Evil]

Are the HyperX Cloud II also end of life. They averaged between R1400 - R1800 mark and we're fantastic bang for buck with included velour pads and carry case!

Seems for me my only real options right now that I can actually get are between Cooler Master MH751 or Sennheiser GSP 300.

Even Phillips SHP 9500 would have to be imported.

i think they are end of life hey. You can't go wrong with either option, Sennheiser or the Cooler master.
Before i bought my Sennheiser i watched countless videos and the best three budget options were the Sennheiser, Cooler Master and the Corsair HS50. Each have their strengths and weaknesses but are all good options.


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[SynicalFox]

So what I just found out from Googling.....
the Cooler Master MH751 are based on the OEM Takstar Pro 82.
The HyperX Cloud II are also made by Takstar and were a rebrand of the Takstar Pro 80.
That was just something interesting I found out.

 

[Dr Evil]

So what I just found out from Googling.....
the Cooler Master MH751 are based on the OEM Takstar Pro 82.
The HyperX Cloud II are also made by Takstar and were a rebrand of the Takstar Pro 80.
That was just something interesting I found out.

Check Geewiz, they had headsets for sale as well. I remember seeing the cooler master on there.


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[SynicalFox]

I ordered the Cooler Master MH751.

Will update once I get them.



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[Mb12]

I ordered the Cooler Master MH751.

Will update once I get them.



Sent from my ONEPLUS A6000 using Tapatalk

From which store did you order?

Also, on a separate note, I can't seem to find the V-Moda Boompro available anywhere? I was considering that along with SHP9500, but alas the only one available on Amazon is used.