Quality Headphones vs 7.1 Gaming Headset

[toberkulosis]

Hello hello,
So I've been using my Razer Kraken Pros for almost a year and a half now and I'm thinking about replacing them in the next 2-6 months since they'll be nearly 2 years old by then.
What I'd like to know is whether I should buy quality headphones or a 7.1 surround sound gaming headset.
I'd say for the headphones either the audio technica m50x or the Sony MDR-R1 would be the ones I'd be most interested in, something that has really good quality and I could walk around town/campus without looking too out of place (I'm looking at you neon green krakens...)
For the headset I'd probably either go with Astro A40/A50, Razer Kraken 7.1, or a Steel Series set.
Now I'm not really asking for opinions on which headset/headphones to get the opinions I'd like is for which of the two catagories I should go for.
I mainly game, I'm not that much of an audiophile but I do like to listen to spotify while I game if that counts for anthing ^.^

So here is the question:
As far as for the best sounding experience, what would be the better choice? I've heard the quality in most headphones is far better than in gaming headsets; but by how much here? Is it to die for? Is the quality a noticable difference in the two? Is 7.1 worth sacrificing the quality?

Thanks guys,
-TB

 

[ewok93]

Headphones do generally have better sound quality, but good gaming headsets are designed for gaming. They are usually more comfortable for longer periods of time, are more convenient that headphones and a separate microphone, and generally look cooler, even if they're not flashy. When you're gaming you won't be paying much attention to sound quality, but more directional sound to tell where people are coming from. I believe both types are great for their intended uses, if you're making or editing music, you should get nice headphone, if you're gaming, you should get a good headset.

Some good gaming headsets are the Corsair Vengeance 2100 (which I have), it's wireless which I love, but that does require charging and does add some static (not a ton, and it's added, it doesn't reduce quality) and cost. The Steelseries Siberia V2 and Elite are also great, the V2 being some of the most popular headphones among professional gamers. Creative also has a ton of headsets with a bunch of variation, wireless/wired, USB/aux.

Just make sure to get 50mm drivers, they provide more sound due to the speakers being much larger (more than 25% because it increases the area of a circle as you increase the radius).

 

[ssddx]

we can most certainly give you some advice as well as our own opinions however you will need to let us know what you prefer...

personally, yes i think headphones are better than headsets and yes even that good headphones can be better than gaming specific headsets. i also own a pair of m50s and while its not the best choice you could make for gaming they are certainly a good pair of headphones. for gaming specifically i'd recommend other models (see below).

as far as a mic is concerned, the $50 modmic is hard to beat and will make any pair of headphones as convenient as a non-usb headset. vocal quality is also excellent.

you might be interested in virtual surround... but be aware that it distorts sound a bit. see below.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide-update-7-9-2014-ultrasone-hfi-15g-added

use the search function on your browser (ctrl+f normally) to search that thread for "dolby headphone" as there are 3 linked videos on that for virtual surround sound you should listen to. if you notice a difference between on and off then perhaps virtual is for you. if not, then you will be fine with stereo only.

this software allows stereo headphones to sound like surround headsets. generally most surround gaming headsets use this technology and are not true multi-driver surround headsets. in usb headsets this is typically handled by the soundcard inside the headphones while if you want to use it with normal headphones you will need a soundcard capable of a virtual surround mode. razer does have free software to do this without such a soundcard however it may or may not work well for you.

what is your budget?
what kind of a sound profile do you like?
read my headphone guide section titled "types of headphones" specifically what i say about open vs closed. what sounds better to you?

if you arent a basshead... for under $200 i would recommend:
-ad700x (very bass light but clear and crisp treble with good soundstage)
-ad900x (slightly more bass than above, better all around specs)
-hd598 (very wide soundstage, enough bass for gaming but not excessive)

if you like a bit more bass for under $200
-dt990pro-250 (needs amp, wide soundstage, fair bass, crisp bright highs, slightly subdued mids)
-dt880pro-250 (needs amp, less bass and more neutral soundstage than above)

if you want significant bass presence without sacrificing sound quality elsewhere for under $200
-dt770pro-80 (might need amp, good bass, bigger soundstage than below)
-ath-m50 (very small soundstage, cheaper than above, good bass. for the price its only con is its soundstage size otherwise its excellent)

generally bigger soundstages (open headphones) work best with virtual surround however that is just opinion and you could of course use virtual with any headphone set.

 

[ewok93]

Ssddx has some great suggestions. The headphones you get are really all preference, there are pros and cons for both. Personally I love being able to walk away from my computer and carry on a Skype call with my wireless headset.

 

[ssddx]

agreed.

both headsets and headphones have their place but we really do not know what is best for you unless you make known to us your preferences and useage habits.