Best budget gaming headphones

chris_james_evans

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Feb 6, 2014
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10,510
Hi Guys,

I've been doing a lot of research into headphone audio for gaming and I still don't know what is best in terms of stereo vs virtual surround. I have seen some good looking stereo sets but some also have a more expensive version that comes with an inline sound card to provide virtual surround but a lot of the reviews I've read have said the sound cards provided with most headsets are a bit rubbish. I currently only have on board sound support for my PC as the audio is sent via HDMI to a multi input AV receiver which has it's own amp and set of surround speakers. If I wanted to use headphones what should I do to get the best, most immersive sound experience? Should I use on board sound or get a dedicated sound card? Is virtual surround in headphones worth bothering with? Should I plug the headphones into the on board headphones socket or the headphone out on my AV receiver? So many options!!

The headphones I have been looking at are:

Sennheiser PC330 (setero)
Sennheiser PC333D (Virtual surround)
Logitech G230 (stereo)
Logitech G430 (virtual surround)
Kingston Hyperx Cloud
plantronics Rig

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Chris
 
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A lot of my friends bought Turtle Beachs for their consoles. After we all started to gravitate towards PC more, most of them ended up having to get new headsets because the Turtle Beach's had compatibility problems. For some it wouldn't register that the headset was plugged in and would play through the speakers, for others there mic was either very quiet or just wouldn't work. Not everyone of them had issues but still I have seen and heard a lot of issues with them on PC. Best to use Turtle Beach on consoles. Although if the intended use is for consoles then they are great!

OneLapDown

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Jul 30, 2014
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4,520
Sorry, no experience with your short list, but for what it's worth, I have been using Turtle Beach P11's for about two and a half years, and have been very happy with them. I loved my Turtle Beach DPX21's, the felt lighter and ear cups were softer, but the way that the ear cups are connected to the body in my opinion was not a very good design, and was a structure weak link. I know I'm probably in the minority, but I like the Turtle Beach products.
 

EndGamerGuy

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Oct 15, 2013
140
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10,710
I researched your choices and overall in my opinion the Logitech G430 I feel is the best from what you chose. It has the most to offer, it has the functions of all of the ones you chose wrapped up in it, and is a pretty great price for what you get. Before I had chose the G430 I had rounded it down to that one and the Seinheiser PC333D. I ended up picking the Logitech headset because although they have almost all the same features, the Seinheiser was $249.99, while the Logitech G430 was $79.99. The only differences between the two is the Sienheiser mic can be turned off by pushing it upwards, and the right ear cup (with the mic on it) can be flipped slightly up to get it closer to your mouth which really isn't worth the extra $170. On top of that the G430 ear cups can be washed for when they start to get grimy (which can be helpful after having them for awhile), also the ear cups can be rotated so you can place the headset flat on a surface, which minimizes the risk of accidentally bending them or breaking them off. Overall the Logitech G430 is the best headset of the bunch, and looks to be of great quality and also has great surround sound as well.
 

EndGamerGuy

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Oct 15, 2013
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10,710
To answer the rest of your questions, YES surround sound is worth it. You should stick with your sound-card, I don't know your specs but a new sound card wouldn't make a huge difference, you will notice it but its not really worth it when you can just get a great headset. Also what do you mean by "Should I plug the headphones into the on board headphones socket or the headphone out on my AV receiver?"?
 

numanator

Honorable
I have the Sennheiser PC333D and they are pretty good so far. Only had then for a few months so can't comment on how long they last but the sound quality is pretty good for me (not an audiophile). I rarely use the virtual surround sound but that is just me.
 

chris_james_evans

Honorable
Feb 6, 2014
18
0
10,510


 

EndGamerGuy

Honorable
Oct 15, 2013
140
0
10,710


A lot of my friends bought Turtle Beachs for their consoles. After we all started to gravitate towards PC more, most of them ended up having to get new headsets because the Turtle Beach's had compatibility problems. For some it wouldn't register that the headset was plugged in and would play through the speakers, for others there mic was either very quiet or just wouldn't work. Not everyone of them had issues but still I have seen and heard a lot of issues with them on PC. Best to use Turtle Beach on consoles. Although if the intended use is for consoles then they are great!
 
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