Looking for quality Headset w/Mic..

[The_Nephilim]

Hey Guys,

 

I had my mic bar break it still works but needed some tape to hold it together. so I am in the market for a good quality Headset w/mic. now I am not looking for the absolute best, but it would be nice if it sounded good when playing my MP3's 320kbps.

 

I currently have a Rokkat Cave headphone which is ok but not nearly as good as it could be.. my budget is about 150-200 usd or under but I would really like to get a really good sounding headset with noise cancelling mic if possible wired no wireless.

 

Good over the ear set too is best for me no earbuds.. so looking for ideas.

[LucShep]

Depends on what you're looking for...

Gaming headset with 3D (5.1) surround?

Audiophile stereo headphones with mic?
 

Edited March 9 by LucShep

[The_Nephilim]

23 minutes ago, LucShep said:

Depends on what you're looking for...

Gaming headset with 3D (5.1) surround?

Audiophile stereo headphones with mic?
 

well just a headset w/mic. no 3d sound or gaming headset most of them are really bad unless you know of a good one.. Audiophile stereo headset with mic but they are usually cost prohibitive..

 

but if you know one I can sure take a look. 

[LucShep]

I really just prefer good old stereo studio biased "open" headphones, that can be tuned to taste if your DAC has an equalizer, or otherwise use EQ-APO app for PC. 
I'd recommend Beyerdynamic DT990Pro, or Sennheiser HD-599SE, or Philips SHP9600, with a separate mic similar to Modmic (this one is too expensive) or a cheap lapele mic. 

For gaming headsets with surround that can work for music listening, ones I tried and didn't find bad at all are the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, Logitech G Pro X Wired Gaming and HyperX Cloud II.

 

Edited March 9 by LucShep

[Aviators]

this: https://www.amazon.com/KZ-ZS10-Linsoul-Earphones-Detachable/dp/B07QKYTGH9/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3VB931EVE9IJP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eHKK55PETCPax059BBOUUO-3GETrblU6R5KxuT-SUR1erO0zDJ1q4wG13i65OPwCCWj2dmYdioIlCiqnoyDO6pQjFI0Q1IsdDxtNNbNsKmvDn1m6hdmLKBd1-AJY7cKsrnkzQoAQkf9iN9eghsF8dJPMf-1YrdhzR8g9J67op-xtvtVQwsU5ji5gmhAGsGuKx9eqbvOnFeJTecswSAlXtKcIa27sUexb-EKi1_D5zjc.P8DUMp93IlMjAtqZLklwj80NcOezqZXsA5nNRdxAZAA&dib_tag=se&keywords=in%2Bear&qid=1741515918&sprefix=in%2Bear%2Caps%2C231&sr=8-3&th=1 

In-ear (the best!)

[The_Nephilim]

14 hours ago, Aviators said:

this: https://www.amazon.com/KZ-ZS10-Linsoul-Earphones-Detachable/dp/B07QKYTGH9/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3VB931EVE9IJP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eHKK55PETCPax059BBOUUO-3GETrblU6R5KxuT-SUR1erO0zDJ1q4wG13i65OPwCCWj2dmYdioIlCiqnoyDO6pQjFI0Q1IsdDxtNNbNsKmvDn1m6hdmLKBd1-AJY7cKsrnkzQoAQkf9iN9eghsF8dJPMf-1YrdhzR8g9J67op-xtvtVQwsU5ji5gmhAGsGuKx9eqbvOnFeJTecswSAlXtKcIa27sUexb-EKi1_D5zjc.P8DUMp93IlMjAtqZLklwj80NcOezqZXsA5nNRdxAZAA&dib_tag=se&keywords=in%2Bear&qid=1741515918&sprefix=in%2Bear%2Caps%2C231&sr=8-3&th=1 

In-ear (the best!)

I guess you missed the part I do not want any earbuds thnx tho

[The_Nephilim]

21 hours ago, LucShep said:

I really just prefer good old stereo studio biased "open" headphones, that can be tuned to taste if your DAC has an equalizer, or otherwise use EQ-APO app for PC. 
I'd recommend Beyerdynamic DT990Pro, or Sennheiser HD-599SE, or Philips SHP9600, with a separate mic similar to Modmic (this one is too expensive) or a cheap lapele mic. 

For gaming headsets with surround that can work for music listening, ones I tried and didn't find bad at all are the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, Logitech G Pro X Wired Gaming and HyperX Cloud II.

 

OK you got me what is an "Open" Headphones?? I am thinking the backside has an open area vs a closed one like most headsets?? or is it something else?? I like a few of the ones you listed there..

[LucShep]

19 minutes ago, The_Nephilim said:

OK you got me what is an "Open" Headphones?? I am thinking the backside has an open area vs a closed one like most headsets?? or is it something else?? I like a few of the ones you listed there..

Yep, that's it.  

https://www.soundguys.com/open-back-vs-closed-back-headphones-12179/

Basically, how much isolation you're looking for.
Both solutions can also sound a bit different and feel a little more/less hot in the ears (if you imagine the very same model in the two versions), so I can't say what is best for you.
It's a matter of taste, preference and/or needs.
 

Edited March 10 by LucShep

[The_Nephilim]

7 minutes ago, LucShep said:

Yep, that's it.  

https://www.soundguys.com/open-back-vs-closed-back-headphones-12179/

Basically how much isolation you're looking for.
Both solutions can also sound a bit different and feel a bit more/less hot in the ears (if you imagine the very same model in the two versions), so I can't say what is best for you.
It's a matter of taste, preference and/or needs.
 

OK while I would like to try the open headphones I am unsure if I would like to hear the ambient noise in the room.. I am really liking the HyperX Cloud headsets.. the other gaming one  the logitech looked good to but it used an external USB Sound card that is included but not sure that would be good what are your thoughts on the external USB Soundcard It says I need to use with this headset?

[LucShep]

20 hours ago, The_Nephilim said:

OK while I would like to try the open headphones I am unsure if I would like to hear the ambient noise in the room.. I am really liking the HyperX Cloud headsets.. the other gaming one  the logitech looked good to but it used an external USB Sound card that is included but not sure that would be good what are your thoughts on the external USB Soundcard It says I need to use with this headset?

HyperX Cloud II are a very safe purchase, still up there and better than the newer model replacing it (Cloud III), to me anyway.
If you're looking for a gaming+surround headset, I don't think you can get better for around its price, honestly.
And it even comes with two different sets of earpads (velour and pleather) to suit personal preference. Pretty robust too (Logitech's seemed fragile in comparison).

EDIT:  note that the HyperX Cloud II has its own built in USB "amp/soundcard", like the SteelSeries and the Logitech too, as usual with gaming+surround headsets.
While you can plug it (the Logitech too) directly to your Creative soundcard headphone port, the Cloud II now has a single jack for both mic/sound (for PS/Xbox) and you lose the surround and the separate volume adjusters.

Still... listening and feeling a Beyerdynamic DT990Pro headphone is something else. I've had three of them (their reliability isn't great), still my fav headphone below 200$.
The Sennheiser HD-599/SE is a very close 2nd (for me) and what I've ended with, after lots of Sony, AKG, Samson, SuperLux, Koss, and Shure.
But the Philips SHP9600 is just unbeatable for the price (at less than half of these two I mentioned), also a good and safe purchase if you're curious about this type of headphone ("semi-open", stereo, studio type) and don't want to spend too much. That is while it's still in stock, as Philips has discontinued it. 
 

Edited March 10 by LucShep

[The_Nephilim]

15 hours ago, LucShep said:

HyperX Cloud II are a very safe purchase, still up there and better than the newer model replacing it (Cloud III), to me anyway.
If you're looking for a gaming+surround headset, I don't think you can get better for around its price, honestly.
And it even comes with two different sets of earpads (velour and pleather) to suit personal preference. Pretty robust too (Logitech's seemed fragile in comparison).

EDIT:  note that the HyperX Cloud II has its own built in USB "amp/soundcard", like the the SteelSeries and the Logitech too, as usual with gaming+surround headsets.
While you can plug it (the Logitech too) directly to your Creative soundcard headphone port, the Cloud II now has a single jack for both mic/sound (for PS/Xbox) and you lose the surround and the separate volume adjusters.


 

Does the HyperX have a adapter cable as I do not have a single jack for mic and speakers?? I have a PC.. I guess I can check the specification details and see what it says but I can always buy an adpater if I need it.. just want to know ahead of time so I can purchase the adpater at the same time I buy the headset..

 

Thank you

[LucShep]

33 minutes ago, The_Nephilim said:

Does the HyperX have a adapter cable as I do not have a single jack for mic and speakers?? I have a PC.. I guess I can check the specification details and see what it says but I can always buy an adpater if I need it.. just want to know ahead of time so I can purchase the adpater at the same time I buy the headset..

 

It does have an adapter, but it was badly designed with the onboard (motherboard) soundcards in mind (and it's absolute trash through onboard soundcard then, IMO).

I'm not sure your Creative soundcard have the same spacing/positioning between mic/headphone outputs as this, so it might be tricky....

Better idea is to use these gaming headsets through USB on the back of motherboard, as they're intended.

Edited March 10 by LucShep

[The_Nephilim]

OK hey thnc for the pic that gives me a better idea of the adapter. I do beleive I have another adapter I can use from an older headset.. I will try and get this hyperx headset in a couple days..

 

Thank you so much for the help..

[erniedaoage]

https://steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-1?color=black

Thats my recommendation if you look for something lightweight. It's quite a good budget headset and the soundquality is quite good. But i have to say i game with it  most of the time. It's comfortable and you won't hear much from your surroundings. I can't talk about the mic quality since i haven't used it much since i got it. But in the games i used it, nobody complaint so far.  

[Lange_666]

Recently bought a Logitec Pro X2 LightSpeed Wireless. I like it very much, a LOT better than the Corsair HS70 Wireless I used before.
Fits nicely (everybody's head is different), not to tight, not to lose, lightweight, very good build quality (couldn't say that from the Corsair), direct connection when turned on (couldn't say that from the Corsair, very good battery life (couldn't say that from the Corsair either) so it's been a win, win, win move.

https://www.soundguys.com/logitech-g-pro-x-2-lightspeed-review-92068/

[LucShep]

3 hours ago, The_Nephilim said:

OK hey thnc for the pic that gives me a better idea of the adapter. I do beleive I have another adapter I can use from an older headset.. I will try and get this hyperx headset in a couple days..

BTW, I didn't even know Sennheiser made a gaming headset but, knowing that they never made a "bad" headphone, I suspect this might be a really good pick:

Sennheiser Drop + EPOS PC38X Gaming Headset  (sold at Amazon if more convenient: LINK)
 

Edited March 10 by LucShep

[The_Nephilim]

6 hours ago, LucShep said:

BTW, I didn't even know Sennheiser made a gaming headset but, knowing that they never made a "bad" headphone, I suspect this might be a really good pick:

Sennheiser Drop + EPOS PC38X Gaming Headset  (sold at Amazon if more convenient: LINK)
 

haha and just when I thought I was getting a headset for under a hundred. this does look pretty appealing I may try it out and since it is Amazon the returns are great.. but I am still a bit undecided on the open back?

[LucShep]

15 hours ago, The_Nephilim said:

haha and just when I thought I was getting a headset for under a hundred. this does look pretty appealing I may try it out and since it is Amazon the returns are great.. but I am still a bit undecided on the open back?

As I said, I always go for open back because, for me, I just prefer the wider soundstage that usually provides (personal preference) and the sound leaking doesn't bother me.
But again, YMMV, some people need the sound isolation of closed-back (family sleeping next door while you're with loud audio, or if it's noisy outside during the day, etc).

If you prefer closed back, then perhaps have a look to the Sennheiser EPOS H6PRO Closed  (sold at Amazon, and it's at discount price now: LINK)

  https://youtu.be/smL5ZJhNNAE?t=250  (comparison of Sennheiser EPOS PC38X vs H6PRO Closed)
            https://youtu.be/elT2-DVmi1o?si=UBbZJA1lL9GijWwj (same author, re-review after a year of daily use)

I now notice they also have the same headphone in open-back version, the Sennheiser EPOS H6PRO Open (also sold at Amazon, also at discount price now: LINK)

Sennheiser makes great headphones (yes, I'm a fanboy) and it seems you can't go wrong with either one of these. I'd say just get what seems to suit your needs better.
And remember, you can always adjust the bass/mids/treble if necessary (soundcard settings should have an equalizer, if not there are 3rd party apps).
 

Edited March 11 by LucShep

[The_Nephilim]

14 hours ago, LucShep said:

As I said, I always go for open back because, for me, I just prefer the wider soundstage that usually provides (personal preference) and the sound leaking doesn't bother me.
But again, YMMV, some people need the sound isolation of closed-back (family sleeping next door while you're with loud audio, or if it's noisy outside during the day, etc).

If you prefer closed back, then perhaps have a look to the Sennheiser EPOS H6PRO Closed  (sold at Amazon, and it's at discount price now: LINK)

  https://youtu.be/smL5ZJhNNAE?t=250  (comparison of Sennheiser EPOS PC38X vs H6PRO Closed)
            https://youtu.be/elT2-DVmi1o?si=UBbZJA1lL9GijWwj (same author, re-review after a year of daily use)

I now notice they also have the same headphone in open-back version, the Sennheiser EPOS H6PRO Open (also sold at Amazon, also at discount price now: LINK)

Sennheiser makes great headphones (yes, I'm a fanboy) and it seems you can't go wrong with either one of these. I'd say just get what seems to suit your needs better.
And remember, you can always adjust the bass/mids/treble if necessary (soundcard settings should have an equalizer, if not there are 3rd party apps).
 

Yes after watching that review especially the year later one I am really thinking I should get the H6PRo closed. thank you alot for the help. I do believe I am going to enjoy that headset..

[rapid]

The only one to use IMO is the Audeze Maxwell

[LucShep]

2 hours ago, rapid said:

The only one to use IMO is the Audeze Maxwell

That's a 300$+ headset, way above the budget in OT.

Sennheiser / EPOS has closed their "gaming" division (see here) and with significant discounted prices on those models for that reason.
So, getting an E6PRO (either Open or Closed versions seem very good) that now goes for less than half the launch price (was 190$+ then) is a good decision, IMO.
 

Edited March 12 by LucShep

[The_Nephilim]

10 hours ago, rapid said:

The only one to use IMO is the Audeze Maxwell

looks like it is a wireless headset? ummm, no thnx but thnx tho besides price being way high

[The_Nephilim]

On 3/12/2025 at 6:20 AM, LucShep said:

That's a 300$+ headset, way above the budget in OT.

Sennheiser / EPOS has closed their "gaming" division (see here) and with significant discounted prices on those models for that reason.
So, getting an E6PRO (either Open or Closed versions seem very good) that now goes for less than half the launch price (was 190$+ then) is a good decision, IMO.
 

Hey The Headset came in the mail today and I hooked it up and was dissapointed as both sound was coming from the right side and it sounded terrible.. well I figured I must have done something wrong so I take out the instructions and that proprietary connector they used had indents on the outside and I was supposed to clip it in too the 2nd indent. well I put the headset on and WOW the bass was realy good so much so I had to adjust the bass responce in the equalizer.

 

These have to be the best 2.0 Headset I ever had.. along with the buttkicker and the bass these headsets put out is fantastic.. I am really happy with this purchase of the E6Pro. I checked the mic it sounded good will have to test that later when someone joins TS3..

 

Thank you for reccomending these money well spent and they seem  like a very quality build..

[LucShep]

Nice one.  Another happy Sennheiser user.

PS: yep that's it. The audio crackles and gets wonky if the connector is not all way in and correctly put/secure (as per instructions, if confused).
Once that's done, the skies open and the dark clouds are gone.

PS2: if you ever need cables or ear-pads replacements, they're sold separately as well in Amazon.
 

Edited March 14 by LucShep