*TPU's Gaming Headphone/Headset Thread*

[Kursah]

Cool, keep us posted on how you like them. There are a couple of worthy mods if you feel the treble and mids aren't quite up to par or long term comfort isn't all there. But really mine are still kickin ass. Glad this thread could be of help! Please post a review of them here once you get some time with them, might as well keep sharing the wealth. Thanks!

 

[DarkEgo]

One of the mods I did to my HA-RX700's was I put a pair of Turtle Beach x58 Ear Cushion's that I had laying arround in the ears. Makes them alot more confortable and sound a little better.

 

[Kursah]

If you wanna have clearer hi's, remove the padding and there's a felt ring on the plastic, peel the outer layers off, leaving one remaining layer on...you'll see when you do it. I did that and took chunks of light density foam, stuffed under the earpads, it not only added more bass and a little sound stage due to the extended distance of the speaker but added comfort to the point I no longer had to take them off my head every couple of hours.

I like the material for keeping sound in though, compared to my felt padded HA-DX3's, the HA-RX700's keep in a lot more sound and seems to make a difference between clean and punchy bass compared to muddy and boomy.

I might have to try my spare set of HPA2 pads...but at this point the mods I've done have treated me extremely well, can't say I want to spend $100's more for anything truly better.

 

[douglatins]

What about Razer megalodom?

 

[Kursah]

They reviewed decently here on TPU, in this thread on Page 3, Post 66 by Duffman: http://forums.techpowerup.com/showpost.php?p=1534596&postcount=66

And a TPU Pro review by our very own audiophile, Frederik S : http://techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Megalodon/

Imo you can get better for the money, the 7.1 seems to be a hit or miss kind of deal. If anything go for 5.1, that's pushing it even emulated in a headphone/headset, 7.1 imo is just rediculous at this point...the technology will get there with headsets like that.

I guess it depends on what you're after though, but for that kinda cash you could get something that's a much better value, but it does seem that those that have laid down the cash for that headset have been pretty happy with it overall, not saying it's bad...but no way I think it's worth it's asking price either.

 

[MKmods]

OMFG! Holy Guacamole Batman!

to you Kursah for this thread

I just got the JVC HA-RX700 today and they are FRICKEN AWESOME

Here is my review, I am in no way an audiophile and am not good at expressing details but these headphones are so superior to anything I have ever used an to think they were $33, its just mindboggeling to me.

They are LARGE! but not heavy(fit my big ass head just fine)

Cord and plug is much higher quality, Gold plated plugs (small and large one)not that it matters just a cool detail. Also plenty long.

Sound great, they make my Steelsound 4H's sound like tin cans connected by string (and I really liked the 4H's)

Am REALLY looking forward to modding these to match my case.

Now to find a mic that is equally excellent for a reasonable price.

 

[Kursah]

Glad you like em' man! Yeah I agree for the price, they are just flat out amazing. Keep us posted on your mods for sure. They're definately worth a serious look at ~$35 give or take.



EDIT: On the mic topic...

Well, you gotta couple of options, many go with the Zalman clip on mic: http://www.google.com/products/cata..._catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=1#ps-sellers

You could always go with a desktop or monitor mounted mic, I chose a different route, I decided to get a couple lengths of 3.5ft 3.5mm cable, and use my Turtle Beach HPA2 flex-boom mic. I loved how well it worked with the headset, found it wasn't amplified in any way via the HPA2's amp, so I just zip tied the cable in 2 spots on the Y arm piece that holds the LH hearcup to the size adjuster. I can unplug it when not in use, it stays out of the way, and while the mic is good at picking up voices, it's also not shabby at keeping out unwanted noises (it is not noise cancelling though, but the foam cover seems to help in that respect).

That mic is fairly cheap, around $12-15 iirc, you gotta get it direct from Turtle Beach, but their shipping was fairly fast and really the mic is worth it imo. Much better than the clip on variety, granted zip tie-ing a cable to the headphone isn't necessarily a prime thing to do, it's worked well for the last couple of months I've used it that way...no complaints. I'd take pictures but my recent x-fiance decided to take my damn camera lol. But here's a link to the replacement parts list for the HPA2, just get the mic w/o twist lock (the title for it reads: HPA2 Replacement Mic). The twist-loc version won't go in the socket all the way. It's still a fairly cheap way to go for a loud n' clear mic for gaming/chat and what-not. I've used that mic for years w/o complaint, never need to use mic boost (never found it to be actually useful beyond onboard mic ports tbh). Well anyways...link:

http://www.turtlebeach.com/products/efhpa2/replacementparts.aspx

 

[-1nf1n1ty-]

I need help looking for a 5.1 headset that has great sound positioning liek the Razer Barracudas,comfortable, great build quality(Im looking at the turtle beach headsets since they're about the same)

 

[Kursah]

What's your budget? Is 5.1 truly important to you? Your X-Fi would do quite well either way, I still swear by the Turtle Beaches, but at the same time I don't miss them too awful badly. Hopefully a few more folks will chime in for ya, I'm too content with headphones + cmms3d to go back to a 5.1 headset. Plus it was A LOT cheaper too. Though I gotta admit, the turtle beaches had decent positioning and plenty of bass and were very comfy for long gaming/listening sessions.

 

[inferKNOX]

What do you guys think of the Psyko 5.1 headset?

 

[MKmods]

That you would have to be a "psycho" to spend $300.

(they do look cool)

 

[inferKNOX]

lol, never looked at the price! Gulp, they gotta be the Psykos lol!:shadedshu
I wonder how 'real' they are though. Although they only seem to have horizontal positioning, not vertical.

 

[MKmods]

well I like the separate inputs and they do look cool, just for that much $ I am falling more in love with my JVC HA-RX700's that Kursah recommended...(especially at 1/10th the cost)

Those would be something I would definitely have to try before I would even consider them...(hear that guys, get those damn headphones to LAN parties so we can try them... Stat!)

 

[Kursah]

Unless the Psyko's have more quality then their looks...not saying they look bad...but something about them is just off. They do look like they'd be comfy though, but at that price they better be pretty damn amazing imho.

MK, glad you dig those 700's, I gotta say I love mine still..use em a ton. I still have the more expensive HA-DX3's...put them back in the box..just not as entertaining to listen to, they bring out more detail and don't touch the bass punch...it's more muddy on the DX3's and much less overall. The 700's IMO are better, though the DX3's are much more comfortable...and lighter...but it's also an older design and really fwir they need a good 100+ hours of "burn-in" to get the drivers worn in...I just haven't been up to doing that with them. I figure I'll keep em around because they are a little better for gaming due to clarity and they have a larger soundstage...but still not as fun to listen to. Tough for me to explain beyond that though. What it comes down to is being happy with your choice, that's why I made this thread. It's tough to make a decision...I assumed when going with the $100 DX3's that I'd be getting an "upgrade" to my $33 RX700's...and to my ears my choice was wrong just on the fact I'd rather enjoy what I'm listening to instead of analyze it.

 

[Kantastic]

Creative Fatal1ty HS-1000 USB - - Bought this headset for $20 as Newegg's Shell Shocker. Build quality is flimsy, sound is mediocre, and the virtual surround sound feature is a joke, my $20 SteelSeries Siberia earphones do WAY better. I actually had to reinforce the cable coming out of the headset because when I pushed/pulled on it there was maybe 1/4th inch of room for it to move inside the ear cup. Also, it would make noises if I turned my head or do anything in general that will cause the loose cable to move up/down inside the cup. I've read many reviews about the headset being uncomfortable... my cap size is nearing 8 and it fits nice and snug on my head. I'm always aware it's there, but it hasn't caused any discomfort. It was only $20, which explains the 'ohwell' emoticon, had I paid $1 more it'd be :shadedshu.

 

[Soylent Joe]

I'm thinking I might get the HARX700's. They seem to be a great deal for $35. I have enough money for a more expensive pair, but I'm supposed to be saving so I probably don't need to splurge. This may seem like a noob-ish question, but is there any loss of audio quality by running headphones through the front panel audio jacks instead of directly onto the motherboard? How about through a 3.5mm extender, like what you'd use if your computer was sitting 25 ft. away from your desk?

 

[Kursah]

Using onboard, I'm sure there will be a slight loss..whether or not your ears will pick it up could be minimal though. The HARX700 have a fairly low impedance so it'll be easier to drive than many more expensive headphones out there, and they sound great to my ears. I do prefer using a sound card. Even a sub-$50 cheap old x-fi does wonders in comparison to any onboard I've tried, but that doesn't mean onboard sound is junk.

But the more cable you add, the more resistance and higher chance for "imperfections" in the sound and such..depending on how picky your ears are, it could be a huge issue, or a small issue...though if you're starting with onboard I expect you're not an audiophile at this point. But the JVC's are a damn good place to start for getting more into headphones from headsets and such. Definitely worth a look.

 

[Soylent Joe]

Using onboard, I'm sure there will be a slight loss..whether or not your ears will pick it up could be minimal though. The HARX700 have a fairly low impedance so it'll be easier to drive than many more expensive headphones out there, and they sound great to my ears. I do prefer using a sound card. Even a sub-$50 cheap old x-fi does wonders in comparison to any onboard I've tried, but that doesn't mean onboard sound is junk.

But the more cable you add, the more resistance and higher chance for "imperfections" in the sound and such..depending on how picky your ears are, it could be a huge issue, or a small issue...though if you're starting with onboard I expect you're not an audiophile at this point. But the JVC's are a damn good place to start for getting more into headphones from headsets and such. Definitely worth a look.

Well, I'd be up for getting a sound card if you think it makes that much of a difference. How about something like this? Maybe not right now, but after I get the set and try them out I could look for a used card or something.

Edit: Nvm, that looks like a crappy card. Maybe you could recommend one

 

[Kursah]

I'd say get the headphones first...but I used onboard on both my exes GB board and my current Asus board and my years old Creative X-Fi Xtreme Music blew them both out of the water in volume, sound quality and required tuning of EQ to get my desired sound. Huge difference, not to say if I didn't have a sound card..I probably would be fine.

Try onboard, see if it works for ya. If not, see if you can snag an old x-fi for cheap...keep it a lower end xfi extreme music or xtreme audio, depends on your budget. I've had really good luck with lower end xfi's, and I was really impressed how much better it pushed my 700's over the onboard chips...night and day difference tbh.

 

[DrPepper]

Plantronics Gamecom - -

The Good

Comfortable
Blocks out all other sounds
Adjustable
Built in Microphone
5.1 and it works
Volume control
Dolby USB dongle
Very loud at highest setting
Microphone is clear
Long difficult to tangle cable

The Bad

Expensive
Can get logitech G35 same price
3.5mm connectors are flimsy with no grip to pull them out.

 

[Kursah]

A buddy of mine got those and loves em. They are pretty decent, I still prefer my modded 700's + X-fi, but I paid a lot more if you count the Auzen lol! I've had great luck with plantronics, so have many people I know.

 

[DrPepper]

A buddy of mine got those and loves em. They are pretty decent, I still prefer my modded 700's + X-fi, but I paid a lot more if you count the Auzen lol! I've had great luck with plantronics, so have many people I know.

Need a sound card to get the full potential imo from them. Anyway I love them, there very solid as well I still think my dog will still break them

 

[Mr.Amateur]

Creative Fatal1ty HS-1000 USB - - Bought this headset for $20 as Newegg's Shell Shocker. Build quality is flimsy, sound is mediocre, and the virtual surround sound feature is a joke, my $20 SteelSeries Siberia earphones do WAY better. I actually had to reinforce the cable coming out of the headset because when I pushed/pulled on it there was maybe 1/4th inch of room for it to move inside the ear cup. Also, it would make noises if I turned my head or do anything in general that will cause the loose cable to move up/down inside the cup. I've read many reviews about the headset being uncomfortable... my cap size is nearing 8 and it fits nice and snug on my head. I'm always aware it's there, but it hasn't caused any discomfort. It was only $20, which explains the 'ohwell' emoticon, had I paid $1 more it'd be :shadedshu.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder . I actually enjoy the usb headset; coming from a flimsy $10 logitech behind-the-head headset, I was awestruck with the sound quality. At maximum volume I don't hear distortion, and they're so loud I use them in place of real speakers . I do have a gripe where bass sometimes overpowers treble, but nothing too serious.
Like Kantastic says, they aren't uncomfortable, but they are there. At some points during a long gaming session (especially for those with big ears), they have to be readjusted to balance the pressure on your head. For $21 (lol kantastic), It really feels like the most bang for the buck.

 

[Kursah]

Well when you get sick of those, they break or wear out, spend an additional 14-15 bucks (hopefully they stay that cheap) and grab yourself a very solid intro pair of headphones. They sound like no other headset I've ever used! Plus they're pretty comfy for long term use..at least for me, especially after a quick and easy (and cheap) mod that many don't do.

Sure it helps to have a sound card, but they do fine w/onboard, especially if you have access to an EQ, the Realtek's on the GB boards seem to be pretty decent in my experience. I still have my pair of plantronics .audio 350's as a backup, but my JVC HARX700's + TB HPA2 Boom Mic + Auzen X-Fi Forte = Awesomeness!

 

[Soylent Joe]

Purchased a pair of HARX700's today for $33 shipped to my door. Too bad that since I chose the longer "budget (free) shipping" that it'll be almost 2 weeks before they're here (said 7-9 business days) :/ The next option up (3-4 business days) was $9 more. Hopefully they'll be worth the wait