Light Headset: Good Sound, Mic & Overall Build

Title says it all. Need one for music, gaming, and long Skype talks. So far, research has set my sight on such mono sets as Able Planet and Audio-Technica. Has anyone used them? Ideally, I would prefer stereo in the $50 range without sacrificing build quality, comfort and good sound/mic but this looks to be unreal.

 

You're asking for something very difficult to find. If you expand your price range a little bit I'm sure you'd get some good choices.

I recently picked up the Steelseries 3hvr headset, got them on Amazon.ca for $30 + free shipping. I wouldn't say it's the best headset out there, by a long shot, but it's really very good for $30. With a bit of break-in the headset is quite comfy, and the sound does improve a bit.

The microphone is very clear, as people have confirmed over Mumble, Teamspeak, or the in-game chat.

Build quality is also quite good. Not the most robust headset on the market, but they're designed to be foldable so there are obvious weak points throughout the headset. With care, I don't think this headset would break easily.

All that said, this is a $30 headset. Don't expect miracles

 

Steelseries Siberia V2 goes on sale for about $50 once in a while, just was on that price earlier this week.

But if your looking for non sale prices adn demanding quality good enough for gaming, music, mic, etc in about $50.... It's just not happening and even the V2 fails to compare to what $100 will get you in the long run.

 

Sennheiser PC151
Amazon.com: Sennheiser PC 151 Binaural Headset with Noise-Canceling Microphone & Volume Control: Electronics

 

Thanks a lot for the suggestions! Skimming through reviews, here is the picture I get.

SteelSeries 3HVR: no reviews found, where do I look?
SteelSeries Siberia V2: bad mic kills the rest of its great value
Sennheiser PC 151: mediocre mic, uncomfortable, flimsy cord

The mic is very important. To add to my preferences, I am looking for an on-ear set, i.e. no noise-cancelling phones are required. What if I pushed the budget up to $80? By the way, I'm not an audiophile. Sound doesn't have to be fantastic. I wouldn't appreciate it anyway.

 

If the mic is the most important then just get some cheap, comfortable headphones and a desktop mic. This $5 mic sounds better than any gaming headphone mics I've heard.
For only $3.96 each when QTY 50+ purchased - Desktop Microphone w/ Adjustable Rod [SM-001] | MicroPhones

 

If you're not worried about bad audio, then the SteelSeries 3H VR would be good for <$50. The mic is apparently very good: I've tested it in Audacity, and also people on Mumble, Teamspeak and in-game chat have said that I come out clear.

Found some reviews by searching for "Steelseries 3h vr" on Google: https://www.google.ca/search?q=steelseries+3h+vr+reviews

One review says:
"Overall the microphone is perfectly adequate for gaming, providing clear and understandable output, which is what matters. For recording or higher definition communications however, you would definitely want look into a separate, higher quality desktop microphone."

 

Mic was great on the V2 for me for what I expected, sounded as good as any other headset mic, mostly due to the fact its fully articulate so you can get it in the perfect position for a high signal to noise ratio.

Infact the mic was the best part for me other than comfort.

 

Both 3HVR and V2 look bulky. Are they heavy? No pain after long use? Do they "breathe"? I do want a headset as opposed to a pair of phones and a desktop mic.

 

3HVR:
No, very lightweight and definitely not any more bulky than a normal pair of headphones. They're designed to be portable (foldable and mic hides inside left ear cup) so they're not at all bulky. I don't have any problems with the headphones "pinching" or otherwise any kind of pain, and I haven't had problems with them getting stuffy or too hot.

Long use (i.e. 4-5 hours or longer) may be problem for you, or it may not be, that's more of a personal issue that can only be determined by using them. I have not had any problems with them for 4-5 hour periods.

 

Thanks a bunch! I've also come across Koss SB49. Can anyone recommend them for my purposes?

 

Found this and this. So three sets to choose from. Suggestions?

 

If you must get a headset, look here:

OCN's Most Recommended Audio Products

Generally, you'd be better off getting a separate mic and a good pair of headphones.

 

I'm more inclined towards a good pair of phones and a desktop mic now. Thanks for the link! Quite useful.