Question Just finished first gaming build and looking for recommendations on over-ear headphones?

[alphacoyle]

I've never bought myself over-ear headphones before and would like to get something nice, but I don't know much about them. They'd just be used for gaming. I have a small head so there's that. Budget is up to $200. Thanks!

 

[Lutfij]

Are you looking at an analog headset or one that's USB driven?

Give this article/guide a whirl;

Best gaming headsets in 2025: I'd bet my ears on these headphones

Treat your ears to some treacle with the best gaming headsets.

www.pcgamer.com

 

[alphacoyle]

Are you looking at an analog headset or one that's USB driven?

Give this article/guide a whirl;

Best gaming headsets in 2025: I'd bet my ears on these headphones

Treat your ears to some treacle with the best gaming headsets.

www.pcgamer.com

Analog, and they don't need to have a microphone.

 

[dingo07]

I have an unopened box of SVN Sound NEON 100's that was designed by Steve Aoki I want to sell. They're supposed to be great. Send me a message if you're interested.

 

[williamjeremiah]

I assume the majority of recommendations here are going to be the trending gamer category.
If interested in reference/hifi instead, aim for the Hifiman Sundara Headphones.
Or
Sign up at Drop(dot)com and get some Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones

If you want more power, go to JDS Labs and pick up the Atom Amp 2 and a good Low Cost USB DAC

 

[Darkbreeze]

Analog, and they don't need to have a microphone.

Are you wanting wired or wireless?

 

[alphacoyle]

Are you wanting wired or wireless?

Wired.

 

[williamjeremiah]

Wired.

View: https://youtu.be/Zb_YztpDdAg

 

[williamjeremiah]

I realize this one is outside of your stated budget, but the reason I wanted to show you this is because within the video review, found in the description of the headphone, it is directly compared with the Hifiman Sundara, which is the first headphone I suggested for you.
Audeze MM-100 Headphones

 

[williamjeremiah]

Of the headphones suggested, the Hifiman Sundara is going to be the most fun to own, in my opinion, due to its planar magnetic driver's slam characteristics. However, at $279, it is a bit outside of your stated budget.
There simply aren't any headphones within this category at or under $200 that I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Hifiman Sundara Headphones | 2020 Edition

 

[dingo07]

I also have a Dragonfly Black I would sell cheap

 

[Darkbreeze]

https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/best/by-price/under-200

 

[williamjeremiah]

https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/best/by-price/under-200

Of that list, there's only one model that is wired. The Sennheiser HD 560S. And they all use Dynamic drivers. They're not necessarily bad, there's simply none of them that stand out from other headphones, like the Sundaras, and you may as well get the HD 6XX from drop(dot)com.

View: https://youtu.be/TAigZ52X9XI

View: https://youtu.be/rqAtsO6u868

This one compares the HD 560S and HD6XX against the newer HD 490 Pro's

View: https://youtu.be/4O0kq4pf6Bc

And they say they actually like the HD6XX better.

 

[williamjeremiah]

I also have a Dragonfly Black I would sell cheap

Yeah, don't waste your money on Dragonflies,
When you can get a Questyle DAC/AMP.

 

[williamjeremiah]

I've been hunting for options and have stumbled upon something interesting. Especially if one is open to doing an easy modification.
The Headphone is the Hifiman HE400se and this first url is the video which includes the modification, as well as options for an affordable DAC/AMP dongle, to use with either a phone or PC.

View: https://youtu.be/Vl4xmjpfTyw


Secondly, here is rtings' review of the HE400se and I suggest also taking a look at their "Compared to other Headphones" section.

Lastly, for excrement & giggles:

View: https://youtu.be/fD0kZS3olJg

$109 @ amazon
HIFIMAN HE400SE Stealth Magnets Version Over-Ear Open-Back Full-Size Planar Magnetic Wired Headphones

And Here's a Nice $80 USB Desktop DAC w/ single ended Headphone Amp
iFi uno - DAC & Headphone AMP - USB-C Input

 

[williamjeremiah]

There's not been much activity on this thread.

A couple things I wanted to add.
There are a few pre-owned Hifiman Sundara ebay listings within your budget.

And don't do This, because they're totally different, in a bad way.

And to summarize my suggestions thus far, from another's point of view, including why I didn't give much thought concerning the HD 560S.
Here's a review of the HD560S, which compares it to the HD 6XX and Sundara.

View: https://youtu.be/Jy4gvpz_SIc

This is likely my final post.

 

[alphacoyle]

There's not been much activity on this thread.

A couple things I wanted to add.
There are a few pre-owned Hifiman Sundara ebay listings within your budget.

And don't do This, because they're totally different, in a bad way.

And to summarize my suggestions thus far, from another's point of view, including why I didn't give much thought concerning the HD 560S.
Here's a review of the HD560S, which compares it to the HD 6XX and Sundara.

View: https://youtu.be/Jy4gvpz_SIc

This is likely my final post.

I'm not sure about the build quality of those.

 

[williamjeremiah]

I'm not sure about the build quality of those.

The goal of the HD560S video was to focus attention onto the HD6XX and Sundara, actually.
They use plastic for increased comfort due to lighter weight, but Sennheiser products are built very well. Watch the videos.
The only video that isn't really essential is the Z's Reviews one, on the HE400SE. I simply think he's entertaining.

 

[alphacoyle]

The goal of the HD560S video was to focus attention onto the HD6XX and Sundara, actually.
They use plastic for increased comfort due to lighter weight, but Sennheiser products are built very well. Watch the videos.
The only video that isn't really essential is the Z's Reviews one, on the HE400SE. I simply think he's entertaining.

I'd keep Sennheiser in mind, my concern with them is more with the wiring--one side cutting out--a pair I bought for someone else had that issue and reviews of the 560s state that happening with them as well.