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Comfy Headphones?
posted in Hardware
1
#1
0 Frags +

So I know there have been quite a few headphone/headset threads, but I searched through all those and I wasn't quite satisfied with the info I found, so I'm hoping you guys can help me out.

I'm looking for some new headphones with the following characteristics:

1. Headphones, NOT headset. I already have a good mic.
2. 7.1 sound (that's supposed to be very high quality sound, right?)
3. Super Comfortable (able to wear for a few hours straight without any discomfort)
4. Price is not a HUGE deal, but if I spend a lot of money, I want to get some serious quality out of it.

I'm currently using the ATH-M30's, and after like an hour or so my ears hurt like hell. The sound quality is decent, but nothing to write home about. I want to be able to wear my headphones for a few hours and not even notice. I also want to be able to track cloaked spies by just listening to their footsteps.

From reading the other threads, the two headphones that sound most similar to what I'm looking for are:
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD700-Open-air-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B000CMS0XU
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B000P62ND6

What do you guys think of those two? And do you have any better suggestions?

So I know there have been quite a few headphone/headset threads, but I searched through all those and I wasn't quite satisfied with the info I found, so I'm hoping you guys can help me out.

I'm looking for some new headphones with the following characteristics:

1. Headphones, NOT headset. I already have a good mic.
2. 7.1 sound (that's supposed to be very high quality sound, right?)
3. Super Comfortable (able to wear for a few hours straight without any discomfort)
4. Price is not a HUGE deal, but if I spend a lot of money, I want to get some serious quality out of it.


I'm currently using the ATH-M30's, and after like an hour or so my ears hurt like hell. The sound quality is decent, but nothing to write home about. I want to be able to wear my headphones for a few hours and not even notice. I also want to be able to track cloaked spies by just listening to their footsteps.

From reading the other threads, the two headphones that sound most similar to what I'm looking for are:
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD700-Open-air-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B000CMS0XU?tag=teamfortresst-20
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B000P62ND6?tag=teamfortresst-20

What do you guys think of those two? And do you have any better suggestions?
2
#2
-1 Frags +

AD700s crunch my head, but everyone else says they're super comfy.

AD700s crunch my head, but everyone else says they're super comfy.
3
#3
0 Frags +

Great quality, can't go wrong with Audio Technica. Though, they might have the same issues as your ATH-M30s. I own the M50, love them, but they're pretty tight. I think you'd rather go for AD700 but they're open air so also keep that in mind.

Great quality, can't go wrong with Audio Technica. Though, they might have the same issues as your ATH-M30s. I own the M50, love them, but they're pretty tight. I think you'd rather go for AD700 but they're open air so also keep that in mind.
4
#4
0 Frags +

What is open air?

What is open air?
5
#5
0 Frags +

http://www.digitaltrends.com/headphone-reviews/audio-technica-ath-ad700-review/

They weren't a fan of the comfort of the AD700s either...

But then I guess these guys loved the comfort: http://www.head-fi.org/t/586466/audio-technica-ath-ad700-review

http://www.digitaltrends.com/headphone-reviews/audio-technica-ath-ad700-review/

They weren't a fan of the comfort of the AD700s either...


But then I guess these guys loved the comfort: http://www.head-fi.org/t/586466/audio-technica-ath-ad700-review
6
#6
1 Frags +
vanillaWhat is open air?

I think it means don't watch porn and think no one can hear you, because the sound leaks from them :p

edit: Ah yeah, post below me, I guess that makes more practical sense

[quote=vanilla]What is open air?[/quote]

I think it means don't watch porn and think no one can hear you, because the sound leaks from them :p

edit: Ah yeah, post below me, I guess that makes more practical sense
7
#7
0 Frags +
Open headphones have the rear of the capsule open to the air. This means that as much sound comes out of the back as goes into your ears.

Open headphones can give you an open and out of head soundstage.

Closed headphones have the rear of the capsule totally closed, like a miniature sealed loudspeaker. This design can give you good isolation from the environment; keeping your sound only for you and keeping outside noises out.

The design of the closed cup plays a very important part in the sound quality and this type can be more difficult to design than open headphones.

Closed headphones tend to give you a more "in head" soundstage.

So depending on what you'll want to do, Open will mean that everyone around you will hear whatevre is going through your headphones which might not be ideal for riding public transportation or on-the-go use.

[quote]Open headphones have the rear of the capsule open to the air. This means that as much sound comes out of the back as goes into your ears.

Open headphones can give you an open and out of head soundstage.

Closed headphones have the rear of the capsule totally closed, like a miniature sealed loudspeaker. This design can give you good isolation from the environment; keeping your sound only for you and keeping outside noises out.

The design of the closed cup plays a very important part in the sound quality and this type can be more difficult to design than open headphones.

Closed headphones tend to give you a more "in head" soundstage.
[/quote]

So depending on what you'll want to do, Open will mean that everyone around you will hear whatevre is going through your headphones which might not be ideal for riding public transportation or on-the-go use.
8
#8
0 Frags +

i use the thermaltake shock i think its nice, the microphone is a separate piece. apparently there is an HD version out

i use the thermaltake shock i think its nice, the microphone is a separate piece. apparently there is an HD version out
9
#9
4 Frags +

1. Headphones, NOT headset. I already have a good mic.

good start

2. 7.1 sound (that's supposed to be very high quality sound, right?)

7.1 software output downmixed to stereo is desirable since it has the most spatial information. However, you don't want headphones with multiple drivers in each earcup, because they are shit. Just get good stereo headphones and leave the surround sound effects to your soundcard and/or software.

3. Super Comfortable (able to wear for a few hours straight without any discomfort)

ad700, sennheiser hd650

4. Price is not a HUGE deal, but if I spend a lot of money, I want to get some serious quality out of it.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide

additional point to note about open-back headphones (AD700s etc) - because there is airflow involved, your ears will not sweat like they probably do after a while with the M30s or other sealed / closed-back cans.

[i]1. Headphones, NOT headset. I already have a good mic.[/i]

good start

[i]2. 7.1 sound (that's supposed to be very high quality sound, right?)[/i]

7.1 software output downmixed to stereo is desirable since it has the most spatial information. However, you don't want headphones with multiple drivers in each earcup, because they are shit. Just get good stereo headphones and leave the surround sound effects to your soundcard and/or software.

[i]3. Super Comfortable (able to wear for a few hours straight without any discomfort)[/i]

ad700, sennheiser hd650

[i]4. Price is not a HUGE deal, but if I spend a lot of money, I want to get some serious quality out of it.[/i]

http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide

additional point to note about open-back headphones (AD700s etc) - because there is airflow involved, your ears will not sweat like they probably do after a while with the M30s or other sealed / closed-back cans.
10
#10
0 Frags +

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826153060

These are the headphones I currently use. Very very light and have never hurt my ears after hours of playing. As long as your head isn't super tiny they will fit perfectly and you don't notice they are on. The pads are nice and are a cloth type not leatherish and breathable so yours ears don't get hot and it doesn't feel (stickyish?). Very good sound quality. No complaints, best pair of headphones i've had. Won't have the problems that some reviews had with one ear going out if you don't drop them letting them hang by the cord. My brother had to get a replacment pair under warranty because he did kept doing this though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826153060

These are the headphones I currently use. Very very light and have never hurt my ears after hours of playing. As long as your head isn't super tiny they will fit perfectly and you don't notice they are on. The pads are nice and are a cloth type not leatherish and breathable so yours ears don't get hot and it doesn't feel (stickyish?). Very good sound quality. No complaints, best pair of headphones i've had. Won't have the problems that some reviews had with one ear going out if you don't drop them letting them hang by the cord. My brother had to get a replacment pair under warranty because he did kept doing this though.
11
#11
3 Frags +
BEARTATOhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826153060

These are the headphones I currently use. Very very light and have never hurt my ears after hours of playing. As long as your head isn't super tiny they will fit perfectly and you don't notice they are on. The pads are nice and are a cloth type not leatherish and breathable so yours ears don't get hot and it doesn't feel (stickyish?). Very good sound quality. No complaints, best pair of headphones i've had. Won't have the problems that some reviews had with one ear going out if you don't drop them letting them hang by the cord. My brother had to get a replacment pair under warranty because he did kept doing this though.

Sorry, but Razer audio is the "Beats by Dre" of gaming. Overpriced, and all about design. They offer meh specs for the price but you pay for the brand.

2/10 would not recommend, made me reply.

See atmo after class.

[quote=BEARTATO]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826153060

These are the headphones I currently use. Very very light and have never hurt my ears after hours of playing. As long as your head isn't super tiny they will fit perfectly and you don't notice they are on. The pads are nice and are a cloth type not leatherish and breathable so yours ears don't get hot and it doesn't feel (stickyish?). Very good sound quality. No complaints, best pair of headphones i've had. Won't have the problems that some reviews had with one ear going out if you don't drop them letting them hang by the cord. My brother had to get a replacment pair under warranty because he did kept doing this though.[/quote]

Sorry, but Razer audio is the "Beats by Dre" of gaming. Overpriced, and all about design. They offer meh specs for the price but you pay for the brand.

2/10 would not recommend, made me reply.

See atmo after class.
12
#12
0 Frags +
atmo1. Headphones, NOT headset. I already have a good mic.

good start

2. 7.1 sound (that's supposed to be very high quality sound, right?)

no. 7.1/5.1 is shit.

3. Super Comfortable (able to wear for a few hours straight without any discomfort)

ad700, sennheiser hd650

Those sennheiser's are too expensive for me, so at the moment I think I'm still gonna go with the AD700's. If 7.1/5.1 are shit, what specs should I be looking for for good audio quality?

[quote=atmo][i]1. Headphones, NOT headset. I already have a good mic.[/i]

good start

[i]2. 7.1 sound (that's supposed to be very high quality sound, right?)[/i]

no. 7.1/5.1 is shit.

[i]3. Super Comfortable (able to wear for a few hours straight without any discomfort)[/i]

ad700, sennheiser hd650
[/quote]

Those sennheiser's are too expensive for me, so at the moment I think I'm still gonna go with the AD700's. If 7.1/5.1 are shit, what specs should I be looking for for good audio quality?
13
#13
1 Frags +

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106515

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106522

both are gewd

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106515

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106522

both are gewd
14
#14
0 Frags +

AD700s are comfy, but they lack bass. Pick these up if you stay gaming most of time, they're not very good for multimedia IMO.

AD700s are comfy, but they lack bass. Pick these up if you stay gaming most of time, they're not very good for multimedia IMO.
15
#15
0 Frags +

I've got a pair of Beyerdynamic DT770 pro 80 ohm, and they're the best headphones I've ever used. I use them for several hours every day and they've never been uncomfortable, and they sound great for anything I've used them for so far. They're closed so blocks out outer noise pretty well if you want that.

I've got a pair of Beyerdynamic DT770 pro 80 ohm, and they're the best headphones I've ever used. I use them for several hours every day and they've never been uncomfortable, and they sound great for anything I've used them for so far. They're closed so blocks out outer noise pretty well if you want that.
16
#16
2 Frags +
vanillaThose sennheiser's are too expensive for me, so at the moment I think I'm still gonna go with the AD700's. If 7.1/5.1 are shit, what specs should I be looking for for good audio quality?

have a look in this thread for your best bet in terms of what soundcard to use (that is what will supply the binaural / surround sound rather than the headphones themselves.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/593050/

there aren't really "specs" to look out for when it comes to headphones, just sheer numbers of user reviews on head-fi. avoid reviews from gaming websites or consumer electronic sites because they typically haven't got a clue what they're saying or have extremely limited exposure to good audio equipment so do not have dependable reference points (see #10 for a good example).

[quote=vanilla]Those sennheiser's are too expensive for me, so at the moment I think I'm still gonna go with the AD700's. If 7.1/5.1 are shit, what specs should I be looking for for good audio quality?[/quote]

have a look in this thread for your best bet in terms of what soundcard to use (that is what will supply the binaural / surround sound rather than the headphones themselves.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/593050/

there aren't really "specs" to look out for when it comes to headphones, just sheer numbers of user reviews on head-fi. avoid reviews from gaming websites or consumer electronic sites because they typically haven't got a clue what they're saying or have extremely limited exposure to good audio equipment so do not have dependable reference points (see #10 for a good example).
17
#17
-2 Frags +

I think I'd stay away from Audio Technica if you dislike the "clumpiness". Most of them will probably feel like that.

I think I'd stay away from Audio Technica if you dislike the "clumpiness". Most of them will probably feel like that.
18
#18
0 Frags +

Audio-Technica ATH-AD900: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006OQY2S

Amazing sound quality and incredibly comfortable. It's at a good price now, too.

I'd argue that these are the best headphones for under $300.

Audio-Technica ATH-AD900: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006OQY2S?tag=teamfortresst-20

Amazing sound quality and incredibly comfortable. It's at a good price now, too.

I'd argue that these are the best headphones for under $300.
19
#19
0 Frags +
WintersunI think I'd stay away from Audio Technica if you dislike the "clumpiness". Most of them will probably feel like that.

the M and AD lines are totally different designs

[quote=Wintersun]I think I'd stay away from Audio Technica if you dislike the "clumpiness". Most of them will probably feel like that.[/quote]

the M and AD lines are totally different designs
20
#20
0 Frags +
atmoWintersunI think I'd stay away from Audio Technica if you dislike the "clumpiness". Most of them will probably feel like that.
the M and AD lines are totally different designs

This is entirely possible. I'm using M50s. Yes, my ears get sweaty and at first it felt pretty damn tight. I haven't had the chance of using the AD700s but I'll take your word for it.

[quote=atmo][quote=Wintersun]I think I'd stay away from Audio Technica if you dislike the "clumpiness". Most of them will probably feel like that.[/quote]

the M and AD lines are totally different designs[/quote]

This is entirely possible. I'm using M50s. Yes, my ears get sweaty and at first it felt pretty damn tight. I haven't had the chance of using the AD700s but I'll take your word for it.
21
#21
1 Frags +

AD700s ALL THE WAY

AD700s ALL THE WAY
22
#22
0 Frags +
WintersunBEARTATOhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826153060

These are the headphones I currently use. Very very light and have never hurt my ears after hours of playing. As long as your head isn't super tiny they will fit perfectly and you don't notice they are on. The pads are nice and are a cloth type not leatherish and breathable so yours ears don't get hot and it doesn't feel (stickyish?). Very good sound quality. No complaints, best pair of headphones i've had. Won't have the problems that some reviews had with one ear going out if you don't drop them letting them hang by the cord. My brother had to get a replacment pair under warranty because he did kept doing this though.

Sorry, but Razer audio is the "Beats by Dre" of gaming. Overpriced, and all about design. They offer meh specs for the price but you pay for the brand.

2/10 would not recommend, made me reply.

See atmo after class.

Normally I would probably agree with you, but these headphones are actually quite good. Razer does make some good products(deathadder anyone?) it's just kind of hit and miss with them. If you looked at the reviews for this it rated pretty highly with everyone saying it has good sound quality and is comfortable. The only issue might be with build quality of the connector, but I haven't had that in the year I've had these. The price is ok and usually it's at $40, which is a steal for headphones this nice.

8/10 would recommend

[quote=Wintersun][quote=BEARTATO]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826153060

These are the headphones I currently use. Very very light and have never hurt my ears after hours of playing. As long as your head isn't super tiny they will fit perfectly and you don't notice they are on. The pads are nice and are a cloth type not leatherish and breathable so yours ears don't get hot and it doesn't feel (stickyish?). Very good sound quality. No complaints, best pair of headphones i've had. Won't have the problems that some reviews had with one ear going out if you don't drop them letting them hang by the cord. My brother had to get a replacment pair under warranty because he did kept doing this though.[/quote]

Sorry, but Razer audio is the "Beats by Dre" of gaming. Overpriced, and all about design. They offer meh specs for the price but you pay for the brand.

2/10 would not recommend, made me reply.

See atmo after class.[/quote]


Normally I would probably agree with you, but these headphones are actually quite good. Razer does make some good products(deathadder anyone?) it's just kind of hit and miss with them. If you looked at the reviews for this it rated pretty highly with everyone saying it has good sound quality and is comfortable. The only issue might be with build quality of the connector, but I haven't had that in the year I've had these. The price is ok and usually it's at $40, which is a steal for headphones this nice.

8/10 would recommend
23
#23
2 Frags +

razer makes good mice, mediocre keyboards, trash headphones. People who write reviews for them aren't the people who have any idea what they're talking about.

I would get the ad700's or akg k240s if you're floating in the 100~ price range. I wouldn't say the ad700's are uncomfortable but their fitting is somewhat odd. They're more comfortable than a lot of other things I've listened to at least.

ath m50's and a lot of other headphones with that typical ~dj~ design are typically uncomfortable until you stretch them out for a while

razer makes good mice, mediocre keyboards, trash headphones. People who write reviews for them aren't the people who have any idea what they're talking about.

I would get the ad700's or akg k240s if you're floating in the 100~ price range. I wouldn't say the ad700's are uncomfortable but their fitting is somewhat odd. They're more comfortable than a lot of other things I've listened to at least.

ath m50's and a lot of other headphones with that typical ~dj~ design are typically uncomfortable until you stretch them out for a while
24
#24
0 Frags +

Could somebody reccomend some headphones or a headset that are good at not leaking sound? I don't want my parents to know that I like to listen to SNSD christmas songs : /

Could somebody reccomend some headphones or a headset that are good at not leaking sound? I don't want my parents to know that I like to listen to SNSD christmas songs : /
25
#25
1 Frags +

If you love music and are planning on spending some good coin on cans, I would tailor your headphone choice more towards your preferred genres rather than gaming.

I ended up buying a great used pair of Denon AH-D2000 phones to listen to Jazz, Blues, old Soul, Rock, etc. They're fucking great for gaming but the time I most appreciate them, and the extra cash I spent is in listening to music. My brother has some "7.1 surround headphones" and I have more spacial awareness with my stereo phones than I do with his. Your soundcard should be able to handle that just fine.

Do your homework, read some reviews, and just about any nice pair of headphones will be great for gaming.

http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww342/graphicism/denon2000-display.jpg

If you love music and are planning on spending some good coin on cans, I would tailor your headphone choice more towards your preferred genres rather than gaming.

I ended up buying a great used pair of Denon AH-D2000 phones to listen to Jazz, Blues, old Soul, Rock, etc. They're fucking great for gaming but the time I most appreciate them, and the extra cash I spent is in listening to music. My brother has some "7.1 surround headphones" and I have more spacial awareness with my stereo phones than I do with his. Your soundcard should be able to handle that just fine.

Do your homework, read some reviews, and just about any nice pair of headphones will be great for gaming.

[img]http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww342/graphicism/denon2000-display.jpg[/img]
26
#26
0 Frags +
capnfapnCould somebody reccomend some headphones or a headset that are good at not leaking sound? I don't want my parents to know that I like to listen to SNSD christmas songs : /

Nobody can give you recommendations until you first give a price range and either your preferred music genres or what you prefer to listen to in your music. I could link you $5,000 headphones that do what you want but I assume that is out of your budget.

[quote=capnfapn]Could somebody reccomend some headphones or a headset that are good at not leaking sound? I don't want my parents to know that I like to listen to SNSD christmas songs : /[/quote]

Nobody can give you recommendations until you first give a price range and either your preferred music genres or what you prefer to listen to in your music. I could link you $5,000 headphones that do what you want but I assume that is out of your budget.
27
#27
0 Frags +

Thanks for the help, folks. After reading what you guys said and doing some research elsewhere, I ended up ordering the AD900's!

Thanks for the help, folks. After reading what you guys said and doing some research elsewhere, I ended up ordering the AD900's!
28
#28
0 Frags +

I have m50's because they're great all around headphones. I use them for music, movies and gaming all the time and they sound great. They are also extremely durable, fold up and are reasonably portable. However if you are leaving these plugged into your computer the whole time and have other headphones for walking around and listening to music on, open air is a good way to go. The additional soundstage is well worth it. The seenheiser's linked in #13 are stellar. My brother has a pair of 598's and they're well worth the cash.

I have m50's because they're great all around headphones. I use them for music, movies and gaming all the time and they sound great. They are also extremely durable, fold up and are reasonably portable. However if you are leaving these plugged into your computer the whole time and have other headphones for walking around and listening to music on, open air is a good way to go. The additional soundstage is well worth it. The seenheiser's linked in #13 are stellar. My brother has a pair of 598's and they're well worth the cash.
29
#29
0 Frags +
Stochast1ccapnfapnCould somebody reccomend some headphones or a headset that are good at not leaking sound? I don't want my parents to know that I like to listen to SNSD christmas songs : /
Nobody can give you recommendations until you first give a price range and either your preferred music genres or what you prefer to listen to in your music. I could link you $5,000 headphones that do what you want but I assume that is out of your budget.

Sorry for not being very descriptive. Rock/punk/alternative/metal sorts of stuff is generally my favorite. Im not super picky about the budget but im hoping for something less than 200 dollars, preferably around 150 maybe?

[quote=Stochast1c][quote=capnfapn]Could somebody reccomend some headphones or a headset that are good at not leaking sound? I don't want my parents to know that I like to listen to SNSD christmas songs : /[/quote]

Nobody can give you recommendations until you first give a price range and either your preferred music genres or what you prefer to listen to in your music. I could link you $5,000 headphones that do what you want but I assume that is out of your budget.[/quote]

Sorry for not being very descriptive. Rock/punk/alternative/metal sorts of stuff is generally my favorite. Im not super picky about the budget but im hoping for something less than 200 dollars, preferably around 150 maybe?
30
#30
0 Frags +
capnfapnStochast1ccapnfapnCould somebody reccomend some headphones or a headset that are good at not leaking sound? I don't want my parents to know that I like to listen to SNSD christmas songs : /
Nobody can give you recommendations until you first give a price range and either your preferred music genres or what you prefer to listen to in your music. I could link you $5,000 headphones that do what you want but I assume that is out of your budget.

Sorry for not being very descriptive. I Rock/punk/alternative/metal sorts of stuff is generally my favorite. Im not super picky about the budget but anything less than 300 should do. I would prefer something in the 150 dollar range though.

ATH-M50s should do the trick and they often come with a discount.(Got mine for $115)

[quote=capnfapn][quote=Stochast1c][quote=capnfapn]Could somebody reccomend some headphones or a headset that are good at not leaking sound? I don't want my parents to know that I like to listen to SNSD christmas songs : /[/quote]

Nobody can give you recommendations until you first give a price range and either your preferred music genres or what you prefer to listen to in your music. I could link you $5,000 headphones that do what you want but I assume that is out of your budget.[/quote]

Sorry for not being very descriptive. I Rock/punk/alternative/metal sorts of stuff is generally my favorite. Im not super picky about the budget but anything less than 300 should do. I would prefer something in the 150 dollar range though.[/quote]

ATH-M50s should do the trick and they often come with a discount.(Got mine for $115)
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