High End Headphones for PC Gaming.

[notredameguy]

I have a high end gaming PC (Two GTX 1080 in SLI) and am looking to get a good pair of headphones exclusively for gaming. (price range is ~$200-$400). I play mostly RPGs (Witcher 3) so want something that makes me feel like I am in the environment.

I have looked at all the "gaming" headsets and all seem underwhelming based on reviews. I would prefer wireless, but again, all the wireless options seem to be poorly reviewed. So instead, I was thinking of getting a good pair of headphones (aka not gaming headset) and am looking for some recommendations.

I know Sennheiser HD600/HD650 are highly recommended for music, but have read they are not the best for gaming. Is that true?

 

[Chugalug_]

They're not mutually exclusive application, it's just that gaming audio is mostly bass-centric.
Good headphones are good headphones full stop, all depends on sound quality, sound signature etc.
Spend a touch more and get the K712 Pros and the amp I listed.
They're fantastic, better than the HD 650s imo
However if you want a more neutral signature, you can't pass the 650s (get the amp with them as well): https://www.adorama.com/sehd650.html?utm_source=rflaid912925

All comes down to personal taste, although I recommend the AKGs, they have more of a personality.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E4WXWBE/?tag=pcpapi-20
https://www.amazon.com/Schiit-SCH-0702-Magni-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00SCBKPW2/ref=pd_sim_267_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00SCBKPW2&pd_rd_r=588JV3V92VYZZ1ZHPCYB&pd_rd_w=fnE9K&pd_rd_wg=6ExC6&psc=1&refRID=588JV3V92VYZZ1ZHPCYB

 

[notredameguy]

They're not mutually exclusive application, it's just that gaming audio is mostly bass-centric.
Good headphones are good headphones full stop, all depends on sound quality, sound signature etc.
Spend a touch more and get the K712 Pros and the amp I listed.
They're fantastic, better than the HD 650s imo
However if you want a more neutral signature, you can't pass the 650s (get the amp with them as well): https://www.adorama.com/sehd650.html?utm_source=rflaid912925

All comes down to personal taste, although I recommend the AKGs, they have more of a personality.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E4WXWBE/?tag=pcpapi-20
https://www.amazon.com/Schiit-SCH-0702-Magni-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00SCBKPW2/ref=pd_sim_267_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00SCBKPW2&pd_rd_r=588JV3V92VYZZ1ZHPCYB&pd_rd_w=fnE9K&pd_rd_wg=6ExC6&psc=1&refRID=588JV3V92VYZZ1ZHPCYB

I have a Asus Formula VIII motherboard, so it's a high end board and it says that it has high end audio and can do up to 600 ohms. Would I still need an amp/DAC?

 

[ssddx]

depends on what you want out of headphones, honestly.

generally for gaming people either go for something advantageous (bass light cans) or something fun to listen to (v-shaped cans). for those who want down the middle there are neutral cans.

ad500x, ad700x, akg cans, etc.. anything which has good treble response and is not heavy on bass while having a good soundstage will be advantageous. bass covers footsteps, small sounds, etc so not having bass while not as fun sounding does give advantage. a wide soundstage will give more depth/distance to sound and give you a slight edge.

now, gaming cans often do not sound exciting. if you want something more for immersion, products like the dt770, dt990 or various other cans do this.

the hd600/hd650 is a good can. the hd6xx is an even better deal. are they bad for gaming? well, you can use them but given how they are a little slow i would not call them the best choice but its all up to your preferences. you can certainly use them and given how they are a bit more mellow and laid back they do make good cans for long sessions.

even the best quality onboard audio is still low end. i have a $400 board myself and dont believe for one second that what you have is any better than a $30 soundcard. its sufficient for most things, yes, but high end it is not. can you power headphones with it? sure, anything fairly easy to drive should be fine. anything else (akg cans, dt990, etc) i'd get either a headphone amp or decent soundcard with headphone amp (generally the SB-Z) at minimum. i agree that the magni is a stellar amp for the price. you will not need to upgrade from it unless you really start getting into $600+ headphones and are a complete audiophile.

 

[Chugalug_]

Yep, remember straight ohm rating isn't everything, think similar to PSU wattage ratings.

 

[notredameguy]

They're not mutually exclusive application, it's just that gaming audio is mostly bass-centric.
Good headphones are good headphones full stop, all depends on sound quality, sound signature etc.
Spend a touch more and get the K712 Pros and the amp I listed.
They're fantastic, better than the HD 650s imo
However if you want a more neutral signature, you can't pass the 650s (get the amp with them as well): https://www.adorama.com/sehd650.html?utm_source=rflaid912925

All comes down to personal taste, although I recommend the AKGs, they have more of a personality.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E4WXWBE/?tag=pcpapi-20
https://www.amazon.com/Schiit-SCH-0702-Magni-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00SCBKPW2/ref=pd_sim_267_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00SCBKPW2&pd_rd_r=588JV3V92VYZZ1ZHPCYB&pd_rd_w=fnE9K&pd_rd_wg=6ExC6&psc=1&refRID=588JV3V92VYZZ1ZHPCYB

I actually really like those headphones and was looking into them based off reviews, but am having a hard time finding anyone selling them in the USA for a reasonable price (they sell in Europe for $250).

 

[Chugalug_]

Yeah, that's a problem.
The HD 650s are still a fantastic option, save up and get either one of the ones I listed above, both are great pairings.

 

[tacanacy]

Important properties in headphones for gaming are a wide AND deep soundstage, accurate imaging, and good detail retrieval. Bass is good for immersion but diminishes detailing and awareness. HD600 has almost no soundstage, so that's why it's not ideal for gaming.

Highly regarded headphones: AKG K701, AKG K702, AKG Q701, Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X, Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X, Beyerdynamic DT880, Beyerdynamic DT990, Philips Fidelio X2, Sennheiser HD598

(Highly) regarded DACs and amps: Creative Sound Blaster X7, Creative Sound Blaster Z, FiiO E10K, Fiio E12, FiiO E17, FiiO E18, Fiio E9K, JDS Labs / Mayflower Objective O2, Schiit Magni Uber, Schiit Modi 2 Uber, Xonar DX

I have Q701, AD700X, DT990 @ 600 ohms and Philips Fidelio X2. I use them with Schiit Magni 2 Uber and Modi 2 Uber and Creative X7. I recommend Fidelio X2 for a more fun listening experience. I prefer DT990 and Q701 for FPS gaming, but DT990 can be very bright and sibilant, and Q701 a little flat and boring.

 

[notredameguy]

Important properties in headphones for gaming are a wide AND deep soundstage, accurate imaging, and good detail retrieval. Bass is good for immersion but diminishes detailing and awareness. HD600 has almost no soundstage, so that's why it's not ideal for gaming.

Highly regarded headphones: AKG K701, AKG K702, AKG Q701, Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X, Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X, Beyerdynamic DT880, Beyerdynamic DT990, Philips Fidelio X2, Sennheiser HD598

(Highly) regarded DACs and amps: Creative Sound Blaster X7, Creative Sound Blaster Z, FiiO E10K, Fiio E12, FiiO E17, FiiO E18, Fiio E9K, JDS Labs / Mayflower Objective O2, Schiit Magni Uber, Schiit Modi 2 Uber, Xonar DX

I have Q701, AD700X, DT990 @ 600 ohms and Philips Fidelio X2. And I use them with Schiit Magni 2 Uber and Modi 2 Uber and Creative X7. I recommend Fidelio X2 for a more fun listening experience. I prefer DT990 and Q701 for FPS gaming, but DT990 can be very bright and sibilant, and Q701 a little flat and boring.

Thanks for the list. After doing more research I am thinking pairing the Philips Fidelio X2 and FiiO E10K.

Would I get any benefit from using a sound card or Astro Mixamp to get 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound instead of the FiiO E10K?

 

[Chugalug_]

The Fiio is a great little portable amp, but I don't recommend the Philips with that simply because they're more focused towards the portable device end of things with a 30 ohm impedance and aren't as good value in terms of sound quality as i'd like them to be for the money.
I'd get the E10K paired with the K712 Pros since they're relatively easy to drive with a decent amp.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E4WXWBE/?tag=pcpapi-20
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA9VN3NS7982

 

[notredameguy]

The Fiio is a great little portable amp, but I don't recommend the Philips with that simply because they're more focused towards the portable device end of things with a 30 ohm impedance and aren't as good value in terms of sound quality as i'd like them to be for the money.
I'd get the E10K paired with the K712 Pros since they're relatively easy to drive with a decent amp.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E4WXWBE/?tag=pcpapi-20
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA9VN3NS7982

I was looking at that particular pair, but after contacting AKG they informed me that none of the sellers on amazon are considered "authorized sellers" and thus the 2 year warranty would be void. Every place that is an "authorized seller" (direct, b&h, etc) are selling it for $500 which is out of my price range.

 

[Chugalug_]

Eek! that sucks for sure.
If you're going to be comboing the Fiio E10K, get this, great cans with low impedance.
https://www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-HE-400S-Hifiman-HE400S-Full-Size-Headphone/dp/B00Y2EOI94/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1494513067&sr=8-12&keywords=Oppo+headphones

 

[ssddx]

the k712 is not a cheap headphone. if it is out of your budget but you still want akg, look at the k701, k702 or even better the k7xx

 

[Chugalug_]

Yep, the K702s are still good.

 

[tacanacy]

Important properties in headphones for gaming are a wide AND deep soundstage, accurate imaging, and good detail retrieval. Bass is good for immersion but diminishes detailing and awareness. HD600 has almost no soundstage, so that's why it's not ideal for gaming.

Highly regarded headphones: AKG K701, AKG K702, AKG Q701, Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X, Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X, Beyerdynamic DT880, Beyerdynamic DT990, Philips Fidelio X2, Sennheiser HD598

(Highly) regarded DACs and amps: Creative Sound Blaster X7, Creative Sound Blaster Z, FiiO E10K, Fiio E12, FiiO E17, FiiO E18, Fiio E9K, JDS Labs / Mayflower Objective O2, Schiit Magni Uber, Schiit Modi 2 Uber, Xonar DX

I have Q701, AD700X, DT990 @ 600 ohms and Philips Fidelio X2. And I use them with Schiit Magni 2 Uber and Modi 2 Uber and Creative X7. I recommend Fidelio X2 for a more fun listening experience. I prefer DT990 and Q701 for FPS gaming, but DT990 can be very bright and sibilant, and Q701 a little flat and boring.

Thanks for the list. After doing more research I am thinking pairing the Philips Fidelio X2 and FiiO E10K.

Would I get any benefit from using a sound card or Astro Mixamp to get 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound instead of the FiiO E10K?

If you get headphones with a big soundstage and good imaging, there's no difference to a very small difference between stereo and virtual surround sound in how three-dimensional the environment/space sounds like. Virtual surround sound degrades the sound quality and diminishes detailing and separation. The performance of virtual surround sound depends on which processor you use. I don't like Dolby; I think it has the worst sound quality and least accurate positional audio. I prefer SBX instead. Have you considered Creative Sound Blaster Z, or don't you have enough space due to the two GPUs? I read about someone being very happy with the this card combined with Fidelio X2.

 

[notredameguy]

Important properties in headphones for gaming are a wide AND deep soundstage, accurate imaging, and good detail retrieval. Bass is good for immersion but diminishes detailing and awareness. HD600 has almost no soundstage, so that's why it's not ideal for gaming.

Highly regarded headphones: AKG K701, AKG K702, AKG Q701, Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X, Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X, Beyerdynamic DT880, Beyerdynamic DT990, Philips Fidelio X2, Sennheiser HD598

(Highly) regarded DACs and amps: Creative Sound Blaster X7, Creative Sound Blaster Z, FiiO E10K, Fiio E12, FiiO E17, FiiO E18, Fiio E9K, JDS Labs / Mayflower Objective O2, Schiit Magni Uber, Schiit Modi 2 Uber, Xonar DX

I have Q701, AD700X, DT990 @ 600 ohms and Philips Fidelio X2. And I use them with Schiit Magni 2 Uber and Modi 2 Uber and Creative X7. I recommend Fidelio X2 for a more fun listening experience. I prefer DT990 and Q701 for FPS gaming, but DT990 can be very bright and sibilant, and Q701 a little flat and boring.

Thanks for the list. After doing more research I am thinking pairing the Philips Fidelio X2 and FiiO E10K.

Would I get any benefit from using a sound card or Astro Mixamp to get 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound instead of the FiiO E10K?

If you get headphones with a big soundstage and good imaging, there's no difference to a very small difference between stereo and virtual surround sound in how three-dimensional the environment/space sounds like. Virtual surround sound degrades the sound quality and diminishes detailing and separation. The performance of virtual surround sound depends on which processor you use. I don't like Dolby; I think it has the worst sound quality and least accurate positional audio. I prefer SBX instead. Have you considered Creative Sound Blaster Z, or don't you have enough space due to the two GPUs? I read about someone being very happy with the this card combined with Fidelio X2.

Yeah no room due to the 2 GPUs each taking 1.5 slots unfortunately. I am looking into the Sennhesier GSX 1000 as I have read in reviews they are much better than even Creative cards (even though it costs freaking $230). But I'm pretty sure Im going with the Fiio E10K as its only $75. I want the Schiit Uber stack but can't justify $350.

 

[tacanacy]

Important properties in headphones for gaming are a wide AND deep soundstage, accurate imaging, and good detail retrieval. Bass is good for immersion but diminishes detailing and awareness. HD600 has almost no soundstage, so that's why it's not ideal for gaming.

Highly regarded headphones: AKG K701, AKG K702, AKG Q701, Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X, Audio-Technica ATH-AD900X, Beyerdynamic DT880, Beyerdynamic DT990, Philips Fidelio X2, Sennheiser HD598

(Highly) regarded DACs and amps: Creative Sound Blaster X7, Creative Sound Blaster Z, FiiO E10K, Fiio E12, FiiO E17, FiiO E18, Fiio E9K, JDS Labs / Mayflower Objective O2, Schiit Magni Uber, Schiit Modi 2 Uber, Xonar DX

I have Q701, AD700X, DT990 @ 600 ohms and Philips Fidelio X2. And I use them with Schiit Magni 2 Uber and Modi 2 Uber and Creative X7. I recommend Fidelio X2 for a more fun listening experience. I prefer DT990 and Q701 for FPS gaming, but DT990 can be very bright and sibilant, and Q701 a little flat and boring.

Thanks for the list. After doing more research I am thinking pairing the Philips Fidelio X2 and FiiO E10K.

Would I get any benefit from using a sound card or Astro Mixamp to get 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound instead of the FiiO E10K?

If you get headphones with a big soundstage and good imaging, there's no difference to a very small difference between stereo and virtual surround sound in how three-dimensional the environment/space sounds like. Virtual surround sound degrades the sound quality and diminishes detailing and separation. The performance of virtual surround sound depends on which processor you use. I don't like Dolby; I think it has the worst sound quality and least accurate positional audio. I prefer SBX instead. Have you considered Creative Sound Blaster Z, or don't you have enough space due to the two GPUs? I read about someone being very happy with the this card combined with Fidelio X2.

Yeah no room due to the 2 GPUs each taking 1.5 slots unfortunately. I am looking into the Sennhesier GSX 1000 as I have read in reviews they are much better than even Creative cards (even though it costs freaking $230). But I'm pretty sure Im going with the Fiio E10K as its only $75. I want the Schiit Uber stack but can't justify $350.

Why not just get the Magni 2 (Uber) amp? And perhaps Modi 2 Uber later.

 

[Chugalug_]

Not good value in the given price range.
A DAC is a luxury, not necessarily a necessity.

 

[Hazelhart]

The Fiio is a great little portable amp, but I don't recommend the Philips with that simply because they're more focused towards the portable device end of things with a 30 ohm impedance and aren't as good value in terms of sound quality as i'd like them to be for the money.
I'd get the E10K paired with the K712 Pros since they're relatively easy to drive with a decent amp.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E4WXWBE/?tag=pcpapi-20
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA9VN3NS7982

K712 Pro doesn't make the Fiio E10K less focused towards the portable device end of things, so why is the X2 less ideal for it in regard to that? The X2's impedance is exactly 30 ohms, so that also makes no sense.