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    What gaming Headphones are good for my Big Head?

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by alexpre888, Jul 31, 2015.

  1. alexpre888

    alexpre888 Notebook Consultant

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    I've used at least two different headset: the Plantronics Gamecom 780 and Logitech G430

    the Plantronics headphones was very budget friendly with that additional 7.1 sounds but it isn't durable in long term. the Logitech G430 (my current headphones) sounds good with 7.1 as well and is surprisingly durable to this day, unfortunately the Mic wiring is screwed up at the moment.

    But there is something that bothers me the most: My head is too big. It causes major migraines and I do feel the squeeze many times.


    So I ask here. Is there a Headphone that is good for big headed gamers like myself?
     
  2. octiceps

    octiceps Nimrod

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    Audio-Technica ATH-AD700x.

    ATH-ADG1 if you want included mic, but you pay a hefty premium for it.
     
  3. alexpre888

    alexpre888 Notebook Consultant

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    well now....the mic must be pretty special to be that expensive
     
  4. octiceps

    octiceps Nimrod

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    It is a great mic compared to the ones on most gaming headsets, but yeah definitely overpriced. Also comes with a USB sound card, removable though so you can still plug it into your PC sound card's analog output.
     
  5. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I'd get a good set of standalone headphones and pair them with an Antlion Modmic.
     
  6. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    Agree with this.

    Get yourself a pair of entry-level audiophile headphones, and put a clip-on mic on it. The popular picks that are considered entry-level are Audio Technica ATH-M50, and Sennheiser HD 558. Add-on mic options are Zalman ZM-1 clip-on mic (about $9), or an Antlion ModMic (about $35).

    If you want surround sound capabilities, download Razer Surround software. It is a virtual audio driver that takes a 7.1-channel surround sound input, performs calculations on it (called surround downmixing or HRTF) based on what your two ears SHOULD hear from a true surround signal, and then outputs that calculated sound through 2.0-channel stereo headphones. All "surround sound" headsets do exactly the same thing. The only difference is that those surround sound headsets perform this calculation using onboard hardware, whereas Razer Surround simply performs these calculations in a downloadable software package.
     
    Kent T likes this.
  7. octiceps

    octiceps Nimrod

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    @alexpre888 you should provide some more info, would make recommendations a whole lot easier. For example:

    What is your budget?

    Does it have to be a headset (built-in mic), or can it be a headphone + separate mic?

    Open or closed back?

    What is your preferred sound signature? Is this going to be for fun, immersive gaming or competitive soundwhoring?

    Are there certain brands you like/dislike?

    I suggested the AD700x (and ADG1, which is identical but includes a mic) because you said you have a big head. The Audio-Technica Air Dynamic line with its unique 3D wings, while typically a bit loose for average heads, was pretty much designed for oversized noggins and should be extremely comfortable with no modification. It's also super open, very bass-light, and has an extremely wide soundstage. The original AD700 developed a cult following among competitive gamers for these reaasons and the refreshed AD700x continues to be one of the most recommended gaming headphones out there. The cheaper AD500x is similar, while the pricier AD900x (which I own) has a more balanced sound signature with more bass.
     
  8. alexpre888

    alexpre888 Notebook Consultant

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    What is your budget?
    $100-$200 (Cheaper price is prefered, but throw in expensive ones so I may consider them)

    Does it have to be a headset (built-in mic), or can it be a headphone + separate mic?
    Mic is prefered, but throw in the ones without mic as well.

    Open or closed back?
    Closed

    What is your preferred sound signature? Is this going to be for fun, immersive gaming or competitive soundwhoring?
    I use it for many things, from gaming, music, and watching videos/movies. but gaming is priority.


    Are there certain brands you like/dislike?
    so Far i am Satisfied with Logitech. BUT, I will happily try out any headphones regardless of brand. in other words, I care little about brand and more about if the headphone is good an durable enough for long span.
     
    kent1146 likes this.
  9. octiceps

    octiceps Nimrod

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    Do you game in a noisy environment or something? Open backs are more comfortable and have better SQ.
     
  10. alexpre888

    alexpre888 Notebook Consultant

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    I have a mexican family that shout, cheer, sing like airhorns, especially in soccor games....so yes lol
     
  11. octiceps

    octiceps Nimrod

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    That sucks. After listening to open headphones I have a hard time going back to closed unless isolation is a must. Oh well, these are all closed:

    Gemini HSR-1000
    Kingston HyperX Cloud (headset version of the above)
    AKG K550
    Audio-Technica ATH-A900x
    Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 32 ohm

    First 2 might be a tight squeeze for you based on my experience with the open version of them (Takstar HI 2050). The A900x uses the Audio-Technica wing system and should be the most comfortable for large noggins.

    The Zalman and Antlion mics recommended above are fine. Another option is this Sony lapel mic, which interestingly enough is stereo. Better sound quality than the other 2 from the mic tests I've heard.
     
  12. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    Well, thanks for making it easy!
    Your absolute perfect match is an Audio Technica ATH-A700x or ATH-A900x (stay away from the ATH-A*D* series, since those are open-back). Get a separate add-on mic like a Zalman ZM-1 or AntLion Modmic. And download Razer Surround software, if you want virtual surround sound.

    Audio Technica ATH-A700x...
    + Is well within your price range (around $120)
    + Closed Back
    + Well designed for gigantic noggins.
    + Audiophile-level quality makes it highly versatile for music, movies (because it isn't as overly bass-bloated and bass-heavy as gaming headsets). Its bass signature makes it great for gaming.
    + Fantastic brand ** (more on that later).
    + Plus, it is a low-impedance set of headphones. This means that you can easily drive these headphones directly off of multiple different devices, without the need for a separate headphone amplifier.

    As for brand.... Audio Technica is one of the most well-respected brand names in the audio business. And this is even more true when it comes to using their headphones for computer gaming purposes.

    We get a lot of "what headset should I buy?" questions here on NBR. And my simple rule of thumb is this: Buy audio gear from companies that specialize in making audio gear (Sennheiser, Audio Technica, Beyerdynamic, etc). Do not buy audio gear from companies that specialize in putting colored LEDs on mice and keyboards (Razer, Steelseries, Logitech, etc).
     
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2015
  13. Newbie_NS810

    Newbie_NS810 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've been using a pair of Creative Sound Blaster Tactic3D Omegas for a few years now, and it is still going great. Does a decent job of keeping those unwanted external noises out too.

    Its sound is quite clear as well.

    Either way, its worth a look if you get the chance OP.
     
  14. octiceps

    octiceps Nimrod

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    Read the above posts (and every other headset recommendation thread in this forum) ;). Gaming headsets by gaming peripherals companies are overpriced junk. Furthermore wireless = IDGAF about SQ.
     
  15. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    QFT.
     
  16. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    While I do agree, there is a convenience factor associated with something like a wireless headset. I use my headset when I'm playing with other people over VOIP simply because I can go do something else while everything is getting sorted, etc. and not miss what's going on. The only time I use the headset though is for when I have a use for VOIP, otherwise, it's a decent pair of speakers or headphones.

    If I were to use only one device for everything, I'd get a modmic for my Sennheiser HD598 and call it a day.
     
  17. hockeymass

    hockeymass that one guy

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    I have a large domepiece and I find the Sennheiser PC360s to be supercomfortable. Wonderful cans, great sound too.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  18. alexpre888

    alexpre888 Notebook Consultant

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    I shall consider Audio Technica ATH-A700x...It sounds quite promising :D (sorry for long response, was out of town)