Headset buying help.

I've decided to buy an headset as to not disturb my roommate when he's sleeping.

Thus, I need some recommendations for a headset with a budget of not more than $40.

It will be basically used to watch movies, games and skype for a long periods of time 3-5 hours perhaps.

Thanks.

On a side note. Is it better better to buy the mic and the earphone seperately. Ex.

http://www.amazon.com/Zalman-Microphone-Zm-Mic1-Sensitivity-Headphone/dp/B00029MTMQ/
+
http://www.amazon.com/JVC-HARX700-High-Grade-Full-Size-Headphone/dp/B0013OWPV4/

 

Those are a good combo for the price.

From what i read the HARX700 isnt completely closed so you might experience some minor isolation and bleed issues.

Buy a spiral cable wrap so you dont deal the annoying mic wire.

 

For that budget, I recommend getting a complete headset rather than a separate headphone and mic, because you get more quality for your dollar that way.

As for closed vs. open sets, unless you're listening extremely loud, an open headset won't be an issue, assuming your roommate sleeps more than half a meter away from you.

For your budget, I would go for the Plantronics GameCom 377. It sounds fantastic, and if you didn't know how much it costs you'd probably think it was twice as much. Microphone quality is great as well, and it is very comfortable. The cups fit nicely around my ears and the headband is quite adjustable. You can also adjust the microphone arm to a significant degree.

Amazon.com: Plantronics GameCom Open-Ear Gaming Headset with Full Range Stereo: Electronics

If you really want a closed set, the GameCom 367 is essentially a closed version of the 377, which is open. I've never personally used the 367, but I'm assuming that the quality can't be too bad compared to the 377.

Amazon.com: Plantronics GameCom 367 Closed-Ear Gaming Headset: Electronics

 

the only reason i planned to get them separately was because when i use the public bus. Dun need the mic then.
But its not really an issue though. I prefer a complete headset though. I do have an ear piece which i can use for travel.

 

The Gamecom 367 is big but very comfortable, easy to use and sturdy. Sound quality isnt the best but its good enough for its price. The mic boom and controls are well designed. Mic quality is good. I dunno what type of plastic they use but it always look clean.

I always use it over my other headphones in multiplayer games that use VOIP.

My scores:
SQ: 6.5/10
Isolation: 7/10
Mic Quality 9/10
Comfort: 9/10
Build: 8/10

 

The nice thing about the 367/377 is that the microphone tucks away into the headband itself, so you can't tell they're not just regular headphones.

 

Id recommened Skullcandys on-ear. They sound really good for around $30-$40 and you pick from a wide array of awesome designs.

 

lol, skullcandy...

Don't feed the troll.

 

I found this while doing some research. Very tempting for the price.

B-Stock Sennheiser Hd215 Hd-215 Stereo Headphones, bstock w/ Warranty DAKmart

 

For about 1.5 years, I used a Sennheiser PC161 headset, and was pretty happy with it. Nice sound quality on the headphone portion, and excellent mic quality. The little brother to that model, the Sennheiser PC151, can be purchased for about $50 new through Amazon.com. You'd probably do well with that.

And for what it's worth, I ended up replacing the Sennheiser PC161 with a dedicated headphone + add-on mic setup (the Zalman ZM-1 mic, in fact). It's got great sound quality for the price you pay. You really couldn't go wrong if you decided to go separate headphone + add-on mic either.

 

From what I've read so far, the JVC HA-RX700 seems to be the better choice. If it's anything like a lower end ATH-A700, then you should be happy listening to them. Better yet, try several pairs in person before buying. Always good to see if they feel comfy/sound just right.
P.S. Don't even THINK of buying Skullcandys or I will find a way to destroy them

 

LoL, no skullcandy? There was plenty of skullcandy when i looked around. They looked cool but am not sure about the quality.

 

bump. need info on that

 

I haven't used the 215, but I've tried the 202. They were decent for the price, though I didn't think they were spectacular. The 500-series have some excellent headphones, but obviously more expensive.

"B-stock" means used and refurbished, for the record.

 

used. Thats a turn off. Thanks for that valuable piece of information. Looks like ill be getting the plantronics. ah.

 

did my own research and i found these.
Plantronics GameCom 367 Closed-Ear Gaming Headset
Amazon.com: Plantronics GameCom 367 Closed-Ear Gaming Headset: Electronics
Sennheiser HD201 Lightweight Over-Ear Binaural Headphones
Amazon.com: Sennheiser HD201 Lightweight Over-Ear Binaural Headphones: Electronics
JVC HARX700 High-Grade Full-Size Headphone
Amazon.com: JVC HARX700 High-Grade Full-Size Headphone: Electronics

out of all those only the first one has a mic which means I need to buy the microphone separately

 

Stay away from the HD201. Not that well worth the price. Could do better. If you want it just for gaming, then the Plantronics 367 should be fine. For music, go JVC HA-RX700.

 

Plantronics is much better than the HD201.