Quality, "Budget" Headphones?

I recently purchased an Envy 14 and am searching for a pair of comfortable, quality headphones to go along with it. I'm willing to spend at most $85 dollars and intend to use these headphones for some gaming (occasional fps shooters, mmorpgs, and starcraft II) and music (would prefer that they do decent in both, rather than excellent in one and bad in the other). I will be using the onboard audio that comes with then Envy.

I thought having surround/virtual surround sound would be nice but then again, I'm not exactly a hardcore fps player and I have read that a regular pair of good analog headsets and easily outperform them in sound quality.

I do not require a mic as I hardly ever use any chatting features in games, although I may need one sometime later to do some voice overs for some school projects (I plan to buy a cheap USB mic if it doesn't come with one). Having a mic would definitely be a plus though (preferably removable).

I had my eyes on Amazon.com: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Arena Surround USB Gaming… but I am not sure if buying these just for the X-Fi would be worth it (seeing how I am not a hardcore fps gamer).

I do not know much about headphones at all, which is why I'm here! Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions!

 

Dude do yourself a favour. Just save up a bit more and get the Razer Megalodon, they're frikin AMAZING.

Or if not just get the Alienware Tactx Headset.

The Alienware Mic is retractable so you can use them for music on the go.... If you want.

 

I recommend the Razer Carcharias. It's basically the exact same as the Megalodon, except stereo instead of surround sound, which I don't think you're really looking for.

The sound quality on these is top notch. They're my gaming headset and music headphones, and they sound great at both. It has a microphone as well, which is excellent quality and filters out background noise.

$70 at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Razer-Carchar...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1280699035&sr=8-1

 

Amazon.com: Beyerdynamic MMX 2 PC Gaming Multimedia Digital Headset with Microphone: Electronics

These are basically the DT 231/5 - you might be able to find reviews of them, they've been around a while - with a decent mic and USB capability.

They're not the best looking out there by a long way - it does actually look horrendously plasticky. However, it is pretty durable. Second, there's not much in terms of isolation on offer and depending on your ear shape, you might find the semi-supraaural fit somewhat uncomfortable. However, these do sound excellent for the money. And the mic is decent. The premium for the mic and USB interface is also - going with the Amazon prices - not a terrible hike.

 

Amazon.com: Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone: Electronics
They perform almost as well as my old 200$ pair. Burned in the bass is amazing!!!! Better than my moms Honda Pilot bass which is saying something when heapdhones out perform a car sub

If you would rather go the full headset and mic combo I'd take the Carcharias. Comfortable, crisp clean sound, great quality mic for the price. The only downside, at least in my opinion, is that they are open back so noise leaks out. Mastershrooms already got the link. Clearly hes a smarty

 

+1 for the Sonys above. Getting a separate USB mic would be better, I think. First off, the Sonys sound AMAZING. My friend who records music uses that specific pair as monitors when he doesn't want to wake the neighbors.

And you'll get by with a separate microphone. I find they always tend to be a little better than the headset counterparts because it's dedicated to that, plus, the manufacturer is more intent on getting the best sound possible into it while in a headset, they want one just good enough for gaming.

I mean...I'm putting together a mini recording studio, and my mic line will cost just under $1000!

 

For what it's worth, I've never found a standalone microphone that sounded good. I seem to have the best luck with headsets.

Anyway, if you want a good paid of standalone headphones without a mic, check out the JVC HA-RX900. Excellent cans for $55.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys! The Sony MDR-7506 and the JVC HA-RX900 are exactly what I have been looking for! The Razer Carcharias also looked very appealing to me but it seems to have many mixed reviews so meh =/ Maybe I'll try go out and see how they are for myself before I decide to jump the gun on anything

 

The MMX 2 would offer higher sound quality than the 7506. And the supraaural 7506 is just as potentially uncomfortable as the MMX 2, since both employ a 'mash down the ear' earcup arrangement. Just sayin'.

 

I know best buy carries them.

Surprisingly they aren't as bad they seem. Granted they do need to be shifted every now and then but they are quite comfy, more so than the Denon AH-D2000s I had which was extremely surprising seeing as they are raved about for comfort. They put too much pressure right behind the ear.
The sonys are more tall than they are wide so they encompass the ear nicely, without pushing them down.

 

It's a personal thing, which is why I said potentially. I find the 7506 only tolerably acceptable, while for me the MMX 2 is slightly better but not by a huge amount. But there are many comments from other people saying the MMX 2 is extremely comfortable. It depends on your ear shape, sensitivity, etc.

 

Amazon.com: Grado Prestige Series SR-60i Padded Headphones: Electronics

$80 shipped for these awesome headphones. Trust me, they're really worth it. They will do well in games and movies, but they really shine with music.

Gaming headsets are overpriced pieces of junk with bloated midbass and muddy lows. Do yourself a favor, get a quality pair of headphones and buy a separate microphone. The Logitech ones are under $10 nowadays.

 

IMO, the MMX 2 is still a better deal as an all-round headset. Sonically it's basically in the same class, and you wouldn't be hobbling yourself with a mic that you have to find, plug in and try to adjust for the best (crappy) sound all the time.

 

You're comparing a headset to a pair of headphones.

 

Well spotted, Captain Obvious

Surprising how much putting drivers a little closer to the ear will do in terms of perceived quality for many who have perhaps limited experience, and like to generalise such as 'Gaming headsets are overpriced pieces of junk'.

The DT235/MMX2 lacks some of the impact of the SR60 and as a result appears more diffuse, but this is generally a good thing for long periods of listening. The velour earpads could be said, even though they're similarly perch-on-ear as the Grado, to be more comfortable - though this is a personal thing. I'm sorry it doesn't have the fauxdiophile-friendly retro styling though... in fact, it looks like crap, which is probably why relatively few people give them a chance.

 

@Dakins: Don't dismiss Vogelbung's judgment too soon. I'd imagine that he's been around the block, seeing that he currently packs a pair of properly amped Beyer T1.

I like Grado as much as anyone; I have a heavily modified, "maxed" variant in my rotation. Even so, I recognize their limits and hesitate to suggest them as a one size fits all headphone.

Learn to do the same. The SR-60i is open, superaural, and easily driven. Consequently, they have poor isolation, loose base, and additionally poor soundstage. They have their strengths, but they're far from perfect as gaming headphones.

Since you've nastily presumed Vogelbung's limits of knowledge, I'll do the same for you. My guess is that after some research, you became the proud owner of a pair of Grados. You now brandish them as a badge, proudly pointing to the headphones as a sign that you've bought yourself into the True Music Lovers Club. Happy on your molehill, you now sling misguided half-advice at unsuspecting info seekers.

How's that for a guess?

 

I'm with peli kan on this one. I've had the SR-60i, and they're great for music, but I'll take my Carcharias or HA-RX900 over them for gaming any day.