Hardware & Technical Headset advice (open or semi-closed)

[Errant]

hello all,

if anyone can help that would be great…i’m building a new PC for Elite Dangerous, and I’m trying to choose the right headset.
My mobo will be Asus H97 Pro Gamer which was on-board 8channel audio via 6-off 3.5mm, and also there’s a SPDIF out.

I live in the tropics so probably need to ventilate my ears, thus i’m considering open or semi-closed.
I love bass, and reading around I heard that open cans can be a bit light on the bass, so my choice now seems to semi-closed.

I like the idea of wireless, but my head EDtracker will be wired and connected to my headset, so I’m thinking wired or wireless, probably doesn’t matter.

I would also like a 7.1 surround experience if poss, altho I know there’s some debate around if this is actually audible (again, given my mobo).

Budget is $300 or so, happy to spend less of course, but I want to do it right so I’m keen to get the best sound quality given the motherboard I’m using (no point getting high-end phones if the bottleneck is the sound the PC makes, right?).

I’m also aware of the built-in mic vs separate mic add-on debate (another complication!). I will be using voice attack to make verbal commands to the ship, and probably use teamspeak chat also.

not wanting to influence you, but i've been looking at models like Sennheiser 363D, Game One, Astro A50, SteelseriesH, Mionix Nash20
Unfortunately, I can’t foresee me being able to test any headsets, so I’m asking you fine audiophiles for help...
Thanks in advance

 

[deMangler]

You mention you are an audiophile in the tropics. In that case I recommend Koss Porta Pros with a seperate mic. The reason being that they are a lightweight open headphone that has by far the best sound than kit a lot heavier and more expensive. I ahve spent a lot of money on headphones over the years and I now just use the Koss's.
IMO you won't find a combined headset+mic with decent sound. I haven't found one.
If that doesn't appeal and you are willing to compromise sound then really any lightweight headset will do. I am using a Logitech H600 wireless headset. It sounds ok. I have my EDTracker taped to it with electrical tape. I know it is a wireless headset but this solution works for me. However the sound is so good in E:⁠D that I am more and more just wearing the Porta Pros and sacrificing tracking and VA.
I plan to use a logitech mic and make a clip to connect the EDTracker to the Koss's.
Anyway - there ya go...

 

[Enride]

Ill drop some thoughts into this thread for ya.

Check out Corsairs Vengeance series of wireless headsets.
I got the 2000 model, think it was top of the line a year or two ago but replaced recently, and for the price of about half that of competetive brands its great value for the money.
Good battery time, above decent sound and wireless with microphone its served me great for 1.5 years now and still looks and feels like new!
I might be a bit pedantic with my stuff, but they are nowhere near as fragile as they originally was. Corsair sure fixed it up good.


I also got a pair of Razers Blackshark headset yesterday and having put some good few hours into them now Im as happy as ever with them!
Retro, stripped of all functions aside from delivering great audio, this is a aviation style headset that I can fully recommend!

 

[Fenris Wolf]

Another headphone request...

I was about to start a thread about headphones as well, so good timing

Wanting a pair that are:
- lightweight
- on-ear (my ears get very hot!)
- comfortable with glasses
- microphone (for VA and chat)

Oh, and not costing a trip to an anarchy system shipping stolen guns!

Any suggestions?