Need help with headphones
Posted by Independent_Door4201@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 6 comments
I have a budget of around $300 and I’m looking for a high-quality gaming headset that includes a built-in microphone. I mainly play Apex Legends, so clear and accurate audio (like footsteps and positioning) is really important to me. Comfort is also a big factor since I’ll be wearing them for long sessions.
If there aren’t any headsets with a strong built-in mic in this price range, I’d also be open to recommendations for small, compact desk microphones that pair well with a good headset.
Choconolait@reddit
Ath-m50x sts-usb
kirk7899@reddit
Philips SHP9500 with the Mod mic. Don't buy a gaming headset. Those will break and sound noticeably muddier.
VersaceUpholstery@reddit
The most sound immersion I've had is with open back headphones. The soundstage is super wide. I had a Sennheiser HD 598 SR for that with a cheap E10k dac+amp combo. Only con is soundbleed and weak bass. You'll hear exterior noises easier because of the design of the headphones
Sennheiser has their PC38x that is open back and has an attached microphone. Shouldn't require an amp but it's always nice to have.
postsshortcomments@reddit
Second the advice to stick to dedicated equipment.
You can grab a pair of open-box Fidelio X3s for $95 that are essentially brand new, if your desk configuration supports it something like Aokeo ak58 for $40, and something like a Fifine K688 for $72. Add a Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter for $10 if your motherboard supports USB-C. You can also add a cheap solid state headphone amp if you want a volume control knob (X3's are 30 ohm headphones, so it's purely a QOL thing - they do not need an amp).
Be ready to software equalize the X3s if you don't like their treble (a Harman profile preset works nicely). I like their stock sound, but some people find the treble to be a bit too much and feel it's necessary to equalize. Personally, I prefer them over my Sennheiser HD650 which require an amp (probably a $300+ setup during the right sales).
If you want to use your full budget, invest in an XLR interface to take advantage of the K688's XLR input (this will provide device amplification - not software amplification). But you can get incredible results with both.
Don't let the prices fool you, this is great equipment and a great setup. I'd be very surprised if there's anything out there with noticeably better mic/headphone quality for even $100 more.
DualityDrn@reddit
Don't spend 300 on headphones with a built in mic. Spend 180-200 on some decent headphones and 100-120 on a decent desktop mic and a desk arm/stand for it.
Gaming headsets aren't worth the mark up and invariably one part, headphones or mic, will fail before the other does defeating the point of combined solutions.
Independent_Door4201@reddit (OP)
Don’t got the space for a desk arm or anything like that