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Headphones or Speakers
- Thread starter Acrylic7
- Start date
Firelord Chargrilled
Banned
Good pair of headphones
willywonka159
Neo Member
Headphones all the way. IMO, it just creates better immersion. Also, I turn it up pretty loud without disturbing those around me and neighbors, etc.
I have the Sony Pulse headphones, but they can get heavy and uncomfortable after a while, so I'll throw on my Audio-Technica ATH-M50x's.
I have the Sony Pulse headphones, but they can get heavy and uncomfortable after a while, so I'll throw on my Audio-Technica ATH-M50x's.
Jonny Rizzo
Member
If a game has great music/sound FX I always try to use headphones. Currently using a pair of Sennheiser HD 202s, for $30(US) they produce sound that is comparable or better than most gaming headsets.
I prefer headphones over speakers any day if I'm watching or playing games by myself. Its so much easier to drown out background noise and I can get a better audio experience for a lot less money.
I prefer headphones over speakers any day if I'm watching or playing games by myself. Its so much easier to drown out background noise and I can get a better audio experience for a lot less money.
I confess to not be an audiophile, but it's pretty clear, has good range and can go pretty loud. Battery life is decent too.
The ones I have are:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MGYQP52/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Customer reviews there say that the sound quality is pretty good.
GreatMightySymp
Member
Speakers for me, although that's mostly because due to my glasses I get headaches when over-the-ear headphones press against my glasses (and earbuds hurt my ears after a while).
For most PC games I use headphones, good ones. I do have speakers hooked up for non-game use (watching YT vids and such) and a handful of games that don't really rely too much on sound (Diablo 3 comes to mind). I've got a good sound system hooked up downstairs for console games.
As someone who's a bit obsessed with headphones, I always prefer them... for music.
But I pretty much never use them for gaming.
I did for Hotline Miami though; doing so should be a rule for playing.
My favorite headphones are the V-MODA M-100, which are perfect if you like a boost in bass and some extra body to your sound. I really want to try gaming with them more than I have, I'm just... lazy.
But I pretty much never use them for gaming.
I did for Hotline Miami though; doing so should be a rule for playing.
My favorite headphones are the V-MODA M-100, which are perfect if you like a boost in bass and some extra body to your sound. I really want to try gaming with them more than I have, I'm just... lazy.
Two things I can't deal with: missing audio details (due to background noise, bad acoustics, etc) and bothering other people with whatever I'm listening to. So headphones for me, I can't play without them.
I'd love to use speakers though, I'm yet to find a set of cans that are truly comfortable - the kind you actually forget you're wearing even after a few hours. But even ignoring rule #2, to beat what I get from $50 headphones I'd have to spend 5x more on speakers.
I'd love to use speakers though, I'm yet to find a set of cans that are truly comfortable - the kind you actually forget you're wearing even after a few hours. But even ignoring rule #2, to beat what I get from $50 headphones I'd have to spend 5x more on speakers.
Apoleptica
Banned
Earphones or headphones are alright but my ears get hot after a while so I can't wear them for too long. I prefer a good speaker system.
ShabbadooJr
Member
I play with my surround sound most of the time. But as it gets late or if I'm playing COD, I'll switch to my Astro A50s.
Rhazer Fusion
Member
I got a surround sound 7.1 Denon system with Infinity tower speakers and a Polk Audio subwoofer and I think it sounds great considering how old it is. I always think about buying some headphones for the night, but honestly, it seems like the really good ones with surround sound cost almost as much as an entire surround sound receiver. Cheapest early heigh end headphones I've seen are $50 for the Sony headphones or headset with 7.1. Might get that later, but imo nothing beats a good surround sound system with sound and bass bouncing off your walls. People who do not have surround sound of some type do not know what they are missing. I cannot play games though TV speakers anymore.
BIONIC-ARRRMMM!!
Member
Straight from the TV's speakers like a true OG.
EmeraldSwords
Banned
I find it much more difficult to use Headphones while trying to talk with others, so I usually have one cup slightly out of place so I could hear my surroundings and my voice. The Ps gold headsets have been pretty solid for chat and even in game sound.
Acrylic7
Member
Forgot to mention that I do this a lot. Sometimes it does feel weird to not hear stuff thats happening outside of games, music and movies.
Duxxy3
Member
High end headphones are strictly stereo. I've used dolby headphones and strongly prefer regular stereo for every application. Surround headphones are not comparable to true surround sound systems.
Headphones. I used to use some cheaper 5.1 Logitech surround sound speakers. I still have them but the two rear speakers don't work now. If I'm the only one around and it's the middle of the day, I may still use the speakers just for the use of the sub-woofer and the fun of having music be heard anywhere I am in the house. However, I prefer the headphones for the audio clarity and noise cancellation that speakers don't provide. This is especially useful while streaming or recording video or simply talking to friends on Teamspeak. It's also obviously useful at night.
I've used Corsair headphones for the past couple of years, but am presently using some V-Moda Crossfade 100s (because of a review). Before these I never really appreciated how much of a difference there was in more expensive audio equipment that makes use of more premium hardware.
I've used Corsair headphones for the past couple of years, but am presently using some V-Moda Crossfade 100s (because of a review). Before these I never really appreciated how much of a difference there was in more expensive audio equipment that makes use of more premium hardware.
joecanada
Member
Well straight facts are that a 7.1 system is going to shit on any headphones, the range of various speakers, sizes, etc can never be matched by tiny drivers in headphones but having said that I enjoy headphones very much and they serve a great purpose for quiet gaming...
Subwoofer announcing every tank shell in bf4 is not always welcomed in the house lol
I would have to say both but if you like quiet times get headphones first
Subwoofer announcing every tank shell in bf4 is not always welcomed in the house lol
I would have to say both but if you like quiet times get headphones first
Icyflamez96
Member
Earphones
GoonerTRON
Banned
I sold my surround system 1 month after i got some A50' for gaming. The sound is way better and don't have to worry about neighbors.
GoonerTRON
Banned
You died in a fire because you could't hear the smoke alarm!
Rhazer Fusion
Member
Ah, I see. Thanks for the information. I always assumed the headphones were trying to emulate true surround sound, but in stereo.
I used to have a FiiO E10 DAC, but it has no positional audio, so I really can't recommend it for anything 3D; now I own a pair of inexpensive Sony SRS-A212 speakers, a bunch of cheap but good IEM's, and a pair of modded Koss KSC75 (Great choice for your friend, cheap and open back, they use the same driver as the PortaPro), as all of them are in the low end and are easy to drive, I just use the on-board sound, and a cheap USB DAC modded with better capacitors.
I like headphones better, but it really depends of the game.
I like headphones better, but it really depends of the game.
matrixman92
Member
I get paranoid as Hell when I have headphones on. I always feel like someone is walking in my room behind me and I will never know lol. Anytime I have my headphones on I am constantly looking over my shoulder to see if anyone is there. I also have dogs, so if they come in my room, I like to know. For all of these reasons, I prefer shitty speakers...and the very rare times I have headphones on, I keep one ear uncovered
Gucci Messiah
Banned
lol those are almost the cost of a ps4
barneystuta83
Member
I am not a PC gamer, but I can say one thing.
Pretty 4k and 120fps is great I am sure. A high quality sound system though is incredible.
High quality audio makes thing so much more immersive.
I know that having a full 5.1/7.1/or whatever maybe impractical for some, but do yourself a favour (if you can).
Get the best audio set up that will fit with your gaming rig space and budget. The same applies to TV and console games too.
Edit: and if a good quality audio set up is not plausible due to space limitations, get high quality headphones.
Pretty 4k and 120fps is great I am sure. A high quality sound system though is incredible.
High quality audio makes thing so much more immersive.
I know that having a full 5.1/7.1/or whatever maybe impractical for some, but do yourself a favour (if you can).
Get the best audio set up that will fit with your gaming rig space and budget. The same applies to TV and console games too.
Edit: and if a good quality audio set up is not plausible due to space limitations, get high quality headphones.
I used to use a cheap 5.1 at my old house. When I got married I figured I would buy a good 5.1 and it sounds amazing. The only problem is that my wife is always complaining it's to loud and i had a baby so I got the astro a50s. I moving into a bigger house in a couple months where I can finally crank the volume and no one will hear me. Headphones are good but a good surround sound system will always be better for me.
Balmung421
Member
Philips Fidelio X2 for my PC:
Same, and I power it with my audio engine DAC.
These are seriously the most comfortable headphones I have ever used; super light weight on my head, and my ears don't actually hit the insides of the cans. First pair I can wear literally all day and not have a single issue.
Used to wear headphones all the time. At some point they started to feel uncomfortable after wearing them for a while, no idea why (Beyerdynamic DT-770). Now I use them for the first playthrough and only if I really want to enjoy the music properly. After that it's TV speakers all the way (not as bad as you think, my TV has rather good sound quality).
Tesseract
Banned
Panasonic RPHJE120S In-Ear Headphone, Silver
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EM800S/?tag=neogaf0e-20
$6.45
the GOAT
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EM800S/?tag=neogaf0e-20
$6.45
the GOAT
KentoMaiku
Member
if you have an okay sub woofer lenovo laptop, what headphone would be good? thanks
YesManKablam
Member
The true GOAT
I've been using these (Sennheiser HD555) for about 6 years and they still work great:
I use them mainly at night to be sure I don't wake up the neighbours. At the moment they are connected to a SMSL SD-793II DAC/heaphone amp:
I also have two old hifi speakers connected to a SMSL SA-36A Pro amp which I use mainly during the day (it's more comfortable than having to wear heaphones and the sound is pretty decent).
Open headphones would solve that issue. They are not isolated so you can still hear what's going on outside.
I use them mainly at night to be sure I don't wake up the neighbours. At the moment they are connected to a SMSL SD-793II DAC/heaphone amp:
I also have two old hifi speakers connected to a SMSL SA-36A Pro amp which I use mainly during the day (it's more comfortable than having to wear heaphones and the sound is pretty decent).
Open headphones would solve that issue. They are not isolated so you can still hear what's going on outside.
immortal-joe
Member
All my console gaming is done on the couch, so the only time headphones are an option is for the PS4. Meanwhile, headphones are the default for handhelds (Vita and Mobile).
I used to go for the on-ear design, since I never wanted to lug around an over-ear design around, while in-ear models never liked my ears (kept falling out).
Problem was I would always feel pressure and pain with on-ear headphones, and I've gone through various designs.
I'm now using the Bose QC20, which has that helpful curve within that keeps it in my ear.
Edit: Forgot to mention, my current 5.1 setup is a Harmon Kardon set. Served me well for 3 years and counting.
I used to go for the on-ear design, since I never wanted to lug around an over-ear design around, while in-ear models never liked my ears (kept falling out).
Problem was I would always feel pressure and pain with on-ear headphones, and I've gone through various designs.
I'm now using the Bose QC20, which has that helpful curve within that keeps it in my ear.
Edit: Forgot to mention, my current 5.1 setup is a Harmon Kardon set. Served me well for 3 years and counting.
