I'm not an audiophobe, so it doesn't need to be rediculous sound quality, but I need a new headset (or mic and headphones) because my current pair's left speaker stopped working entirely. My biggest issue is comfort. I've been using the Razer Carcharias for about 15 months, and they've been very comfortable and worked out great, until today..
I do need headphones or a headset though, since I wear them for most of the day either listening to music while I study, or gaming for a couple hours at a time. Headphones without a mic would be perfect as well.
What do you guys use and recommend for someone who prefers comfort but still wants decent quality?
If you want comfortable, and I mean really fucking comfortable, I can personally recommend Audio Technica headphones, specifically the ones with the '3d wings' design (Sounds like a gimmick, but it's actually great). I have the A700's (Closed), most people recommend the AD700's though (open). Sound quality is really good, and there are cheaper models if you don't want to spend the ~$200 these probably go for.
So the ad300 or ad500's might be what you want. For a mic you can get a $20 clip on mic, or a desk mic if you prefer. But don't take my word for it, read reviews! For the love of satan don't buy anything 'gaming' branded or anything 5.1 or 7.1.
I have always loved turtle beach, but that is also coming from consol gaming. The P11 is really nice only because of its speaker size. It has a 50mm speaker in there ( I believe) thus making it larger and actuall going over the ear. It is a cable headset, if you are looking for wireless this isnt the way to go, but it always seem as though wireless headsets just don't have that same quality sound to them. Also the microphone on it is really clear and crisp. Hope this helps.
You didn't say any kind of budget, I mean I could point you towards a pair of Sennehsier HD-800 or Hifiman HE-500 :)
Seriously though, the setup I'm using myself is a pair of Beyedynamic DT-990 Premium, they're comfortable have great sound. It's open design though so if noise isolation is a concern you should look elsewhere. With them I have a cheap Zalman ZM-Mic1 clip on mic which works perfectly fine, I use it nearly everyday. I have the 250 ohms version which does benefit from amplification, and I wouldn't really recommend this headphone to be driven straigtht from the motherboard circuit, you can get an affordable AMP/DAC combo like Fiio E7 to go with them.
If that's too expensive or you need a closed headphone you can have a look at the Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro, there is an 80 ohm version that can be driven without an amp but if you can I'd still get the Fiio 7 to go with it.
I can vouch for the AD900's, purchased a pair mid way through this year after my gaming headset headband snapped. Have not looked back, as Bek said they are comfortable as anything.
I would recommend the Audio Technica ATH-M50's in combination with the Antlion Modmic:http://www.modmic.com/
Let me elaborate:
The audio Technica's are insanely good headphones for the money ($100 to $150)
I currently own them and they are really comfortable and the sound quality is amazing, great bass (probably does need a little EQ) nice mids and great highs. They sound like headphones costing twice as much. As Spittis said getting an amp or DAC will definetely benefit this headphone but it isnt necesarry. Look into the Fiio E7 or the Behringer UCA202 + another portable amp.
The Antlion microphone is great too, the sound quality is pretty good and clear due to it being so close to your mouth.
Also, do not get a soundcard just for headphones, its a waste of money.
Thank you everyone for your recommendations, and my budget is ~$250, I didn't say it because I just want a quality pair of comfortable headphones that will last a couple years, and if I need to spend $300 to get that I will, but I'd rather not spend a fortune on them. Everyone seems to be praising Technica, so I will probably be getting that.
What Technica headphones do you guys recommend the most over the others? I've seen A700, AD700, AD900 and ATH-M50.. Are there any more I should be looking at?
The M50 and A700 are closed headphones, they isolate somewhat well. AD700 is open and leaks sound in and out. So that's the first thing you need to consider, which do you want.
I've seen people ask the AD700 vs A700 question before on other forums, and usually they tend to get the answer AD700. Now I haven't compared these headphones and like I said earlier I own Beyers myself, but from what I've read it's between AD700 and M50, open vs closed. The M50 have more bass and are overall a more "fun" sounding headphone though, so I think non audiophiles tend to like their sound better. The soundstage will be better on the AD700 though (perk from being open design).
Alright, well I supposed Closed would be better for me.. So I will be going with the M50 from that list. Is there anything that comares to the M50? I've heard something about the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO which people have said is a good alternative to the M50, but what would be better, or are there better alternatives to both of these?
I'm very noobish when it comes to audio, so sorry if I need my hand held so much for this.
To be honest noone is going to be able to point you in the right direction between those two because they're so close to each other. I suggest you google DT 770 vs ATH-M50 and try to form your opinion, there are several good threads about it on head-fi.
Well for headset, beyerdynamic has some aircraft headsets ...meant for 12+ hours comfortability. The price though...sheesh
The most comfortable headphones though, I would throw in http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/c6cee3d04f7890ca/index.html because i own them, or http://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/shop/hah/headphones-and-headsets/at-home/music-pleasure/t-1.html