Hi everyone
I want to buy a new pair of headphones for gaming and listening to music on my PC. I have bought some software from Razer called Razer Surround pro. I would like to get at least 5.1 surround sound headset, better would be 7.1. Should I get a pair of Razer Headphones as I already got the Software, but I think I can use the software also with other headset, Am I wrong? What Headphones should I buy, mic is not a must as I like to get a external mic soon.
Greetings JS
5.1 and 7.1 headphones often have poor audio quality, since they implement many tiny drivers instead of two larger (and better) ones. It would be a better idea to invest in good headphones with two quality drivers.
The Razer software you bought creates a virtual surround system that simulates real surround sound with just two drivers:
Which means that if you bought 5.1 or 7.1 headphones, the software would be useless, but you can still get surround sound with normal headphones by using the software.
And for more specific suggestions, you should tell us your budget, since there are viable headphones ranging from $30 to $5000, but here's a guide:
edit:
Also, for audio quality, you should not buy Razer headphones. As a rule of thumb, always buy from an audio company (Audio-Technica, Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser etc.) instead of a peripheral company (Thermaltake, Logitech, Razer etc.)
Thank you for your answer. To specify my needs:
I will be using the Headphones only on my stationary PC, so they don't have to be portable. I often use TS3 or listen to music while I game. Audio quality is important but not the main factor as I have quit good music headphones (Monster Inspiration) I would like most of all to use my Software to get surround sound in games and as my Logitch G230 suck, I decided to replace them with headphones and a mic like Logan suggested some time ago. (see Video)
I was looking at about 100 to 120 CHF (about same prices in $) for the headphones and an other 50.- for the mic
I listen to all kinds of music, I don't want to much bass, like wide range headphones.
I dont care if there on or over ear, staying in my budget is more important and and build quality is rely important.
If you know some fitting headphones for me that would be great as I don't know much about headphones.
Right now AKG K553 and Philips Fidelio L1 are going on Massdrop for around that price (4 days remaining):
If you don't know what Massdrop is, it's basically a well-organized group buy system. The more people buy the item, the cheaper it will be. Both of those headphones seem to have reached their lowest possible price.
Though the international shipping is a bit slow, so prepare to wait for at least 2 weeks if you decide to buy either of those. On the plus side, you get better headphones than you would with normal prices.
Personally I would choose the Philips ones because they're semi-open as opposed to AKGs closed back design. And of course they're leather and aluminium.
I bought a pair of Audio Technica ATH-M50x's and I really like them. I know there is a big love/hate thing on the internet about them though. Some folks love them and think they are some of the best headphones in their price range, while others aren't fans at all.
For me, the first thing I noticed is how good of a seal they created over my ears. A buddy of mine with some fairly nice sennheiser noticed this right away when he tried them on and was impressed. They definately aren't "bass cannons", so they might not be the best if you are into a lot of electronica, hip-hop, etc but I personally find their sound pleasing with a wide range of music - from flamenco and folk to old school jungle DnB and thrash metal. Their frequency response curve is fairly flat, so in theory, they should be a level playing field for many types of music. But, whether or not they accentuate certain nuances of different sounds and music genres is up to the individual.
The options above of K553 Fidelio L1 and ATH-M50x (I prefer non X) are all good. Here are a few sheets of common headphones and mics.
As per my semi review of the K553 I would happily recommend them. Not too much bass at all and a really precise sound. Great for music and games. Also.movies are fun to.watch with the soundstage these have.
Edit: link to my thoughts on the K553's https://forum.teksyndicate.com/t/akg-k553-opinions-also-back-up-on-massdrop-again/79355
As above. 5.1 or 7.1 headphones are just not worth it at all. The quality is quite bad most of the time. A good stereo pair will out do a surround pair for.positional audio in game every day of the week. Just remember to set the games sound out put to headphones rather than speakers.
I won't be recommending any specific brand or product but I try to find one with a removable cable.
Set a budget.
first check local Craigslist/Kijiji for used high end cans (I got AKG K701s for $120 USD!!!! that way)
then if you can't find any good deals, I would refer to 4chan's /g/ - /hgp/ (check catalog for their thread) guide, they have recommendations for every price point and asking in the thread will definitely yield some response.
for my personal recommendations, Philips SHP9500s, Audio technica airs, Sony MDR-7506/v6 or AKG K553 (assuming you want sub $200)
Hope this helps!