High end headphones for gaming etc

[distro99]

Hey there! I've been recently thinking about buying a proper pair of headphones instead of the cloud II's I've been using, they're great but I feel like I could have a much better experience with a standalone headset and mic combo, I've already been thinking about getting the blue yeti but I'm trying to research some good high end headsets, I've never had open back before but from what I've heard I think it's what I'll want. I spend most of my time playing games of all genres, listening to music and watching tv shows so an all rounder of sorts would be perfect, I don't really have a budget I want to get something worth it for the long run and don't know much about amps and stuff but don't mind spending extra if you all think it's worth it, one pair I've already got my eye on was the sennheiser HD558 but any recommendations would be perfect thanks again

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Here lets get you some basics.

Zeos buy lists and links to his reviews. He doesn't have a trained ear but he's entertaining and his reviews are sort of an 'every man' review. Somebody like me who loves music but doesn't have any training or background in it.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Zeos/

Innerfidelity. The recently retired Tyell at Innerfidelity was one of the most respected reviewers around. Their Wall of Fame is what you should pay attention to.

https://www.innerfidelity.com/

The ASR forums. Everything audio measured objectively.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php

Reviews:

https://headfonics.com/

https://www.headfonia.com/

Youtube reviewers in order of review quality. .

Metal571
The Nitpicker
DMS ---- tie
Joshua Valour ----- tie both good



Zeos

Then there's HeadFi and SuperbestAudoFriends. They tend to heavily promote Schiit products at both places. Doesn't make them bad resources at all just perhaps biased towards Schiit amps and DACs that don't measure very well elsewhere.


That's Headphone 101. Study as you see fit.


Oh and no matter how good the sound quality reviews are don't buy HiFiMan unless you're prepared for it to break. The headbands break across their entire product line.

 

[distro99]

Ahhh sorry I'm probably annoying with all my nooby questions, so if I were to just get the 6XX with the X1S and no virtual surround card do you think it would be a good enough upgrade from the hyper x cloud II's to brother upgrading for gaming? And thanks for those links I'll have a look at them!

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Yes. No question at all.

Heh I've been looking at this stuff for years and have thousands invested. I like talking about it. Most people on here are looking to get out as cheap as possible. It's nice talking about some higher end options.

Do some reading at the links provided. Especially go to the review sites and see what they say about the 650/6XX. Except Zeos, take him with a grain of salt. He has the 6XX listed as midfi and the 600/650 listed as hifi. The 650 and 6XX are identical except the paint and the cables that come with it. They come off the same assembly line in Ireland.

 

[distro99]

Alright awesome I'll keep having a read also what voltage would I need to get for the X7S/X1S?

 

[Deleted member 217926]

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/aune-x1s-32bit-384-dsd128-mini-dac

In bolded blue: Note: At checkout, select the X1S Anniversary Edition DAC/amp or the X7S balanced headphone amp in your choice of color (black or silver) and voltage (110V or 220V). Or, for an additional $180, get both.

Oh wait were you asking? You'd get the 220v I assume. New Zealand?

Yep.

https://www.school-for-champions.com/science/ac_world_volt_freq_list.htm

 

[distro99]

So you can use the X7S as the amp and use the X1S just as a DAC even though it's a combo is that right?

 

[distro99]

Although I may just end up going with the D30 to go with the X7S like you

 

[Deleted member 217926]

So you can use the X7S as the amp and use the X1S just as a DAC even though it's a combo is that right?

Yep. But you still have the X1S as an amp as well if you go the X1S/X7S stack route. The X7S is Class A meaning it's a 100% power all the time. That generally adds a little warmth to the sound. It's a NICE paring with the HD650. If you get the duo you'd have a slightly different amp to play with as well.

Probably ~95% of the sound is the headphone. The majority of the rest is the amp. A quality DAC should be transparent and not color the sound at all. There may be smallish differences in higher end DACs but that's way more than you should be looking at.

 

[distro99]

So would you reccomend the stack route or go for the D30?

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Yes! :lol:

Either or. It's up to you, it's your money. I'm just giving you options.

 

[distro99]

Hey mate! Thought i'd let you know I just bought the Seinnheiser 6XX's off Massdrop as well as the X7S 220v in a silver colour so it'll match nicely with the D30 when I decide to pick that up after my next paycheck haha, thanks for all the help you were insanely helpful and nice

 

[distro99]

Not too sure if i'll be all good setting it all up or not when it arrives but i'm sure i'll be able to search something up hahaha

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Awesome! You'll need a DAC of some type but you can likely use your motherboard for now until you get the D30.

You'll need a cable to connect the DAC and amp. Not sure if it will be available to you but I just use Amazon basics cables. You'll need one cable like this. Gold plated connectors are a plus for sound. It doesn't need to be any longer than to connect your DAC and amp.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D5H8P0G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You will at some point also want to get a balanced cable so you can make use of the full power of the X7S. The X7S is 1 watt through the single ended connection and a full 1.7 watts out of the balanced connection. More power is better for the Sennheisers. The balanced out also slightly increases stereo separation. No need to spend crazy money on cables. I bought one from CorpseCables ebay store. Actually I bought 2 of them. One for my HD600s and one for my HD650s.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SENNHEISER-4-Pin-XLR-Balanced-Headphone-Cable-For-HD-660-S-HD-650-/302037349462?hash=item4652d43456

He takes a stock Sennheiser HD600/650/660S cable and reterminates it by hand with a 4pin Neutrik XLR connector. Great work for a great price.

Connection will be: USB cable from your computer to the D30 - RCA cable from the D30 to the X7S. That's it.

Any other questions feel free to ask and when you get your stuff let me know how you like it either here or in my Home Audio thread linked in my sig. Also feel free to just drop by there to chat and ask any future questions. It's not very active and needs the help. :lol:

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Oh I use the same name on Massdrop. If you read the X7S reviews you read mine.

 

[distro99]

Awesome! You'll need a DAC of some type but you can likely use your motherboard for now until you get the D30.

You'll need a cable to connect the DAC and amp. Not sure if it will be available to you but I just use Amazon basics cables. You'll need one cable like this. Gold plated connectors are a plus for sound. It doesn't need to be any longer than to connect your DAC and amp.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D5H8P0G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You will at some point also want to get a balanced cable so you can make use of the full power of the X7S. The X7S is 1 watt through the single ended connection and a full 1.7 watts out of the balanced connection. More power is better for the Sennheisers. The balanced out also slightly increases stereo separation. No need to spend crazy money on cables. I bought one from CorpseCables ebay store. Actually I bought 2 of them. One for my HD600s and one for my HD650s.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SENNHEISER-4-Pin-XLR-Balanced-Headphone-Cable-For-HD-660-S-HD-650-/302037349462?hash=item4652d43456

He takes a stock Sennheiser HD600/650/660S cable and reterminates it by hand with a 4pin Neutrik XLR connector. Great work for a great price.

Connection will be: USB cable from your computer to the D30 - RCA cable from the D30 to the X7S. That's it.

Any other questions feel free to ask and when you get your stuff let me know how you like it either here or in my Home Audio thread linked in my sig. Also feel free to just drop by there to chat and ask any future questions. It's not very active and needs the help. :lol:

Awesome I'll have a look at both of those, I think the headphones and amp will take a while to get to me anyway since I'm in NZ so by the time they get here I might already have the cables and D30 sorted, I'll report back here when it does arrive though thanks again!