Headphones/Headset Recommendations?

So I just got a fancy new Sager and thought I might as well grab some nice cans to go with it. I looked through several pages of this forum, but there aren't many recent recommendations that meet my needs. In fact, they raise more questions than answers! So, I'd love some help narrowing down the choices

Budget: ~$150. If it's REALLY worth it, I could go a bit higher, but lower is better
Uses: Main use would be for gaming and movies. As such, any kind of positional surround sound is a definite plus! Comfort is probably the second most important feature.
Mic: Don't really need one. Won't knock a suggestion if it has one though(ie headsets are ok)
Ports: My laptop has 5.1 surround and a spdif connector, if that helps.

I've seen a few likely choices so far, including the Corsair HS1, the Sennheiser HD380 and AT M50. Not sure which one would work best, although the Corsair seems good due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding comfort. Also, not really sure about USB sets, especially if i've got a 5.1 hookup available to work with?

 

ATH-M50 is a good choice. Take a look at the Sennheiser HD 595 or equivalent as well.

If you're going for proper headphones that use a quarter or eight inch jack, you might want to look into getting an amp or a USB DAC for them.

 

that 5.1 output of yours wont really go directly to any regular headphones it has to be decoded by something.

also for $150 I would just stick to 2 speakers and forget about more, spending the same amount of money for more speakers means lesser quality speakers and musics not in surround, and games have virtual surround that works just as well on 2 speakers as "authentic" on 5.1

AT-M50 get my vote on your list, but also look at the AT-A700 since you said comfort.

 

I use Steelseries Siberia v2 with useless virtual surround usb adapter that i dont really use.
I like to keep it simple so its just the regular audio jack for me.
Works great too, and i got a free promo item, a Steelseries branded water bottle made from metal.
Chills the water perfectly.

Also got the older Icemate Siberia in White, its getting old but still works as new.

Also own a Logitech 5.1 speaker set that i mainly use with my TV + Consoles but once in a while il use it with my notebook.
Battlefield games really sound great, especially explosions.

 

Surround sound in headphones is a gimmick. The only way to get "real" surround in a pair of headphones is to have a pair that physically has multiple drivers per ear, and then you still lose because you have 2 or 3 smaller lower-quality drivers instead of one really good driver in each side.

Check out the Plantronics GameCom 377. One of the best gaming-grade headsets out there, and they sound great with music too. If it absolutely has to be faux surround, check out the 777 model instead; same headset with a USB surround sound decoder. Both of these are well within your budget.

 

I forgot about the Siberia v2. How do they feel? I've heard they're great for long use.

And I know I'd need a decoder of some kind if they're not usb, but wouldn't my laptop be capable of decoding it, seeing as how it has the 5.1 connections builtin? Also, I'm more interested in the software decoding, not the multi-driver setups I've seen. I've seen a few examples of amazingly reproduced positional surround audio, so it's definitely possible. I don't need pinpoint accuracy or anything, but being able to roughly determine direction would be a plus.

 

You'll get positional audio from any game with regular stereo headphones/headset.

Surround sound is one thing when you have speakers physically encircling you in a room, but in headphones it is absolutely a gimmick.

 

Currently using it right now. Really good quality when gaming, movie seems ok and music is decent. Fit really confortable and is light weight. It blocks outside noise really well. Well worth it for under $100.

 

I got a jvc harx700 a few weeks ago and I am satisfied. Cost under $35 and sounds great. The only negative is that they are HUGE. I was also looking at the AT M50 and might get a pair one day (when they are below $100) but for casual listening the jvc's sound good and performed above my expectations.

 

+1 for the ATH-M50 if you want some portability.

Extra comfort goes to the ATH-A700. It's like there's nothing on your head

 

You know any different between 2ch n 8ch?

 

ATH-AD700, ATH-M50 or HD280

Your soundcard should be able to switch the output mode from 5.1 to Stereo.

 

The A700 are super comfortable but you feel them a bit on the ears.

The AD700 are like having nothing plus the super wide sound stage doesnt even make it sound like you have headphones on, its more like being there.

Just pretty lacking in bass on the AD700 so not proper for those looking for big booms. If you want superior positional audio though look no further, somebody with AD700 can probably find you a lot easier than you will find them with some gimmicky 5.1 or 7.1 headset on.