S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
New Head-Fier
Greetings,
First of I would like to excuse myself for starting yet another "what do you recomend" thread, but as someone who has just started to deal with a problem of sound on my computer, I would like to hear your advice.
I am looking for a set of headsets/headphones that will be used mainly for gaming (so directional audio is important) and secondary for listening music/movies.
I spent few days researching the topic of computer audio department, and based on other peoples feedback, I concluded that best solution is to avoid true surround headphones/headsets, and use a good pair of stereo headphones, and let the sound card deal with the surround virtualization.
Basically, these are the priority parameters which I am looking at currently:
- Good comfort (after all they are to be used for a prolonged periods of time - like several hours of gaming session)
- Closed back (i.e. NO leaking noise into the surrounding)
- Over-the-ear (and I think on something with large ear cups)
- Good soundstage with acurate directional input
* First problem is that currently I have a limited budget (up to 150$),
* Second problem is that the place where I live has quite high import fees and taxes (Such is the life in the Zone ), so even something like Logitech G430 which costs 55$ on Amazon, are priced over 90$ over here (not to mention that Audio-Technica ATH M50X cost over 200$)...
So you should add 30-50$ to everything you suggest.
* And third problem is that I don't have DAC & Amp, so I'm currently using my motherboards integrated sound card.
Currently I am using MSI P67 C45 motherboard, and I'm not sure of it's sound cards capabilities.
Specifications are:
Audio
• Chipset integrated by Realtek® ALC892
- Flexible 8-channel audio with jack sensing
- Compliant with Azalia 1.0 Spec
- Meet Microsoft Vista Premium spec
Manufacturers site says "MSI offers the Loss-less 24-bit/192KHz HD Audio function with an incredible 109 SNR dB value to provide the most clear & vivid HD audio quality and support 7.1 channels surround sound playback with a 2-channel independent stereo output (multiple streaming) through the front panel 3.5 inch phone jack."
# If you think I need an DAC & Amp (preferably an external one) then I would be delighted to hear your suggestions.
So, to summarise everything:
I'm looking for closed back stereo headsets (or headphones+microphone combo) that will be used mostly for gaming, that will be used with motherboards sound card, or with an external DAC & Amp (but they will both have to fit that limited budget).
Currently I'm leaning towards buying Logitech G230 (it's the same stereo headset as G430, just without virtual surround USB dongle), plus buying some good external DAC&Amp to get the most out of the headset and use it to virtualize surround sound (additionally that DAC&Amp would be used when I manage get some better headsets/headphones).
Once again I would like to apologize for the wall of text, but I would rather add all parameters now, then interrupt the thread with additional requests.
Good luck to you out there.
First of I would like to excuse myself for starting yet another "what do you recomend" thread, but as someone who has just started to deal with a problem of sound on my computer, I would like to hear your advice.
I am looking for a set of headsets/headphones that will be used mainly for gaming (so directional audio is important) and secondary for listening music/movies.
I spent few days researching the topic of computer audio department, and based on other peoples feedback, I concluded that best solution is to avoid true surround headphones/headsets, and use a good pair of stereo headphones, and let the sound card deal with the surround virtualization.
Basically, these are the priority parameters which I am looking at currently:
- Good comfort (after all they are to be used for a prolonged periods of time - like several hours of gaming session)
- Closed back (i.e. NO leaking noise into the surrounding)
- Over-the-ear (and I think on something with large ear cups)
- Good soundstage with acurate directional input
* First problem is that currently I have a limited budget (up to 150$),
* Second problem is that the place where I live has quite high import fees and taxes (Such is the life in the Zone ), so even something like Logitech G430 which costs 55$ on Amazon, are priced over 90$ over here (not to mention that Audio-Technica ATH M50X cost over 200$)...
So you should add 30-50$ to everything you suggest.
* And third problem is that I don't have DAC & Amp, so I'm currently using my motherboards integrated sound card.
Currently I am using MSI P67 C45 motherboard, and I'm not sure of it's sound cards capabilities.
Specifications are:
Audio
• Chipset integrated by Realtek® ALC892
- Flexible 8-channel audio with jack sensing
- Compliant with Azalia 1.0 Spec
- Meet Microsoft Vista Premium spec
Manufacturers site says "MSI offers the Loss-less 24-bit/192KHz HD Audio function with an incredible 109 SNR dB value to provide the most clear & vivid HD audio quality and support 7.1 channels surround sound playback with a 2-channel independent stereo output (multiple streaming) through the front panel 3.5 inch phone jack."
# If you think I need an DAC & Amp (preferably an external one) then I would be delighted to hear your suggestions.
So, to summarise everything:
I'm looking for closed back stereo headsets (or headphones+microphone combo) that will be used mostly for gaming, that will be used with motherboards sound card, or with an external DAC & Amp (but they will both have to fit that limited budget).
Currently I'm leaning towards buying Logitech G230 (it's the same stereo headset as G430, just without virtual surround USB dongle), plus buying some good external DAC&Amp to get the most out of the headset and use it to virtualize surround sound (additionally that DAC&Amp would be used when I manage get some better headsets/headphones).
Once again I would like to apologize for the wall of text, but I would rather add all parameters now, then interrupt the thread with additional requests.
Good luck to you out there.
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