Headphones

[NiteShade]

Alright...so my trusty Zalman 5.1 headset has decided to give up on me. My right head-phone keeps cutting out. Its been good to me tho; think I had it for about 5 yrs now...

Anyhow, I'm obviously now in the market for a new headset and it just so happens a client of mine can get me 40% off market value of Sennheiser (spelling?) headsets. I def want another 5.1 headest. Does Sennheiser make one? What Sennheiser headset do ya'll recommend? Also, I can order for friends! So lemme know if ya'll want one too.

Awaiting anyone's advice! hugs

[J_Th4ng]

Sennheiser don't make 5.1 headsets. They only make good heasdsets.

If you're set on the whole 5.1 thing, then get the Roccat Kaves - they're about as good as 5.1 headsets get )I'll happily explain why 5.1 headphones aren't worth it, but I'm not going to launch into a whole write-up here).

If you want high quality sound though, there are a few Sennheiser models worth looking at.

The HD 595's are probably the best headphones that you can get (that don't cost >R5000). They don't have a mic , but you can always buy a Zalman clip on mic that attaches to your headphone cable. This is what I use in CPT, except that I don't have the HD 595's, I have the HD 555's (not as high quality, but half the price of the 595's - still damn good quality though).

If you want a proper headset from Sennheiser, you have two choices. The PC-350's and the PC-360's. They are similar, the main difference being that the PC-350's are closed back, and the PC-360's are open back. Personally I prefer open back headphones, so I'd get the PC-360's, but your tastes may vary.

Sheri, I'd love to get my hands on a pair of PC-360's. If your friend can get a pair for me I'd be very keen. Could you find out the price?

[Skouperd]

Shadey, I can not comment on Seinheisser, but I can tell you what to look out for. Getting a pair of headsets is a lot about personal choice. For me, things like the weight and feel of the headset is far more important than the number of speakers it have.

The other thing that I have forgotten with my current pair is the comfort of wearing them around my neck and still hear the sound. My current headset (Corsair H1) has too tight a band, thereby allowing the earmufs to choke me if I try to hang it around my neck. Having noise cancelling earphones is very good on planes and what not, but not very good if you are actually trying to listen to people talking to you. If you and Lep are plaing in the same room, consider that as it does get frustrating. Hanging good quality noise cancellation hearphones around your neck, does allow you the best of both worlds if you get a comfortable pair.

My other problem I have with headsets is the volume, or the lack thereoff. There is always a trade off between the weight of the headset and the amount of volume it can produce. Most people don't realise that problem since they never turn it up full volume. However, as I am 100% deaf in my one ear, and almost 60% deaf in my other one, it is a major problem to me. And let me not even go into the fact that you can not find MONO headsets, nor adjust Windows 7 sound settings to produce mono sound. (That means, there are no way for me to hear if somebody sneaks up on my right hand side)

I have two pair of headsets at the moment, Corsair H1, and the Dr Dre Beats Studio, when I want to listen to high quality music, I'd go with the pair of Beats, for my general gaming the Corsairs. The reason for that is that I prefer the Beats quality, but they run on battery power, and the cable is too short for comfort gaming. As such, ensure your cable is long enough, at least 6 feet and ensure that the headphones don't use batteries. Those with batteries, or additional power sources, does tend to produce better quality sound. (in my humble, being almost deaf, opinion)

Seinheisser makes good quality headsets, my suggestion, do not buy a set unless you've played a full 2 hours non stop with them. If your neck is getting cramps, or your shoulders tighten up, ditch the set. Having to buy a pair of seinheissers, only to find out you don't like them, is not going to be funny at all. I.e. ask if you can not borrow a pair before buying it.

Any event, my 2 cents on the matter...

PPs, if anybody knows how to force Windows 7 to produce mono output sound, please let me know.

[ChaosADPumpkinHead]

Roccat Kave FTW!!! End of story. Been through the Razers and Logitechs and they can't compare. Whowever Seinheisser are the bomb for pure audio quality.

[TygerBS]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/surround-sound-headset-benchmark,3125.html

[J_Th4ng]

Sheri, here's the retail price on those PC360s - http://www.takealot.com/electronics/sennheiser-pc-360-premium-headset-with-open-accoustics,10809595

If you can get 40% off, I would be interested.

[Megageth]

Can you get 40% off these: http://www.expansys.co.za/sennheiser-hd598-headset-219943/ ?

*me jumps on the bandwagon*

[NiteShade]

I'll have a chat to my client tomorrow! Ta for the input all.

[J_Th4ng]

Some details from a recent Kave Headset review:


While the Kave looks very slick and has durability in mind, the sound quality isn’t at the same level. For starters, there was a noticeable amount of buzzing and background noise when the Kave was plugged in. It’s not enough to notice when you have the volume turned up in a game or movie, but it comes through at lower volumes and if there’s no audio being played – like when you’re checking email or browsing the web. The source of the noise was the USB connector, and it wouldn’t go away despite trying every USB plug on the desktop.

[Editor's Note: Before talking about overall audio quality, it’s important to note that the Kave was tested with onboard audio on a Gigabyte P55A-UD4P motherboard, not a standalone soundcard. The results might be different once the Kave is paired with a Creative or Asus card of some sort.]

Interference aside, the analog 5.1 audio experience isn’t noticeably better than any high-end virtual surround sound headset, like the ASTRO A40. The bass put forth by the Kave is impressive, but the overall audio quality was hindered by a lack of blending between the highs, mids and lows. Even after finding the best slider settings for BF3 on the desktop remote, the performance wasn’t at the level I was expecting. Some of that probably has to do with the Kave being paired with onboard audio and not a soundcard, however.

And from the conclusion:


The Kave 5.1 sits at a “maybe” for now. Like the Kone and Isku, the Kave has some great design and solid construction. The audio quality holds it back for now, but I’m willing to give the Kave another go once I get my hands on a dedicated soundcard of some sort. It’s worth noting that most gaming audio companies are going the virtual surround sound route for a reason, and it isn’t because of cost. Virtual surround has come a long way in the last few years, and some of my favorite headsets in recent memory have used one speaker in each can to emulate 5.1 or 7.1 audio. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for “true” surround headsets, but the Kave makes us question if the extra speakers and cables are worth the effort.

Sauce: http://www.tomsguide.com/us/Roccat-Gaming-Isku-Kave-Kone,review-1733-6.html

[SlipperyDuck]

subjective I rate - I find the Kaves to be very pleasant...top shelf

[Paul]

I agree with the duck!! My Kaves are awesome, initially they were a bit uncomfortable because they are quite heavy but I have got used to it and the sound is awesome

[J_Th4ng]

subjective I rate - I find the Kaves to be very pleasant...top shelf


Isn't everything related to headphones subjective (including your opinion)? ;)

I'm not against them, but I found them to be uncomfortable and very heavy (as with most 5.1 headsets). I also found that there is no improvement in positional audio at all using a 5.1 set over a stereo set - wheich is generally a lot more comfortable to wear, and provides considerably better audio quality.

Just my subjective opinion...

[Paul]

subjective I rate - I find the Kaves to be very pleasant...top shelf


Isn't everything related to headphones subjective (including your opinion)? ;)

I'm not against them, but I found them to be uncomfortable and very heavy (as with most 5.1 headsets). I also found that there is no improvement in positional audio at all using a 5.1 set over a stereo set - wheich is generally a lot more comfortable to wear, and provides considerably better audio quality.

Just my subjective opinion...



Well, I don't know if it is just BF3 but the 5.1 help me tremendously in gaming. Like last night, I was charged with protecting Locker room. I could hear when people were coming up Dog leg before anyone said antyhing. I have often suprised a guy trying to sneak up on me purely by sound.

[Skouperd]

I also found that there is no improvement in positional audio at all using a 5.1 set over a stereo set


You should try positional audio analysis with an ear plug in the one ear and a piece of cotton in the other... I can state it as a matter of fact that there is no difference whatsoever between determining the location of the sound irrespective whether it is 7.2, 7.1, 5.1, stereo or mono sound...

Anyevent, just me educated opinion...

[J_Th4ng]

subjective I rate - I find the Kaves to be very pleasant...top shelf


Isn't everything related to headphones subjective (including your opinion)? ;)

I'm not against them, but I found them to be uncomfortable and very heavy (as with most 5.1 headsets). I also found that there is no improvement in positional audio at all using a 5.1 set over a stereo set - wheich is generally a lot more comfortable to wear, and provides considerably better audio quality.

Just my subjective opinion...



Well, I don't know if it is just BF3 but the 5.1 help me tremendously in gaming. Like last night, I was charged with protecting Locker room. I could hear when people were coming up Dog leg before anyone said antyhing. I have often suprised a guy trying to sneak up on me purely by sound.


Have you compared your Kaves with a decent pair of headphones using virtual surround? Because you'll probably find that you get the same benefit with those.

TBH, I tested a variety of different 5.1 and stereo headphones/headsets. I firmly believed that a 5.1 headset would give me an advantage, and that's why I've tried so many of them. What I found though, after doing a fair amount of testing, was that a good pair of stereo cans, combined with a good sound card, is better.

If that's different for you, then cool. All I'm trying to say is that 5.1 headphones aren't the only way to get positional audio. And, they may not be the best way either.

[SlipperyDuck]

Stereo cans and virtual 3d positioning is better only if using X-Fi or Xonar soundcards in my experience, else use 5.1

Good Quality Stereo headphones with microphone attachment is also limited in the available range department. I'd argue that the Kaves are to my liking for the top shelf quality microphone alone.

So the advice to sheri at the end of the day?

Do you have a descrete Sound card - like a X-Fi or Xonar? Do you know how to fiddle with the drivers and related software to enable virtual 7.1 through stereo? If yes - then goto Stereo Headset and click buy; else loadup$ purchase roccat kave

if replacement == done;
(do)pwn

[NiteShade]

I do have an X-Fi sound card and my zalman mic is just fine. So I'll most likely try the HD555 as I don't have a lot of spare cash laying around. Also, this guy can only do Sennheiser brand.

Work is hectic right now so I didn't get a chance to phone today. I'll try tomorrow. Sorry okes.

[Megageth]

I also found that there is no improvement in positional audio at all using a 5.1 set over a stereo set


You should try positional audio analysis with an ear plug in the one ear and a piece of cotton in the other... I can state it as a matter of fact that there is no difference whatsoever between determining the location of the sound irrespective whether it is 7.2, 7.1, 5.1, stereo or mono sound...

Anyevent, just me educated opinion...


Aren't you deaf in one ear?

[NiteShade]

Soz Okes, I've had some unexpected expenses and can only inquire about this end of March.

[Skouperd]

I also found that there is no improvement in positional audio at all using a 5.1 set over a stereo set


You should try positional audio analysis with an ear plug in the one ear and a piece of cotton in the other... I can state it as a matter of fact that there is no difference whatsoever between determining the location of the sound irrespective whether it is 7.2, 7.1, 5.1, stereo or mono sound...

Anyevent, just me educated opinion...


Aren't you deaf in one ear?


that's my whole point Geth... there are no difference when you are deaf whether you use mono, stereo, 5.1, 7.2, or virtual sound, they all sound the same.

I wonder if I can take on MS for discriminating against hard-to-hear people for removing mono options from Windows 7... ;-)