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The NEW Gaming Headset/Headphone Topic! (REQUEST STICKY PLZ) - Page 163

post #4861 of 5197
9/20/12 at 2:22pm
Aside from the stupid little skulls....those look pretty dope.

I still dont think quality when I think skullkandy. But good to see more players in the market.
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post #4862 of 5197
9/21/12 at 9:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stryker412 View Post

Has anyone tried the Audio Technica ATH-M50s? They get rave reviews on both Amazon and Head-Fi.

Quoting myself off Head-fi...
Quote:
Bass: The M50's bass is emphasized, but not by a lot. It's well balanced, slightly favoring bass over mids. The bass can go pretty low, and has a good thump to it, without it being flabby. Bassheads won't appreciate the quantity, however, the M50s can handle bass boosting like a champ.

Mids: The mids are ever so slightly recessed due to slightly more prominent bass and treble. However, the mids aren't THAT recessed, and is well in line with the rest of the sound.

Treble: the treble is emphasized, energetic, and sparkly, They can get harsh, but it's nothing too worrisome, compared to other headphones on the list. The M50's treble gives you a crisp sound overall.

Comfort-wise, the M50 is the most comfortable pleather-padded headphone I have ever owned. You have to do the stretch mod, but once that is done, they are just godly in comfort.

As far as isolation goes, the M50's do extremely well keeping sounds from leaking out, and a great job isolating from the outside.

Gaming: the M50s don't do very well with Dolby headphone. Their issue is their soundstage, which sound congested and doesn't give you a big enough virtual space to let Dolby headphone work it's magic. I feel that even the Hifiman RE0s (the IEMs) do it better. I'd say if you want a good headphone for plain stereo gaming (like say with a Vita, DS, phones, etc), the M50s will be just fine. Just don't take them seriously for console/PC gaming.


Fun: 7/10

Competitive: 4/10

Comfort: 9/10

Isolation: 8







Quote:
Originally Posted by sfetaz View Post

I just purchased a seinheisser 558 online. Was wondering which mixamp do people think works best for these headphones, and what solutions are there for either adding a 2nd pair of headphones to hear the sound or a way to connect a pair of speakers to play the sound at the same time as it plays through the headphones. I have a htpc, samsung plasma 3d and ps3 hooked up to a denon 7.1 receiver. Just want a sound option when 1 or more other pwople are with me.
Also, are the 558s identical to the 598s the same way the 555 and 595 are the same? Is there foam in the 558 i should remove?

The 558 is NOT the same as the 598, even if you remove the foam off the 558's. They will sound BETTER, but still won't catch up to the 598s. This is from various users on Head-fi who have owned/tried both.
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post #4863 of 5197
9/22/12 at 6:42am
Thanks Raven. I actually bought a pair of Ultrasone 780s AND 750s to compare. After gaming and watching some movie clips, I prefer the sound of the 780s. The bass is incredible on these.
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post #4864 of 5197
10/1/12 at 7:01am
Can someone recommend the best setup for a ~$150 budget? I would mostly be using it for the PS3 (bluray/games/netflix/hulu), but would like the option to use on other devices like the 360 as well.

I was considering the new PS3 Pulse headset, but the virtual SS only works when hooked to PS3 as far as I can tell - other devices would just be in Stereo. Also, the headphones can't be upgraded later, so that's probably out.

I'm leaning toward the Tritton AX720+. But are there better options for my price range - such as an Astro or other Dolby MixAmp, along with a better stand-alone headset?

If I do go with the AX720+, can someone confirm that this newer version can still be connected to other headphones with a normal 3.5mm jack? I want to make sure I can upgrade to a better headset in the future.
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post #4865 of 5197
10/1/12 at 8:55am
The AX720 still has the ability to connect other headphones via the puck which breaks away in two to expose the 3.5mm inputs for mic and headphone. Seen it on the newest version on Youtube.

In your budget, that's what I'd get. That or maybe a used DSS and the Creative Aurvana Live, though you won't have any mic capabilities.

Also, none of these DH amps will do virtual surround with Blu-Rays, which mostly use DTS (very few use Dolby).

Not sure if Hulu and Netflix have Dolby, or some linear PCM multi-channel audio, which the DH amps can't decode either, which will be expanded stereo.
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post #4866 of 5197
10/1/12 at 10:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Raven Crimson View Post

The AX720 still has the ability to connect other headphones via the puck which breaks away in two to expose the 3.5mm inputs for mic and headphone. Seen it on the newest version on Youtube.
In your budget, that's what I'd get. That or maybe a used DSS and the Creative Aurvana Live, though you won't have any mic capabilities.
Also, none of these DH amps will do virtual surround with Blu-Rays, which mostly use DTS (very few use Dolby).
Not sure if Hulu and Netflix have Dolby, or some linear PCM multi-channel audio, which the DH amps can't decode either, which will be expanded stereo.

Thanks for the info.

Regarding DH with blu-rays, what if I set the PS3 to only output using Dolby instead of DTS? Assuming that's even possible to do (I'm not 100% sure that's an option), wouldn't the DH amps activate virtual surround sound in that case?

EDIT: I went ahead and ordered the 720+. gaming will be my primary use for them, anyway.
Edited by jasnmb - 10/1/12 at 2:04pm
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post #4867 of 5197
10/10/12 at 5:18am
I have HUGE news...
Quote:
How to get Dolby Digital signals from DTS only Blu-Rays off your PS3

This is incredibly important, as it's the ONLY way to watch Blu-Ray movies with Dolby Headphone and other Dolby-related virtual surround processors. If you don't do this, you'll be getting stereo with reverb, or no audio at all.

1. While watching the DTS only Blu-Ray movie, hit triangle
2. Go to AV Settings
3. Scroll to the bottom, and change the 'Audio Output Format' to 'Bitstream (Mix)'.

That's it. Enjoy watching your Blu-Rays in Dolby Headphone surround!


OMG! I do NOT know when the hell this happened, but there is an option WITHIN Blu-Ray playback on the PS3, where you can set the Bitstream (basically meaning the optical out) to Mix, instead of Direct. Direct basically means that there is no touching the audio signal whatsoever. I dunno what the hell Mix is and if it FOUND a Dolby Digital signal embedded in the Blu-Ray OR converted DTS to Dolby Digital, but YES! I can watch Blu-Rays in Dolby Digital!

The last time I checked those settings, that option was NOT there, or it WAS but since I didn't know what it did, I left it on Direct, since it's the raw signal! This was apparently added two years ago. rolleyes.gif

So no receiver necessary! EVERYONE who has a PS3 as their main Blu-Ray player, make sure to change the audio setting to Bitsream MIX! I dunno about any other BD player and if such an option is available for them, but I certainly hope so.

I just found this, after seeing this option for the first time!

http://community.us.playstation.com/t5/PlayStation-3/Tricks-on-the-Bitstream-Mix-setting-for-BD-Audio-Out-Optical-on/td-p/36931958




Quote:
]I have found certain tricks on using the Bitstream (Mix) setting for the BD Audio Output (Optical) setting on the PS3; actually a few.

This tutorial will show you how to use the Bitstream (Mix) setting to your advantage.

I've tested this setting and can prove to be useful for folks who have OLD Digital Surround setups (Receivers that don't support DTS, but does support Dolby Digital), and they tried to play back their DTS-HD enabled Blu-rays but only got no sound or Stereo sound.

Also, another trick became very useful to potentially get better quality sound for Blu-ray movies that have Dolby TrueHD and make it play back in DTS for folks who have a DTS/Dolby Digital supported receiver, but doesn't support the HD variants.

Anyways...

Make sure your PS3 has FW 3.30 or higher for this to work, I'm pretty sure all of you do have the latest FW.

Blu-ray movies with only DTS-HD Support for the main track and how to play back in Dolby Digital:

This is for the small number of people who have a much older receiver that lacks DTS support, but has Dolby Digital. These people are likely to be buying the latest Blu-ray movies that have only DTS-HD support for the English audio. If the setting for the BD Audio Out on Optical is set for Bitstream (Direct), and the Audio Output Settings has only Dolby Digital enabled (not DTS), they'll only get stereo sound. If Bitstream (Mix) is enabled, those Blu-ray movies with DTS-HD as the main audiotrack will be transcoded to Dolby Digital, and then you would have 5.1 audio.


What the hell Sony? I'd have to love to know what the hell this was AGES ago. I almost spent money unnecessarily to get DTS to work for my headphones!
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post #4868 of 5197
10/10/12 at 6:02am
I've never really used the PS3 as a network video player, but I wonder if this option is available in that mode as well? I mean will it work playing back DTS-encoded MKVs and other video files? Would be great news for MixAmp users when your video collection is more network files than bluray discs...
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post #4869 of 5197
10/10/12 at 6:28am
I don't know. I'll have to try that with an anime movie or something. I don't tend to watch video files on my PS3.

I'll see if I can download an MKV and see if the player has those options available.

Wait, the PS3 plays MKV? I'm pretty sure you have to convert the video to MP4 for the PS3 to play it.
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post #4870 of 5197
10/10/12 at 6:49am
Not sure either. I guess the question is, if there is a file format the PS3 can play which has DTS audio, will that option to mix the bitstream output be available? That would be great. I'll have to try it out later.
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post #4871 of 5197
10/10/12 at 9:07am
And this is being posted in the Xbox Area because...... ?
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post #4872 of 5197
10/10/12 at 9:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rage Guy View Post

And this is being posted in the Xbox Area because...... ?
Well I didn't post the original info about the PS3 mode (I replied to it), but I'd guess it is becuase this is the most comprehensive thread on AVS (and probably anywhere) on gaming headphones, and this news will benefit those of us who use a MixAmp or other headphone processor that doesn't take DTS and have a PS3 as well as Xbox 360.
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post #4873 of 5197
10/10/12 at 10:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rage Guy View Post

And this is being posted in the Xbox Area because...... ?

Because we're gamers, and the gaming headphone thread is on the Xbox section? Unless they clone this thread on the PS3 section (which would be nice, though making a new thread over there is stupid).
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post #4874 of 5197
10/10/12 at 10:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Raven Crimson View Post

Because we're gamers, and the gaming headphone thread is on the Xbox section? Unless they clone this thread on the PS3 section (which would be nice, though making a new thread over there is stupid).

Go ahead and try to post something Xbox related over in the PS3 side, and see how quickly you are crucified... Just sayin...
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post #4875 of 5197
10/10/12 at 10:51am
You do realize that this thread isn't Xbox related? This is gaming related. I made this thread here because the Xbox section is where the vast majority of AVS-ers go to. The General Gaming forum is almost worthless, and the PS3 section just isn't big enough.
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post #4876 of 5197
10/10/12 at 12:12pm
GASP! Say it isnt so! wink.gif

Whoops, forgot you are Shin... I'll quit trollin now
Edited by Rage Guy - 10/10/12 at 1:31pm
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post #4877 of 5197
10/11/12 at 8:27am
Raven, it looks like you can permanently set that to Bitstream (Mix) under Video Settings > BD - Audio Output Format (Optical Digital)
http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/bdsettings.html

On another note, I finally got my 720+ in. Overall I'm very pleased and direction audio cues work well (tested mainly in BF3 and Thor on netflix). The slight humming/buzz is a little annoying when there is little to no sound coming. But it looks like all decoder boxes have varying degrees of humming? Of course, I didn't notice it at all while in game.

I'm not an audiophile, but I can see myself upgrading to a better headphone in the future. For now this seems to be a good starting point, with nice highs and lows. I actually didn't expect the lows to be as powerful as they are, because of the previous ax720 reviews. But maybe the change from a 40mm to a 50mm driver helps with that.
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post #4878 of 5197
10/16/12 at 3:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jasnmb View Post

Raven, it looks like you can permanently set that to Bitstream (Mix) under Video Settings > BD - Audio Output Format (Optical Digital)
http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/bdsettings.html
On another note, I finally got my 720+ in. Overall I'm very pleased and direction audio cues work well (tested mainly in BF3 and Thor on netflix). The slight humming/buzz is a little annoying when there is little to no sound coming. But it looks like all decoder boxes have varying degrees of humming? Of course, I didn't notice it at all while in game.
I'm not an audiophile, but I can see myself upgrading to a better headphone in the future. For now this seems to be a good starting point, with nice highs and lows. I actually didn't expect the lows to be as powerful as they are, because of the previous ax720 reviews. But maybe the change from a 40mm to a 50mm driver helps with that.

I am an idiot, thank you. I just assumed it'd be under audio settings. In any case, it looks like once I changed it to Bitstream Mix during playback, it changed it permanently anyways. smile.gif I'll have to adjust my guide on head-fi. Thanks again!

I know people say the AX720 has light bass, but even as a mild basshead, I didn't find them to be lacking bass at all. Perhaps it's due to the closed back design.
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post #4879 of 5197
10/16/12 at 10:37am
Quick question for you guys, I'm looking for a wireless solution that I can use for my pc and my xbox.
Right now I'm thinking the XP400's with an optical switcher. Is there any reason why this wouldn't work properly? It looks like the xp400's base is USB powered so I would have to give it a dedicated power source but is there anything outside of that? It looks like I can pair the bluetooth to the pc for the mic as well. Thanks!

Or obviously if there is a better solution that would be awesome.
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post #4880 of 5197
10/17/12 at 11:04am
Looks like Astro has some new kit:

http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/17/astro-pulls-curtain-on-2013-A40-headset-MixAmp/
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post #4881 of 5197
10/17/12 at 11:50am
Hi all, FYI Amazon has the PC360 for $154.
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post #4882 of 5197
10/17/12 at 10:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jasnmb View Post

On another note, I finally got my 720+ in. Overall I'm very pleased and direction audio cues work well (tested mainly in BF3 and Thor on netflix). The slight humming/buzz is a little annoying when there is little to no sound coming. But it looks like all decoder boxes have varying degrees of humming?

Did you try connecting the USB cable to a USB wall charger rather than a USB port? A lot of noise during silent times is due to noisy USB ports. That worked for me (I have a different headset).
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post #4883 of 5197
10/18/12 at 7:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by onlysublime View Post

Did you try connecting the USB cable to a USB wall charger rather than a USB port? A lot of noise during silent times is due to noisy USB ports. That worked for me (I have a different headset).

yes, I've tried that. I also tried plugging into every other usb port on other devices/laptops that I have. I even tried moving the PS3 to another room, powering off my wireless phones, etc. I still get the same hum at the same volume. I've also tried every combination of volume changes/muting on the decoder box and inline controller, and playing around with every sound and mic setting I can find on the PS3, and using a different USB cable. Nothing I've tried will affect volume of the hum.

Has anyone else with the newer 720 decoder (the one that uses USB for power) had any luck reducing the hum? maybe I need a USB ground loop isolator (if such a thing exists)?
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post #4884 of 5197
10/20/12 at 9:39am
hello guys. I am completely new to the headphone/headset scene. In fact, I am completely new to anything with performance audio. Everything I buy stays stock. So...can somebody help me out please?

Ok. I will mainly be using the headphones for gaming and listening to music. I never chat and rarely play multiplayer, so I can skip the mic. My ideal headphone would provide great but natural sound. Great for gaming and great for music.

price range up to 250, prefer to spend a little less of course.

thanks for any advise!
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post #4885 of 5197
10/20/12 at 12:55pm
Enjoy this with your headphones tongue.gif
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post #4886 of 5197
10/21/12 at 10:19am
Though this might interest you guys. Looks like a legit alternative to the AX720. Dolby Headphone amp with included headset... biggrin.gif

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10850&cs_id=1080910&p_id=9771&seq=1&format=2

If this has less hiss than the AX720, this would be the one to get. It's a pretty cheap alternative to the Mixamp.

The question is, does the puck have a 3.5mm inout (therefore allowing any headphone to be used)? It LOOKS like it, judging by the pic of all the items, as the headset is definitely packing a standard 3.5mm jack, which I assume goes to the puck, which then goes to the DH amp with the proprietary inputs.

I trust Monoprice.

Though the mic looks suspiciously like the AX720's mic, leading me to believe this might be a rebranded AX720, with different aesthetics. Only one way to find out.
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post #4887 of 5197
10/21/12 at 3:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Raven Crimson View Post

Though this might interest you guys. Looks like a legit alternative to the AX720. Dolby Headphone amp with included headset... biggrin.gif
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10850&cs_id=1080910&p_id=9771&seq=1&format=2
If this has less hiss than the AX720, this would be the one to get. It's a pretty cheap alternative to the Mixamp.
The question is, does the puck have a 3.5mm inout (therefore allowing any headphone to be used)? It LOOKS like it, judging by the pic of all the items, as the headset is definitely packing a standard 3.5mm jack, which I assume goes to the puck, which then goes to the DH amp with the proprietary inputs.
I trust Monoprice.
Though the mic looks suspiciously like the AX720's mic, leading me to believe this might be a rebranded AX720, with different aesthetics. Only one way to find out.

I'd definitely try it. But does it have a 3.5 to 2.5mm adapter included for Xbox controller.

If so, I have no problem ordering now.. as I game in two different houses. And have been looking for a decent 2nd headset for years now.
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post #4888 of 5197
10/21/12 at 5:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daekwan View Post

I'd definitely try it. But does it have a 3.5 to 2.5mm adapter included for Xbox controller.
If so, I have no problem ordering now.. as I game in two different houses. And have been looking for a decent 2nd headset for years now.

According to this: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10850&cs_id=1080910&p_id=9771&seq=1&format=3#specification

It does come with a 2.5mm to 3.5mm chat cable.

It does look like it has the same functionality as the Ax720. The only thing I don't understand is why the headset appears to have a single 3.5mm cable coming from it, as opposed to one for the headphones and one for the mic.
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post #4889 of 5197
10/21/12 at 11:54pm
hey man i saw your post on in game headsets so i thought you might be able to help.i have a bomb home theatre set up as well as my astro a40's but what i want to know is what chat mic has the best for noise canceling? if i use my home theatre system my teamates complain when i play COD and i dont want to be that guy.i found to chat headsets that claim they are noise canceling,have you heard or tried these?one is the Sennheiser X2 chat headset and the other is the plantronics GameCom X30. any one heard of good ones besides these? i want to be able to enjoy my expensive home theatre when i dont want to wear my astros. i also dont want to spend alot considering i dropped about 4500$ between my home theatre and my astros
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post #4890 of 5197
10/22/12 at 4:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bbexperience View Post

According to this: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10850&cs_id=1080910&p_id=9771&seq=1&format=3#specification
It does come with a 2.5mm to 3.5mm chat cable.
It does look like it has the same functionality as the Ax720. The only thing I don't understand is why the headset appears to have a single 3.5mm cable coming from it, as opposed to one for the headphones and one for the mic.

That single 3.5mm cable has three 'stripes', left channel, right channel, and mic. Since the mic is integrated to the headset, it's just like the A40s, in which they only need to be hooked up to the Mixamp with one plug. The Y cables are for everything else.
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