A good set of headphones for the G73?

So I have been needing/wanting a laptop for several months, and after lots of reading and scrounging of money, I have purchased my new G73 and it will be delivered to me sometime this week.

Can't even tell you how excited I am.

But I go on my desktop to listen to some Pendulum, and I've apparently gone deaf in one ear.
Further examination tells me that my headphones have died

I had the turtle Beach hpa2 predecessors as well as the trition AXPRO's.

I know longer need anything to hook up to my PS3, I just want a good pair of headphones for my g73. Under $100 would be nice, but I will go higher if its warranted.

Obviously I play games, but I need a good music/movie experience as I don't even use my TV much. I also wont be carrying the headphones around too much, so they don't need to fold or anything.

Surround sound is also something I really want, but I'm ok with getting a mic separate.

the HPA2 as well as the logitech G35 are the only things I've seen that look ok so far.

So yeah, sorry for the wall of text, but I've been reading this forum for about a month now, and I'm glad to finally be apart of it.
Thanks in advance.

 

The only headphones I have experience with on my G73 are the Bose QC 15's. These sound great on any system, but paired with the creative audio center software on the G73, they sound unlike anything I've ever heard before. The "fake" surround sound actually works in movies, games, and even online video which has surprised me more than once!

The audio quality is unmatched, even compared to high quality theater surround sound systems. I find myself disappointed now when I visit theaters because I prefer the sound of my Bose headphones on the G73 to the wide open theater surround sound.

I realize they are very expensive, but I don't have any other headphone experiences to offer. At the very least I can tell you they are an excellent match to this laptop. Good luck on your search.

 

I have Bose Quiet Comfort 3 for the Plane and hotels and Klipch X10i for the train and Ipod etc

 

I use Koss Porta Pro and i´m very pleased with the sound and overall quality plus they look sexy as hell imho

http://www.koss.com/koss/kossweb.nsf/p?openform&pc^pt^PortaPro

 

SteelSeries Introduces New Siberia v2 Headset - HiTech Review


SiberiaV2
they OWN!!

I got a pair back in 2007 and still using it, it was called Icemat Audio before
and im going to pick up this next week,

Dude, seriosly they are really good pair of headsets for the price and you will just love them.
They were recommended to me by my friend who plays competition in CS at the WCG.
These are well within your price range and they look hella sick compared to any other gaming headsets.
This will make you stand out!

Try it, you'll love it!

 

here is a youtube video review of the siberia v2

YouTube - SteelSeries Siberia V2 Headset Review



anyways, just helping a fellow gamer out.

cheers!

 

I have the old sony mdr-v700. Work really well so far on my G73, but I'm sure there are a bunch better ones out there as others have recommended above.

 

I can vouch for those Steelseries headphones as well. I had the first versions when it was Icemat too and those were great. Now I see this new V2 and I'm dying to get them but cash flow isn't ideal atm to get them.

My only complaint about the V1's was the open ear cups and now V2 fixes that and adds more. Can't go wrong with that.

Edit: I only disliked the open ear cups as there was always a lot of background noise going on at my place which would make it harder to hear at times.

 

I use

Audio Technica A700 for my cans w/ a Zalman MIC-1 for voice chat.

That is at home, on the go with the G73 I would never travel with headphones so I use Logitech Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10's

All of them sound great, and have good feedback & reviews. later in life I plan to get a pair of Audio Technica AD700's the open air version, not as much bass but better soundstage so good for positioning and music listening.

 

Bose and no more questions. Around ear or over both have a great sound.

 

bose... >.>

I'll be standing behind some shelter when the audiophiles tune in to this thread...



For the money I do not think bose is good, nor are most computer gaming headsets, you may get something good but at a higher cost than a equal comparable headphone from another company.

 

I too use the steel series serberia v2. It made me realize how horrible the sound output the iphone really had. And trust me the creative drivers does make a difference when you are using those headphones. I'm loving every bit of them.

 

Wow, thanks for all the replies.
I'm looking at the ATH-A700's but the Siberia V@'s look nice as well.

I'm a little worried about the fact that my last 2 headphones had 4 speakers in each ear. While still not as great as an actual 5.1 speaker setup, will I be able to tell the difference?

It may be just something that I have to take a week to get over, the laptop wasn't exactly cheap itself.

Or should I just not buy my Intro to Entrepreneurship book and get the Bose......

Anyway, please, by all means, list anymore you can think of, or any detail on the ones already named.

EDIT: The Siberia's, the usb one or the other one?

 

Look for a cheap pair of sennheisers 555s. Honestly IMO stay away from bose. you can do so much better; it's like with girls

 

You all realize that choosing Bose for a set of cans is the equivalent of a gamer getting recommended an Eee machine for a gaming system.

Bose = marketing dreck.

Go with Sennheiser, the Sony MDR-7506's, or Audio Technica's M505's are online for only $100

A lot of audiophiles don't like Beats by Dre, but I own the studio HD and the Solo's HD and the studios are great for listening to music through an IPod or IPhone as the phones have a built in amplifier (as well as noise cancellation) so they make music in IPhone's sound way better.

If I had to choose one, I'd get the M505's

Cheers

 

IMO you cannot beat the G35's for gaming because of the programmable buttons and HQ mic that is attached. The surround sound is amazing. I even think they sound great for movies/music. I've never used a better set, comfortable for hours as well.

 

G35's are dope.

Sony also has a new wireless set coming out that does 7.1 wireless and HDMI with just about every sound codec for gaming and home theater


They're not travel friendly but I have the Turtle Beach X41's for my game consoles and home theater and I absolutely love the sound and comfort of those babies. The separation and surround sound is great.

Turtle Beach also sells a $25 USB sound card which will add a toslink optical out to the G73. With that, you can run wireless headphones like the X-41, but you'll probably get just as good if not better surround sound through the built in sound card with EAX in the G73. So you might still want to go with wired cans in that case.

The only issue with the G53's is they might not sound that great for music, but if that's not an issue, then they rock.

 

@ 4 speakers in each ear.

My take on it, never get a surround headset. Positioning is done via distance and space. With all the speakers right there by your ear you can not tell any difference in positioning having 4 speakers there, just 2 is all it takes.

Even if you dont want to belive that here is a more simplistic and down to earth way to look at it.

Take some high quality headphones like the A700's say they cost $120, your paying for the quality of the headphones but more or less your paying for the drivers (speakers) and assume that since they cost $120 and you have 2 drivers they are worth $60.00 each.

Now take a headset that has 8 drivers (4 in each side) and it cost $120.00 also, they are not going to give you 8 $60 drivers and only charge you for two, they are going to reduce the quality of said drivers... your now getting 8 drivers that are worth $15.00 each.

So do the math would you rather listen to two speakers on your desk worth $60, or have 8 crummy $15.00 cheapo speakers? In audio Quality > Quantity ALWAYS

Headphones work the same way. Dont buy into the surround headset gimmick.

 

I'm the first in line to call Bose for what they are, overpriced; but I have to say that in the case of my QC 15's I have been pleasantly surprised. Yes, bash Bose all you want, but I tried headphones from all different brands and none impressed me as much as the QC 15's.

Speaking as an audiophile, they aren't perfect, but if you are expecting a perfect acoustic experience from miniature speakers that fit on your ears, tough luck. No headphones will ever produce perfect, high fidelity sound.

OP, if at all possible you need to try out a few sets before you buy. Call all your friends and borrow what you can, and for the Bose headphones you can get a 30-day trial. If you don't like them, return them.

BTW, I don't work for Bose. I didn't even choose to buy these headphones. They were a gift, and a good one I think.

 

BOSE=Buy Other Sound Equipment. Don't buy from them, ever.

 

I absolutely LOVE my BOSE QC15's! That being said I got them for free as I found them lying around over the summer and nobody came to claim them once our teaching gig was done If I had the money to buy a set of headphones this expensive, I never would have bought the BOSE. They are good but sure as hell aren't as good as the price tag. A nice set of 555's would kick just as well

 

LOL





@OP

Check out some youtube video reviews for the siberia v2
im sure they will explain which one, but i think its the same price for either one with USB or no USB.


When i got the siberia v1 i was amazed that it didnt just look good, but it was a beast. I was playing counter strike all night shouting into it till my sister came out and told me to shut up because its 3 in the morning.. lol

They were also my first purchase of a gaming headset and i was very satisfied with the sound quality and also the Microphone, but after three years of usage and traveling the microphone (which as detachable) failed on me, so looking at the new design with the Siberia v2 im very excited to get it since it looks like i could use that microphone for a pretty long time.

Alot of professional gamers DO actually use this alot and its also just bad looking to use even when you're not even gaming or using the laptop.

Good luck with your selection! =D

 

i have some tritton AX PRO's and i am going to have to disagree with you on that.

 

OK with the 4 speaker deal, I appreciate expressing your opinion, and it might even be right, but with my ax pro's I felt like it was surround. Better then any other headsets I've tried. Now granted you wouldn't call me an audiophile, and I don't even own a 5.1 speaker set (no speakers actually, cant be too loud here) so all i know is all I know.

The G35's have been something I've been looking at, but I've heard problems with durability. After having lost 2 so called "high quality" headphones that just stay with my desktop and sit on a hook on the wall when not in use, construction quality has become a much higher priority. Though the g37's (?) are coming out, but I dont know if I want to wait.

Between Audio Technica's M505 and the ath-a700 I think I've decided on the M505 as the better. Music and movies are still important to me, but music is what I'll be using them for more then anything. And I like a nice amount of bass.

There doesn't seem to be one end all headphone, just a bunch of good ones that all have there places.

The siberia's sound nice, but quick google search says there a bit on the low end compared to the others mentioned. But It will defintly be bookmarked if I need a slightly cheaper one (like if another one breaks )

 

I wish you could test a pair of Maxell DH-IIs.

 

I have the usb one. But honestly, the sound output from the G73 is more then enough. I use it with the extra bass in creative and it just works really well. It actually made me realize how horrible the sound output the iphone has. I played the same song on my iphone and on the G73 without the usb and the sound quality was so far apart.

 

I STRONGLY recommend GRADO Prestige Series SR-60 or SR-80. The 80's have better bass, but cost more.
Easily the best cans I have ever owned. Clean natural sound that can't be beat. Plus they have a sweet retro 70's/early 80's aesthetic!

 

Audio Technica ATH-M50 best price / quality ratio ever, you will not regret it especiall after you have burn them for a few hours.

 

Yep, these are my next purchase.

 

Yeah, It looks like the ATH-M50s will be the headphones of my choosing. There's a seller on ebay who wants $98 for new ones. Think I'll buy from him.

I'll let you all know how they sound.

Thanks for all the suggestions, but by all means, keep it going, in case it can be of further help to someone else.

 

Congrats on your choice!

as for me...
Hopefully i'll be able to pick up my white siberia v2 tommorow!

CANT WAIT TO START FRAGING!

 

I use Audio Technica AD900 for gaming and straight out of G73 headphone jack. I use an amp for HD650.

I would recommend the AD700 if you don't want to spend much.

For Grado, I can't think of any headphone company that could be worse. They are the lowest of low, garbage of garbage. They use the same drivers that have been made extremely cheap for practically 50 years unchanged. They just plain suck. And yes, I think John Grado the owner is a sleeze who has been duping audiophiles for years. But then for some audiophiles that's what it is, spending more is better and John Grado obliges with glee.

You want Headphones? Buy them from companies that have Audio Engineers. Headphones made with REAL science, not by some idiot named John Grado, self proclaimed audio engineer with no schooling or professional background decides something sounds good.
- Sennheiser, Audio Technica, Ultrasone, Shure, Beyerdynamic, AKG just to name a few. All of these employ science, real engineers with backed up scientific proof for their engineering. Published PHD researchers, you can actually read their research and white papers. Not a moron counting his money by duping audiophiles in Brooklyn, New York.

 

LOL, I was considering Grado for awhile and while I haven't listened to them, there are lots of folks that apparently like them. You crack me up Ziddy.

That said, Ziddy did recommend me the cans that I currently use and really like- the Shure SRH 440's. They're not too expensive, they're rugged enough for travel and collapse down to a nice size, they have a replaceable cord, and I think they sound great for the price point.

I'd definitely go with Audio Technica too if my budget was a little higher and they weren't so big (biggest drawback for travel- they don't fold up).

 

Audio Technica M50s. They are around the same budget as your Shure, can be had for $80 US. They are like Shure, made for professionals in the studio and they are extremely durable and do fold up. So if you like the AT sound, then these would be a good option. These should sound fine with the G73 and easily powered.

I honestly can't think of anything that is more overpriced, overrated and more crappy for price of $50 or more than a pair of Grado Headphones. I mean against anything, any product of any type. It's simply horrible. Devoid of any research, devoid of any science when buying better Audio gear should be backed up by both of these. That's why Sennheiser employs so many real engineers...

 

I ordered a splitter that separates the contacts on a four section jack (like earbuds for an iPhone) into a green stereo jack and a red microphone jack. I currently have a pair of v-moda earbuds with a decent microphone built-in. I use them on my G73 all the time. They have good mids and highs but not much bass. Can you guys recommend a good set of earbuds with a built-in mic that have good bass response? A real headset is cool, but I always have a set of earbuds in my pocket for my phone and laptop. I am not an audiophile and it seems that you guys know a lot about this. I would like a pair with really good bass but not to the point where the mids and highs get muddy. Can you recommend an affordable pair... maybe something good around $100 or so?

 

You can shop for a pair of Sony MDR-SA3000. Medium impedance and monitor-like quality. I'm looking at a set of 5000s for myself.

 

I use a Razer Carcharias Headset. I like how comfortable they are compared to my old headphones and they've got pretty nice sound quality.

 

Damn! Those I hear are very fast headphones, too fast for some where I've read impressions say, too analytical and loss of musicality.

But good luck with that, I see used SA5000s on sale frequent enough for you to find a pair in great condition with good price.

 

A headphone TidBit for those on budget.

The Creative Aurvana headphones are actually Denon D1000 headphones. You can often find these Creatives at very good prices. So if you want a quality headphone that many see as a great entry to audiophile headphones, these Creative are a great start.

 

FYI: The 5000's are on their way to me. Be here tomorrow.

@ziddy: too fast and analytical? LOL Basically, they're monitors on your head. Sennheiser "borrowed" some of Sony's ideas for their HD800s, and tweaked them for "better presentation", but heck, I'll take 95% of the sound of the HD800s for 1/4 the price.

 

Heh, doubtful. HD800 are apart, and unlike any headphone, none can compare. It uses an entirely different transducer than any headphone. It's a ring radiating transducer and this has nothing to do with what Sony offers. Maybe you think design is similar, but that would just be coincidence. What makes the HD800 special is the transducer. HD800 cable, and housing materials, transducer etc are completely different from the SA5000.

And also, the sound signature of the HD800 is closest to it's predecessor HD600, sounds nothing like the SA5000s.

But whatever floats your boat. If you like really fast heapdhones, enjoy them.

But I'd hardly say they were monitors. Monitors are studio headphones that have a flat response for "monitoring." SA5000 have anything but flat response. They would be terrible for monitoring.

Here is a graph of the K702 Open Air Studio and ATH M50 for Closed Studio compared to SA5000. As you can see SA5000 would be atrocious for music monitoring.