Headsets... :(

[Mindless]

I've gone through so many headsets it's unbelievable. I really want to find a headset that I will like. I remember the days when I would be happy with my good ol' X1's. That's not me anymore and I've gone off into the high end when it comes to audio equipment.

Alright first off let me go through what I've tried so far,

My most recent 3.

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/4710/24974919493238053751010.jpg

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/8817/pc360.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/4660/px5r.jpg

TB X31, X1, X11, DX11, P21, HPX (one of my favorites besides PX5) PX3, PX5 and the DPX21's.
Tritton AXPro's, 720's.
Razor Megalodon.
Steel Series Siberia
Sennheiser PC360
Audio-Technica ATH AD700

I used to be a TB fanboy, but now I'm looking to get something better. I've always had issues with interference on PX5's, but they were a high quality headset IMHO.

I am now going to try the Astro A40's. I think if I don't find the right headset I might just quit playing video games.

My question for you is, what is the best headset for soundwhoring by experience? I've had a lot of headphones and headsets and my most recent two have disappointed me on a level untold. Like... I know with my PX5's on MW2 I would know EXACTLY where they were within 50 feet. There was no question. It was loud, clear, and I knew the direction. I need that, and so I heard Astro owns them. I don't care about the price as long as it isn't past 200$. I spent 250$ (plus 144 for the mixamp). on my PC360's and they suck... Regret EVER buying them. :(

[H2O SkywalkerX]

my only personal headset experience is with the TB x3's. and they were really wonderful, but that was like, 3-4 years ago and theres definitely better now. I plan on grabbing a pair of a40s at PAX this year, just the customization, the fact that the earmuffs swivel, and just the overall style makes it worth it to me. Plus you can use them on any audio device, sounds like a good buy to me.

by the way 2 of your pics dont work for me

[Mindless]

my only personal headset experience is with the TB x3's. and they were really wonderful, but that was like, 3-4 years ago and theres definitely better now. I plan on grabbing a pair of a40s at PAX this year, just the customization, the fact that the earmuffs swivel, and just the overall style makes it worth it to me. Plus you can use them on any audio device, sounds like a good buy to me.

by the way 2 of your pics dont work for me

Yeah. I was planning on getting some Blue BXR's to fit in with my Xbox 360 but now they're all sold out. I honestly do not care about style. I want it to be comfortable, but MOST OF ALL I want to be able to soundwhore. That's the only reason I went up on the higher end and that's why I'm trying the A40's.

Apparently, Verizon doesn't host images for other computers. I could see it but you couldn't. I believe you though.

I sent back my PC360's and should be getting the Black Astro edition sometime next week.

[H2O SkywalkerX]

let me know what you think then, the sound quality is kind of a big deal to me, but the customization and comfortable are huge and i think astro has that in the bag. right now if im playing BLoPs i just use my steelseries PC headset with the audio input lol, dont play with anyone so i dont need the mic portion i guess, but i definitely want something thats going to rock my ears off.

[Mindless]

let me know what you think then, the sound quality is kind of a big deal to me, but the customization and comfortable are huge and i think astro has that in the bag. right now if im playing BLoPs i just use my steelseries PC headset with the audio input lol, dont play with anyone so i dont need the mic portion i guess, but i definitely want something thats going to rock my ears off.What are you playing most? PC or consoles? And is it competitive or for fun? I have several choices for both that would come up quite a lot cheaper than the 270$ you're going to spend on the Astro's.

Competitive headsets are made for soundwhoring basically. You hear everything around you better.
Fun headsets are made for fun. You have great audio quality with a lot of bass and it's a fantastic experience.

[H2O sobe]

If you are looking for simply positional audio, you are generally going to want a bigger sound-stage, which only open-air headphones can do for you. I'm a bit surprised you did not care for the PC360's considering the 595 drivers they use. Have you tried a proper amp with them? (not the astro mixamp) Perhaps even moving away from Creative sound cards if that is what you are using. There are various things you can probably do, which would even include software-based items such as Dolby Headphone (subjectively better than CMS3D).

I see that you used the AD700's, and while good, have you tried the AD900 which adds a larger sound stage and much more oomph to that of the AD700's, or perhaps the A900's are more your style with the closed design.

Outside of those though, what still seems to be the most recommended as far as just good for games and also good all-around for plenty of other things, are the Sennheiser HD555's, I'd see if you couldnt borrow a pair from someone considering their cheap cost.

[Mindless]

I'm thinking my Mixamp is faulty. I may be wrong. But my A40's should be coming in a few days. I'm going to be really pissed if so. My problem with the PC360's were that I could literally not hear any footsteps at all. It was about as good as my TV set itself. It was good with some types of music, but it did not have any bass. It works, I just couldn't hear anything. I didn't have the footstep issue with the AD700's so I'm hoping it works.

I don't even want to know what is better at this point. PC360 vs Astro A40. I'm done. I have to stick with what I've got.

Here's what I bought Order #************** - Processing
Reorder | Print Order
A40 Headset - Upper Playground Edition
$199.95
Ordered: 1
$199.95
Headset Color
1 x A40 Headset (BLK)
Choose your Upper Playground Tags
1 x Speaker Tag Set: A40 UP Walrus

It looks pretty sweet. Hopefully it sounds as sweet.

Wanted some red BXR's. You have any experience with Astro's? And sorry for this ramble I'm tired.

And to all of those things no. I have not. But also, I got a refund for my PC360's and now have as above the A40's.

I'm using the Xbox 360. Which may be my problem. I never had that issue with the AD700's though.

[H2O sobe]

The internal inferior components on the PS3/XBOX360 are indeed not the greatest for something you are wanting, as far as the PC360's and footsteps, Ive used in Black Ops (omfg though absolutely terrible game), Modern Warfare(and 2), CounterStrike Source, Crysis 2, Bad Company 2, Medal of Honor, etc. and had no issues as far as hearing footsteps :S That goes with any other game I have tried as well for pc.


As far as the Astros... Ive made my point on these forums about the below-par quality Astros and Trittons both have. Astros sound more like HD515's from Sennheiser(but without the natural sound signature Sennheiser has of course), but with a lighter (you can call it hollow) sound, which makes me absolutely disgusted by the pricing. Why I said I was surprised though about the 360's, is because it doesnt use the 515 drivers, it doesnt use the 555 drivers, it uses the 595 drivers (which is phenomenal for the price and if you want to hook up a Little Dot MKV, any electrostatic amp, etc, they perform even better).

It may be as simple as that astro amp you have not working as per specs, but me personally, as far as price:performance goes for cans, I have to say I love the Audio Technica AD900 and Sennheiser HD600, the AD900's are great because due to the impedance you aren't forced to use an amp to bring the headphones to life, which Im sure you noticed in the AD700's. An amp just brings it more pleasure.

If you get the Astros and they sound like what you are expecting and wanted, then great by all means, but Im not going to sit here and lie to you and say they are great, ESPECIALLY not at the price they go for(A more productive price would be the $100~ range, and even then still mainly paying for the name).

The other thing you must consider is, you will be using on 360 only, I take it from your post. That limitation may have been the break-point for the PC360's, as you normally want a decent sound card in the very least powering the drivers. The great thing about your AD700's, and even the AD900's, is they are not forced to be powered by much. Which makes them great to use for almost any setup. In which, the A40's might bring back the various sounds you encountered on your AD700, not saying they will, but it's a possibility.



Don't worry about rants or whatever, I've spilled my guts numerous times on the hideous marketing of such brands :P If you need any help that I may be able to assist with or anything to my knowledge, just ask, rant or not, if there is a question there, I will answer to the best of my ability.

[Mindless]

The internal inferior components on the PS3/XBOX360 are indeed not the greatest for something you are wanting, as far as the PC360's and footsteps, Ive used in Black Ops (omfg though absolutely terrible game), Modern Warfare(and 2), CounterStrike Source, Crysis 2, Bad Company 2, Medal of Honor, etc. and had no issues as far as hearing footsteps :S That goes with any other game I have tried as well for pc.


As far as the Astros... Ive made my point on these forums about the below-par quality Astros and Trittons both have. Astros sound more like HD515's from Sennheiser(but without the natural sound signature Sennheiser has of course), but with a lighter (you can call it hollow) sound, which makes me absolutely disgusted by the pricing. Why I said I was surprised though about the 360's, is because it doesnt use the 515 drivers, it doesnt use the 555 drivers, it uses the 595 drivers (which is phenomenal for the price and if you want to hook up a Little Dot MKV, any electrostatic amp, etc, they perform even better).

It may be as simple as that astro amp you have not working as per specs, but me personally, as far as price:performance goes for cans, I have to say I love the Audio Technica AD900 and Sennheiser HD600, the AD900's are great because due to the impedance you aren't forced to use an amp to bring the headphones to life, which Im sure you noticed in the AD700's. An amp just brings it more pleasure.

If you get the Astros and they sound like what you are expecting and wanted, then great by all means, but Im not going to sit here and lie to you and say they are great, ESPECIALLY not at the price they go for(A more productive price would be the $100~ range, and even then still mainly paying for the name).

The other thing you must consider is, you will be using on 360 only, I take it from your post. That limitation may have been the break-point for the PC360's, as you normally want a decent sound card in the very least powering the drivers. The great thing about your AD700's, and even the AD900's, is they are not forced to be powered by much. Which makes them great to use for almost any setup. In which, the A40's might bring back the various sounds you encountered on your AD700, not saying they will, but it's a possibility.



Don't worry about rants or whatever, I've spilled my guts numerous times on the hideous marketing of such brands :P If you need any help that I may be able to assist with or anything to my knowledge, just ask, rant or not, if there is a question there, I will answer to the best of my ability.

I got them today!

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/1576/64938864923218468420.jpg
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/2669/64937507023217990560.jpg

However, I can't say I'm too impressed. My PX5's were much, much better at picking up footsteps, but I'm going to HATE shelling out 130 more dollars on a Mixamp when I could have just paid 50$ more, just to see if that is the issue. Damn...

At this point I'm thinking there is something wrong with my Mixamp. I'm probably going to buy some AD700's again (to see if that's the issue), then strip the grill with oven cleaner and spray it black, then keep my Astro's for the bragging rights. ;)

Also, I think the PX5's were as good as my AD700's. The footsteps were amazing. It is like playing with an aimbot (except better), except in your ears instead of on your radar. Terrible on Black Ops though. I always got shot in my butt. :(

I suppose all I did was buy a name. I was aware of that... But, I expected... Well I expected something! It's honestly like playing with DX11's or X11's since I can hear them it just doesn't have good directional positioning. I noticed that at times, somebody threw a grenade, BUT it had the sound on the other side instead... Really disappointed at this time. I'll give it a few more days.

EDIT: It might be a cord issue. I've got custom sleeves on them so I can't tell if one of them broke or not. I've got some extra's lying around somewhere.

By the way, I'm using both PS3, Xbox, and my PC's sound card (music) regularly.

To go into more detail, it's like I hear everything good, but the directional positioning is bad. Somethings wrong here. I know people who have Astro's and they were way better than my old TB's I had. I went out and had a soundtest in game with a few GB players. It isn't experience either.

I tested my own setup on both 360/PS3.

EDIT2: I'm so STUPID!!! I had them on backwards! lol I'll give further review later. I've been playing backwards for like 3 or 4 hours and I didn't noticed...

[H2O Obsidian]

EDIT2: I'm so STUPID!!! I had them on backwards! lol I'll give further review later. I've been playing backwards for like 3 or 4 hours and I didn't noticed...

...Way to fail

[H2O sobe]

LMFAO! I dunno what to say right now xD


As far as your mentioning of expecting more from them though, yea, it's really just a name, it's just too bad people are under the impression they are the best thing you can have because of word of mouth or they see it plastered at game expos, etc. (Again though, if they work for you and you don't mind shelling out $200~ for $60-$80 cans, then by all means)


Do you have any local audiophile store near you? Maybe you can bring the Astro's in and hook them up to an amp not stamped with simply a name.

Keep us updated!

[H2O Super-6-1]

LOL thats funny... nice review good thing your not a pro at that XD anyway, as far as headsets go, im a pc player so to me all i use is PC headsets but for a little more you can out them on console. The ones i have used are the following.

Tutle beach HPA 2, razer megalodons and now my current headset is the Psyko audio cardon. The first pair the HPA's where the best i heard for the price of 100. Really good and awesome build. after a year or so the right cup speakers begain to give out then i got the Razer ones. Personally? these were the worst i could ever get... the 2.1 was awesome but once you enable the 7.1 it sounded like speakers in a big big big hall way.. hard to hear and what not... so i sold thos, with thos sold i saw a new company, Psyko Audio. These guys KNOW what there doing with sound, these are the BEST i have ever had, i prefer these over the HPA's any day. I was banned so far from 5 servers on battlefield BC 2 and 2 black ops servers. these are a must for the series gamer. Since im not a console user to the point ill pay 200 for a headset for theme these are the best i have ever had. as far as for the console? not sure since i haven't used them yet on one. Never really plan to ether.

[H2O Simon]

I'm fairly new to headsets, I bought the official bluetooth headset for the PS3 but it was very unsatisfying, it hurt my ear and everyone could hear the sound from my surround system. I decided to take the earphone headset approach and starting looking at some Turtle Beach ones. I didn't want a super expensive pair as my first headset so I played it safe with the Earforce PX21 (http://www.turtlebeach.com/products/ps3-gaming-headsets/ear-force-px21.aspx)'s which are primarily used for the PS3 but can work on Xbox and PC too (which are greatly to my advantage as I use all 3).

So far the difference is astonishing, people have been reporting that they hear no background noise, no interference and my voice was coming through crystal clear. The surround and bass on these are so loud that I literally have to put it on minimal volume and can still hear footsteps and gunshots superbly.

As I said, I'm new to headsets and I'm no expert, but these Turtle Beach's are cheap, work great and fairly easy to setup (they're wired and need to be hooked up in the TV and system). The reviews on the site I bought them on though say they can become defect fast but I see no signs of trouble at all from them.

[H2O sobe]

with thos sold i saw a new company, Psyko Audio. These guys KNOW what there doing with sound, these are the BEST i have ever had, i prefer these over the HPA's any day. I was banned so far from 5 servers on battlefield BC 2 and 2 black ops servers. these are a must for the series gamer.

Yea, people say that with every headset/headphones out there though. That's the only problem with game forums these days, especially a lot of clan forums with members who go out and buy something "for gaming". You need to focus on quality, not something you spent money on.

If you ever noticed when CGS was big and about, everyone thought that the Creative Fatality headsets were soooo great, everyone said they were the best for any serious gamer, etc. etc.(Despite at competitions outside of CGS they still reverted back to their Sennheisers lol) The only thing I will give Psyko Audio is that they have introduced something new to how cans can work with tubing bouncing the sound to the ear cups. It's interesting I'll give it that, but still, you are paying $200 for something not worth the price, so you are going back to using the Razer's all over again, look for price: performance, not price + gaming tag.

Seeing as you go for just the "gaming" brands though, I see you are missing out on the rest of brands available to you on the market. Go to your local audiophile store and find a pair of the cheap but still great AD700's or HD595's, or hell, pick up a pair of the Beyerdynamic DT990's.