Headphone FAQ

[QUOTE="silversix_"]

they were on sale for 100$ and i wanted something light so i just grabbed them. Was thinking of returning them and get the HD558.

ChubbyGuy40

Pretty sure the 558s are identical in sound to the 555s, and I'm enjoying my Monoprice earbuds a hell of a lot more than my 555s. Even with stock tips, they're that damn good for music. Gaming is good too, but I think the 555s has better spatial (positional? forget the correct term) sound so depending on the game I might switch them out.

Here's a comparison with the HD598 included.

Anybody got a good suggestion for a pair of headphones around the $100-$150 mark? I like over-the-ear, and they will be strictly for PC gaming, I can buy a clip-on mic if needed. Also, will I need a sound card to fully appreciate them?

Reason I'm asking this question is I'm wondering if the OP is up to date.

Anybody got a good suggestion for a pair of headphones around the $100-$150 mark? I like over-the-ear, and they will be strictly for PC gaming, I can buy a clip-on mic if needed. Also, will I need a sound card to fully appreciate them?

Reason I'm asking this question is I'm wondering if the OP is up to date.

Plagueless

Anybody got a good suggestion for a pair of headphones around the $100-$150 mark? I like over-the-ear, and they will be strictly for PC gaming, I can buy a clip-on mic if needed. Also, will I need a sound card to fully appreciate them?

Reason I'm asking this question is I'm wondering if the OP is up to date.

Plagueless

[QUOTE="Plagueless"]

Anybody got a good suggestion for a pair of headphones around the $100-$150 mark? I like over-the-ear, and they will be strictly for PC gaming, I can buy a clip-on mic if needed. Also, will I need a sound card to fully appreciate them?

Reason I'm asking this question is I'm wondering if the OP is up to date.

kai_311

Creative Aurvana Live! are known for being great with gaming. Don't get the M50's, NOO, I saw a post recently, saying M50's were overhyped and forgot to show Kraken(I think it was him who challenged me to a M50 thing)..

M50's are a good pair of headphones specially for its price. It is overhyped for a good reason but the problem lies when some compares it to higher end headphones that they haven't tried, saying that the m50s are the only headphones that you need. Now, that statement has some truth into it but only when comparing to a more expensive celebrity headphones like Beats. When you compare it to higher end, hi fi, audiophile headphones there are better out there specially if you move up the price range.

M50's are a good pair of headphones specially for its price. It is overhyped for a good reason but the problem lies when some compares it to higher end headphones that they haven't tried, saying that the m50s are the only headphones that you need. Now, that statement has some truth into it but only when comparing to a more expensive celebrity headphones like Beats. When you compare it to higher end, hi fi, audiophile headphones there are better out there specially if you move up the price range.

kai_311

Comparing it with my DT880/250 premium, the beyer is better in a lot of ways but SQ wise it doesn't make me go WOW. kai_311

[QUOTE="kai_311"] Comparing it with my DT880/250 premium, the beyer is better in a lot of ways but SQ wise it doesn't make me go WOW. Wolfetan

[QUOTE="Wolfetan"][QUOTE="kai_311"] Comparing it with my DT880/250 premium, the beyer is better in a lot of ways but SQ wise it doesn't make me go WOW. kai_311

So I bought a sound card and it is working famously with my speakers. I love it! Nevertheless, the ROCCAT Kave Solid 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset i.e. the very reason I bought a sound card, has constant static noise coming from the headset and it is driving me nuts. I have contacted ROCCAT support and they responded in 11 minutes (I was impressed) with a thorough email which unfortunately didn't help much. I sent them another email but would now like to consult the GameSpot community as well as I would really like to use my headset. Thanks in advance, guys!

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium Service Pack 1 64-bit
Product: ROCCAT Solid 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset
Driver: "Please note: The ROCCAT Kave, including the Remote Control, is designed to work with your operating system without additional drivers."
Country: United Kingdom

-----------------------------

Hello,

I bought the ROCCAT Solid 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset just yesterday along with the Asus Xonar DGX 5.1 PCI-e Sound Card. I love the headset's design and what not, but the constant static noise is beyond annoying. I have tried every available PCI-e slot in my Gigabyte GA-Z68AP-D3 motherboard but the static noise simply won't go away. Playing with the dials on the desktop remote doesn't help either. The static does increase or decrease when I shift the headset's cable around but never fully goes away and I don't see why I constantly need to play around with the cables on a 65£ headset when I didn't need to on my previous 40£ headset. I have tested the sound card using my speakers and it works just fine so kindly advise on how to get rid of the static noise in my headset. Thank you.

Kind regards,
*****Hexagon_777

Hello *****,

 

Thanks for choosing the ROCCAT Kave.

 

This phenomenon can happen with surround headsets that are not only connected to the PC via USB, but also via an analog input (jack plug). This sound is in fact caused by an electromagnetic pulse that occurs when an electrical current runs through metal. These unwanted audio signals can occur if the components in your computer such as your sound card, fan, graphic card, etc. are close together.

 

Some sound cards have an option that can counteract this problem called "PC Beep". Please have a look at your audio settings, which you can find in the system management or in your sound cards driver.

 

Heres an example of the option you need, which you can find with a simple online search:

 

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/139/345503905_ea309b0393.jpg?v=0

http://ipggi.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/pc_beep.jpg

 

You could also try using a different USB port.

Another possible source of the problem: If theres a cordless telephone or base station near the Kave (i.e. on your desk), the radio signal might be creating interference. If this is the case, please pick a more distant position for it.

 

You can also have a look at your Control Panel under Sounds (or at your sound cards driver). If theres a flag entitled Digital E/A, make sure it's turned off.

 

Feel free to write to me again if anything is unclear or if you need further assistance.

 

Viele Grüße / Kind regards,

 

Andi Wulff

Technical SupportROCCAT Support

Hi,

Thank you for the hasty response and explanation.

I have spent the last two or so hours looking for the "PC Beep" option in Windows 7 but to no avail. I looked in my sound card's driver as well as system management but simply couldn't find it. An online search for the option didn't result in anything either. I did try using different USB ports already but again no luck. Finding the "Digital E/A" option was impossible as well. Please advise.

Kind regards,
*****Hexagon_777

^Wait is it plugged in with USB or analogue jacks?

^Wait is it plugged in with USB or analogue jacks?

kraken2109

The USB connection is only for power. Everything else is for sound.

It's not of much relevence since this was an issue with a specific card, but my X-Fi Forte had an awful time with buzzing and noise. I found one suggestion online that was a total ghetto fix. You tape off (electrical/masking/something like that) the bracket on the outside so it doesn't touch the case. Apparently this card had a grounding issue which was causing all sorts of problems. I was surprised when it actually worked and hasn't had a single buzz since. It's totally quiet now.

Can always try that trick. No clue if it'll work but it won't damage the card. Only other thing I could think of is your mobo somehow supplying dirty power or something through USB.

It's not of much relevence since this was an issue with a specific card, but my X-Fi Forte had an awful time with buzzing and noise. I found one suggestion online that was a total ghetto fix. You tape off (electrical/masking/something like that) the bracket on the outside so it doesn't touch the case. Apparently this card had a grounding issue which was causing all sorts of problems. I was surprised when it actually worked and hasn't had a single buzz since. It's totally quiet now.

Can always try that trick. No clue if it'll work but it won't damage the card. Only other thing I could think of is your mobo somehow supplying dirty power or something through USB.

ChubbyGuy40

What would you guys recommend as the best pairs of headphones for under $120? Just wondering if anything new has come out since the list was made.

I've been eyeing the Sennheiser HD518's, are they a good pair for my budget?

What would you guys recommend as the best pairs of headphones for under $120? Just wondering if anything new has come out since the list was made.Plagueless

[QUOTE="Plagueless"]What would you guys recommend as the best pairs of headphones for under $120? Just wondering if anything new has come out since the list was made.Hexagon_777

[QUOTE="Hexagon_777"]

[QUOTE="Plagueless"]What would you guys recommend as the best pairs of headphones for under $120? Just wondering if anything new has come out since the list was made.Plagueless

What would you guys recommend as the best pairs of headphones for under $120? Just wondering if anything new has come out since the list was made.

I've been eyeing the Sennheiser HD518's, are they a good pair for my budget?

Plagueless

hat looks nice, but I was thinking about something more like studio headphones. I actually listen to music more than I play games, often over my games, and I don't play a lot of competitive games where I need to hear every pin drop in the game.Plagueless

http://www.amazon.com/Ultrasone-HFI-580-Surround-Professional-Headphones/product-reviews/B00101UHS8/ref=cm_cr_pr_btm_link_2?ie=UTF8&pageNumber=2&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

$119.

[QUOTE="Hexagon_777"]

[QUOTE="Plagueless"]What would you guys recommend as the best pairs of headphones for under $120? Just wondering if anything new has come out since the list was made.Plagueless

[QUOTE="Plagueless"][QUOTE="Hexagon_777"]The ROCCAT Kave Solid 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset is pretty great. :Dkraken2109

[QUOTE="kraken2109"][QUOTE="Plagueless"] That looks nice, but I was thinking about something more like studio headphones. I actually listen to music more than I play games, often over my games, and I don't play a lot of competitive games where I need to hear every pin drop in the game.Plagueless

Maybe you can stretch to HD558s? Or find the older models which are still great like the 555 or 595.

[QUOTE="Plagueless"][QUOTE="kraken2109"] Are you after open back (like the senn 5xx series) or closed back?kraken2109

Maybe you can stretch to HD558s? Or find the older models which are still great like the 555 or 595.

I've narrowed it down to two ATH-M50 for $120~ or the  Sennheiser HD598 for $220.  The price difference is big but is the extra difference in sound quality that HD598 delivers worth the extra money?  Would the average person even tell a difference between the two?

I've narrowed it down to two ATH-M50 for $120~ or the  Sennheiser HD598 for $220.  The price difference is big but is the extra difference in sound quality that HD598 delivers worth the extra money?  Would the average person even tell a difference between the two?

WonderfulTonite

I've narrowed it down to two ATH-M50 for $120~ or the  Sennheiser HD598 for $220.  The price difference is big but is the extra difference in sound quality that HD598 delivers worth the extra money?  Would the average person even tell a difference between the two?

WonderfulTonite

[QUOTE="WonderfulTonite"]

I've narrowed it down to two ATH-M50 for $120~ or the  Sennheiser HD598 for $220.  The price difference is big but is the extra difference in sound quality that HD598 delivers worth the extra money?  Would the average person even tell a difference between the two?

kraken2109

Ah didn't know that thanks for clarifying. I definitely want open back since  I'll be listening to stuff in quiet envrionments and use different headphones for gym.

[QUOTE="kraken2109"][QUOTE="WonderfulTonite"]

[QUOTE="kraken2109"][QUOTE="WonderfulTonite"]

I've narrowed it down to two ATH-M50 for $120~ or the  Sennheiser HD598 for $220.  The price difference is big but is the extra difference in sound quality that HD598 delivers worth the extra money?  Would the average person even tell a difference between the two?

WonderfulTonite

Ah didn't know that thanks for clarifying. I definitely want open back since  I'll be listening to stuff in quiet envrionments and use different headphones for gym.

[QUOTE="WonderfulTonite"]

[QUOTE="kraken2109"] They're quite different headphones, the major difference being that the AT are closed back and the Senns are open backWolfetan

Ah didn't know that thanks for clarifying. I definitely want open back since  I'll be listening to stuff in quiet envrionments and use different headphones for gym.

Do you guys think the JVC HA-RX700 is a good upgrade from the Sennheiser 202 II?Chiddaling

Returned me Mad Dogs, too big for portable use. Planning to get Unique Melody Miracles. If anybody is bored, I'm open to suggestions on color choices. http://www.custom-iem.com/designer/includes/designer.php One thing to include, I am stuck on getting a wood insert. I love wood on my headphones so that is a no-brainer for me. I'd love some different designs to look at, thanks!

[QUOTE="Chiddaling"]Do you guys think the JVC HA-RX700 is a good upgrade from the Sennheiser 202 II?Chiddaling

[QUOTE="Chiddaling"][QUOTE="Chiddaling"]Do you guys think the JVC HA-RX700 is a good upgrade from the Sennheiser 202 II?kraken2109

Just curious,what would be a proper upgrade to a pair of HD555?(without breaking the bank :P)

And would I need a proper amp, got a Xonar Essence STX or could use my Denon DRA-397.

Just curious,what would be a proper upgrade to a pair of HD555?(without breaking the bank :P)

And would I need a proper amp, got a Xonar Essence STX or could use my Denon DRA-397.

MonsieurX

[QUOTE="MonsieurX"]

Just curious,what would be a proper upgrade to a pair of HD555?(without breaking the bank :P)

And would I need a proper amp, got a Xonar Essence STX or could use my Denon DRA-397.

kraken2109

[QUOTE="kraken2109"][QUOTE="MonsieurX"]

Just curious,what would be a proper upgrade to a pair of HD555?(without breaking the bank :P)

And would I need a proper amp, got a Xonar Essence STX or could use my Denon DRA-397.

MonsieurX

Maybe the Beyer DT990.