What gaming headphones to buy? [Text View] - Page 3

BIGJOHNB20

10-19-07, 11:26 AM

Well, I still haven't got around to doing this, but what I plan to do is take an old 360 headset(broken mic) and cut the cord removing the actual headset part. Then I should have just a controller plug with the original wire coming out. I will strip down the wire, exposing the two speaker wires and the two mic wires. From there, I will strip the wires of the Zalman clip on and hard wire to the mic wires on the controller plug.

Well, I got ahold of my earbuds I was going to use yesterday. I stripped down the headphone wire and the controller adapter wire and things were looking good. There was a blue wire and a copper colored wire in both the headphones and the controller adapter. I don't have a soldering iron, so for now I was just twisting the wires together to test. Well, I obviously twisted the blue wire to blue and copper to copper making sure to get good contact with the wires. Plugged it in and tested with a voice message...Nothing:confused:

I fooled with a few things, including switching the wires around and trying to wire the mic wires together to make sure there was a complete circuit there, but I could never get anything to work. No static or anything, just silence. It was like they weren't getting any power at all. Usually when I plug in a working headset, you can here a little "click" through the speaker right after you plug it in. No such noise with the earbud.

Anyone have any ideas??

A.C

10-19-07, 12:26 PM

BIGJOHNB20

10-19-07, 12:52 PM

i could pass along my notes (RadioShack clip-on mic hacked with original xbox communicator wire) however we used completely different components. i'm not sure if the original xbox communicator's wires are color coded identical to the 360's communicator.

Well, I guess I would still be interested to see what you did. I did not try the mic addition yet, just tried to put the earbud onto the speaker wires. I know I was using the right wires for the speaker when trying to attach the earbud. I even opened up the little controller adapter to check the soldering in there to make sure everything was attached correctly, and saw the wires I was using soldered to SP+ and SP- on the circuit board in there. This is compared to the mic wires that were soldered to M+ and M-. I also tried both combinations of wires. First I tried blue to blue and copper to copper. When that didn't work, I switched them and still nothing.

I should say that the old headset I am trying to use is "broken". However, it was the mic that stopped working. I was still able to hear just fine out of the speaker before I replaced it and hacked it up.

Could the earbud speaker have too high a restistance for the assumedly weak signal coming from the controller?

A.C

10-19-07, 01:07 PM

BIGJOHNB20

10-19-07, 01:29 PM

well i guess one obvious/dumb question would be:

are you certain you have your 360 set to output voice through the headset? if you changed it to work with your headphones, you may have forgot to switch it back...

I wish it were that simple. I used my new working headset to record a voice message. I then played it back to make sure I could hear it through the working headset, which I could just fine. Then I switched to the modded headset and got only silence.

RobertR1

10-19-07, 01:53 PM

A.C

10-19-07, 03:30 PM

the wires I was using soldered to SP+ and SP- on the circuit board in there. This is compared to the mic wires that were soldered to M+ and M-

for my Mic hack, i used an insulated wire (white) and a bare copper wire inside the communicator cable. if memory serves there was also a blue & red wire. are the 360 colors the same?

BIGJOHNB20

10-19-07, 03:37 PM

for my Mic hack, i used an insulated wire (white) and a bare copper wire inside the communicator cable. if memory serves there was also a blue & red wire. are the 360 colors the same?

Yes, I think so. There was a white insulated wire with bare copper wire around it for the mic and then there was a blue and a copper/red color pair of wires for the speaker.

You have the radio shack mic hard wired to the old communicator cable, yes? What do you have for voice speaker? Are you using one or just going through the "speakers" (headphones). If you are just going through the headphones, what did you do with the red and blue wires from the communicator cable. Are they just loose under your shrink wrap or what?

wilson10

10-19-07, 03:39 PM

I had the Medusa 5.1 headphones for over 2 years which I really liked. Unfortunately, I broke them by being a caveman so I need something new.

They'll be 99% used for PC gaming only. 5.1. Mic attached.

So far from what I gather the Tritton AX360, or Turtle Beach X3's. I have an Asus P5k Deluxe Mobo. I'll be using built in sound. Any suggestions? Budget is around $150 but cheaper the better!

You said PC gaming only, I would not get the Turtle beach ones; they are stereo only. Tritton also makes a headset just for PC gaming, but I don't know much about them.....
http://www.trittontechnologies.com/products/TRIUA512.htm

Another set I would look at would be the Razer Baracuda's.
http://www.razerzone.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_16&products_id=38

Again these are strictly PC gaming cans that I suggested. I am loving the AX360's I just got.

A.C

10-19-07, 03:50 PM

Yes, I think so. There was a white insulated wire with bare copper wire around it for the mic and then there was a blue and a copper/red color pair of wires for the speaker.

You have the radio shack mic hard wired to the old communicator cable, yes? What do you have for voice speaker? Are you using one or just going through the "speakers" (headphones). If you are just going through the headphones, what did you do with the red and blue wires from the communicator cable. Are they just loose under your shrink wrap or what?

Yeah. I just trimmed the red/blue wire & left it buried in the shrink wrap. I have the voice set to "speaker." I still have my (unhacked) 360 communicator for other options.

Regarding your problem, have you tried tying all 3 grounds together? Amazing how more often than not, grounding is the culprit for electrical issues.

RobertR1

10-19-07, 04:14 PM

You said PC gaming only, I would not get the Turtle beach ones; they are stereo only. Tritton also makes a headset just for PC gaming, but I don't know much about them.....
http://www.trittontechnologies.com/products/TRIUA512.htm

Another set I would look at would be the Razer Baracuda's.
http://www.razerzone.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_16&products_id=38

Again these are strictly PC gaming cans that I suggested. I am loving the AX360's I just got.

Any reason I can't use the AX360's on the PC?

BIGJOHNB20

10-19-07, 05:08 PM

Regarding your problem, have you tried tying all 3 grounds together? Amazing how more often than not, grounding is the culprit for electrical issues.

I was also thinking it might have something to do with grounding. What are the 3 grounds your are talking about. I tried tying the 2 mic wires together and then attaching the 2 speaker wires to the speaker wires from the earbuds and that didn't seem to help. I guess I will play with it a little more over the weekend and see what I can come up with. I was just hoping I would have someone chime in and say, "Oh, just do X" and that would fix my problem.

A.C

10-19-07, 05:39 PM

What are the 3 grounds your are talking about.

M -
Sp -
bud -

wilson10

10-19-07, 09:19 PM

Any reason I can't use the AX360's on the PC?
Not that I know of, I was just stating that Tritton makes PC headphones.

TotalDistinction

10-19-07, 09:50 PM

Each driver (Left & Right) is being driven independently & becomes more efficient.. Very, Very, basic explanation.

heres some pics of my balanced SA5000 headphones.
http://apuresound.com/images/cables/hsa5000.html

Theres no more 1/4 jack.. Its been replaced by a female XRL termination, that plugs into a DAC with a XRL male output.
Some cans scale better then others when balanced. You will usually notice a spike in detail, clarity, (sounds become more real & natural) Better bass control..Tighter, more defined bass with better impact.. & larger sound stage.. & less distortion..

Just revisiting this thread now. Thanks for the reply and explanation.

TotalDistinction

10-19-07, 10:30 PM

A.C

10-19-07, 10:38 PM

can't really go wrong either way. most people haven't owned both - and it seems everyone likes which ever they bought.

i went with the 595's b/c i knew i'd always wonder "what if." if you can avoid similar thinking, the 555's will probably sound great & save you a wad of cash. however $80 isn't THAT large of a penalty to knowingly take a step up the ladder. if we were talking speakers... the # would be much much bigger.

KBI

10-19-07, 11:26 PM

Alright, I'm at a crossroads right now. I don't consider myself an audiophile but don't like spending good money after bad. I have the opportunity to get a pair of 555's for $100 or 595's for $180. Which one would you pick?

In anticipation of picking up one of these headphones, I just received the JVC DH unit from Audiocubes today. I can't wait to enjoy the experience.

The 595's are the latest top tier line of headphones from Sen. Technically they are superior to the 555's.. Better drivers, housing etc.. They are a definite upgrade..But just because they are better doesn't mean you will automatically like them more then the 555's.. The 555's seem to be laid back, a bit muffled, & has inferior bass to the 595's. (From the comments I read) The 595's are more aggressive & upfront.. More exciting.. Both are a win win situation. are they 80.00's better? Only your ears can decide that..;)

TotalDistinction

10-20-07, 07:08 AM

Arguably the best Mcoy is made by a Headfi member named 'blackie'.. Theres a review on headfi.com. Retails for 40.00 as of now.. But sounds like a 100.00 amp.. & it has bass boost that doesn't suck.. I hear it sounds really nice.. The Mcoy amp will add more volume, wider soundstage, crisper sound, more detail.. It will enhance the 5.1 effects along with the overall SQ.. I'm sure its much better then the JVC's internal amp..

I'm not a fan of 5.1 with 8 drivers. It's flawed by design.. But if people can live with supbar SQ in order to get decent SS on a budget, they are decent alternatives.. My name gripe is when I read these 5.1 headset makers proclaim their digital headphones sound much better then ANY 'regular' headphone because they are 5.1 digital.. Thats false & reeks with ignorance. AKG1000 ear speakers, Sony R10's, Sony Q10's, ATL3000, HE60/HE90, Stax Omegas.. Would kill any 5.1 headset in terms of SQ..

Maybe I'm dense or not using the right search criteria but I can't seem to find that review of the Mcoy by the Headfi member "blackie".

Would you be kind enough to provide a link please?

TotalDistinction

10-20-07, 07:13 AM

The 595's are the latest top tier line of headphones from Sen. Technically they are superior to the 555's.. Better drivers, housing etc.. They are a definite upgrade..But just because they are better doesn't mean you will automatically like them more then the 555's.. The 555's seem to be laid back, a bit muffled, & has inferior bass to the 595's. (From the comments I read) The 595's are more aggressive & upfront.. More exciting.. Both are a win win situation. are they 80.00's better? Only your ears can decide that..;)

can't really go wrong either way. most people haven't owned both - and it seems everyone likes which ever they bought.

i went with the 595's b/c i knew i'd always wonder "what if." if you can avoid similar thinking, the 555's will probably sound great & save you a wad of cash. however $80 isn't THAT large of a penalty to knowingly take a step up the ladder. if we were talking speakers... the # would be much much bigger.

Thank you both for your replies. I'm going to stretch myself for the 595's because I don't want that "what if" feeling if I buy the 555's and if the 595's are more agressive with the bass, I would have an appreciation for that.

Thanks again.

bryansj

10-20-07, 08:34 AM

Thank you both for your replies. I'm going to stretch myself for the 595's because I don't want that "what if" feeling if I buy the 555's and if the 595's are more agressive with the bass, I would have an appreciation for that.

Thanks again.

I got the 595s from Amazon for right under $165 including expedited shipping. The cheapest non-featured merchant came through quickly with a trouble free transaction.

TotalDistinction

10-20-07, 08:38 AM

I got the 595s from Amazon for right under $165 including expedited shipping. The cheapest non-featured merchant came through quickly with a trouble free transaction.

I appreciate you taking the time to find this information for me. My issue is that I'm in Canada and even though the dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar, the shipping and custom costs wouldn't make it worth my while.

Now, if that was offered in Canada, that would be a different story...

KBI

10-20-07, 06:03 PM

KBI

10-20-07, 06:05 PM

I appreciate you taking the time to find this information for me. My issue is that I'm in Canada and even though the dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar, the shipping and custom costs wouldn't make it worth my while.

Now, if that was offered in Canada, that would be a different story...

Or you could have someone in the US get it for you, then they can ship it as a gift..

HoodedSoldier

10-20-07, 10:09 PM

Hey fellaz i got stuck with a pair of sens 515's and they work fine. The problem is i think my reciever is busted as it plays the left louder than the right. I know it has to be the reciever as they are even on my computer and ipod. Any kind of adapter or something i can buy to skip plugging into reciever when i want to use them with my 360?

KBI

10-20-07, 10:12 PM

HoodedSoldier

10-20-07, 10:25 PM

I'd recommend a cheap headphone amp.. It will bypass the amp in your receiver. Volume control would be done with your headphone amp.

Thanks so would this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/373745-REG/Behringer_MICROAMP_HA400_HA_400_Headphone_Amplifier.html
plus this http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103864&cp=&parentPage=search do the job?

KBI

10-20-07, 10:49 PM

Thanks so would this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/373745-REG/Behringer_MICROAMP_HA400_HA_400_Headphone_Amplifier.html
plus this http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103864&cp=&parentPage=search do the job?
I don't think it has a line out.. I used a headphone amp with my receiver.. I connected a 1/8 audio cable to the line out on my amp & to the headphone jack in my receiver (with 1/4 adaptor).. Then plugged my headphones into the headphone amp, & turned up the volume.. If the device you listed has RCA L/R inputs you could connect it to the back of your receiver. That would be best.. as it would totally eliminate your receivers amp.. Using a portable headphone amp with a line out, you would need to turn the volume up on your reciever a little, then use the volume knob on your headphone amp to increase the volume..

KBI

10-21-07, 06:44 PM

Sony releases 7.1 headphones..

http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/sony-rolls-out-headphones-aplenty-including-wireless-7.1-cans

TotalDistinction

10-22-07, 09:18 AM

I want to give my impressions of my comparison between the Tritton AX360 5.1 Headphones and the JVC SU-DH1 Surrond 5.1 Surround Sound Adapter supporting Dolby Headphone paired with Sennheiser PC150 Headphones.

I don't consider myself an audiophile (but developing) and am letting my ears and my wife's ears be the judge.

My setup for both scenarios are like this:

Scenario 1: Yamaha RX-V1600 Receiver (optical out) --> Tritton controller box (optical in) --> Tritton Headphones

Sencario 2: Yamaha RX-V1600 Receiver (optical out) --> JVC SU-DH1 (Optical in) --> Sennheiser PC150 Headphones

I initially purchased the Tritton 5.1 headset to give me late-night private listening while gaming with my XBox 360/PS3 or listening to movies. Because it's connected to my receiver, I basically can listen to anything that's connected to my receiver privately.

Because I had no basis for comparison, at the time, I did enjoy using the Tritton headset and it gave me a satisfactory experience without a real 5.1 surround sound setup. However, I did not like the rumble that it produced around my head whenever there was an explosion or something that used heavy bass.

I then start reading this thread and wondered if the experience can be better. Being a gadget junky, I go out and purchase the JVC SU-DH1 5.1 surround sound adapter from audiocubes.com. I still haven't decided on a set of headphones to pair with it although I'm considering the Sennheiser HD555 or HD595's. In the meantime, I use what I have which are the Sennheiser PC150 headphones which I originally purchased to be used on my computer for gaming and voice applications.

Anyway, I purchased Transformers on HD-DVD and watched it through my XBox 360 with the HD-DVD add-on via the JVC adapter and PC150 headphones. All I could say was "Holy Sh1t!!!!!" The surround sound that Dolby Headphone provides is amazing! I call my wife downstairs to listen as well (Chapter 2 is the reference chapter in Transformers IMHO). She was absolutely astonished.

Now, you don't my wife, but she's not into any of this stuff and think it's a complete waste of money. Combine that with the fact that she doesn't like movies like Transformers and I'm potentially setting myself up for disappointment. Well, guess what? She enjoyed the experience so much that she wanted to continue watching Transformers to completion via the JVC Adapter and PC150 combination. Since I only have one adapter, we didn't do that and will watch it to completion without headphones another time (I've already watched it about a half dozen times already).

I did watch Transformers with the Trittons as well. I further realize that the over-done rumbling does turn me off. Some of you may not mind, care, or not let it bother you. Knowing that I have the option, the Trittons will not be my first choice.

From my experience, here are my impressions:

1. If you can afford the JVC surround sound adapter and good headphones, this is the recommendation I would go. It is the more expensive option. However, if you are striving for the absolute best experience, this is it without a real surround sound setup. My experience is that the surround sound is a lot more "real" without the bass being over-done. It's kind of hard to explain but it just felt more authentic and enjoyable. I set the adapter to the first Dolby Headphone setting (DH1) which is similar to being in a typical enclosed room.

2. I won't diss the Trittons. The Trittons are cheaper at approximately $100 U.S. and you DO get a surround experience if you don't have a surround setup already. I really didn't like the rumbling experience that these headphones produced and sometimes felt like my head was going to explode if I wore them for long periods of time. But this might not be a problem for some people. Overall, this is the cheaper option that will do the job if you're looking for a surround experience.

A little off-topic, but with the experience with the Sennheisser PC150 headphones, I'm now wondering if the experience can get any better if I upgrade my headphones. I could only imagine. :)

Because the Sennheiser HD555/595's are open-cans, I'm not sure if they will be private enough without disturbing anybody around me. If anyone has any comparable headphone suggestions that are closed, I would appreciate it although it appears that the Audio-Technics ATH-A700 or ATH-A900 should be comparable from what I'm reading.

Anyway, thanks for tolerating this long post. I know it's not a technical review but I hope it has been helpful to some of you.

BTW: I think I will be putting my Tritton 5.1 Headphones up for sale. :)

Sibilance

10-22-07, 02:21 PM

Just got my Dir2000c headphones in. I'll let you folks know what I think of them once they are charged.

KBI

10-22-07, 02:50 PM

BlackAjah

10-22-07, 06:16 PM

wilson10

10-22-07, 07:18 PM

This is to Totaldistinction, I have just purchased the ax360 and have no luck with sound for the hd dvd player on the xbox 360. The main drive bay gives sound no problem. Doi I have to connect it thru my receiver or am I missing something to get the sound from the hd dvd add on, many thanx...
BlackAjah

I had that problem too, make sure your sound option is set to Dolby Digital in the sound options of the 360.

TotalDistinction

10-22-07, 07:23 PM

KBI

10-23-07, 01:58 AM

Maybe I'm dense or not using the right search criteria but I can't seem to find that review of the Mcoy by the Headfi member "blackie".

Would you be kind enough to provide a link please?
http://cgi.ebay.ca/cMoy-Amp-Headphone-Amplifier-with-Exclusive-Bass-Boost_W0QQitemZ140146118448QQihZ004QQcategoryZ3281QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Getting this amp plus the new headphones will up your movie enjoyment a few notches.. Just make sure your JVC has a line out.. His current Cmoys don't have a volume knob, so you'd control the volume through your JVC. His reasoning is better SQ..But because of demand he is making Cmoys with volume control.. These should be out later this month from what I remember.. For 40.00, it's the best Bang for the buck in regards to portable amps IMO..

Update: Blackie has just released the Bass Boost cMoy v2.00. It has a volume pot. It should be up on ebay, or you can email him to purchase directly if interested..

KBI

10-23-07, 02:01 AM

This review is from a customer who purchased the Cmoy EBB..

When you turn the bass booost on the sound is . The Bass is simply AMAZING. Low sexy bass that does not distort or cause noise at all! The bass is low but so nice that you can actually fall asleep to it. It is not annoying what-so-ever. I could listen to my cmoy for hours with bass boost on if I wanted to.

The lower end bass really stands out. It sounds simply amazing. It's like listening to music with subwoofers in your headphones! I am being dead serious. I have so much audio equipment at home and in my car and to be honest, this cMoy amp sounds just like as if I'm blasting my bassy music in my car. I love it! Bass is rich, crisp and clear!

Even with my garbage samsung mp3 player it produced nice rich bass and still kept it's mid and high treble. It was very nice.

I wish I had some testing equipment to show you, or you could listen to this. It sounds absolutely amazing. For the price of it, I would recommend it to anyone!

My dad, a former audiophile back in the day tried my amp and he was surprised by the sound quality and bass that this amp could produce!

For the price, I'd say this is THE BEST cMOY AMP on ebay! The sound it produces is amazing! Would highly recommend it for anyone who uses Mp3 players!

For all you bass lovers, be sure to check this out!

Bottomline: Affordable, Amazing Sound Quality, Breathless low-end Bass, Crisp sound, and great workmanship.

Don't be scared to contact John, hes a great guy and he replied to questions at lightning speeds!
Highly recommended!

5/5 Stars for Build Quality.
5/5 Stars for Sound Quality.
4/5 Stars for Price.

Overall: 5/5 Stars!

oceanjumper

10-23-07, 05:36 AM

Hey guys ~ I played H3 co-op for the first time the other day. I had no problems hearing the other guy with my Senn 595 and Zalman mic mod (attached to hacked XBL headset plug). May be we were so into killing brutes at those moments music was intense we weren't talking much, however, we could always tell the other when one was dead (to respawn in safe area).

I keep on being amazed by my Senn's 595. I can't believe how comfortable they are, even after 5-6 hour gaming sessions. Fantastic sound even through a simple stereo/RCA connection (no optical) to the XBX... I still would sure love to try out the JVC adapter...

TotalDistinction

10-23-07, 07:34 AM

http://cgi.ebay.ca/cMoy-Amp-Headphone-Amplifier-with-Exclusive-Bass-Boost_W0QQitemZ140146118448QQihZ004QQcategoryZ3281QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Getting this amp plus the new headphones will up your movie enjoyment a few notches.. Just make sure your JVC has a line out.. His current Cmoys don't have a volume knob, so you'd control the volume through your JVC. His reasoning is better SQ..But because of demand he is making Cmoys with volume control.. These should be out later this month from what I remember.. For 40.00, it's the best Bang for the buck in regards to portable amps IMO..

Update: Blackie has just released the Bass Boost cMoy v2.00. It has a volume pot. It should be up on ebay, or you can email him to purchase directly if interested..

Unfortunately, the JVC doesn't have a line out - only a headphone out. As luck would have it, I ended up buying another amp a couple of days ago called the PA2V2 for $60. For the price and its associated reviews, it appeared to be reasonable although some of the reviews says that it can be bassy. I really haven't had the chance to play around with it yet with my equipment. I also wonder if the headphone out from the JVC is good enough to use connected to the amp. I'll have to try this out.

That said, I *may* avoid the cMoy for the time being but thanks for providing the link. For $40-$50, it might still be worth considering if it makes sense.

My eyes are now on the RSA Hornet or Tomahawk portable amps but that will wait until I tune my audiophile skills a little more and can afford it. More importantly, I think I want to upgrade my headphones first.

TotalDistinction

10-23-07, 07:35 AM

oceanjumper

10-23-07, 09:18 AM

Maybe we should merge forces. My JVC with your Senn 595's. :)

Now THAT's an idea... :D

RobertR1

10-23-07, 06:04 PM

Would the SENNHEISER HD-595 be a good fit for PC gaming without anything extra?

TotalDistinction

10-23-07, 06:13 PM

TotalDistinction

10-23-07, 06:16 PM

Would the SENNHEISER HD-595 be a good fit for PC gaming without anything extra?

From what I've been reading in this thread, it would be a resounding YES without anything extra. I'm assuming that you have the 50-ohm version of the HD-595? If not, you will likely need an amp.

The extras are if you want an even more enthralling experience.

I'm actually jealous of you. I have my eyes set on those very same headphones and just need to pull the trigger on purchasing a pair.

RobertR1

10-23-07, 07:30 PM

http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/index.php/taxid;2136212603;pid;1266;pt;1

These look very nice also! I like that they're closed and don't require an amp to sound great.

KBI

10-24-07, 12:28 AM

Would the SENNHEISER HD-595 be a good fit for PC gaming without anything extra?
Yeppers..

KBI

10-24-07, 12:30 AM

http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/index.php/taxid;2136212603;pid;1266;pt;1

These look very nice also! I like that they're closed and don't require an amp to sound great.
400.00!! They retail for around 230.00..

KBI

10-24-07, 12:32 AM

From what I've been reading in this thread, it would be a resounding YES without anything extra. I'm assuming that you have the 50-ohm version of the HD-595? If not, you will likely need an amp.

The extras are if you want an even more enthralling experience.

I'm actually jealous of you. I have my eyes set on those very same headphones and just need to pull the trigger on purchasing a pair.
Sucks that you can't connect your portable amp to your JVC.. If the JVC has 2 rca connections & have a amp with rca connections you could hook it up easily. I'd still try to connect my portable to the JVC..:p

RobertR1

10-24-07, 01:03 AM

400.00!! They retail for around 230.00..

That's just a link I used for conversation. I found them for $179. The more I read about them, the better they seem.

Pros:
Closed
Sound awesome without an amp. I'll be just wanting to plug it right into the back of the sound card.
Excellent soundstage, which is exactly what I'd want in gaming!

Cons:
A bit lacking in the midrange

KBI

10-24-07, 01:25 AM

That's just a link I used for conversation. I found them for $179. The more I read about them, the better they seem.

Pros:
Closed
Sound awesome without an amp. I'll be just wanting to plug it right into the back of the sound card.
Excellent soundstage, which is exactly what I'd want in gaming!

Cons:
A bit lacking in the midrange
Yes, they do have a nice sound stage.. But open headphones have a bigger sound stage in general..

Here is a link to 10 user reviews on the 900's, & the overall rating they gave the 900's. The overall score might seem low to you, but the reviewers are audiophiles who either own or have auditioned headphones in 300-1000+ range..
& FYI The 900's are so popular AT released the 900LTD (290.00) & the soon to be released ATH-A900ti Titanium Art Headphones (489.00) I'm looking at getting a pair of the TI's if I can swallow the price tag..

TotalDistinction

10-24-07, 04:57 AM

Sucks that you can't connect your portable amp to your JVC.. If the JVC has 2 rca connections & have a amp with rca connections you could hook it up easily. I'd still try to connect my portable to the JVC..:p

The only "out" that the JVC has is from the headphone port. I read that some users have connected the headphone out to the amp with improved SQ. That's what I will try.

KBI

10-24-07, 07:11 AM

The only "out" that the JVC has is from the headphone port. I read that some users have connected the headphone out to the amp with improved SQ. That's what I will try.
Cool..

wilson10

11-18-07, 09:24 PM

Need to bring this awesome thread back from the grave :)

Well I have a few legit questions. The wife finally let me upgrade my receiver and I got one with Dolby Headphone. So now my I am thinking about buying the Senn HD-555's and selling my Tritton's. What's the general consensus on the 555's? I have read through a good bit of the thread and followed it for awhile, but I was leaning towards "gaming" headphones then.

It's not that I am un-happy or do not like the tritton's, but I think there is something better out there for me. I have not tested them much with many sources other than 360 gaming with Guitar Hero3, COD4 and Halo3. Personally the Tritton's sound like crap to me in Guitar Hero3. They are really nice in Halo and COD4 but I still struggle with certain aspects of how they seem to work. They also tend to make my ears hot and seem heavy to me.(although I am not sure as I have never really worn headphones) Also the rumble for bass, such a double edged sword. A really cool feature but there needs to be dedicated bass too ( I think thats why GH3 blows with these) Just one other little issue is no dedicated line volume. You have to get up and turn the main unit down OR adjust all the speakers to a new level. Not a big deal BUT its an issue and I find myself messing with all the speaker settings for every game I have played with them.

SO there you have it, a little rant/review with my question about getting some quality cans. I have NEVER owned a nice pair of stereo headphones. I have a pair of Sony (i bought a at least 6-7 years ago for like 30 bucks for a stereo I had at the Fire Academy)
I am just not sure what to expect. I am pretty sure I can get the Sennheiser's for around $100 bucks and I already bought the receiver and it will be here shortly. I guess I am just looking for that last push to buy the HD-555's (the 595's out of my budget and I read that a few people don't think they are worth the 80-100 more)

I didn't post this to bash the Tritton's either, they are very nice and do well with most things I have tried them with. I need to try a dvd or 2 also but I wanted mainly for gaming. They are well made also, I just think my expectations were set way too high and with a new receiver coming the gears got turning in the head about the dolby headphone. Thanks and hope I didn't ramble too much.

Edit:One other thing I wanted to ask was about the open design. How much sound is leaked or how much will it bother others around me?

KBI

11-18-07, 10:33 PM

wilson10

11-18-07, 10:55 PM

KBI

11-18-07, 11:02 PM

So....is there are comparable (price and comfort) closed design? From what I read the reason for the open design is for the immersion/spacial factor. IS that something I will miss or lack with a closed design? I am not TOO worried about others hearing me, as even during the late gaming hours they will be better than my 5.1 blasting.

I am going back and reading a lot I missed since I was so focused on gaming cans before. A lot of talk about the JVC adapter to thumb through LOL.

Thank You KBI
Open design allows for better bass & a larger sound stage.. Bass with closed cans can still sound nice, like a club feel to me..But really depends on the enclosure..Wood type/plastic etc.. For gaming you will miss a larger soundstage.. But I feel a closed can will immerse you more in your surrounding do to the isolation from the outside world, like ambient nunaces. Some cans isolate better then others.. There are also semi open & sealed headphones as well.. Your receiver is the same as the JVC adapter.. Both use the DH technology.

wilson10

11-18-07, 11:06 PM

reading reviews on HD-280 Pro now. Any others I should look at?

KBI

11-18-07, 11:20 PM

reading reviews on HD-280 Pro now. Any others I should look at?

I like the AKG 501's.. Best soundstage, imaging, & midrange for the price. They sold for 250 new..But sell for around 100-120 used.. They are discontinued, but can still be found on heafi.org for sale.. But my best bet would be the equation RP-21s.. best headphones you can get for gaming for under 100.00 IMO.. Bass impact is excellent, especially for a sub 100 headphone.. They are the new rave in the audiophile & gaming circles. Amazon sells them for around 75.00.. They are closed as well..

Sen 555 reviews
http://www.headphonereviews.org/headphone.php?headphoneId=87&action=view

Sen 280 pro reviews
http://www.headphonereviews.org/headphone.php?headphoneId=5&action=view

KBI

11-18-07, 11:21 PM

RP-21 user reviews.

Review by Senior Member Skylab on 12 Jul 07 18:34
The RP21's sound far better than they should for the $149 (easily gotten for $99). They have very good bass weight and depth. The mids are reasonably open and transparent. The highs are a little chalky and dry, but removing the foam helps this somewhat (but of course voids the warranty). The stock earpads could be a lot better - the RP21's are much more comfortable with pads from a Beyerdynamic DT770 (but you need to get the pleather pads or you lose a lot of bass). The RP21 isolated very well, better than a lot of other closed cans.

A very good closed headphone for the money. Review by kontendoo on 07 Sep 07 22:06
I owned this headphone , very impressive! Best bass , perfect isolation , good detail and cheap! (for performance)
But , bad highs quality and soundstage. No matter , because other specifications is perfect!..

KBI

11-18-07, 11:22 PM

http://www.amazon.com/Equation-RP-21-Stereo-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B000RTGMNI******pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1195449727&sr=8-1

e_e_emarpea

11-18-07, 11:39 PM

KBI

11-18-07, 11:51 PM

if i have an old sony reciever w/ my 360 hooked up via rca cables, simply for headphone use, will i recieve the proper benefits of headphone usage? or will it suffer immensely since it's not a digital signal?

my current htib reciever has no headphone hack. :O
Stereo is where it's at.. Digital is only 'better' cause it allows for 5.1 & 7.1.. But based on SQ alone, it depends on the components & equipment being used. Yes, you will receive the proper benefits. Headphones are stereo anyways & won't work with the 360 with audio turned to 5.1 digital, only digital stereo aka pro logic 2, aka analog..:)

e_e_emarpea

11-19-07, 12:17 AM

thanks KBI! well currently i have a set of sony v700 dj phones but im seriously considering the sen 595's.

KBI

11-19-07, 01:01 AM

thanks KBI! well currently i have a set of sony v700 dj phones but im seriously considering the sen 595's.
That would be a considerable leap in SQ, although the bass isn't as boomy as the Sony's..But bass will be tighter, better defined, & less bloated..

wilson10

11-19-07, 12:24 PM

Anyone with experience with Audio technica ATH-AD700?

I will go with an open headphone if need be as I mainly need for late night gaming and everyone will be asleep anyhow. I will probably buy some new buds for my gym or work needs when I will be listening to mp3 player

TotalDistinction

11-19-07, 12:37 PM

As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I've enjoyed the experience more with the Dolby Headphone/HD555 combination than the Trittons. I do think that the Trittons are very good value for $100 and serve their intended purpose, but just weren't for me given another option.

The good thing about the Senn HD555's is that they function well on their own without being amped. I bought the HD600's as well and, although they are better headphones, they do need to be amped and I felt that the HD555's provided better performance with the equipment that I currently have. That is to say that I don't have the HD600's properly amped to enjoy its benefits over the HD555's.

I do think that the HD555's make great gaming headphones but, then again, I haven't heard other competing headphones. I should also mention that they are great for movies too. My personal reference is using Dolby Headphone/HD555's listening to chapter 2 and 8 while watching Transformers on HD-DVD. :)

oceanjumper

11-19-07, 12:38 PM

As you know from this thread I have the Senn 595's. Couldn't be happier. I have worn them for 5-6 hours at a time with no discomfort what-so-ever. Now that I have them I would actually recommend open headphones. When the wife yells 'dinner is ready' you can actually hear her and respond (even in intense Halo3 MP sessions... :) ), and really, sound leakage is minimal. As far as 555 or 595, if it is for gaming mainly, others reported very little difference between the two. At least for Halo.

Did I already mention I LOVE my 595's? :D

dogmanky

11-19-07, 12:56 PM

wilson10

11-19-07, 01:49 PM

Thanks for the input of the Senn's guys! I was pretty much set on those to begin with and I thin I will follow through on my initial thoughts and get he 555's. I have seen the 595's around 170 but I don't think the wife will go for that.

Dogmanky, those are a little pricey for me and to be honest I have no problems with a wire (or wires...UH HUM Trittons lol) Thank You for selling them to me at a great price! I tried them, loved them, then the novelty wore off. I will try what everyone else is raving about and if its not for me I guess I will just have to turn things down at night LOL

Thanks for all the suggestions KBI, I think I am picking up Sennheisers soon though and will see how it goes!

KBI

11-19-07, 02:26 PM

404 Error

11-19-07, 08:44 PM

I'm semi-pro in halo 2, and i'm pretty good at halo 3 (No "pros" to compare to) and i can tell you that Sennheiser Hd 555, 595, and 650 are a sure win and if you really want to go for the best, wait for hd 700s to come out (they will drop 650s a great deal). Oh btw turtle beach is a joke among anyone who goes to lans (try it, rofl). I use Sennheiser 595 and they are really great. I've used 650s also... you can hear people walking underneath you on lockout but 650s will cost you big time. Audio techina and Akg are good brands of cans to.

RobertR1

11-19-07, 09:41 PM

Have the Audio Technica 900's been discontinued? I dont' see them on the official site and barely anyone carrying them (thus no good deals!).

KBI

11-20-07, 02:04 PM

The 900's won't be discontinued for a long time. They are AT's biggest sellers..

ernis

11-25-07, 07:24 PM

Hi,

sorry for a noob question.

Is CMOY amp enough to be able to connect headphones to xbox 360?

I don't have AV receiver ( my TV doesn't have headphones out ) and would like to use headphones while playing COD4 as my wife is going crazy because of all the noise :D

Other thing, would it be possible to easily switch between TV and headphones? You know xbox is in the cabinet, its quite hard to pull it out each time etc..

RobertR1

11-25-07, 11:15 PM

kalanium

11-26-07, 09:33 AM

Right I was hoping someone could help me decide what to do here, I've been reading through the thread for the past 2 hours (on and off) and I have finally decided to go for Sennheiser HD 555(or 595) and was wondering what is the best option to hook it up to my Xbox 360?

All I have is my Xbox 360 which is hooked up to my HDTV via VGA cable and I have no amp/receiver etc. I would prefer a wireless connection, but I'm guessing it will cost an arm and a leg for something decent and a wired connection will be cheaper and better quality anyway, but the main problem is the wire.
Since I play my games around 4-5m away from the 360 it isnt an option to plug it straight into the console (which I guess I cant do anyway and will need some kind of other equipment between the 360 and headphones? Im new to this so...)

So whats my best option? I was thinking:

Xbox 360 > optical cable (around the outside of the room) > JVC SU-DH1 (next to me [with the AC mains adapter mod]) > Sennheiser HD 555/595

For Voice Comms the Zalman Clip-on Mic with Datel Adapter (need the mute)

I do play online a lot (CoD4, Halo 3 mainly) so would that setup suit my needs? Or is there something that I am missing? Sorry I'm totally new to this and any help/advice would be highly appreciated :)

PS. I would also like to be able to tell where the shots are coming from via the sound, but my room isnt suitable to support a 5.1 sound set-up and the main reason for headphones are to keep the noise down while I game at night ;) So how would the above setup suit that role?

RobertR1

11-26-07, 02:08 PM

Newegg has the 280 for $65 today!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106328&CMP=EMC-IGNECYMO111207&ATT=N82E16826106328&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNECYMO111207-_-SpeakersHeadphones-_-E0-_-26106328

formulanerd

11-27-07, 02:44 AM

wilson10

11-27-07, 09:08 AM

Not sure if its a sign or not, but I was giving my decision to buy new cans (HD-555's) some more thought last night and was researching the Equation RP-21's. Was also reading some about the HD280's when I got an email saying my best offer on HD-555's had been accepted. I didn't think they were going to accept it since I made somewhat of a low offer for them. So they should be here by weeks end. I am excited as my AVR should be here Friday also. HD-555's and and dolby headphone, I can't wait to try it!

NYFOOTBALLGIANTS

11-27-07, 09:09 AM

I'll bump this for someone else to feel sad with me. :-(

One day sales... Bah!

formulanerd

11-27-07, 10:33 AM

I do play online a lot (CoD4, Halo 3 mainly) so would that setup suit my needs? Or is there something that I am missing? Sorry I'm totally new to this and any help/advice would be highly appreciated :)

most of the time you wont be able to hear the voice comm from other players, ESPECIALLY in those 2 games, but other than that your setup will be nice.

rss329

11-27-07, 10:46 AM

most of the time you wont be able to hear the voice comm from other players, ESPECIALLY in those 2 games, but other than that your setup will be nice.

This is exactly my problem with what I am using now. I have the icemat that I used for PC, was lookin to upgrade soon just dont know what will fit my needs. Do the 555s have seperate volume control for voice comms? This feature is very important to me as I play alot of tactical games. The only thing I know of so far is the Trittons that has this feature if im not mistaken?

formulanerd

11-27-07, 10:54 AM

This is exactly my problem with what I am using now. I have the icemat that I used for PC, was lookin to upgrade soon just dont know what will fit my needs. Do the 555s have seperate volume control for voice comms? This feature is very important to me as I play alot of tactical games. The only thing I know of so far is the Trittons that has this feature if im not mistaken?

no, the 555's are just normal 2ch stereo headphones.... the trittons may be adjustable considering that you can adjust levels with the center channel, fronts, and surrounds..... and the new turtle beach x3's are supposed to compensate for loud scenes with louder voice comms, not sure if it works well, but you'll have a huge sacrifice in SQ if you choose tritton or turtle beach.

it really stinks because MS could easily fix this..... when i have my comms set to speakers only, and the volume is set to 10, the score volume and sound effects should NOT be louder!, just make the default level "5" and leave it how it is, so we can crank it to 8 or so and actually hear our teammates.

kalanium

11-27-07, 11:09 AM

most of the time you wont be able to hear the voice comm from other players, ESPECIALLY in those 2 games, but other than that your setup will be nice.

I did read something about it being not loud enough, but if its really a huge problem I can just use my wireless headset until MS add an option to turn the volume up even more through the dashboard. The Fall update is next week aswell so I will wait and see if that adds anything.

I didnt realise how hard it would be to come across some of the parts though. I'm from the UK and alot of this stuff isnt sold here (the Zalman Mic + JVC box being the main problems).

Islanti

11-27-07, 11:24 AM

it really stinks because MS could easily fix this..... when i have my comms set to speakers only, and the volume is set to 10, the score volume and sound effects should NOT be louder!, just make the default level "5" and leave it how it is, so we can crank it to 8 or so and actually hear our teammates.Or you could turn down the in-game sounds via the game menu.

BIGJOHNB20

11-27-07, 12:21 PM

Or you could turn down the in-game sounds via the game menu.

Unfortunately, Halo 3 left this option out of the game. Unless I missed it somewhere, and I certaintly looked. GOW has the option and it works OK.

I should make it clear though, that the problem hearing chat voices, at least in Halo 3, is only for the campaign part of the game. I have been using my Senn HD-515's on multiplayer Halo 3 for a month or so now with the voice set to come over "speakers" meaning my headphones, and I haven't had much of a problem hearing my friends.

Its just in the campaign where the loud mood music starts playing in battles and stuff starts blowing up that drowns out the chat over the headphones.

On another note, if you look a couple pages back in this thread, I think I have come up with a macguyver solution. I have modded an old 360 headset with a Zalman clip on mic and also wired an old ipod "earbud" to the speaker wires. The idea is that the earbud is small enough to fit comfortably underneath the HD515's thus allowing voice to come in independently of the game sounds.

I tested the above solution a while ago and was able to get voice coming over the earbud, but I was just twisting the wires together and couldn't get a real good connection. Over the holiday I picked up a soldering iron from the parents house, so last night I got everything soldered up and connected good. Didn't have a chance to try it out yet though. I will let you guys know later tonight how it works out, and see if I can get a picture or two to help illustrate what I'm talking about.

rss329

11-27-07, 01:04 PM

no, the 555's are just normal 2ch stereo headphones.... the trittons may be adjustable considering that you can adjust levels with the center channel, fronts, and surrounds..... and the new turtle beach x3's are supposed to compensate for loud scenes with louder voice comms, not sure if it works well, but you'll have a huge sacrifice in SQ if you choose tritton or turtle beach.

it really stinks because MS could easily fix this..... when i have my comms set to speakers only, and the volume is set to 10, the score volume and sound effects should NOT be louder!, just make the default level "5" and leave it how it is, so we can crank it to 8 or so and actually hear our teammates.

Just came back from Circuit city and picked up the x3. For 60 bucks it was worth trying. Weird thing is it scanned for 109.99 but I found it in a rack where it said 59.99 so I disputed, the lines were so long they did not bother to check the upc I guess, they gave it to me for 59.99

Hope the SQ is at least decent for me to keep.

j2fast

11-27-07, 01:33 PM

On another note, if you look a couple pages back in this thread, I think I have come up with a macguyver solution. I have modded an old 360 headset with a Zalman clip on mic and also wired an old ipod "earbud" to the speaker wires. The idea is that the earbud is small enough to fit comfortably underneath the HD515's thus allowing voice to come in independently of the game sounds.

I tested the above solution a while ago and was able to get voice coming over the earbud, but I was just twisting the wires together and couldn't get a real good connection. Over the holiday I picked up a soldering iron from the parents house, so last night I got everything soldered up and connected good. Didn't have a chance to try it out yet though. I will let you guys know later tonight how it works out, and see if I can get a picture or two to help illustrate what I'm talking about.

I would be interested in the results; I'm ordering a pair of 595's and have been thinking about trying this exact setup as a solution to the voice comm issue. I've already dissected an old pair of iPod earbuds along with an old headset for mute/volume and just need to solder the connections. I figured that it couldn't be much different (save the lack of true SS) than sitting there with the Xbox headset partially blocking sounds to my left ear.

KBI

11-27-07, 02:38 PM

Kbi,

Stuck between the SD280's and the AT900. Will be using them for the 360 (plugging the headphones into the receiver) and PC (into the soundcard) for 90% gaming only. 80% of the usage will be PC gaming though. Are the AT900's worth almost double the street price of the SD280's? Obviously, I can try them out any where so I'm just wondering what your take is on it.

Thanks,
Robert.
Are they worth twice as much as the 280? Only your ears can decide that.. I know thew 280 has better bass extension..(how low the bass goes), & better at revealing detail..Everything else I'd give to the 900's..

RobertR1

11-27-07, 03:45 PM

Thanks Kbi. But at $65 for the 280's I couldn't say no! Can't wait to try em out.

KBI

11-27-07, 04:31 PM

Thanks Kbi. But at $65 for the 280's I couldn't say no! Can't wait to try em out.

Sweet.

ernis

11-27-07, 11:51 PM

guys, what do you reckon is a better choice for xbox 360 gaming / movies:

- Pioneer DIR800C
or
- JVC SU-DH1 paired with decent stereo headphones ( like Sennheiser Hd 555 etc)?

Pioneer is on expensive side even with price drop ( but not sure if Amazon would ship them to Australia), but what I like is that you can connect second wired headphones, would be ideal for me+wife movie sessions and me+son gaming sessions :D

With JVC SU-DH1 one thing I don't like is that it doesn't have AC adapter, also can't get them in Australia.

Which one would sound better in your opinion?

leland_7

11-28-07, 11:47 AM

KBI

11-28-07, 01:22 PM

BIGJOHNB20

11-28-07, 01:45 PM

guys i bought the zalman mic, then went to radio shack and got a 1/8 to 3/32 adapter (which should be 3.5mm to 2.5mm right? it fits so i'm assuming so) but i'm not getting any mic audio when i plug it in.

i just tested the zalman mic through the windows "sound recorder" under accessories and it did record audio so i know the mic is working. so common sense would lead to it being an adapter problem?

i did get the stereo adapter (two black bands). should i have gotten mono? i think my xbox headset was stereo (at work so can't look right now)

any thoughts?

Maybe should have gone with the mono. The xbox plug i think is stereo, but it uses one channel for the speaker, and one channel for the mic. This is all just a guess, and I am at work too, so I can't say for sure.

I got the Zalman mic a while back and just recently hard wired it into the original headset plug and it works fine. I actually was able to wire a Zalman mic and an ipod "earbud" to the plug. I tested and was able to record a voice message using the zalman and then play it back over the earbud.
Also, I think someone mentioned earlier they got a 3.5 > 2.5 adapter (mono) from radio shack and it worked for thier clip on mic.

wilson10

11-28-07, 08:40 PM

leland_7

11-28-07, 10:56 PM

went by radio shack and traded the stereo adapter jack for a mono one and voice is now working great. strange though.

thx for the advice.

formulanerd

11-28-07, 11:12 PM

Has anyone tried a simple cell phone handsfree device? One that has an ear piece and a mic (usually very sensitive to voice) that is on the wire near your neck. Just a thought I had tonight while browsing the electronics section at Walmart tonight. Seems it should plug right in ( I have the datel adapter)

i have a headset used for military ICOM radios, it's standard 2.5mm, with one speaker, and a mic, same as the xbox live setup, it works (well), no reason why any other 2.5mm headset wouldnt work.

wilson10

11-29-07, 06:53 PM

BIGJOHNB20

11-29-07, 07:08 PM

My 555's came today while I was at work ( a pleasant surprise to come home to) and I must say I love them so far. I have only used them for Rock Band and briefly with Call of Duty and they were great. SO COMFORTABLE!! My new AVR will be here tomorrow but for now I have used them in stereo mode on my Onkyo Receiver. Also one other thing I tried since I found it in my nightstand at work, I found an old cell phone hands free device and it works great and is surprisingly comfortable. Here is a link....
http://americanesuperstore.stores.yahoo.net/pcunihfn06a.html

I will post more impressions later after my Harman/Kardon AVR gets here with dolby headphone.

Hey, glad you like the 555s. I know I really like mine, and I have just been using them in stereo mode. I would love some DH love, but just not in the budget now.

So, I check that link for your headset, and Im curious, are you able to wear that under your 555s? Seems like the mic coming out the bottom would get in the way.

wilson10

11-29-07, 07:41 PM

yep it worked, I will wear it some tonight and see how it is for an extended time but it felt ok.

tampabuc

11-29-07, 08:48 PM

FWIW.. the Pioneers have dropped in price. I paid close to $400 for mine and absolutely love them for gaming.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007XL43M?smid=A2P7U8ZHUJIO9T&tag=dealtime-ce-feed-20&linkCode=asn

Great info! I waited a long time for a sub $300 price on those. I gave up recently and purchased the AX360's instead. They are perfect for gaming, very happy but I'm sure they fail in comparison to the Pioneer. Stereo only for gaming should be avoided at all costs in my opinion, regardless of quality. I own Senn's as well and there is no comparison with the AX360s when gaming.

wilson10

11-29-07, 09:22 PM

Great info! I waited a long time for a sub $300 price on those. I gave up recently and purchased the AX360's instead. They are perfect for gaming, very happy but I'm sure they fail in comparison to the Pioneer. Stereo only for gaming should be avoided at all costs in my opinion, regardless of quality. I own Senn's as well and there is no comparison with the AX360s when gaming.

to each his own I guess. I just got my 555's today and I think they are a good bit better in stereo then the AX360's were. I have just as much sense of direction, both lack when someone is directly behind you so its not really an issue with that, but I can still tell when I am being sneaked on :D A VERY happy camper so far!

KBI

11-30-07, 12:14 AM

wilson10

12-02-07, 11:57 AM

Well, after just a few days with my new AVR and Senn 555's all I can say is WOW!!!

Just wow, I am not sure how to describe it, I guess you could call it the spatial aspect or something, but these headphones with Dolby Headphone enabled is absolutely amazing. I had to take them off and make sure sound was not coming out of my 5.1 setup. It was that good!!! I have great directional awareness with them and I am suprised at the little things I hear that I missed even with the Tritton's. They will take some getting used to though, since I am hearing more things, I need to learn what footsteps are right next to me and what are a building away. The bass is a little lacking, but I did not buy these expecting to be pounded with bass and I sure didn't want to rumble with bass (uh hum Tritton) LOL. I have not watched any dvd's or anything else with them, but I will in the next day or so.

I will post some more later, but as of right now call me SOLD!! Thanks to all for their help!

KBI

12-02-07, 03:27 PM

RobertR1

12-02-07, 04:12 PM

Anyone know of a cheap clip on mic? I got the HD280's but I want a mic that I can clip onto the shirt, plug into the mic jack and have some mobility. This is for PC usage.

formulanerd

12-02-07, 04:20 PM

Anyone know of a cheap clip on mic? I got the HD280's but I want a mic that I can clip onto the shirt, plug into the mic jack and have some mobility. This is for PC usage.

well this is the xbox section, but i'll bite.

for pc you'll most likely want the 3.5mm, not the 2.5mm like the x360 controller uses

http://www.uxcell.com/35mm-cord-stereo-loudspeaker-microphone-wclipdg-001mic-p-5886.html

-----------------------------------

So, KBI.... if it were you.... HD-555 for $99 plus $15 shipping, or HD-280 for $79 plus $15 shipping, or something else? would like to stay in that price range.... ipod use and 360 gaming in stereo with JVC 5.1 adapter in the future.

KBI

12-02-07, 06:05 PM

well this is the xbox section, but i'll bite.

for pc you'll most likely want the 3.5mm, not the 2.5mm like the x360 controller uses

http://www.uxcell.com/35mm-cord-stereo-loudspeaker-microphone-wclipdg-001mic-p-5886.html

-----------------------------------

So, KBI.... if it were you.... HD-555 for $99 plus $15 shipping, or HD-280 for $79 plus $15 shipping, or something else? would like to stay in that price range.... ipod use and 360 gaming in stereo with JVC 5.1 adapter in the future.

The 555's.. They are more refined then the 280's.. The 280's strong points are bass extension & detail, thats about it.. The 555 is more of a jack of all trades master of none type headphone.. & more comfy.

formulanerd

12-02-07, 06:25 PM

thats the way i've been leaning, the 280's look as though they'll get pretty hot on my ears, and i hate that.

also looking at the Grado Sr80, AKG 240S, and Audio Technica ad500

KBI

12-02-07, 06:40 PM

thats the way i've been leaning, the 280's look as though they'll get pretty hot on my ears, and i hate that.

also looking at the Grado Sr80, AKG 240S, and Audio Technica ad500

240's are good, but AKG headphones don't have a large quantity of bass if thats something you are looking for.. The Grado's are very upfront & fun, but the Sound stage is very narrow..

RobertR1

12-02-07, 06:51 PM

formulanerd

12-02-07, 07:04 PM

forumula,

Thanks for that link! btw, I got the 280's quite cheap off newegg and I have to say they're simply awesome. I compared LOTR:Fellowship prolouge off my receiver using the hd280's and my audio system: Paradigm Monitor 7 fronts, CC370 center, adp 370 surrounds and PW2100 sub on an Onkyo 705.

The HD280's had a much better center channel than my setup. The subtle sounds and dialogue came more clear out of the headphones than my center channel which has been setup using a SPL meter. Where the speakers outshined it was in the surround information and obviously bass but I was quite impressed by the bass on the 280's. Overall, for $65 that I paid, I simply cannot imagine a better setup.

Sennheiser made a fan out of me. To compare, I needed voice on the PC so I ran out and got a set of Creative gaming headphones from Fry's for the same price and they're absolute garbage in comparison. The Creative don't hold a candle in any scenario.

yea, if i wouldnt have missed the sale by a few hours i'd have some 280's in my hands right now :) at $65 i would have gotten over the fact that they're closed and might not be that great for several hours of use on end, but at closer to 95 or so, i've started looking into other options as well.

thanks for your input (and you too KBI, as always)

KBI

12-02-07, 07:09 PM

forumula,

Thanks for that link! btw, I got the 280's quite cheap off newegg and I have to say they're simply awesome. I compared LOTR:Fellowship prolouge off my receiver using the hd280's and my audio system: Paradigm Monitor 7 fronts, CC370 center, adp 370 surrounds and PW2100 sub on an Onkyo 705.

The HD280's had a much better center channel than my setup. The subtle sounds and dialogue came more clear out of the headphones than my center channel which has been setup using a SPL meter. Where the speakers outshined it was in the surround information and obviously bass but I was quite impressed by the bass on the 280's. Overall, for $65 that I paid, I simply cannot imagine a better setup.

Sennheiser made a fan out of me. To compare, I needed voice on the PC so I ran out and got a set of Creative gaming headphones from Fry's for the same price and they're absolute garbage in comparison. The Creative don't hold a candle in any scenario.

If you want high end sound on a budget headphones are the best way to go.. A guy from HF said his 701's are comparable to his 5,000 speaker.. I also read that a 15,000 headphone set up is comparable to a 50,000 5.1 speaker set up. & unlike speakers you get optimal sound quality out of the box.. No need for room acoustics, ETC that can make or break a 5.1 set up, even the most expensive.. But its a trade off.. 5.1 gives you SS, & bass that you can actually feel, along with a nice 360 sound field. Stereo headphones are capable of SS as well though.. Dolby's DH proves this along with binaural recordings.

KBI

12-02-07, 07:11 PM

yea, if i wouldnt have missed the sale by a few hours i'd have some 280's in my hands right now :) at $65 i would have gotten over the fact that they're closed and might not be that great for several hours of use on end, but at closer to 95 or so, i've started looking into other options as well.

thanks for your input (and you too KBI, as always)
I believe the 280's are sealed & not closed.
Theres open/semi open/closed/sealed.

formulanerd

12-02-07, 07:18 PM

I believe the 280's are sealed & not closed.
Theres open/semi open/closed/sealed.

i thought for most intensive purposes, closed and sealed were the same thing.

KBI

12-02-07, 08:05 PM

i thought for most intensive purposes, closed and sealed were the same thing.

For the most part, minor differences.. Enough to be noted in regards to the spec sheet.. Some ppl might see it as spelling potato compared to potatoe. Indifferent.

Foe-hammer

12-03-07, 02:25 AM

KBI and others, i really appreciate the insight you've brought to this topic.

I have had the Pioneer wireless 800C headphones for 1.5 yrs. I have been very please with the 5.1 dolby headphone surround sound. I can make out any sound from any 360 degree horizontal direction. And that includes directly behind me. I know exactly where people and gunfire is coming from, in games like Halo 3 and CoD2/CoD4. The vertical direction is of course lacking.

The wireless headphones, on the other hand, while good, are very lacking to a good pair of wired headphones. The sound stage is small, and the over all sound it "tingy" compared to when i hook a good pair of wired headphones into the 3.5mm jack on the receiver. If i had never tried good wired headphones on the pioneer 800c receiver, i would have though the wireless pioneers were great.

Also the wireless headphones break VERY easily, without any abuse. The other day i was just removing them from off my head, clasping both cans in each hand, the left can broke from the upper pivot point. After dissembling them i found out what exactly broke. There is a little plastic 'U' shape joint that connect the cans to the pivot point… very cheap. So be warned, it is just a matter of time before they break for other who own them.

Two questions for KBI:

1) I'm thinking about getting the Beyerdynamic DT-770-80 headphones for primarily gaming and movies. Would you recommend these over the Sinn 595? I'm a little concerned that the huge bass of the beyer's might drown out the mids and the more detailed sounds. Also, any idea how the soundstage on these are - if they open enough?

2) I currently have the PA2V2 AMP for adding to my Pioneer 800C receiver, accompanied with a new pair of wired headphones that i’ll be getting (beyer 770 or senn 595). How does the PA2V2 amp compare to the cMoy amp that you have been talking about?

Thanks…

P.S. See here for a more detailed discussion on Dolby Headphone Tech Receivers/Headphones:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=551792&highlight=Pioneer+800C

RobertR1

12-03-07, 03:08 AM

http://www.astrogaming.com/equipment/

These could be interesting. Hopefully we'll get a review soon.

Foe-hammer

12-03-07, 03:33 AM

http://www.astrogaming.com/equipment/

These could be interesting. Hopefully we'll get a review soon.

Damn! Those look like the best setup for all around gaming.

Plus:

+ Dolby Headphone Technology for 5.1 surround sound
+ Very functional xbox live mic that seems to work much better then the Trittons.
+ Amplified more then norm
+ Made by the people who designed/made the xbox360

Minus:

- No DTS support

Questions:

- Quality of wired headphones compared to quality $200 wired headphones?

properbostonian

12-03-07, 07:38 AM

Many of you audiophiles will probably scoff at this but I just bought the Sennheiser HD201 per the recommendation from someone on this forum and they sound great!

Granted, I don't know much (OK, I don't know anything) about frequency response, diffuse field equalization, impedance, and all of the other buzzwords/variables that are important.

One thing I do know is I hated Turtle Beach X2's because all of the sounds I heard while playing MP on Halo were "mashed" together. I couldnt' tell if a shot being fired was behind or infront of me. With the HD201, this is not a problem at all.

They sound great for my needs. I can finally turn up the volume at night and I don't disturb my wife. In addition, I hear sounds I have never heard before. Such as mosquitoes on Isolation (Halo 3). How cool is that?

Best of all, they are $19.99 at Target.

Hey, if you hate them simply return them. Right? :)

KBI

12-03-07, 03:19 PM

KBI

12-03-07, 03:20 PM

Damn! Those look like the best setup for all around gaming.

Plus:

+ Dolby Headphone Technology for 5.1 surround sound
+ Very functional xbox live mic that seems to work much better then the Trittons.
+ Amplified more then norm
+ Made by the people who designed/made the xbox360

Minus:

- No DTS support

Questions:

- Quality of wired headphones compared to quality $200 wired headphones?

At least they aren't going the silly 200 driver route.

epicbloodline

12-03-07, 05:41 PM

formulanerd

12-03-07, 06:11 PM

http://www.astrogaming.com/equipment/

These could be interesting. Hopefully we'll get a review soon.

man, those look sick.

KBI

12-03-07, 06:43 PM

i play call of duty 4 with my AX360 headphones and they are seriously a wise choice for the price....i hear people walking around from all angles! must buy.......

the pioneers are probably the best but it lacks a mic!

If you want a all in one package then yes.. But for the price you could do much better with stereo headphones, & a clip on mic.. & like someone posted earlier, that he heard sounds from his Sen 555 that the AX360 didn't pick up..

Foe-hammer

12-03-07, 11:08 PM

The 70 bass is overpowering IMO.. So I'd recommend the 595's.. They are open & have a wider sound stage.. If you really want a closed headphone for gaming thre Equatuions RP-21's (think thats it) are a nice alternative to the 770's. They sell for 150.00 but can be had for around 80.00 at Amazon..

I had the PA2V2. It was my first amp. It's supbar IMO. Too much static, when changing the volume. The Mcoy I recommended earlier is superior to the PA2V2, especially in bass response, definition, & detail.

What are the benefits of having closed cans, such as the beyer 770's, other then noise reduction?

I really had my heart set on the beyer 770's, because they look so damn comfortable. Compared to the Senn 595s, what would they beyer's be lacking in FPS type games? Are you positive that the Senn 595's have a wider soundstage then the beyers?

Thanks again...

j2fast

12-03-07, 11:20 PM

First I just want to say thanks to KBI and everyone else that provided info as well as some insight in this thread. I've been watching it for a couple months now trying to decide on the best setup for late night gaming sessions in my home office that's right next to the bedroom (generally play after my wife goes to bed).

I decided to go with the Senn HD595's and the JVC box; the missing piece was what to do about voice comm. I mentioned in this thread the other day about splicing in an old iPod hear phone for the speaker along with maybe a clip on mike. I ended up going the cell phone earbud route and could not be happier so far. I picked up a Voice Star VS110 from a local Radio Shack for something like $6; for that price (if it worked) I didn't think it was worth messing around with soldering together a homemade version.

After 2 gaming sessions tonight with the full setup (had already used the headphones for a few days) that totaled about 4 hours or so I couldn't be happier with the my choices. I had no doubt that I'd be satisfied with the Senn's having used their products a good bit in the past when I thought I'd make my "millions" behind a sound board. I wasn't sure about the JVC box but after using it for a few days I definitely like it.

As for the cheap little earbud, it works very well. I could hear everyone online just fine and they could hear me. The ear piece itself fit comfortably under the 595's and while it obviously blocks some sound from my left ear it wasn't any different (maybe better) than having a regular XBL headset on that covers most of one ear. What's nice also is that the earbud setup has an inline volume control, a mute switch, and a mic sensitivity switch. I'd recommend that anyone that went or goes the stereo head phone route give an earbud setup like this a try.

I actually like the JVC box more and more each time I've used it. The more I use it the better I feel like a can gauge the direction of sounds around me. As others have said it's a little tricky if a sound is directly behind you but I don't feel like I'm at a disadvantage versus running the sound through my HT. During my second session tonight I played 6 or so COD4 Hardcore matches which for me mean moving slower and listening more. I could easily pick out people moving around me.

KBI

12-03-07, 11:25 PM

What are the benefits of having closed cans, such as the beyer 770's, other then noise reduction?

I really had my heart set on the beyer 770's, because they look so damn comfortable. Compared to the Senn 595s, what would they beyer's be lacking in FPS type games? Are you positive that the Senn 595's have a wider soundstage then the beyers?

Thanks again...
With both cans being equal, the open model provides better SQ. I'm 100% sure the 595's have a wider sound stage & are better at detail.. Most people recommend the 770's for gaming cause of the crazy bass they provide. Thats not something you seem to like.. The 595 bass is tighter, better defined & snappier.. More quality over quantity. & they are very comfortable as well..

If you are dead set on getting the Beyers buy from a retailer with a good return policy. Both cans are good, mid fi, audiophile type headphones..

Foe-hammer

12-04-07, 12:34 AM

With both cans being equal, the open model provides better SQ. I'm 100% sure the 595's have a wider sound stage & are better at detail.. Most people recommend the 770's for gaming cause of the crazy bass they provide. Thats not something you seem to like.. The 595 bass is tighter, better defined & snappier.. More quality over quantity. & they are very comfortable as well..

If you are dead set on getting the Beyers buy from a retailer with a good return policy. Both cans are good, mid fi, audiophile type headphones..

Thanks, bro.

I think i'll order both from guitar center, and then return one of them.

KBI

12-04-07, 01:00 AM

Thanks, bro.

I think i'll order both from guitar center, and then return one of them.

Wise Decision.

Foe-hammer

12-04-07, 05:04 AM

http://www.astrogaming.com/equipment/

These could be interesting. Hopefully we'll get a review soon.

I've been talking back and forth with one of their reps ("Stormy"), and this is some of what he had to say about how their setup compares to good headphones:

We think that our setup compares very favorably to the Pioneer and
the PA2V2. Though, we've moved the amp and surround decoding into
it's own box to unburden the headset and give the customer more
flexibility. Of course, this headset has been designed to be a GAMING
headset, first and foremost. So, for gamers, you'll find that there
are a myriad of features and benefits that the big manufacturers have
simply left out. I'll leave it up to you to find that information on
our website (check the FAQ, too, for really detailed info).

As for comparing to the Beyer 770, I have to say that we really like
this heads--um, I mean headPHONE. You'll have to deal with your own
microphone solution if you go with a headphone product. But other
than that major difference, the Beyer is really a different class of
product because of the "Closed Can" design principle that it is based
upon. The A40 Headset is open, and that's a big difference in sound
and feel. You'd obviously be more used to the A40 design because of
your long experience with the Pioneer product.

We've made thoughtful and thoroughly-tested choices when it comes
to every feature in the system, esp. things like wireless, surround
formats, and price. This is a tournament grade system, so wireless is
out until we can find a technology that will let hundreds, if not
thousands of wireless units co-exist. Or, until we can have a number
of different products in the marketplace, and can have both a
"Tournament" grade, and a "Home" grade.

As for DTS, this is a different format that really doesn't offer the
consumer too much benefit in my opinion. True, DTS is a wholly
different mix, but it really doesn't make a solid argument that it is
BETTER, save for bit rate when that applies. Games are Dolby anyway,
almost exclusively. DTS licensing would simply add dollars to the
cost of the end product. To be fair, Dolby adds quite a bit of cost
as well--more than any other single component. Simply look at our
competition to try and find genuine Dolby decoding -- it's very rare.
Most brands choose to knock-off Dolby with "5.1 Surroundz-around
Soundz"(tm) due to cost and quality constraints. We think having a
genuine Dolby product is the way to go.

The guys at Head Fi and AVS are right, most gaming headsets really don't compare to high-end dedicated-use headphones. The market is really competitive and "no free lunch" rules apply -- the cost and complexity of adding a microphone system has to come out of somewhere. But it's not just that -- they start out at a much lower price point, usually. We hope to bridge that gap a bit.

Final Boss actually uses the 555 model, and we compare very favorably to that model. The A40's have a nice little midrange bump that the pros swear let's them hear things in games that they don't usually hear and that's by design. Game soundtracks use a lot of mid bass to midrange frequencies to notify the player of the direction of things in the game through audio cues. The 555's are seriously flat in response -- depending on who is doing the measuring, but that is the model we've chosen to be competitive against. The 580/600/650 HD range are famously hard to drive (I've owned several pair of those presonally), and I think the A40 is a much better compromise on performance and features.

But this is all really apples and oranges. You really need to think about whether you'd like a headset, or a simple pair of headphones and deal with the lower quality lapel mic. That's probably the better question to wrestle with first. Here's an example: with a headphone/lapel mic setup, you'd have to fiddle with the mute button in order to talk to someone in the room or munch on a noisy/crunchy snack. With the A40 Headset, you'd simply swing the mic boom up and away from your mouth. The mic is so directional and noise canceling that simply moving it into the vertical stored position is ostensibly an additional mute control. Going back to other lower quality solutions was really tough after using the A40 for any length of time.

Remember you can also get the standalone MixAmp and run any set of headphones and benefit from Dolby decoding and Headphone. The MixAmp will come with an adapter that you can also plug your lapel mic into for integrated chat. That might be a great start to see if you like our tech. Sounds like you'd be happiest with an all-out audiophile grade set of cans and don't really need many features beyond that.

Tear it apart as you see fit, KBI. :)

I wanted to also add that the guy seems very honest, and reasonably knowledgeable audiophile.

Foe-hammer

12-04-07, 10:14 AM

KBI,

I've been looking into the Mini³ ("Mini cubed") headphone pocket amp.
http://www.rockhopperaudio.com/

Are you familiar with it, and would you recommend it?

Thanks again...

KBI

12-04-07, 01:20 PM

I've been talking back and forth with one of their reps ("Stormy"), and this is some of what he had to say about how their setup compares to good headphones:

Tear it apart as you see fit, KBI. :)
I just skimmed through it. Nothing to tear really..:) They seem to be headed in the right direction. No 8 drivers, not wireless. They seem to be some what headphone savy.. No marketing BS

KBI

12-04-07, 01:23 PM

KBI,

I've been looking into the Mini³ ("Mini cubed") headphone pocket amp.
http://www.rockhopperaudio.com/

Are you familiar with it, and would you recommend it?

Thanks again...
Yes, & Yes..

Foe-hammer

12-04-07, 01:44 PM

Yes, & Yes..

Are they worth the $125 price tag - are they $70 more better then the Bass Boost cMoy v2.00, of which only cost $56 shipped?

I'm guessing the Mini³ amp is in an entire different class then the Bass Boost cMoy v2, in terms of quality and power?

KBI

12-04-07, 01:57 PM

Are they worth the $125 price tag - are they $70 more better then the Bass Boost cMoy v2.00, of which only cost $56 shipped?

I'm guessing the Mini³ amp is in an entire different class then the Bass Boost cMoy v2, in terms of quality and power?

IMO, yes..

RobertR1

12-04-07, 02:50 PM

KBI

12-05-07, 02:30 AM

If the A40's come out well, I'll buy them to support the company. They seem very honest which is rare and certainly a quality that earns my support. Again, the performance needs to be good but I'm ready to buy.

After reading the response I think it would be a wise choice.. If they actually attune frequencies for gaming purposes, as I read, that could be a great advantage to have. They modeled their headphone after a audiophile grade Sen 555. Went all out with real Dolby DH.. They are honest, upfront, & umm honest:p.. Even recommended the poster he might be better off with the 770 instead of their headphone. Integrity lives. Hopefully the 250.00 price won't scare pro gamers away.. I endorse the Astro & Beyer MX300 as the best gaming headsets on the market today!!

Foe-hammer

12-05-07, 03:32 AM

After reading the response I think it would be a wise choice.. If they actually attune frequencies for gaming purposes, as I read, that could be a great advantage to have. They modeled their headphone after a audiophile grade Sen 555. Went all out with real Dolby DH.. They are honest, upfront, & umm honest:p.. Even recommended the poster he might be better off with the 770 instead of their headphone. Integrity lives. Hopefully the 250.00 price won't scare pro gamers away.. I endorse the Astro & Beyer MX300 as the best gaming headsets on the market today!!

Agreed. If i already didn't have the Pioneer 800C receiver i'd have no hesitation of getting the A40's. But when i can get a pair of better headphones for less then i'd pay for their complete setup, i don't know if it is worth it. Their MixAmp and built in mic does sound VERY appealing, much better then the clip on mic with headphones.

The other thing that makes me reserved about the A40's is no support for DTS. DTS is very nice to have with DH for movies.

KBI

12-05-07, 04:10 AM

Agreed. If i already didn't have the Pioneer 800C receiver i'd have no hesitation of getting the A40's. But when i can get a pair of better headphones for less then i'd pay for their complete setup, i don't know if it is worth it. Their MixAmp and built in mic does sound VERY appealing, much better then the clip on mic with headphones.

The other thing that makes me reserved about the A40's is no support for DTS. DTS is very nice to have with DH for movies.

Yes, & by most accounts better. I always preferred DTS over Dolby. It's upsetting that 'next gen' consoles won't give us this option along with Digital coax support, & unbalanced RCA support..

Foe-hammer

12-06-07, 07:48 AM

I just came across another highly recommend set of headphones that are in the same price range ($200) as the Beyer 770's and Senn 595's. They are the AKG 601's.

Sorry to keep bothering you, KBI, but what are you thoughts on the AKG's? How do they compare to the Beyers and Senns?

formulanerd

12-06-07, 10:59 AM

well i went to target to pick up some 201's just to have some back up cans, and sadly target in my area doesnt carry them.

KBI

12-06-07, 02:32 PM

Storm Shadow PA

12-06-07, 05:30 PM

RobertR1

12-06-07, 05:45 PM

Josh,

Good to see you on here. Will be offering your product to sites for reviews (no, I'm not part of any such sites :)). Just would like see some reviews on it. If so, any eta?

Storm Shadow PA

12-06-07, 06:44 PM

You should be seeing tons of reviews later this month. I just allocated a bunch of units out to the enthusiast and mainstream media.

BTW, who do you guys go to for reviews? Whose opinion do you trust the most?

KBI

12-06-07, 11:08 PM

Hi guys,

My name is Josh "Stormy" LaTendresse, and I am the producer for the ASTRO Gaming A40 System.

I have to say that I didn't expect to have our entire conversation transcribed verbatim on the AVS Forums... but it's cool. But now my secret is out(!) -- back when I used to write the Hook Up for Penny-Arcade I somehow got into the habit of coming off as the biggest jerk possible on the column, but made sure that people who took the time to write in got as good an answer to their question that I could muster, in the politest way possible. So, I'm happy to see that this old habit dies hard. :)

Anyways, hopefully you guys will be happy to know that in addition to being an avid audiophile and home theater aficionado, I have a pretty deep home theater background industry-speaking as well. In addition to writing the Hook Up for over four years, I also wrote all of the Audio/Video setup chapters in O'Reilly's Gaming Hacks. I also worked as an editor for Future US Publishing, writing for GamesRadar and PC Gamer. Before my career switched to the gaming industry, I worked for several well-known consumer electronic manufacturers.

If you guys have any other questions about the A40 stuff, please feel free to ask. I'm at: stormy@astrogaming.com

From the looks of it you seem to get it right. I'd only recommend the Beyer MX300 & your astro as the only quality headsets to get. I never been impressed with any gaming headset besides the above mentioned. Unlike the others you know multiple drivers degrades the SQ & isn't accurate enough, or that great for 5.1. Manipulating in game frequencies to increase the gamers performance is unheard of in regards to gaming headsets, at least the ones I know of. All they claim is you hear footsteps? I want proof that the headset is really geared for gaming. & by the looks of it your headset is. Basing it off the Sen 555 is also a great move. Getting Dolby on board was a great choice, & I applaud that with the run of the mill 'true' 5.1 headsets, that want you to believe that their way is better..

I recommended the JVC 5.1 adapter to many here & they seem to really enjoy it. It's also Dolby. Do you think your mixer amp is comparable or betters the JVC? I just hope people don't balk on price tag.. Mic wise you seem to have everything covered. Very well thought out. Probably the best out of the gaming headsets today. The Beyer MX300 uses aviation quality mic, but aren't as gaming savy as you are.. Meaning you know what gamers need & want.

Basically I'm the headphone nut around here.. Spent nearly 3 grand on my headphone gear..Including the Studio grade Benchmark DAC1.

Foe-hammer

12-07-07, 12:30 AM

Stormy,

Sorry for not asking you first before posting most of our full conversation. I just knew that people here would respect a lot of what you had to say. This was the only site in where i did such. The other sites i just explained the A40s, and my interest in them.

KBI,

What are Beyer MX300? I tried to find info on them but came up with nothing.

Also i just received the Beyer DT770's... and i'm not impressed. I'll be sending them back asap. I hope the Senn 595s and AKG K6100 fare better.

KBI

12-07-07, 01:18 AM

Yeah, a lot of people feel they are overrated.. ppl recommend them cause they are bass heavy.. But the recessed mids kill them for me..

http://www.beyerdynamic.de/cms/Gaming-Multimedia-Headsets.2028.0.html?&L=1&tx_sbproductdatabase_pi1[showUid][showUID]=2109&tx_sbproductdatabase_pi1[showUid]=2028&cHash=fdd83f5e9e

They also offer headphone game, a surround sound gaming set up.. Supports DTS as well.. I found this to be good too: [B]• Surround simulation using the same audio set that sound designers worldwide employ to produce and program effects and soundtracks for games Uber expensive though..

Storm Shadow PA

12-07-07, 04:27 AM

Well, the JVC box and the A40 MixAmp are pretty similar in price and basic function -- so I don't think that anyone will balk at the price it if they were considering the former. I read a little bit about it the other day and while it seemed fine, I was puzzled by the fact that it doesn't let the user power it via USB, or DC wall wart, and it only accepts 2 X AA batteries. While it's nice that it takes half the batteries of the A40 MixAmp, you are stuck with battery power and it's rated for 10 hours (and probably a bit less in actual practice).

Conversely, the A40 accepts USB 2.0 power (and comes with a USB to mini cable to juice it if that's how you want to power it). It also accepts 4 X AA batteries for about 16-20 hours of use -- maybe a little more useful for 15+ hour overseas flights. Lastly, every A40 has a built-in recharging bay for an optional NiMH rechargeable battery pack (in place of the AA batteries), that is recharged via the USB power when in use or in standby mode. All in all, we think its power options are very versatile.

Beyond that, the A40 MixAmp twirls around and does a little song and dance with its myriad of mixer features. It really is a useful little mixer -- you can inject your iPod into the mix and listen to your own music while playing. This can really change the experience more than you'd think -- I played Burnout Revenge while listening to the Katamari Damacy sountrack last week for example -- really strange but interesting.

Obviously it also mixes in a full range of voice communication functions -- Xbox Live communication of course for starters -- but also enables you to set up your own chat channel with the built-in daisy chain connector when you have two or more connected A40's. The difference between Xbox Live and daisy-chained communication is *startling*. This is the demo I give to people that come to the office, if they don't really understand why the A40 is so cool. I let them talk to each other using high-latency, low quality Xbox Live chat, then switch to low latency, high quality daisy-chained chat using the A40's circuitry. They immediately get it.

You see, even in a wired LAN, networked Xbox and Xbox 360s still exhibit a high degree of latency through the chat function -- as bad as 500+ms for the Xbox 360 with wireless controllers. PC's in LAN do this too, esp. when the VoIP program is hosted by a 3rd computer -- worse still if that host is off-site, tangled up in the internet somewhere. When you are sitting right next to someone at a gaming event even a short delay can seem very strange. With daisy chained voice comm, the latency is damn near zero, full duplex, and extremely high quality (much better than land line telephone). In addition, we've added a compression/expansion circuit (so you won't hear someone breathing into the mic, and limits the max output to a sane level if they are screaming into it). We've also added a bit of sidetone, which is important if you have a dual-ear headset voice comm system, but I won't get too into those details.

Maybe you don't care about all of the voice comm/Xbox live gaming stuff, and you just want a nice looking, portable surround processor that's a genuine Dolby product. That's totally cool, and you are free to adapt our very purpose-built gaming device to your home theater application. We sell it separately from the headset.

But for my gamers out there -- isn't it nice that a mainstream consumer electronics user will have to adapt to a gaming-specific device for a change--instead of ALWAYS THE OTHER WAY AROUND? ;)

KBI

12-07-07, 01:20 PM

A.C

12-07-07, 01:26 PM

BIGJOHNB20

12-07-07, 02:18 PM

there's been a lot of interesting discussion in this thread since i left. good stuff.

i'm still happy with my 595's... however i wish i had a better solution for the mic. right now i'm just putting the 360 mic around my neck. i find i like it better than the clip on... as i don't have to talk as loud to be heard by others. i really need to MacGuyer a boom mic onto the 595 & create an "all-in-one" solution.

that or find a good neck-mic (ala the military). any suggestions??

I've been using a Zalman clip on mic that I hard wired to the original xbox controller adapter, and I find that it actually works better than using the regular headset around my neck. People tell me and from my own experience recording and listening back to voice messages that the Zalman is louder and more clear than the xbox mic.

j2fast

12-07-07, 02:37 PM

AC, check out my post at the top of the page in regards to the mic solution (wired cell phone ear bud w/vol & mute). I'm quite happy it, I've been gaming online all week. I can hear others just fine and everyone says they can hear me just fine. I drop in the earbud, put on the 595's over it, and can barely even feel it most of the time. I did remove the rubber covering because it seemed to block a little of the sound. In my experience you have to really be trying to notice any loss of sound quality that may come from having the bud in the ear blocking some portion of the sound from the 595's. When I'm in a game prefer this setup to my 5.1 system in some respects and heck for $6 it wouldn't be a big gamble to see it you like the bud.

Storm Shadow PA

12-07-07, 03:17 PM

So you connect it Via USB cable to the 360 or optical? Does it support unbalanced RCA? I'm thinking about buying it, but would need a male XLR 1/4 adapter cable since my headphones have been reconfigurated to XLR.

The USB is for power(only), for the audio feed you have the choice between unbalanced RCA, optical, or even digital coax. I wanted to include coax on the A40 because I know that people would want to run a long digital cable from their receivers but get away from using fragile and expensive Toslink optical cables.

Foe-hammer

12-08-07, 09:21 AM

The USB is for power(only), for the audio feed you have the choice between unbalanced RCA, optical, or even digital coax. I wanted to include coax on the A40 because I know that people would want to run a long digital cable from their receivers but get away from using fragile and expensive Toslink optical cables.
DTS... how much more would it cost to include that in your mixer, if you could estimate?

KBI

12-09-07, 02:02 AM

DTS... how much more would it cost to include that in your mixer, if you could estimate?

So, 595 or 601? You could also buy a used 701 which out classes both for 210.00.. Being used isn't bad.. My 30 yr old 340's are very used & are great..

Chudy 13

12-09-07, 05:43 AM

i'll be getting the A40's off my GF for xmas they just look beast and they prob the best on the market built purely for gamers and there perfect for LAN's

EDIT:could the ASTRO GAMING A40 rep tell me if i order from your website will you ship to the uk?

Foe-hammer

12-09-07, 06:36 AM

So, 595 or 601? You could also buy a used 701 which out classes both for 210.00.. Being used isn't bad.. My 30 yr old 340's are very used & are great..
I ordered both the K601 and HD595. I'll return the one that i like the least.

The 701's are very nice, but i like having the option to try before i buy, if you know what i mean.:D

I'm also having a hard time choosing between the mini^3 amp, and the Meier HeadSix amp. Decisions, decisions... lol!

KBI

12-09-07, 06:09 PM

I ordered both the K601 and HD595. I'll return the one that i like the least.

The 701's are very nice, but i like having the option to try before i buy, if you know what i mean.:D

I'm also having a hard time choosing between the mini^3 amp, and the Meier HeadSix amp. Decisions, decisions... lol!

If you can try out the DT880 05 edition I'd get them.. 3D like presentation. Very airy & open.. 5.1 like.. Very detailed & has a large Sound Stage.. The 03 version is good too, but a bit less refined then the 05 edition..

Storm Shadow PA

12-10-07, 12:24 AM

Storm Shadow PA

12-10-07, 01:46 AM

DTS... how much more would it cost to include that in your mixer, if you could estimate?

It would probably cost us between $10,000 and $50,000 to initiate the license process with DTS, plus per-unit licensing fees (about 5-7 dollars our cost per unit, depending on how many channels are output), plus the cost of the actual silicon hardware (guessing at least $5 in lots of 5,000+), plus the cost of development at our fabrication facility.

In other words, a lot.

KBI

12-10-07, 05:53 PM

It would probably cost us between $10,000 and $50,000 to initiate the license process with DTS, plus per-unit licensing fees (about 5-7 dollars our cost per unit, depending on how many channels are output), plus the cost of the actual silicon hardware (guessing at least $5 in lots of 5,000+), plus the cost of development at our fabrication facility.

In other words, a lot.

& unnecessary since games are only 5.1 DD. This is for gaming. What kind of DAC is in your Mix amp? If someone wanted to hear music on the pro logic II setting.. Assuming your amp supports it..

KBI

12-10-07, 05:55 PM

It would probably cost us between $10,000 and $50,000 to initiate the license process with DTS, plus per-unit licensing fees (about 5-7 dollars our cost per unit, depending on how many channels are output), plus the cost of the actual silicon hardware (guessing at least $5 in lots of 5,000+), plus the cost of development at our fabrication facility.

In other words, a lot.

Is that why many gaming headset makers have 'real' 5.1 sound.. Cost efficient?

Storm Shadow PA

12-10-07, 07:10 PM

Yes, that's right... it's simply too expensive to put it in most low-end portable products. Heck, even Bose doesn't always use Dolby Digital, they have a 5.1 knock-off called BoseSurround.

I don't have the exact part number for the DAC, but I think it's a Cirrus Logic or a TI part, if I remember correctly.

KBI

12-10-07, 08:09 PM

Foe-hammer

12-10-07, 11:12 PM

If you can try out the DT880 05 edition I'd get them.. 3D like presentation. Very airy & open.. 5.1 like.. Very detailed & has a large Sound Stage.. The 03 version is good too, but a bit less refined then the 05 edition..
I was not all that impressed with the build quality of the beyer DT770's, with it's pleather head band and all, and i believe the DT880's are build very similar.

& unnecessary since games are only 5.1 DD. This is for gaming. What kind of DAC is in your Mix amp? If someone wanted to hear music on the pro logic II setting.. Assuming your amp supports it..
For games yes, but for all around entertainment, no. It would just be nice to have something that covered that end too.

One begs to ask the question how the JVC portable receiver was able to support 5.1 DD, DTS, and DH for only $90? Cheap components, maybe?

KBI

12-10-07, 11:36 PM

I was not all that impressed with the build quality of the beyer DT770's, with it's pleather head band and all, and i believe the DT880's are build very similar.

For games yes, but for all around entertainment, no. It would just be nice to have something that covered that end too.

One begs to ask the question how the JVC portable receiver was able to support 5.1 DD, DTS, and DH for only $90? Cheap components, maybe?
The Beyers are known for their great build quality..Very sturdy, nothing cheap about them. If you aren't impressed with their build quality I doubt you'd like the Build quality on the 601's & 595's.. The 595's feel more flimsy & cheap in comparison. Get the AD700/A700/A900 if you want a better looking & arguably better made headphone..

What version of the 770's did you get? 03 or 05. The 03 version looks ugly IMO.. I suspect its the 03 version since you got it for under 200.00..

Foe-hammer

12-11-07, 12:20 AM

The Beyers are known for their great build quality..Very sturdy, nothing cheap about them. If you aren't impressed with their build quality I doubt you'd like the Build quality on the 601's & 595's.. The 595's feel more flimsy & cheap in comparison. Get the AD700/A700/A900 if you want a better looking & arguably better made headphone..

What version of the 770's did you get? 03 or 05. The 03 version looks ugly IMO.. I suspect its the 03 version since you got it for under 200.00..
The cheap plastic cups and the fake leather headband make it look cheap to me, but that doesn't mean that they are not very sturdy. The Wireless Panansonic 800c headphones that i have looked of much better quality, but were as durable as egg shells.

I have the 05 beyers. These ones:
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Beyerdynamic-DT-770-Pro-80-Closed-Studio-Headphones-102512019-i1126937.gc

Storm Shadow PA

12-11-07, 02:05 AM

I was not all that impressed with the build quality of the beyer DT770's, with it's pleather head band and all, and i believe the DT880's are build very similar.

For games yes, but for all around entertainment, no. It would just be nice to have something that covered that end too.

One begs to ask the question how the JVC portable receiver was able to support 5.1 DD, DTS, and DH for only $90? Cheap components, maybe?

Yeah, that's exactly what I was wondering -- so I asked Dolby Labs yesterday. Apparently the JVC unit uses a FIRST generation DH chip/algorithim, and we use the Freescale DSP56374, the latest SECOND generation chip with updated surround algorithms.

Apparently there is a plus to the first-gen chip -- you get two extra surround "modes" (for a total of three modes), but the big minus is that it requires many more MIPS, and drains power more quickly. The new Freescale chip that we employ uses a much more efficient algorithm with the same performance (identical to the "DH2" surround mode--which is the default).

Waaay more information than you wanted? I thought so! ;)

Foe-hammer

12-11-07, 02:20 AM

Yeah, that's exactly what I was wondering -- so I asked Dolby Labs yesterday. Apparently the JVC unit uses a FIRST generation DH chip/algorithim, and we use the Freescale DSP56374, the latest SECOND generation chip with updated surround algorithms.

Apparently there is a plus to the first-gen chip -- you get two extra surround "modes" (for a total of three modes), but the big minus is that it requires many more MIPS, and drains power more quickly. The new Freescale chip that we employ uses a much more efficient algorithm with the same performance (identical to the "DH2" surround mode--which is the default).

Waaay more information than you wanted? I thought so! ;)

Good information. I have the pioneer 800C receiver that supports DD, DTS and DH. It has the 3 DH modes. And the only one that sound normal is DH2. DH1 sound like your're in a bathroom stall. DH3 has a horrible echo to it. So there is nothing "plus" about the other 2 DH modes.

So using the 1st gen DH chip it is cheaper $ then the 2nd gen chip?

Does the 2nd gen DH chip have better 5.1 surround sound then the 1st gen chip? If the 1st gen chip only neg side is it drains more power, who cares when it is connected to a power adapter, right?

Storm Shadow PA

12-11-07, 02:28 AM

Good information. I have the pioneer 800C DD, DTS and DH receiver. It has the 3 DH modes. And the only one that sound normal is DH2. DH1 sound like your in a bathroom stall. DH3 has a horrible echo to it. So there is nothing "plus" about the other 2 DH modes.

So using the 1st gen DH chip it is cheaper $ then the 2nd gen chip?

Does the 2nd gen DH chip have better 5.1 surround sound then the 1st gen chip? If the 1st gen chip only neg side is it drains more power, who cares when it is connected to a power adapter, right?

From what Dolby has told me the surround performance is identical if you are using the DH2 mode -- so apples to apples there ... it just sucks down more power -- which is why the "batteries only" situation on the JVC is even more puzzling.

Oh, and I'd imagine that the old tech is a LOT cheaper -- in fact, they may have decided that they wanted to manufacture that product based on the affordability of what would normally be a really expensive part.

Good to know that the other two modes are gimmicky -- as most aggressive DSP modes are. But then again, you guys haven't even *begun* to understand aggressive reverb until you've visited a karaoke bar in Shenzhen, China. :)

Foe-hammer

12-11-07, 09:56 AM

But then again, you guys haven't even *begun* to understand aggressive reverb until you've visited a karaoke bar in Shenzhen, China. :)
Haha! Funny stuff.

KBI

12-11-07, 03:00 PM

The cheap plastic cups and the fake leather headband make it look cheap to me, but that doesn't mean that they are not very sturdy. The Wireless Panansonic 800c headphones that i have looked of much better quality, but were as durable as egg shells.

I have the 05 beyers. These ones:
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Beyerdynamic-DT-770-Pro-80-Closed-Studio-Headphones-102512019-i1126937.gc

Those are not the new ones.. Those can be had for 145-160 on ebay.. Here is what the 05 version looks like..

http://www.headphone.com/productPhotos.php?icn=0020110770

Foe-hammer

12-11-07, 03:08 PM

Those are not the new ones.. Those can be had for 145-160 on ebay.. Here is what the 05 version looks like..

http://www.headphone.com/productPhotos.php?icn=0020110770

No kidding? I'll be damned. What places sell the 05's?

KBI

12-11-07, 03:40 PM

No kidding? I'll be damned. What places sell the 05's?

Headphone.com.. But expect to pay retail for them. 270.00..But you get a 30 day return policy. I believe ebay also sells the 05 version cheaper then retail.. The 05 models are more refined & fixed the flaws on the 70's.. They also have 250 OHMs.. But if you didn't like the sound signature on the 03 pair I doubt you'd like the 05 version.

KBI

12-11-07, 03:44 PM

No kidding? I'll be damned. What places sell the 05's?

Headphone.com.. But expect to pay retail for them. 270.00..But you get a 30 day return policy. I believe ebay also sells the 05 version cheaper then retail.. The 05 models are more refined & fixed the flaws on the 770's.. They also have 250 OHMs.. But if you didn't like the sound signature on the 03 pair I doubt you'd like the 05 version.

Foe-hammer

12-11-07, 10:29 PM

Headphone.com.. But expect to pay retail for them. 270.00..But you get a 30 day return policy. I believe ebay also sells the 05 version cheaper then retail.. The 05 models are more refined & fixed the flaws on the 770's.. They also have 250 OHMs.. But if you didn't like the sound signature on the 03 pair I doubt you'd like the 05 version.
Amazon is selling the 880 05's new for $250. I'd get those over the 770's any day.

KBI

12-11-07, 11:32 PM

Amazon is selling the 880 05's new for $250. I'd get those over the 770's any day.

You can buy the 05 beyers on ebay for around 220.00. Just make sure the are the 05 model.. They look almost identical to the 05 770's..:)

Andrew911tt

12-12-07, 09:07 PM

I am looking to the audiophiles for help here but i don't think that they can help me with such a cheap purchase. I am looking at both the SENNHEISER PMX100($39.99) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106024) and the SENNHEISER CX55($49.99) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106180). Right now I use cheap sony ones that are the same form factor as the PMX100 and they really start to hurt after 2 or 3 hours of wearing(most is mp3s and a little gaming). Which for me happens almost everyday. I have never really had ear buds because the few times that i have tried them they started to hurt after 20 or 30 mins.

Any information on which ones i should get would be very welcome. Also suggestions on headphones in the same price range I should look at would be very helpful.

Thanks
Andrew

KBI

12-12-07, 11:28 PM

Foe-hammer

12-21-07, 05:20 AM

I received the AKG K601's and the Senn 595's. And the 601's sound MUCH better then the 595's for gaming and movies. Larger soundstage, Much more bass, and everything sounds less canned. The only problem i have with the 601's is the headband. It doesn't stay put, and slips down my head. The ear pads are very comfortable, more comfy then the 595's, but the 595's head band is much better, and they stay put on my head.

CoD2 is the best MP game for testing out the 5.1 DD Dolby Headphone. I tried with both DH2 enabled, and DH all together disabled for just plain stereo. The results were unquestionably noticeable. DH increases the soundstage by 10 fold, and i can tell exactly where thing are coming from on the X axis. Without DH everything sounds horribly canned, and i get quite disorientated not being able to place different sound locations.

exojam

12-21-07, 09:19 AM

I was wondering if anyone has got their hands on the Astro A40 system yet? And if so, what are your impressions?

Islanti

12-21-07, 10:23 AM

I was wondering if anyone has got their hands on the Astro A40 system yet? And if so, what are your impressions?UPS tried to deliver mine yesterday but my wife was out. She should be there today so I'll have some impressions next week.

zizo79

12-27-07, 01:16 PM

The Sennheiser HD-280 are $65 shipped from amazon http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000065BPB******nosim/slickdeals

rss329

12-27-07, 01:54 PM

pixelate

12-27-07, 08:47 PM

wilson10

12-27-07, 09:29 PM

I just picked up a pair of the Tritton AX360s and they don't work when I'm trying to watch an HD DVD through the Xbox 360. They seem to work fine with games and music on the 360.

Does anyone have this setup? I have everything set to 'Dolby Digital', so I don't know what the problem is. Thanks

Check all of your settings again, I had the same problem when I had mine and then I realized there IS a setting in the menu (while watching an HD DVD) that allows you to choose audio also, I had mine set to DTS there and DD everywhere else and when I switched it to DD it worked.

Trust me, you are not set to DD somewhere. I am at work right now so I forget exactly how to get to that menu. I will try to look in the next day or so. I am pretty sure though you have to do it while watching a movie.

wilson10

12-27-07, 09:31 PM

Still no reviews of the A40's? I haven't heard much at ALL about them. I read a little on an MLG site but not much at all that really stood out, just general BS

zizo79

12-27-07, 11:43 PM

Foe-hammer

12-28-07, 03:43 AM

Anyone have these? Just very curious and been waiting for someone to review it here, unless i missed it in the previous pages.

http://www.shopltb.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=10&products_id=64

Have been looking out for these for quite some time. I bought the turtlebeach x3 last month and returned it the same day. Horrible headphones, but I do need wireless! We have 2 dogs in the house that constantly walk/run infront of me and tripping on the wires.

All right, for all those who have not been keeping up on what has been discussed over the length of this topic, let me recap:

1) 5.1 surround sound headphones that use the MULTI-SPEAKER approach (3 or 4 in each ear, equaling 6 to 8 total) are inferior methods of obtaining 5.1 in headphones. Examples are the link above and TRITTONS. Having multi-speakers in each cup results in small speakers with very little separation between the speakers. Smaller speaker result in inferior sound quality.

2) Currently the best option for 5.1 headphones is DOLBY HEADPHONE TECHNOLOGY (DH). DH emulates true 5.1 in any regular 2 driver/speaker pair of headphones (1 in each cup). This allows for audiophile grade headphones to be used with DH, instead of forcing one to use low quality build and low quality sound multi-speaker headphones.

For 5.1 surround headphones, make sure that they support at least the first two, with the third a welcomed addition for movies:

1) 5.1 Dolby Digital (DD)

2) Dolby Headphone (DH)

3) DTS

That being said, please no more: "Are these 5.1 multi-speaker headphones any good?" Why? Because they are not compared to those that support DH.

Thank you...

pixelate

12-28-07, 04:50 AM

Check all of your settings again, I had the same problem when I had mine and then I realized there IS a setting in the menu (while watching an HD DVD) that allows you to choose audio also, I had mine set to DTS there and DD everywhere else and when I switched it to DD it worked.

Trust me, you are not set to DD somewhere. I am at work right now so I forget exactly how to get to that menu. I will try to look in the next day or so. I am pretty sure though you have to do it while watching a movie.

Crap, you're right... here I was acting all smart. I had the Dashboard audio setting set to Dolby Digital, I chose the Dolby Digital track from within the disc menu, but yes-- there is another setting for Audio in the popup menu that can be accessed once a disc is playing. Mine was on DTS =)

Thanks much.

I'm still not sure if I'm going to keep them, I guess this is the appropriate thread to say why--

1- I really don't like how the main volume setting is on the control box twelve feet away. If something I'm listening to is too loud or too soft (say changing channels on TV and getting inconsistent volume), then I have to tweak three or four knobs each time.

2- The bass is kind of hit-or-miss... the excuse is that 'most headphones don't do bass very well', but I've heard plenty that do it a lot better than this. The vibration effect is a passable substitute for games, I guess, but it's not great for music and movies.

3- I don't have a surround receiver with a digital out, so I have to switch between two TOSlink cables every time I want to use speakers instead of headphones or vice versa. Would have been nice if the control box had a passthrough or something, but ah well.

4- When I'm using my regular speakers, I just use the regular Xbox Live headset (I don't need 12-year olds screaming obscenities through my surround system, so I have the voice only going through the headset)... but now I need to use the "Play voice through both Speakers/Headset" setting if I want to hear anything through the Trittons, and change it back and forth every time I go from headphones to speakers.

There are other weird things, like electrical noise (their website support section references this) and random volume resets (which is annoying because, again, the main volume control is twelve feet away). But when everything is working and the levels are set at a comfortable volume, the sound can be pretty amazing... so I'm torn right now.

I had previously tried the Turtle Beach Ear Force x3, which was light, very easy to set up and use w/ Xbox Live... but it was way too noisy, due to the crappy IR wireless tech. Amazon has a preorder page for the "X4" to be released at the end of January, I kind of wonder how much of an improvement that will be.

KBI

12-28-07, 02:06 PM

Crap, you're right... here I was acting all smart. I had the Dashboard audio setting set to Dolby Digital, I chose the Dolby Digital track from within the disc menu, but yes-- there is another setting for Audio in the popup menu that can be accessed once a disc is playing. Mine was on DTS =)

Thanks much.

I'm still not sure if I'm going to keep them, I guess this is the appropriate thread to say why--

1- I really don't like how the main volume setting is on the control box twelve feet away. If something I'm listening to is too loud or too soft (say changing channels on TV and getting inconsistent volume), then I have to tweak three or four knobs each time.

2- The bass is kind of hit-or-miss... the excuse is that 'most headphones don't do bass very well', but I've heard plenty that do it a lot better than this. The vibration effect is a passable substitute for games, I guess, but it's not great for music and movies.

3- I don't have a surround receiver with a digital out, so I have to switch between two TOSlink cables every time I want to use speakers instead of headphones or vice versa. Would have been nice if the control box had a passthrough or something, but ah well.

4- When I'm using my regular speakers, I just use the regular Xbox Live headset (I don't need 12-year olds screaming obscenities through my surround system, so I have the voice only going through the headset)... but now I need to use the "Play voice through both Speakers/Headset" setting if I want to hear anything through the Trittons, and change it back and forth every time I go from headphones to speakers.

There are other weird things, like electrical noise (their website support section references this) and random volume resets (which is annoying because, again, the main volume control is twelve feet away). But when everything is working and the levels are set at a comfortable volume, the sound can be pretty amazing... so I'm torn right now.

I had previously tried the Turtle Beach Ear Force x3, which was light, very easy to set up and use w/ Xbox Live... but it was way too noisy, due to the crappy IR wireless tech. Amazon has a preorder page for the "X4" to be released at the end of January, I kind of wonder how much of an improvement that will be.

The problem is you are focusing on buying 'gaming headsets' which for the most part are subpar at best.

pixelate

12-28-07, 04:22 PM

The problem is you are focusing on buying 'gaming headsets' which for the most part are subpar at best.

Yeah, but the trade off is voice chat functionality. Using quality stereo headphones and an SS adapter doesn't address this. Finding a 'gaming headset' that has less than stellar audio but fairly streamlined Xbox Live chat might be a worthwhile hunt for some of us...

Scooby06

12-28-07, 04:31 PM

Still no reviews of the A40's? I haven't heard much at ALL about them. I read a little on an MLG site but not much at all that really stood out, just general BS

I am patiently waiting on some reviews also.:DSince MLG has teamed up with them,makes me wanna think that they will be a pretty nice setup.Guess we'll have to wait and see.:(

wilson10

12-28-07, 07:36 PM

Crap, you're right... here I was acting all smart. I had the Dashboard audio setting set to Dolby Digital, I chose the Dolby Digital track from within the disc menu, but yes-- there is another setting for Audio in the popup menu that can be accessed once a disc is playing. Mine was on DTS =)

Thanks much.

I'm still not sure if I'm going to keep them, I guess this is the appropriate thread to say why--

1- I really don't like how the main volume setting is on the control box twelve feet away. If something I'm listening to is too loud or too soft (say changing channels on TV and getting inconsistent volume), then I have to tweak three or four knobs each time.

2- The bass is kind of hit-or-miss... the excuse is that 'most headphones don't do bass very well', but I've heard plenty that do it a lot better than this. The vibration effect is a passable substitute for games, I guess, but it's not great for music and movies.

3- I don't have a surround receiver with a digital out, so I have to switch between two TOSlink cables every time I want to use speakers instead of headphones or vice versa. Would have been nice if the control box had a passthrough or something, but ah well.

4- When I'm using my regular speakers, I just use the regular Xbox Live headset (I don't need 12-year olds screaming obscenities through my surround system, so I have the voice only going through the headset)... but now I need to use the "Play voice through both Speakers/Headset" setting if I want to hear anything through the Trittons, and change it back and forth every time I go from headphones to speakers.

There are other weird things, like electrical noise (their website support section references this) and random volume resets (which is annoying because, again, the main volume control is twelve feet away). But when everything is working and the levels are set at a comfortable volume, the sound can be pretty amazing... so I'm torn right now.

I had previously tried the Turtle Beach Ear Force x3, which was light, very easy to set up and use w/ Xbox Live... but it was way too noisy, due to the crappy IR wireless tech. Amazon has a preorder page for the "X4" to be released at the end of January, I kind of wonder how much of an improvement that will be.

What you listed is EVERY reason I sold mine. They worked pretty well I must say, but they were really a pain and I grew to hate the rumble bass. This was a good time/excuse for me to upgrade my surround receiver. We (my wife too) has been wanting one that we could adjust lip sync (a/v delay). So I bought a Harman/Kardon and they have Dolby Headphone. My next purchase was Senn 555's. Not the greatest but I am REALLY liking them.

I am eagerly looking forward to reviews of the A40's. Not that I dislike my current setup at all, I just still have issues with Xbox Live. My current solution is a cell phone earbud plugged into the Datel Adapter. It works but I have trouble hearing people still, even with the ear bud in my ear :(

I think the A40's, hooked up to my AVR via the optical out to the mix amp, will solve my problems as it mixes LIVE chat in and HOPEFULLY is able to be heard. If they can do that AND sound like my my 555's or better I think I will be buying in the next few months.

KBI

12-29-07, 12:28 AM

Yeah, but the trade off is voice chat functionality. Using quality stereo headphones and an SS adapter doesn't address this. Finding a 'gaming headset' that has less than stellar audio but fairly streamlined Xbox Live chat might be a worthwhile hunt for some of us...

The best quality gaming Headset IMO is from ASTRO games.. The same group of people helped create the the original Xbox.. Headphone plus mix amp is 250.00. You will need to spend more to get cans without issues..

Foe-hammer

01-01-08, 03:10 AM

Here are some more 5.1 recommendations.
Sennheiser Surround:300. Street price 40-75 bucks. You wear it around your neck actually. Great for FPS.
AKG Hearo 999 Audiosphere II: 1,000. Street price 500.00.. It is the world's first digital UHF wireless surround sound listening system.
http://www.headphone.com/products/headphones/all-headphones/akg-hearo-999-audiosphere-ii.php
Audio Technia's soon to be released 5000i wireless headphone. Supports DD 5.1. Its their 07 flag ship wireless headphone..
1000. Street price TBA

The AKG Hearo's look awesome, and not too bad at that price. But the only problem i have with them, is they don't support Dolby Headphone or DTS. The unit looks to be built extremely well, and the headphones look very good too.

wilson10

01-01-08, 08:27 AM

The best quality gaming Headset IMO is from ASTRO games.. The same group of people helped create the the original Xbox.. Headphone plus mix amp is 250.00. You will need to spend more to get cans without issues..

Can you say this since you have used them? IF so lets hear it, how are they. If you have not used them, then please reserve judgment until you have at least tried them. Your opinions and experiences are valued here and well deserved as you seem to know what you are talking about, but these are new, nothing in the way for reviews out there on the net ( a very few user experiences on MLG) so for you to say they are best for gaming at this point is wrong IMO.

Don't get me wrong, I am hoping they will be the one for all out gaming needs with the ability to sound good with movies and music too, but I just don't see how you can come in here and steer guys towards them without even trying them.

KBI

01-01-08, 01:22 PM

The AKG Hearo's look awesome, and not too bad at that price. But the only problem i have with them, is they don't support Dolby Headphone or DTS. The unit looks to be built extremely well, and the headphones look very good too.

They don't support D 5.1? I will need to check again.. It does have a dd 5.1 wireless receiver.

KBI

01-01-08, 01:30 PM

Can you say this since you have used them? IF so lets hear it, how are they. If you have not used them, then please reserve judgment until you have at least tried them. Your opinions and experiences are valued here and well deserved as you seem to know what you are talking about, but these are new, nothing in the way for reviews out there on the net ( a very few user experiences on MLG) so for you to say they are best for gaming at this point is wrong IMO.

Don't get me wrong, I am hoping they will be the one for all out gaming needs with the ability to sound good with movies and music too, but I just don't see how you can come in here and steer guys towards them without even trying them.
No I haven't. I'm basing my Opinons based on the prodcuts functions & what the makers have told me. No gaming headset that I know of can touch the Astro
in versatility. They are truly coming from a gamers POV & made some great implementations that have made other gaming headsets troublesome. I'm basing this on their fact sheet & website. I seen many, many gaming headsets & these are the real deal in functionality.. When It comes to SQ I have no clue, & never said it would sound great.. Nor did I say they are the best headsets/headphones for gaming.. As you know, I recommend a grade A headphone, separate mic, & 5.1 adaptor for the compete gaming package..

Foe-hammer

01-02-08, 12:22 AM

They don't support D 5.1? I will need to check again.. It does have a dd 5.1 wireless receiver.
Correct. They support DD 5.1, but not DH. They use their own technology for that.

Islanti

01-02-08, 03:42 PM

I'm extremely happy with my Astro's. I compared them to the Trittons very favorably from a surround experience and audio quality standpoint. The mic is very good quality (better than the MS provided headset). Mixer amp works terrific.

KBI

01-02-08, 04:12 PM

prayformojo

01-02-08, 04:53 PM

Got the Trittons for Christmas and love them, but make sure that you adjust the "Play voice through both Speakers/Headset" setting unless you like to drive yourself crazy trying to figure out why you can't hear others in multiplayer.

Foe-hammer

01-02-08, 05:47 PM

So the SQ doesn't better the Trittons?
Accoding to Islanti over at HDTVacrade.com, he thinks the astro's "blows away the AX360's".

"Having used both I think the A40's surround effect blows away the AX360. I'd suggest anyone who's unsure try both and decide for themselves. I will point out that Dolby Headphones is vastly preferred in audio circles for surround in headphones."
http://www.hdtvarcade.com/hdtvforum/index.php?s=&showtopic=12287&view=findpost&p=142607

Scooby06

01-02-08, 07:37 PM

Glad to hear some reviews on the Astro's. Gonna make my decision easier.:D

formulanerd

01-02-08, 11:56 PM

looks like i'll be pulling the trigger on some HD-555's to see how they compare to my panny's

i'll post back what i find.

wilson10

01-03-08, 07:17 AM

looks like i'll be pulling the trigger on some HD-555's to see how they compare to my panny's

i'll post back what i find.

What Panny's? I like my 555's but am so curious about the A40's and the mix amp I have DH out on AVR but the way they should do live might be a deal maker for me :)

iolair

01-03-08, 12:38 PM

Since you have a USB port for power only, what would be the pros and cons of implementing a USB for power and a digital connection.......this way a sound card would not even be needed for a PC.

I have used in the past, am now using again, a Xitel USB Pro Hi-Fi Link with an old pair of Sony wireless head phones. I am considering using the pro link in conjuction with a Pioneer SE-DIR800C for decoding and a pair of good quality wired headphones.....maybe a head phone amp as well.

If the Astro had DTS and the USB port I would consider it as a choice over the DIR800C.

John

Islanti

01-03-08, 01:19 PM

Accoding to Islanti over at HDTVacrade.com, he thinks the astro's "blows away the AX360's".

"Having used both I think the A40's surround effect blows away the AX360. I'd suggest anyone who's unsure try both and decide for themselves. I will point out that Dolby Headphones is vastly preferred in audio circles for surround in headphones."
http://www.hdtvarcade.com/hdtvforum/index.php?s=&showtopic=12287&view=findpost&p=142607Yes, the surround effect is MUCH better than the AX360 in my experience. The sound quality is better too.

KBI

01-03-08, 11:19 PM

Yes, the surround effect is MUCH better than the AX360 in my experience. The sound quality is better too.

I applaud Astro for not going the 'true' 5.1 headphone route.They are educated & informed enough to know that that Dobys simmulated DSP is superior to the 5 driver headphones. This could cost them buyers since they have been brain washed into thinking that to have real, or, um 'true' 5.1 headphone you need 5 plus drivers.

formulanerd

01-03-08, 11:48 PM

What Panny's? I like my 555's but am so curious about the A40's and the mix amp I have DH out on AVR but the way they should do live might be a deal maker for me :)

Panasonic RP-HT1000, and i'd love to have some A40's, but i cant swing that kind of cash.

sleepx2

01-04-08, 05:08 AM

Yeah, but the trade off is voice chat functionality. Using quality stereo headphones and an SS adapter doesn't address this. Finding a 'gaming headset' that has less than stellar audio but fairly streamlined Xbox Live chat might be a worthwhile hunt for some of us...

I have the Turtle Beach X1 and love them. The wires don't bother me and supposedly have better sound than the wireless. It has the integrated XBL mic with separate volume controls.

formulanerd

01-04-08, 07:05 AM

honestly i'd rather use ANY set of open air headphones and a cell phone earbud before i'd purchase the X1's (again)

HoodedSoldier

01-04-08, 08:25 AM

I have the x1's also. Yes i went back to turtle beach but only because i work at bb now and i got them for dirt cheap. They sound just as good as the x3's and are more comfortable than the x3's as that was my main complaint. I hear footsteps better with them than my 515's. I'm really want to try the 555's now that i'm working again and can afford them. But i think i'd rather try something closed. My only option for high quality headphones is jnr but i'm not sure on their return policy on headphones.

j2fast

01-04-08, 09:04 AM

I'm about a month into running 595's with the JVC DH box using a cell phone ear bud for voice comm and I'm still very happy with the performance of everything from SQ to the directionality of sounds. After trying the 360's and the X1's I wouldn't trade my setup for either of those. I would have tried the A40's but I don't think they were available yet when I decided on the 595's. I'd still like to hear them but I can't imagine their overall performance being so much better (if at all) that it would make me want to drop the 595's.

JuiceRocket

01-04-08, 06:45 PM

Yeah, but the trade off is voice chat functionality. Using quality stereo headphones and an SS adapter doesn't address this. Finding a 'gaming headset' that has less than stellar audio but fairly streamlined Xbox Live chat might be a worthwhile hunt for some of us...

Hey Pixel - this is SKULLFACE. Just saying hi, somehow I just realized it was you.

-JR

Foe-hammer

01-05-08, 04:38 AM

I have never tried any of the turtle beach headphones, but i have seen/handled them. And if the build quality is any indication of the sound quality, then it would be garbage. I've never seen something more cheaply made. The damn think looks like a 2 yr olds toy. No offense.

Ironmike86

01-05-08, 03:16 PM

For Xbox live X3 Turtle beach work and sound fine. If I want to be quite late at night. Sounds good for gaming and you can talk back. It doesn't sound as good as my 2 Svs subs and surround six 170 SE one 340se center Ascends but still good to me. For the price they are good IME

Foe-hammer

01-05-08, 03:48 PM

HoodedSoldier

01-05-08, 04:10 PM

Forget a quality sound system. They would have a hard time bettering a $15 pair of headphones.

You just said you never used them.

Foe-hammer

01-05-08, 05:25 PM

You just said you never used them.
To the sound, no. But the build quality is bested by cheap $15 headphones. And i'm guessing the sound, too. Anyone who has owned a decent pair of headphones, and have seen the turtle beach headsets, would realize this.

Then again, I don't expect the general gamers to know their head from their rear when it comes to quality headphones. So the praise for turtle beach is to be expected. No offense.

KBI

01-06-08, 12:30 AM

To the sound, no. But the build quality is bested by cheap $15 headphones. And i'm guessing the sound, too. Anyone who has owned a decent pair of headphones, and have seen the turtle beach headsets, would realize this.

Then again, I don't expect the general gamers to know their head from their rear when it comes to quality headphones. So the praise for turtle beach is to be expected. No offense.
Blunt but true. Why buy cheaply made & subpar sounding headphones cause they have gaming on the package.. Thats a red flag right there, since most 'gaming' headsets/headphones are of poor build & sound quality..

pixelate

01-06-08, 02:45 AM

Foe-hammer

01-06-08, 04:46 AM

I must be on the wrong website. Is it too much to ask that people not recommend (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12647654#post12647654) or trash (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12697794#post12697794) products that they've never used?
They are junk, get over it.

And, honestly, the point has been made about people looking for 'gaming headphones' being idiots; there's no need to keep making it.
Well it obviously is, because people keep asking it when it has been answered a dozen time. Readers should have the decency to read what has already been said, instead of just lazily ask a question that has been asked many times already, and expect a reply.

This is still a thread asking for opinions about 'gaming headphones', so perhaps some of you need to just accept that we clearly don't know any better and leave it alone.
And if anyone would take the time to actually read this topic, they wouldn't ask the same question over and over and over.

If you were to read it, you'd know this thread's about headsets/headphones that due 5.1 surround. Not stereo headsets, like what turtle beach offers.

For instance, saying the Turtle Beach X3's have worse build quality than $15 headphones is inflammatory and unhelpful. I have a pair of X3's, I don't like them, I'm planning to return them, but they're certainly not comparable to a $15 pair of headphones. I own many 'decent' pairs of headphones, from pricey Sennheisers and Grados to cheap Sonys, so hopefully I'm qualified to point out that this kind of input is sort of ridiculous.
Is it? I think is helpful to let others know not to waste their money on such POS. I'd only recommend it to those who are 10 yrs old and under. They are a toy. And i have seen many headphones in the $15-20 range that are built of much better quality then the craptastic turtle beach x1-3's.

http://www.woodbrass.com/images/woodbrass/CASQUE+SENNHEISER+HD+201.JPG
http://www.instrumentpro.com/P-SENHD201?source=froogle
Quality... $20 well spent.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/Madrok/turtlepoo.jpg
Garbage... $60 wasted. Just look at that fine craftsmanship! Nice fine leather, and robust hi-grade plastic!

Coming out in the next month or so are more products by these same companies (Ear Force X4's, AX360 Pros), being marketed to gamers specifically, and we're probably going to talk about them as well. Hopefully that possibility won't make anyone's head explode.
Both of which are inferior products, because they use the multi-speaker approach to 5.1, instead of Dolby Headphone.

Read, learn, be wise. :)

pixelate

01-06-08, 10:15 AM

They are junk, get over it.

Huh? I'm not defending any of the products mentioned, I just think it's a waste of people's time having to wade through misleading comments from people with no firsthand experience.

If you were to read it, you'd know this thread's about headsets/headphones that due 5.1 surround. Not stereo headsets, like what turtle beach offers.

Really. Go back and read the very first post. Respond and tell me what the original poster was asking about.

Garbage... $60 wasted.

The X3's may be a piece of crap, but it's stupid to compare them to the Sennheisers. The X3's have IR wireless capabilities, an integrated microphone, an attachment w/ mute function for the 360 controller and rudimentary mixing functions. Meanwhile, the Sennheisers are just stereo headphones. It's like comparing the build quality of a cheap Swiss army knife to a cheap screwdriver.

Both of which are inferior products, because they use the multi-speaker approach to 5.1, instead of Dolby Headphone.

Read, learn, be wise. :)

No, the Ear Force models are not 5.1 multi-speaker headphones. I'd work on getting basic stuff like this correct before instructing other people to read and learn.

In all seriousness, I'd suggest starting another thread espousing the virtues of Dolby Headphone tech vs. headphones with multiple drivers. I think people reading THIS thread understand that there are two approaches, yet still just might be here to discuss "gaming headphones".

Ironmike86

01-06-08, 01:24 PM

Forget a quality sound system. They would have a hard time bettering a $15 pair of headphones.
I have Sennheiser Rs 130 for late night movies but you can't use those to talk on Xbox live. The Turtle beach IME are made decent. Sennheiser the one's I have don't have much better build quality. IMO .You don't get Dolby headphone with the Turtle beach but if you want to talk on XBL tell me what headphone will do that? I like to use a mic. If I wasn't trying to be quite I would never use headphones. NOTHING beat playing it loud out of your stereo. Headphone's don't shake you body like a pair of SVS subs. And the 5.1 surround doesn't sound as good no matter how they try to mimic it. If you look at regular mics that go for $30 that are made for live chat the extra $50 is worth it imo. For Xbox live they are good. Post a link with a headphone that has chat. Otherwise you can use any headphone if you don't want to chat which would probably be better and cheaper.

Ironmike86

01-06-08, 01:26 PM

Huh? I'm not defending any of the products mentioned, I just think it's a waste of people's time having to wade through misleading comments from people with no firsthand experience.

Really. Go back and read the very first post. Respond and tell me what the original poster was asking about.

In all seriousness, I'd suggest starting another thread espousing the virtues of Dolby Headphone tech vs. headphones with multiple drivers. I think people reading THIS thread understand that there are two approaches, yet still just might be here to discuss "gaming headphones".
Exactly GAMING HEADPHONES

formulanerd

01-06-08, 01:50 PM

I have Sennheiser Rs 130 for late night movies but you can't use those to talk on Xbox live. The Turtle beach IME are made decent. Sennheiser the one's I have don't have much better build quality. IMO .You don't get Dolby headphone with the Turtle beach but if you want to talk on XBL tell me what headphone will do that? I like to use a mic. If I wasn't trying to be quite I would never use headphones. NOTHING beat playing it loud out of your stereo. Headphone's don't shake you body like a pair of SVS subs. And the 5.1 surround doesn't sound as good no matter how they try to mimic it. If you look at regular mics that go for $30 that are made for live chat the extra $50 is worth it imo. For Xbox live they are good. Post a link with a headphone that has chat. Otherwise you can use any headphone if you don't want to chat which would probably be better and cheaper.

gaming headsets for the most part are garbage! for 6 dollars you can turn ANY set of headphones into a "chat headset" with an earbud or clip-on mic.

Ironmike86

01-06-08, 02:04 PM

gaming headsets for the most part are garbage! for 6 dollars you can turn ANY set of headphones into a "chat headset" with an earbud or clip-on mic.
I didn't know that. How? for $6. I tried to find a way with my Sennheiser and couldn't. I would like to know how. But I still say they sound good. garbage is relative. Garbage headphones is no different than a garbage HT system for a Xbox. Everyone has different needs.

KBI

01-06-08, 03:41 PM

I must be on the wrong website. Is it too much to ask that people not recommend (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12647654#post12647654) or trash (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12697794#post12697794) products that they've never used?

And, honestly, the point has been made about people looking for 'gaming headphones' being idiots; there's no need to keep making it. This is still a thread asking for opinions about 'gaming headphones', so perhaps some of you need to just accept that we clearly don't know any better and leave it alone.

For instance, saying the Turtle Beach X3's have worse build quality than $15 headphones is inflammatory and unhelpful. I have a pair of X3's, I don't like them, I'm planning to return them, but they're certainly not comparable to a $15 pair of headphones. I own many 'decent' pairs of headphones, from pricey Sennheisers and Grados to cheap Sonys, so hopefully I'm qualified to point out that this kind of input is sort of ridiculous.

Coming out in the next month or so are more products by these same companies (Ear Force X4's, AX360 Pros), being marketed to gamers specifically, and we're probably going to talk about them as well. Hopefully that possibility won't make anyone's head explode. :)

It would ideal.. But if everyone only made comments & recommendations based on use of said product this thread along with others would be pretty barren..:p

No one is stupid for buying any gaming headphone/headset. Many people are misinformed.. I think what gets hammer upset are the type that read this thread, get info & still buy the questionable product. If a person wants convience over SQ & build quality thats fine.. I know having a headset/headphone with a mic is important, along with other functions geared for specific consoles.

My mine gripe are the reviewers who give these products great reviews without having a vast experience with other headphones in the same price range.. Comments like this from reviews irks me to no end..
"The AX360 is a great product at a great price. Thee is little out there that is comparable in terms of quality."

Little out there that is comparable in terms & quality? I guess everyone can be a reviewer online now days, especially with blogs

Ironmike86

01-06-08, 04:05 PM

KBI

01-06-08, 04:23 PM

KBI
I looked at you link how do you make any headphones voice chat over XBL? I know any headphone will sound good or better than the X3 but for convince, wireless which everyone could hear they work good IME. Could never find a $6 fix like previous poster said??

ppl have done it who post in this thread. I am not that technical, nor have I tried it. Not sure about the 6 dollar fix..

formulanerd

01-06-08, 04:51 PM

I didn't know that. How? for $6. I tried to find a way with my Sennheiser and couldn't. I would like to know how. But I still say they sound good. garbage is relative. Garbage headphones is no different than a garbage HT system for a Xbox. Everyone has different needs.

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/3930/cimg5153fd6.jpg

Foe-hammer

01-06-08, 07:43 PM

Huh? I'm not defending any of the products mentioned, I just think it's a waste of people's time having to wade through misleading comments from people with no firsthand experience.
Misleading comments? According to whom? You? We are trying to help people make wise decisions based on quality products. What are you doing?

Really. Go back and read the very first post. Respond and tell me what the original poster was asking about.
The topic title is gaming HEADPHONES. Repeat: HEADPHONES... not HEADSET. Regardless, if you were to read all of the posts you'd realize the original poster bought Senn 595s to go along with a Dolby Headphone receiver, and not a gaming headset. The topic was and is centered around 5.1 headphones. Only those who do not read and just reply without thinking, bring up headsets like turtle beach when it has already been brought up and discussed a dozen times!

The X3's may be a piece of crap, but it's stupid to compare them to the Sennheisers. The X3's have IR wireless capabilities, an integrated microphone, an attachment w/ mute function for the 360 controller and rudimentary mixing functions. Meanwhile, the Sennheisers are just stereo headphones. It's like comparing the build quality of a cheap Swiss army knife to a cheap screwdriver.
The x3's are even more expensive, at $100. I was comparing it to the $60 x1's. Regardless of features, the x1-3's are of lower quality compared to the senn 201's i linked to. And guess what, they are only $20. I could then add a zalman clip on mic, that attaches to the headphone cable, for less then $10, and have all the capabilities of the turtle beachs, and quality to boot. So for $30, half the price of the turtle beach x1's, you have a pair of quality headphones with mic. So explain to me why you would recommend turtle beach headsets, when they cost a least double and are of significantly lesser quality? Who's doing the misleading now (no question marked need for this).

No, the Ear Force models are not 5.1 multi-speaker headphones. I'd work on getting basic stuff like this correct before instructing other people to read and learn.
Come again... where did i type that? I never did. I always knew that the x1-3's didn't support digital 5.1. The x4's, on the other hand are reported to support digital 5.1, but like all turtle beaches digital 5.1 offering for the PC, they will most assuredly be the multi-speaker type, of which doesn't even support Dolby Digital, or of course Dolby Headphone. All i said is the x1-3's are POS. Looks like YOU need to take your own advice, along with mine, and read before you type.

In all seriousness, I'd suggest starting another thread espousing the virtues of Dolby Headphone tech vs. headphones with multiple drivers. I think people reading THIS thread understand that there are two approaches, yet still just might be here to discuss "gaming headphones".
Again, they should read the previous body of posts before they just blurt out stuff. Then they'd realize what was the main topic of discussion, along with their questions already being answered. Laziness should not be defended.

Foe-hammer

01-06-08, 11:29 PM

KBI
I looked at you link how do you make any headphones voice chat over XBL? I know any headphone will sound good or better than the X3 but for convince, wireless which everyone could hear they work good IME. Could never find a $6 fix like previous poster said??

All you need to do is buy a zalman clip mic for under $10, clip it on to your headphone cable, set you 360 voice output to speaker, and you are good to go. I can hear people and they can hear me just fine. Problem solved, and no need for inferior gaming headsets.

Plus while wireless is convenient, the quality compared to a wired pair of headphones at the same price is lacking. I had a pair of Pioneer wireless infrared headphones that went with the 800C receiver. And while they were comfortable and very nice, the sound quality is bested by a pair of Senn 555's.

joseraul

01-07-08, 09:41 PM

As some others, I stumbled upon this thread looking for info on the Tritton AX360 headphones. And I have, too, been discouraged to get that set.

I'm looking for headphones that will be used primarily for gaming and movie watching on my Xbox 360. I know that they will be also used for music once I step into that world, too.

The Astro A40's really caught my attention (specially the mixamp), but shipping to Puerto Rico by UPS is so high ($40 for the set) that it puts them out of my range.

So after reading through this thread (and thanks to the info posted by KBI), I'm thinking of going the headphones/JVC SU-DH1/mic route, but I'm undecided between the following:

- Sennheiser HD-555 + JVC (Amazon)
- Audio Technica AD700 + JVC (AudioCubes)

I'd rather order them from the same place. As for the JVC, the battery model wouldn't really be a problem since I have quite a few rechargeable batteries around.

Here in PR there is no place that I know of where I can go and test some comparable headphones, except maybe some Sony's, so that makes my decision even more difficult.

Anyone have first hand experience with the AD700? I have only read good things about the HD-555, but apparently not too many people have the other one.

Suggestions are welcome. :D

KBI

01-07-08, 10:54 PM

headcase151

01-08-08, 05:57 AM

I`ve been following this thread for a while.I had some cheap Sony, headphones for a couple of years.I went looking for some better models,seems most places just carry earbuds.My nephew works at Musician`s Friend,he said they carry all the major players.I checked out their website,he was right.I picked up a set of HD485`s.What a difference they made.Iselect headphone surround on my Pio 84.I find myself useing these,even when I can use my speakers.Hell,I`m thinking about exchanging the 485`s,for some 555`s.Anyway check out the website,theres 10 pages of headphones.Thanks for the help with improving my gaming expereince.

joseraul

01-08-08, 08:03 AM

I'd only recommend the Trittons if the user wants a all in one package made for the 360, & 5.1 over SQ.. I still don't think they are bad cans.. But for the price you can do much better..

It seems like the Majority favor the AD700 over the 555.. Theres also a nice review on the 700 on a gaming website.. Reviewer was extremely impressed & said they are in another league compared to the Steel V5.. I will try to find the review & get a link..

Exactly my point... if I'm going to spend money in order to get better sound quality, might as well spend more for a setup that will last me quite longer and that will have other uses now and in the future.

I think I read the review you refer to: FPS AD700 Review (http://www.fpslabs.com/reviews/headsets/ad700) It's basically the only comprehensive one I've read and it compares them to the HD-555s.

coyote_5

01-08-08, 10:13 AM

good review, now I wonder if I want the 700s instead of 555 or 595....:confused:

I was confused by the end of the review - pros/cons & rating. They don't match up to the rest of the review. He lists comfort as a con, when it was a big plus throughout the text of the review. Is that comments for a different headset accidently tacked on?

NYFOOTBALLGIANTS

01-08-08, 10:31 AM

properbostonian

01-08-08, 10:45 AM

joseraul

01-08-08, 11:31 AM

My personal conclusion is just to use Stereo out with a set of good headphones and take the 360 headset and put it around my neck with the mic pointed up near my mouth. Then you just set the voice to over the speakers.

I know this setup works and have read of many people that use it. I will sure give it a try when I purchase my headphones.

The only disadvantage I find with this setup is that you can't turn down the voice volume quickly or mute it when I get a call or something. Unfortunate, since I don't have enough friends to play full games with and so many people yell an curse online. That's why I want to go with an ear bud.

robklem

01-08-08, 11:40 AM

I have tried many of the solutions including the Turtle Bay stuff and the JVC surround processor. My personal conclusion is just to use Stereo out with a set of good headphones and take the 360 headset and put it around my neck with the mic pointed up near my mouth. Then you just set the voice to over the speakers. This seems to do the best with directionality and location while maintaining very good sound quality. I wish I saved all the money spent on some of this stuff considering I already owned everything I am using now before I started this voyage.

I have been doing that with a cheap pair of Sony's over the ear ($20) and they work great with games like Bioshock and Mass Effect. But when I tried to play online with the voice set to over speakers I could barely hear anyone talking. I checked the volume and It was set to 10. I guess I gotta try playing with a few more of the settings, it did get better when I set the xbox to output in Digital Stereo instead of DD 5.1 but still in COD4 I couldn't really hear anyone talking.

This has worked surprisingly very well to me. I guess I gotta mess with my receiver settings and see If I can find a better setting for the voice.