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Best Sub $300 headset for call of duty?

Kerotan

Member
So I recently got offered a professional contract to coach gamers on warzone. I only use a $100 headset and the audio isn't the best especially for footsteps.

I was thinking of getting the Steel series Arctis 7P for around $200?

Link

My friend also recommend the hyper xcloud 2 which is about $120.

Should I go for one of these or is there a better option?
 
No headset out of the box will be set specifically for footsteps. You'll have to adjust in an equalizer manually or set it in an app like Dolby Access to automatically adjust for louder lows/footsteps. Most expensive headsets focus on the quality of audio. Having louder footsteps will sadly lower other stuff. That being said, you can always check rtings for all kinds of headset reviews, very in-depth and you can even customize your own table to sort what you want more in a headset(better mic, soundstage,etc.)

 
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manfestival

Member
Most headsets will get the job done in this sense. Especially if you go with those popular gamerbrand choices. However, I do give a stronger recommendation to the penrose if you desire better sound quality and something that has use for music. Since the other headphones have wonky tuning that just makes music sound wrong or weird. Anyways, you get an EQ with most of these things. Granted most people don't even know how to EQ to make things work for their tastes anyways. Footsteps usually get put into lower frequencies. Just keep in mind that altering frequencies in EQ can change the sound presentation and throw you off until you get accustomed to the sound.

For your needs, an audiophile headphone probably won't be necessary. However, a top tier recommendation is the HD560S. Nothing really comes close to it south of like $800 for gaming but it has quite a few caveats that many people are unwilling to compromise on. Hence why I recommend the Penrose in this case.
 
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Golgo 13

The Man With The Golden Dong
Most headsets will get the job done in this sense. Especially if you go with those popular gamerbrand choices. However, I do give a stronger recommendation to the penrose if you desire better sound quality and something that has use for music. Since the other headphones have wonky tuning that just makes music sound wrong or weird. Anyways, you get an EQ with most of these things. Granted most people don't even know how to EQ to make things work for their tastes anyways. Footsteps usually get put into lower frequencies. Just keep in mind that altering frequencies in EQ can change the sound presentation and throw you off until you get accustomed to the sound.

For your needs, an audiophile headphone probably won't be necessary. However, a top tier recommendation is the HD560S. Nothing really comes to to it south of like $800 for gaming but it has quite a few caveats that many people are unwilling to compromise on. Hence why I recommend the Penrose in this case.
I love your HD560S recommendation - I have a similar pair of Sennheiser headphones that I’ve been using for gaming for 6 years, which still function great and are in respectable condition. I personally don’t think similarly prices gaming headphones can compare to something like that - at least not in my experience. My Sennheisers blow away every gaming headset I’ve used and it’s not even a close contest.
 

manfestival

Member
I love your HD560S recommendation - I have a similar pair of Sennheiser headphones that I’ve been using for gaming for 6 years, which still function great and are in respectable condition. I personally don’t think similarly prices gaming headphones can compare to something like that - at least not in my experience. My Sennheisers blow away every gaming headset I’ve used and it’s not even a close contest.
I have quite a few different headphones. I guess I am an audiophile buuuut I do use a sennheiser gaming headset that suffices for my gaming needs like 80% of the time. I have tried some of the more traditional gamer brand but I hated how they sounded and felt. Sennheisers are usually comfortable and sound great. The HD 560S is like the number 1 recommended headphone that typically only gets beaten by the HD 800S. Yet that is going from $200 to $1400. Though sadly most people want closed back for whatever reason. So that immediately cuts off the best sounding options.
 

MrFunSocks

Banned
I went from a steel series Arctis headset to the offficial Xbox wireless headset and haven’t looked back. I pretty much exclusively play PUBG where sound - especially hearing footsteps and identifying their direction - is almost the most important aspect of the game, and the Xbox headset is fantastic in that regard.
 

S0ULZB0URNE

Member

 
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nemiroff

Gold Member
Steelseries 7 has good sound and comfort (but weak volume wheel as many other brands), it's one of the many headsets I have.., like the official Xbox headset which is arguable even better in some ways. With that said, I recently bought the Philips Fidelio X3 headphones and standalone microphone, plus a DAC/Amplifier, and it's an amazing setup. Wired and more expensive as well tho.
 

EverydayBeast

thinks Halo Infinite is a new graphical benchmark
Muting players is the best thing I ever did on call of duty, if it’s your job get a good headset, Astro headset here, no regrets. I remember liking skull candy but not for gaming.
 

Leyasu

Banned
What sort of set up will you be using? I take it that you need a mic also.

Have a look at the beyerdynamic mmx300, great headset. It is closed back.

For open back with a mic, there ain't that many in all honesty, but Audio technica have some
 
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Esca

Member
I own the 7p and really like it. It's extremely comfortable for long sessions and the sound is clear(to me, im no audiophile). They don't feel cheap and the battery and charge time is great
 

Topher

Gold Member
So I recently got offered a professional contract to coach gamers on warzone. I only use a $100 headset and the audio isn't the best especially for footsteps.

I was thinking of getting the Steel series Arctis 7P for around $200?

Link

My friend also recommend the hyper xcloud 2 which is about $120.

Should I go for one of these or is there a better option?

I have the HyperX Cloud X for XSX and they are great. Very comfortable. HyperX has always made great sounds, comfortable headsets. For PS5, I user Razer Blackshark V2 Pro and they are fantastic.


If you go wireless, I highly recommend getting a headset with a dongle. I think those Steel Series 7Ps would probably do fine.
 
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Moonjt9

Member
I got the Sennheiser GSP500 and I quite like it. Sound quality and comfort are top notch, and the mic is great.
 

Kerotan

Member
Steelseries Arctis 7P.

Couldn't be happier tbh
Can you get these wireless and with a mix amp? And is it possible to have discord running through them from a phone or pc while playing on the past?
What sort of set up will you be using? I take it that you need a mic also.

Have a look at the beyerdynamic mmx300, great headset. It is closed back.

For open back with a mic, there ain't that many in all honesty, but Audio technica have some
Yeah I need a mic.
I have the HyperX Cloud X for XSX and they are great. Very comfortable. HyperX has always made great sounds, comfortable headsets. For PS5, I user Razer Blackshark V2 Pro and they are fantastic.


If you go wireless, I highly recommend getting a headset with a dongle. I think those Steel Series 7Ps would probably do fine.
Yeah I'll go wireless. Can you get a mix amp for those.
 

Topher

Gold Member
Can you get these wireless and with a mix amp? And is it possible to have discord running through them from a phone or pc while playing on the past?

Yeah I need a mic.

Yeah I'll go wireless. Can you get a mix amp for those.

I don't know about mix amps, but if you want discord then you should probably look for a headset that includes bluetooth. The Audeze Penrose FrankWza FrankWza talked about would probably work in that use case, but they are expensive at $300.
 

AJUMP23

Member
So I recently got offered a professional contract to coach gamers on warzone. I only use a $100 headset and the audio isn't the best especially for footsteps.

I was thinking of getting the Steel series Arctis 7P for around $200?

Link

My friend also recommend the hyper xcloud 2 which is about $120.

Should I go for one of these or is there a better option?
Check with the company and the contract if they have something they recommend. They may also buy you a headset. If you are in the US the headset purchase is a business expense and is a tax deduction.
 

Rbk_3

Member
So I recently got offered a professional contract to coach gamers on warzone. I only use a $100 headset and the audio isn't the best especially for footsteps.

I was thinking of getting the Steel series Arctis 7P for around $200?

Link

My friend also recommend the hyper xcloud 2 which is about $120.

Should I go for one of these or is there a better option?

I have the Cloud 2 and really like them. Previously had the Logitech G933 and much prefer the Clouds.
 

FrankWza

Member
Kerotan Kerotan

I think you should list exactly what you want out of the headset as far as capabilities and device compatibility. But the short answer in your price range that check the most boxes and has the most compatibility is the Penrose X. As long as they are comfortable for you, you will have as good of an experience in your price range with very little effort and no added expense
 

nikos

Member
Anybody who’s coaching a team for Warzone should know that the audio in the game is shit, especially footsteps. It’s not your headset.

I have over 1k hours in that game and have tried multiple sets of headphones, sound cards, audio interfaces, settings, codecs etc. The Sennheiser PC38X are really good, especially for what they cost. The Home Theater setting in game also seems to be the best sound profile for footseteps and overall clarity.
 

Wildebeest

Member
Headphones that are tuned for accurate reproduction of sound are sold as monitor headphones or studio headphones. They are not necessarily more expensive to make or buy, but most consumers complain if the bass isn't distorted enough on their pumping hippity hoppity records.
 

FrankWza

Member
Rule of thumb: don't buy gaming headsets. Unless if they're made by a legit audio manufacturer (Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, Audio Technica, Philips, etc) don't waste your time. Get a nice set of cans, a V-Moda mic and you're good.
The only way to do this is on PS5 if you want to get the most out of your headphones. Wired or wirelessly. Otherwise if you’re on xbox you would need to either plug your headphones into your controller or get an hdmi stripper and none of the available ones allow for full hdmi 2.1 compatibility. Those aren’t great options
 

Kerotan

Member
I don't know about mix amps, but if you want discord then you should probably look for a headset that includes bluetooth. The Audeze Penrose FrankWza FrankWza talked about would probably work in that use case, but they are expensive at $300.

Check with the company and the contract if they have something they recommend. They may also buy you a headset. If you are in the US the headset purchase is a business expense and is a tax deduction.

Kerotan Kerotan

I think you should list exactly what you want out of the headset as far as capabilities and device compatibility. But the short answer in your price range that check the most boxes and has the most compatibility is the Penrose X. As long as they are comfortable for you, you will have as good of an experience in your price range with very little effort and no added expense
Is the mix amp really worth it?

Anybody who’s coaching a team for Warzone should know that the audio in the game is shit, especially footsteps. It’s not your headset.

I have over 1k hours in that game and have tried multiple sets of headphones, sound cards, audio interfaces, settings, codecs etc. The Sennheiser PC38X are really good, especially for what they cost. The Home Theater setting in game also seems to be the best sound profile for footseteps and overall clarity.
I use home theatre also. What level do you have the maste and effects volume at?
 

Kerotan

Member
I read this about the Arctis pro. Surely this isn't true?

"These headphones have a wireless hub that for the best sound, requies an optical in from your playstation, but the PS5 doesn't have one. When you connect via USB only, the quality is about the same as the Sony Pulse headset, and certainly not worth the $300 price tag."
 

FrankWza

Member
Is the mix amp really worth it?
It’s not a mixamp.

I read this about the Arctis pro. Surely this isn't true?

"These headphones have a wireless hub that for the best sound, requies an optical in from your playstation, but the PS5 doesn't have one. When you connect via USB only, the quality is about the same as the Sony Pulse headset, and certainly not worth the $300 price tag."
It is. All legacy amps and base stations require optical for better sound and mixing. They weren’t designed to go over usb
 

Kerotan

Member
It’s not a mixamp.


It is. All legacy amps and base stations require optical for better sound and mixing. They weren’t designed to go over usb
So in that case you there's no point buying the Arctis pros for the past you might as well get the artics 7p. Or the Penrose.

Why don't reviewers mention this. The more research I do the more confused I get on what to buy.
 

Ribi

Member
Same setup. What do you use for a dac. I have a creative soundblaster and it's pretty good but I like hearing my own voice and the static is kind of a bummer.
Schiit stack. (Magni + modi) Although I currently use iems since I find them easier to use and can run them on the go. (blessing 2)
 
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Schiit stack. (Magni + modi) Although I currently use iems since I find them easier to use and can run them on the go. (blessing 2)
Do you care about true tone. Or whatever it's called when you hear yourself as you talk? If so how is it with your setup ?
 
Honestly, ever since I experienced Sennheiser, Audio Technica and Beyerdynamic headphones, it would be really hard for me to ever go back to traditional gaming headsets.
 

rofif

Can’t Git Gud

Is Kaira Pro really better than Pulse 3d actually?
The mic and monitoring functionality is working driverless on pc fine. I am playing bf5 with it.
The only drawback is that mic can be a bit sensitive and battery life is about 10-12 hours
 
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rofif

Can’t Git Gud
I read this about the Arctis pro. Surely this isn't true?

"These headphones have a wireless hub that for the best sound, requies an optical in from your playstation, but the PS5 doesn't have one. When you connect via USB only, the quality is about the same as the Sony Pulse headset, and certainly not worth the $300 price tag."
Buddy had arctis pro. It sunded dryish to me and was too small on my head. Pads are scratchy. Not for me.
He excahnged for blackshark v2 pro and its fantastic. I have pulse 3d and I am happy.

About ps5 - No, there is no optical. But dualsense got headphone jack and microphone built in.
And usb = optiucal more or less. It's digital
 

Kerotan

Member
Buddy had arctis pro. It sunded dryish to me and was too small on my head. Pads are scratchy. Not for me.
He excahnged for blackshark v2 pro and its fantastic. I have pulse 3d and I am happy.

About ps5 - No, there is no optical. But dualsense got headphone jack and microphone built in.
And usb = optiucal more or less. It's digital
Ok so basically the pulse 3d has good audio it's just the microphone that's lacking. And I need a good microphone if I'm going to be coaching clients.
 

rofif

Can’t Git Gud
Ok so basically the pulse 3d has good audio it's just the microphone that's lacking. And I need a good microphone if I'm going to be coaching clients.
Most likely.
I think most wireless headsets have rather poor mic.
 

Kerotan

Member
Most likely.
I think most wireless headsets have rather poor mic.
Man I've done like 10 hours research on this and I'm more confused then before. They all have a downside.

The astro A50 would be perfect but they need that adapter but apparently you can't do VRR or 120fps on your TV when you use that or can you if your TV is HDMI 2.1 and has earc? And can the voice chat game chat mix be adjusted with a button on the headphones like with the pulse 3d?

The Penrose look like the best sounding of the gaming headphones but they have shitty connection issues, bad customer support and a few other problems.

Then I'm confused. Is there any point in getting a mix amp or DAC if it's plugged into the past via USB. The more i dig the harder this gets. Maybe I'll just settle with a 150e headset with a better mic for now and when a new gen of Astros or wherever come out I'll get them.
 
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