HeaDphone Discussions. (Audiophile and Gaming)

[SCHUMI4EVER]

Okay, so since 100 pages of thread is way too much to read, what is the best headset for gaming that has an excellent mic as well? I am sure after 100 pages there must be some sort of consensus.

Actually that topic moved faaaaaaar away from that.
I'd say currently it's the CoolerMaster MH751/2.

 

[SCHUMI4EVER]

Okay, so since 100 pages of thread is way too much to read, what is the best headset for gaming that has an excellent mic as well? I am sure after 100 pages there must be some sort of consensus.

Actually that topic moved faaaaaaar away from that.
I'd say currently it's the CoolerMaster MH751/2.

Edit: Nevermind, didn't see that budget. That changes things considerably.

 

[Ninja_Theory]

What can I get for 6K?

For gaming.. DT990 Pro 80 or 250ohm + uDSD + Boompro is almost unbeatable at the price.
For music as well... above will work, or any of the headphones Panda posted here. I have an affinity for the HD650.

 

[Born2Fish]

If we are talking a true gaming headset (built in mic etc) then I reckon any of the top Sennheiser offerings are your best bet depending on which you prefer. Game One, Game Zero, GSP500 and GSP600. Well built, with great mics that mute on rotate, and a volume dial. Just makes things simple for gaming. I still love my GSP600 for gaming, the isolation is great when my GPU is going full jet mode with no outside distractions, imaging and directional cues are very good, and it may not be a 6XX but music still sounds pretty damn good compared with your usual gaming headsets. I see myself using the 6XX for music and the GSP600 for gaming going forward. So much easier than having a fixed mic and two or three cables hanging off my head.

If you don't need isolation then the GSP500 is probably an even better bet than my GSP600. It's open back so soundstage should be better which will probably help in competitive gaming. Considering they're R2599 on Wootware these days I reckon it will be a struggle to get a half decent audiophile headphone plus a boom pro or mod mic (especially new) for the same money and you then lose the convenience. They're all relatively easy to drive so onboard audio will suffice until a dac/headamp is used.

The older Game ONEs and Game Zeros are going for R1500 or so used these days which is also a bargain.

Just my thoughts. I reckon if you exclude Sennheisers offerings then yes most gaming headsets make you pay for all the wrong things. But, Sennheiser I trust .

 

[Ninja_Theory]

If we are talking a true gaming headset (built in mic etc) then I reckon any of the top Sennheiser offerings are your best bet depending on which you prefer. Game One, Game Zero, GSP500 and GSP600. Well built, with great mics that mute on rotate, and a volume dial. Just makes things simple for gaming. I still love my GSP600 for gaming, the isolation is great when my GPU is going full jet mode with no outside distractions, imaging and directional cues are very good, and it may not be a 6XX but music still sounds pretty damn good compared with your usual gaming headsets. I see myself using the 6XX for music and the GSP600 for gaming going forward. So much easier than having a fixed mic and two or three cables hanging off my head.

If you don't need isolation then the GSP500 is probably an even better bet than my GSP600. It's open back so soundstage should be better which will probably help in competitive gaming. Considering they're R2599 on Wootware these days I reckon it will be a struggle to get a half decent audiophile headphone plus a boom pro or mod mic (especially new) for the same money and you then lose the convenience. They're all relatively easy to drive so onboard audio will suffice until a dac/headamp is used.

The older Game ONEs and Game Zeros are going for R1500 or so used these days which is also a bargain.

Just my thoughts. I reckon if you exclude Sennheisers offerings then yes most gaming headsets make you pay for all the wrong things. But, Sennheiser I trust .

Very good thoughts... some great advice here actually.

 

[SCHUMI4EVER]

Otherwise, if 6k is your budget and you don't want the hassle of learning and just want something good. Then Sennheiser GSP600 coupled with their desktop sound card, (GSP1200?) would be my recommendation.

Good thinking this

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and then either

[Sale] - Philips X2 | Sound Cards

Item: Philips x2 Price: R2000 -would trade for corsair 3200 ddr4 rgb vengeance ram (2x8gis) Warranty: nope Packaging: Full packaging Condition: excellent Location: Cape Town Reason: Cud and its similar to my dt770 - i prefer closed back headphones Shipping: Sure at your cost Collection: Sure...

carbonite.co.za

OR

[For Sale] - Philips SHP9500 - Headphones | Sound Cards

Item: Philips SHP 9500 Age: Less than 1 week Price: R1300 Warranty: With Amazon Packaging: Original Condition: Like New Location: Cape Town Reason: HD 6XX Shipping: Can do, cost and risk for buyer, prefer Cape Town buyers obviously Collection: Yes Link: Drop: Passions lead here (formerly...

carbonite.co.za

 

[SykomantiS]

and then either

[For Sale] - Philips SHP9500 - Headphones | Sound Cards

Item: Philips SHP 9500 Age: Less than 1 week Price: R1300 Warranty: With Amazon Packaging: Original Condition: Like New Location: Cape Town Reason: HD 6XX Shipping: Can do, cost and risk for buyer, prefer Cape Town buyers obviously Collection: Yes Link: Drop: Passions lead here (formerly...

carbonite.co.za

That price though...
Sidenote: still waiting on Aramex *spits* for delivery of mine.

 

[SCHUMI4EVER]

That price though...
Sidenote: still waiting on Aramex *spits* for delivery of mine.

You really should grab that X2 whilst @Recho @capetownwatches and @PandaAttack1 are napping.

 

[SykomantiS]

You really should grab that X2 whilst @Recho @capetownwatches and @PandaAttack1 are napping.

Dude, I'm so broke right now, I can't even afford to pay attention. Like really, I had to move funds around just to get all my debit orders sorted this month- btw, I hate those things (the debit orders, not the 'phones).

 

[SCHUMI4EVER]

Dude, I'm so broke right now, I can't even afford to pay attention. Like really, I had to move funds around just to get all my debit orders sorted this month- btw, I hate those things (the debit orders, not the 'phones).

Ouchies. Shoulda settled for MH751 then.

 

[SykomantiS]

Ouchies. Shoulda settled for MH751 then.

I'm not following... You might have me confused with someone else. I've never heard of that before now. Also, my SHP's were bought in April, and not really the reason why I'm having a bad month.

Well, okay no. I'm overselling it. Its not a bad month. It's just too many things I want to get done. I'm juggling my Civic sound upgrade on the side. Have almost everything now except the sound deadening, which I'm picking up tomorrow.

 

[SCHUMI4EVER]

I'm not following... You might have me confused with someone else. I've never heard of that before now. Also, my SHP's were bought in April, and not really the reason why I'm having a bad month.

Well, okay no. I'm overselling it. Its not a bad month. It's just too many things I want to get done. I'm juggling my Civic sound upgrade on the side. Have almost everything now except the sound deadening, which I'm picking up tomorrow.

I just meant if money was that tight then getting feedback on local stuff worth a grand woulda been better than jumping for an import. (where my suggestion woulda been CM MH751)
But nevermind given what else you said.

 

[Deviation]

@Scubadude
Sensei, need some advice on stax srs 2170!

 

[Ninja_Theory]

Edit: Nevermind, didn't see that budget. That changes things considerably.

The audio enthusiast's nemesis Budget.

 

[naughty]

The audio enthusiast's nemesis Lack of any Budget to speak about

fixed

 

[capetownwatches]

@Scubadude
Sensei, need some advice on stax srs 2170!

@Deviation Scubadude I ain't, but I do own a 2170, so shoot - whatever you need to know the answer is yes...

 

[Scubadude]

@Scubadude
Sensei, need some advice on stax srs 2170!

Indeed I own these as do @capetownwatches and @ta24. These three sets showed up in the market roughly the same time about 18 months ago as New Old Stock. Nothing has ever unjaded my ears as these have. If you think HD800 is fast and detailed and transparent, there are faster, more detailed and more transparent. They have effortless detail, flowing dynamics and absolute transparency I associate with the very best speaker based systems (try R 500k and up). Nothing entry-level about them except maybe the plasticky housing. Considering it is a complete system (amp and headphones or energizer and earspeakers in Staxi) for the price of a midmarket open-backed headphone it offers stupendous value. On the downside they radiate sound inwards and outwards, so broadcast more than leak. And they let in all ambient noise. Comfort is a "not for everyone" affair so you have to try it. And yes, despite how good it sounds at one point you will start wondering what the 207's can do with a better amp, or how much better the high end Stax models sound.

If you are close to Pretoria you are welcome to pop in for a listen and discussion. There is a reason why Z called it His End Game (R) Mk 27.

 

[capetownwatches]

+100 on all of the above.

They are not for everyone, so if you are seriously interested you should take @Scubadude up on his offer and have a listen.
Be warned, you may be there for a while...one's first listen to Staxen can be a very WOW moment.
For the money nothing else comes close to the sound quality and technical ability of the entry level 2170 set.
As always in these matters, that is my opinion and your mileage may very well vary.

The SRS-2170 is no longer available, and frankly the direct replacement is more expensive and isn't as good, so a true unicorn.
If you are fortunate enough to be able to find one, don't hesitate for even a nanosecond.

PS: the Staxen are the reason I don't own HD800s...

 

[Deviation]

So let me get this straight. Stax may or may not be a headphone. But rather some kind of wonderland drug you can never go back from, a drug which keeps sucking your money in perpetuity.

 

[Ac!DLeAk]

Indeed I own these as do @capetownwatches and @ta24. These three sets showed up in the market roughly the same time about 18 months ago as New Old Stock. Nothing has ever unjaded my ears as these have. If you think HD800 is fast and detailed and transparent, there are faster, more detailed and more transparent. They have effortless detail, flowing dynamics and absolute transparency I associate with the very best speaker based systems (try R 500k and up). Nothing entry-level about them except maybe the plasticky housing. Considering it is a complete system (amp and headphones or energizer and earspeakers in Staxi) for the price of a midmarket open-backed headphone it offers stupendous value. On the downside they radiate sound inwards and outwards, so broadcast more than leak. And they let in all ambient noise. Comfort is a "not for everyone" affair so you have to try it. And yes, despite how good it sounds at one point you will start wondering what the 207's can do with a better amp, or how much better the high end Stax models sound.

If you are close to Pretoria you are welcome to pop in for a listen and discussion. There is a reason why Z called it His End Game (R) Mk 27.

What dac are you feeding the energizer with in that setup?

 

[Ninja_Theory]

If you are close to Pretoria you are welcome to pop in for a listen and discussion. There is a reason why Z called it His End Game (R) Mk 27.

Just the fact that you stuck it out to get far enough into a Z review to find the point within the rambling haystack, is testament to how good the 2170 must be!

 

[Scubadude]

Just the fact that you stuck it out to get far enough into a Z review to find the point within the rambling haystack, is testament to how good the 2170 must be!

Indeed. This is a much better review in my view ...

 

[Scubadude]

What dac are you feeding the energizer with in that setup?

My daily driver DAC is the Wadia 121 (has been for four years) ... a very solid "entry level high end" DAC launched about 7 years ago. It uses a Sabre chip but has no Sabre-ish nasties at all. There is a reason why @Ninja_Theory is snooping around for one . Other DACs in the house are Nuprime uDSD (budget wonder and great USB Bridge for older DACs) and Theta DS Pro Progeny (25-year-old multibit goodness ... R2R is not new)..

 

[Ninja_Theory]

My daily driver DAC is the Wadia 121 (has been for four years) ... a very solid "entry level high end" DAC launched about 7 years ago. It uses a Sabre chip but has no Sabre-ish nasties at all. There is a reason why @Ninja_Theory is snooping around for one

I'm torn between the Wadia 121 and the SMSL-SU8 for now (would love to hear the RME ADI-2)

 

[Scubadude]

I would always choose and older, higher end DAC over a newer budget option. That said the SU8 seems to offer exceptional bang vs buck ratio.

 

[Ninja_Theory]

I would always choose and older, higher end DAC over a newer budget option. That said the SU8 seems to offer exceptional bang vs buck ratio.

It's the SU8's bang for back that's drawing me to it. The SU8 will most likely be an upward move from the Deckard's DAC. But the Deckard's DAC is doing just great for the moment so there's no real sense of urgency. The Wadia is the better DAC, but as you say, given the SU's bang for buck, I don't think I can go wrong either way. FWIW I saw Z rates the SU8 highly

 

[Ac!DLeAk]

It's the SU8's bang for back that's drawing me to it. The SU8 will most likely be an upward move from the Deckard's DAC. But the Deckard's DAC is doing just great for the moment so there's no real sense of urgency. The Wadia is the better DAC, but as you say, given the SU's bang for buck, I don't think I can go wrong either way. FWIW I saw Z rates the SU8 highly

Also what I'm looking at. That or the jds labs el dac. Need to read more into balance and single ended though before I pull the trigger. Definitely needs to happen though. Finally got my PC again this side and hearing the difference between the U7 and STX was night and day. Time for a proper dac!

 

[Ninja_Theory]

Also what I'm looking at. That or the jds labs el dac. Need to read more into balance and single ended though before I pull the trigger. Definitely needs to happen though. Finally got my PC again this side and hearing the difference between the U7 and STX was night and day. Time for a proper dac!

Balanced was never a thing for me until I ordered the Loxjie P20 hybrid tube amp (currently at customs). The SU8 and JDS El DAC both cost $250 but the SU8 is balanced. I can't see which chip the El DAC uses, other than it being a Sabre. The SU8 is a ES9038Q2M. The Deckard is SE and performs brilliantly. But for future proofing, it is unlikely I will buy a SE DAC. I'm very happy with my setup for now, but when I do buy a DAC, it will be balanced, same with my next amp. Then sorting balanced cables is going to be another budget story ffs

 

[Scubadude]

I would not consider SE output to be a limitation in any DAC south of R20k, possibly R40k. If a DAC has XLR out it is nice because I can connect to the Phonitor with normal XLR interconnects. If not I just use a custom cable. Probably no. 10 on my top 10 priorities when selecting a DAC.

 

[Ninja_Theory]

I would not consider SE output to be a limitation in any DAC south of R20k, possibly R40k. If a DAC has XLR out it is nice because I can connect to the Phonitor with normal XLR interconnects. If not I just use a custom cable. Probably no. 10 on my top 10 priorities when selecting a DAC.

Would you take the same stance with choice of amp?