Headsets?

[Wolfram23]

Hey gamers. I'm wondering: Do you prefer a headset, headphones (no mic), or regular speakers?

A long time ago, I bought a cheap RCA receiver with 5.1 speakers (like, $300 on sale) and used this for my NGC, and then years later my PS3. I really like surround sound.

Then I bought a gaming PC this year, and decided I want surround sound on it as well. I bought a good sound card (AuzenTech Bravura) and Logitech X540 5.1 speakers (which I combined with my older Altec Lansing 2.1s for a 7.2 surround lol). Worked great!

But, then I moved out of the basement, and am living with my girlfriend in an appartment. Needless to say, noise is an issue - especially at night. This means my surround sound (specifically on the PC) is very limited now so I decided to look into headsets again. I figured ~$100 would get me something awesome. My previous headset experience was pretty much nil. I've had a 3 headphones - some big old ones back in junior high/high school which broke but they were good, then 2 pairs of Sonys - one was a behind-the-head style that was nice and the other were their slightly larger over-the-head ones (~$50 for these). However, plugging these in did not sound very good.

So, I did research. USB vs analog - decided analog (by this I mean the 1/8" mini jack) because I have a good sound card (dedicated headphone amp, capable of up to 600ohm). I finally settled on SteelSeries 5H, because reviews were mostly positive and the price was right (that and they were in stock, I was also considering 7H but they were out. I'm impatient lol).

Payed $90, brought them home, plugged in, and first I listed to music. That was a fail. No bass and extra treble. Ugh. Played with equalizer, but that didn't work to well (added a "fuzzy" sound) so I just enabled bass boost, which made it at least ok. Alright, well, these are a gaming headset so I moved on to gaming with them. Mostly played Mafia 2 at that time (this is all only a couple weeks ago) but also tried them with Crysis, Metro 2033, and Far Cry 2. In all the games I found that I could hear pretty well positionally around the sides, but front/back sounded the exact same. Also, not much bass, and voices were really sharp due to the extra treble.

Disapointed, I returned them and made the plunge into the far more expensive market. Before heading back to the store I did a lot more research, and the Sennheiser PC 350s stood out as being amazing and also costing $210. Ouch. Scoured the internet looking for deals. Found some used ones on Ebay for about $140 with shipping... not bad. Debated. Searched more. Although I had checked ncix.com, pricebat.ca came up with a sick deal there that I couldn't find otherwise. Their listed price is $220, but they had them for $70 off!

I returned the 5Hs, and managed to price match the Sennheisers for $150 - oh, and they were out of stock and listed as Special Order for the last week, but miraculously when I got there they had about 5 in stock.

Went home, plugged them in... and was blown away. Now THESE are what a headset is all about. Absolutely amazing. Bass, crisp, clear, and perfect positional surround. I mean front, back, sides - even able to hear noises above or below! And it really sounds like that's where the noise is emanating from! These, IMO, are 100% worth the cost and beat the crap out of external 7.1.

So, what's your headset experience? Do you prefer headsets or speakers?

 

[thenumberthirteen]

I use both headsets and speakers. When it's late at night or someone in the house doesn't want to be disturbed I use a headset. I also use it for voice chatting as while I have an external mic it can cause feedback if the speakers are too loud.

I have cheap Logitech 2.1 speakers, but the sound quality is very good and more than enough for my needs. My headset is also Logitech and is comfortable, has a good microphone, and good sound quality. It's not something I'm too bothered about spending money on.

 

[oplinger]

I prefer headphones without a mic. (I use a mic thats much better than most mics on headsets...)

It's easier to be immersed in a game with them, and it really is amazing to cut out all the background noise and just hear the game.

 

[omega 616]

I got some PX21's and if nothing else THERE FUCKING LOUD!, I can feel the sound through my jaw on full blast.

About all this treble being good stuff, I can't really say anything about it 'cos on my IPOD I put treble reducer on and listened to a song, then put treble boost on and never noticed a thing. I think everything has a clear sound, I think some people are far too picky.

Bass is good and deep though.

It has a nice feature were when the game gets loud, you don't have to shout, the mic gets more sensitive and you can hear what your saying (apparently. I have no friends so can't comment).

Has a really long cable, if the cable isn't long enough you can't see what your shooting at (AKA, if you keep the cable taught you won't be able to see any enemies. I can't remember exactly how long it is though).

They were meant to be £69.99 but I got them for £59.99 in game (shop in the UK) by mentioning they were £59.99 on the net, the women called head office and said she could price promise it to that price ... if you want a pair I suggest giving it a mention.

 

[Wolfram23]

I prefer speakers, since I live in California, where it's very hot, so when I wear a headset for a long time, my ears feel like they're on fire.

Ah yeah that would suck. They have some "open" designed headsets that allow a lot of breathability. The Senneheiser PC 360 are like that, while the 350s I got are closed. Luckily tho temps are quite cool here in Canada. After a few hours of gaming last night, for example, my ears were just a little bit hot.

I prefer headphones without a mic. (I use a mic thats much better than most mics on headsets...)

It's easier to be immersed in a game with them, and it really is amazing to cut out all the background noise and just hear the game.

I totally agree about the immersion. My gf has to practically yell for me to hear here when I have my headset on now lol. Playing Penumbra is super, SUPER creepy with a headset.

 

[DSK-]

For my normal set up it's headphones. I have a seperate mic.

I bought some Sennheiser headphones which cost me the wrong side of £50 and they broke within a day. I bought another set of HiFi headphones from Argos for half of that and it lasted me around 2 years.

However like thirteen said, I also use my speakers connected up to my 200 watt amp. It's very fun playing games and annoying the neighbours with

 

[Tharwen]

I have a Razer Piranha headset, and it has incredible sound quality for the price it was. It does, however, make you look like a Cyberman when you wear it. It's not an entirely flattering look.

Anyway, I use that most of the time so my parents don't come to my room and make sarcastic comments about whatever I'm listening to.

 

[Total LOLige]

Mics are bad especially wired ones always mess up, I am undecided because mics always break and headsets you can't hear anything in the outside world

 

[Vrach]

I use a headset when I need to use the microphone (Skype, Teamspeak/Ventrillo etc.) or if I'm listening to something in public ie. on the laptop (might use just headphones or even earphones for that though). Other than that, speakers ftw.

Speakers are just completely superior as a listening device, you get a higher quality sound, you have the surround sound option if you can/want to shell out the bucks for it and you don't have to carry something on your head (which is also unhealthy and depending on the headphones/headset can end up bruising your ear with pressure) and cut off your ability to hear other things in your environment.

Also headsets are FAR more prone to breaking down and are thus even less cost effective.

 

[BlumiereBleck]

You should get turtle beach headsets.

 

[Nimbus]

I would love a good, wireless headset, but there aren't that many cheap ones out there. I'm happy with my seinheisser headset for now, but the wire is damned annoying.

 

[Pielikey]

I like headphones. It allows you to play games and not wake everyone up to gunfire/car crashes/swearing 10 year olds questioning your sexual stance/ etc

 

[LogicNProportion]

I prefer a headset.

Which reminds me...I need to get a new one. My current one keeps skipping.

 

[Wolfram23]

Yeah I've read about Turtle Beach, they seem like a really good brand. For me it wasn't an option tho and I'm thoroughly happy with the Sennheisers, but yeah, Turtles seem like a viable option for some good headsets.

One thing I'm finding with headsets over speakers is that the headset brings me a lot closer to the action. I mean, if I crank up the speakers then I can hear everything but with headsets it's really good at picking up all the little details in sound which I'm really liking. I still like speaker surround, but I've definitely become a big fan of headsets thanks to the Sennheiser PC350s.

 

[More Fun To Compute]

I'm pretty loyal to Sennheiser. I like the sound quality and comfort. My main priority is music so surround sound and attached microphones are not needed as they don't help in terms of quality or comfort at all.