Purchase Advice

3 years ago by JusticeForPorygon to c/headphones

Looking for headphones for use at my computer. Primarily for gaming but also music. Lots of people online recommend the Sennheiser HD 560s but I figured I'd ask to see if there's anything else worth looking at. I think I want open backs since I'll primarily use them at my desk by myself.

My criteria are: -Decent price (around $200 or less) -Option for microphone attachment (also looking for recommendations there)

If I were to go with the HD560s, would I need an amp to take full advantage of them? If so, I would also like recommendations for that too, as I don't really know anything about them. Any other advice you could give me would be very beneficial. I'm new to the audiophile scene and don't have a ton to spend on the best of the best in gear. Thanks!

wolfshadowheart 1 point 3 years ago

$300, USB DAC like the Fiio K5 pro and Beyerdynamics DT 990s. 3 stages of gain and the volume knob separate from internal device audio. Great soundstage for gaming and I use them for production and listening just tuning the EQ profile.

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WestwardWind 2 points 3 years ago

I also use the 250ohm DT990Pros and am very happy with them. I have them paired with a $99 Atom Amp+. If you go with the lower ohm version I bet you could delay the amp purchase depending on the output of your computer's default stack.

For a mic I attach a wireless Antlion ModMic which is... Fine. Audio quality is good but it is kinda wiggly and charges off micro USB. Allegedly Q1 they're going to announce a revamped version which I think it really needs.

Regardless of which headphones you decide on, if you're interested in a budget headphone amp I can recommend the Atom Amp. It does everything I need with good build quality at an affordable price. I've used it for several years with no complaints

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wolfshadowheart 1 point 3 years ago

For a microphone I use a combo webcam meant for business meetings. Room wide audio so I always come through clearly.

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nieceandtows 1 point 3 years ago

Philips X2HR is a great open back that I got for $90. It's comfortable to wear for long periods of time, but I don't know about mic.

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BaldProphet 0 points 3 years ago

The only open-backs I've used are the Hifiman Sundaras, and I've got to say I really love the audio quality. They're probably out of your budget, though.

You may not need a headphone amp to use the 560s, but any audiophile headphone will be better with a decent amp. I use the Atom amp.

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