[KetchupNinja]

I'm mostly looking for something to use at home without waking up the family.  I've been looking into the Creative Aurvana Live!, ATH-M50's and Ultrasone HFI-580's but I'm not sure which of these would be better, but I'm open to any other suggestions.  I'm going to be plugging them into a Asus DG sound card if that helps at all, thanks!

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

I'm mostly looking for something to use at home without waking up the family.  I've been looking into the Creative Aurvana Live!, ATH-M50's and Ultrasone HFI-580's but I'm not sure which of these would be better, but I'm open to any other suggestions.  I'm going to be plugging them into a Asus DG sound card if that helps at all, thanks!

Gemini HSR-1000 (Takstar Pro 80) closed headphone, around $85.

 

[Gilly87]

M50 will be horrible for gaming, its soundstage is pretty weak and flat IMO. CAL! is probably a better bet.

 

[sofastreamer]

denon d1100 may be worth a look. i like them for movies, because of the deep bass and 3d soundstage. another option maybe dt770pro 80 ohm, if you can stand sharp highs.

 

[obobskivich]

M50 will be horrible for gaming, its soundstage is pretty weak and flat IMO. CAL! is probably a better bet.

+1. M50 are a bad idea here IMO.

I'd also add the Bose AE2 (alongside the CAL!); yes they cost more, but they're among the most comfortable headphones ever made, and isolate better than most of their competition (including the M50) at the same time. Nice, smooth, all-rounder sound signature with pleasantly rolled-off highs that make them very non-fatiguing and un-offensive for long listening. They also have enough bass impact to make games and movies satisfying, and a good soundstage to boot. Just don't expect electrostatic speed or accuracy and you'll be fine.

CAL! are about half the price any given day though, so I wouldn't discount them (this by itself is a "feature" imo - haha). It's been a while but I want to say the sound-stage on the AE2 will be better, while the CAL will be better in the treble region. Neither are bad though.

Have heard the HM5 has a good soundstage and decent bass response, Look into those.

Please don't suggest things you haven't personally heard. It doesn't help.

 

[jvello]

How would custom one pros be? Also interested in this.

 

[sofastreamer]

as far as i understand the reviews, soundstage is very narrow on them.