What gaming headphones to buy? - Page 100

Originally Posted by mikemav

Well, I was just rebuilding my PC and I noticed my new modern Core i7 processor compatible motherboard's on-board audio doesn't have DTS Connect (or Dolby Live) for real time 5.1 encoding any longer.

So, what's a technophile to do? Upgrade more of course! My HT Omega Claro audiophile sound card is on the way. Dolby Digital Live, DTS Connect, Dolby Headphone, digital input, pass-thru and output. Can't wait to see how it does.

The only downside is I ordered the plain jane $150 Claro and not the Claro Halo(/+) accidentally. Saved me $70- $100, but the Halo is the same card as the base, but designed with removable op-amps for the front as well as a headphone amp rated all the way up to 600 ohm.

Did I make a mistake not going for that? My current cans are Sennheiser PC350 (their highest end with built in mic, much like a closed 595) I've also been eying the AD700, Sony MDR-F1 or some Denons for future upgrade. Think any of these benefit (substantially) from the added boost of the more expensive Claro Halo on headphones you think? Or is the impedance on these cans low enough to not matter? I'm using an HK receiver now for DH, so it will be interesting to compare. I'd like to know how the digital input/pass through works in practice, to see if this can really replace my receiver with the PC (like to run a game console's digital audio through the sound card's input...)

I checked and it's being packed for shipment so too late to switch to the Halo + I'm thinking I should have tried. Maybe I'll order it too and return the other? What do you experts think?

Here is product info and comparison

Originally Posted by Daekwan

Anybody considering the new line of recievers by Yamaha. Their 2009 lineup has been announced. I beleive all models support the Silent Cinema (SC) surround sound headphone output.

Originally Posted by wtfer

Seems like the astro mixamp is for for over $100, is there any good quality amps that are cheaper?

Originally Posted by mikemav

Yeah, urh, for the price of the higher end of the two PC audiophile sound cards I just ordered to try (the one with built in headphone amp), I could get one of these new Yamahas!

Oh, and it would (probably?) process 7.1 HD audio formats
(7.1 LPCM from PS3 games?!)
and process those HD audio formats, and 5.1 and lower legacy, into Silent Cinema for headphone use. Is that correct?

Hell, just as an HDMI switcher/processor/amp and headphone processor/amp it's worthwhile. A maxi-7.1-headphone amp!

Maybe I'll just keep the base Claro PC card for it's clean digital output and DTS & Dolby Digital Live encoding on the fly, and run that (or, higher end audio from PS3) into the cheapest new Yamaha receiver that supports SC across all these input types. If anyone can confirm please do, thanks.

Originally Posted by Mooey

Hey guys, my dog recently chewed up my headset so I'm looking for a new one. Here's what I'm aiming for:

Cost: $50 - $60
Must have USB
Must have microphone
Must be over the ears (for large heads)
Must work with PS3

Optional: Mute/in-line volume control

If anyone can let me know, I'd be thankful.

Originally Posted by Mooey

Hey guys, my dog recently chewed up my headset so I'm looking for a new one. Here's what I'm aiming for:

Cost: $50 - $60
Must have USB
Must have microphone
Must be over the ears (for large heads)
Must work with PS3

Optional: Mute/in-line volume control

If anyone can let me know, I'd be thankful.

Originally Posted by KBI

SC is compatible with HD audio and the inputs you mentioned. What is digital live?

Originally Posted by KBI

What is digital live?

Originally Posted by Mystere

Besides the astro mixamp unit, the only all in one solution I know of for the PS3 is this:

http://www.turtlebeach.com/products/efpx1/home.aspx

A basic usb headset/mic combo will not work on the PS3 as the PS3 will only use the voice part. Watch that video on the link and it will explain to you exactly how it is used. It includes a usb sound card to plug into the PS3 and also works with the PC. It does use a ton of wires to accomplish everything though and it is $79.95. Like I said though, it is the only solution I have come across besides the Astro that fits your needs.

Originally Posted by NYGiants56

I believe another option is available.....well not cheaper just another option that has PS3 compatibility are the Tritton's. Trittonax360 is ~$100 but I believe you still need to buy a usb adapter for use with PS3. Also the Tritton Axpro's ~$160, which should be ready to play with the PS3 out of the box.

Originally Posted by Foe-hammer

The only reason to buy the mixamp, is for console (360 and ps3) voice chat and game music separate volume control (turn up voice and turn down game music, and vise versa). There are better option if DH is your only concern.

Originally Posted by wtfer

Any recommendations? I can't seem to find any in retail stores.

Originally Posted by NYGiants56

P.S. If you plan to use it with the PS3 you will have to buy an Adapter.

Originally Posted by bryansj

Just to be clear about the Mixamp and PS3, you only need the adapter if you plan on using a non-Bluetooth mic for chat. The adapter allows for voice chat using a headset/mic. If you don't want to chat you don't need the adapter.

Originally Posted by formulanerd

why would you use a bluetooth mic? i mean, that would defeat half the purpose of the mixamp.

nevermind, i realize that PSN and Live are not equal... not everyone uses a headset/mic or has friends to talk to/with

Originally Posted by cueCrew

I picked up the Astro A40 set. I have adjusted to having wires all over and dragging the mixAmp back and forth to a pc for charging (USB), but the conector wire has proven quite unstable. The right speaker drops out, and I have to fiddle with the wire to get it to play on both sides, but the fix doesn't last for more than a few seconds. Hopefully, my emails to Astro will unearth a solution because even after this short period of time, the trial period has expired.

One speaker is a bit of a handicap in CoD, but incredibly annoying while playing RB or GH games. Otherwise, it may not have increased my kill counts but you can hear other players moving around. I'm not sure if its a function of Dolby Headphone compression or something, but the sounds seem to be amped up a little too much - like you can hear other players both close and far. This brings on sort of "Daredevil" insanity and can be a little overwhelming.

Originally Posted by NYGiants56

Why are you dragging it back and forth for charging?????? I don't get it, what are you charging? Why wouldn't you just power it via USB from the console you're playing on?

Originally Posted by cueCrew

I use the pc to charge the battery pack, because I don't have a 20 ft. usb cable to charge from the console. Of course, if I had the cable, you're right that I wouldn't need the battery pack.

I just plugged it in to the xbox to check it out. With the Xbox off, it looks like the unit is running on battery power (the amber light usually flashes during charging) or the batter is too full to need charging. More later ...

Originally Posted by NYGiants56

Oh.....ok I got you. You got the battery pack.

I know for sure that the Xbox 360 powers the Mixamp even if it is off though. I don't know if it will charge the batteries but it definitely powers it.

With my setup I have my Mixamp connected to my 360 and it works when my 360 is off and I'm playing on the PS3. However the reverse isn't true.

Originally Posted by formulanerd

i dont think the ports are powered if the xbox is off.

which is why it goes to the low power download state if you have a play and charge controller plugged in.