Upgrading headset, need advice

TtD · 28 Jan 2011 at 19:45

Could really use some help as i'm hopelessly lost with the new ranges. Have been using Sennheiser 165's for the last four years, having had one set last three years, and the 2nd set last one day past their warranty

() to today. I'm a pretty heavy gamer so positional sound is something i'm relying on, and the 165's managed to do a solid job for me when used with an X-fi Xtreme Music soundcard.

Looking for a headset with a clear mic and solid positional sound, I won't go above £150 for combined headset/soundcard/amp upgrades and would prefer to salvage my x-fi card if possible so a solid headset that could stand on its own would be ideal.

Hope people can give me a few pointers.

TtD · 28 Jan 2011 at 20:24

Would throw in i'm looking at the higher end 3xx series sennheiser headsets atm, given my affection for the brand, would I get quality for money with these sets given my current soundcard, or would I need to upgrade to make it worth it?

valkia · 28 Jan 2011 at 20:59

PC 350 / 360 are very popular for gaming, no performance issues with them generally durable and last a long time (if well looked after) i currently run xfi titanium but looking to upgrade to Asus xonar as looking at specs it seems its the more wise choice. Asus Xonar D2X is a very good card to upgrade to but depending on what you will be using the headset for. Gaming the senz 3xx gaming range are good. 5.1's you should look at the medusa 5.1's or Roccat Kave. Over all you could spend about £120 on decent headset / soundcard

Marsman · 28 Jan 2011 at 21:07

Avoid the PC350's and possibly the PC360's, unless you buy a headphone amp. The PC350's come bundled with the Xonar Xense, with which they work very well. They really need an amp though, which the Xense has, and helps to improve them. Someone reviewed the PC350's on Guru3D, I think, a well known headphone user on Head-Fi. He said the PC350's are poor on their own in comparison.

The PC360's are 50 ohm, whereas the PC350's are 150 ohm, so really one would expecct the PC360's are less in need of an amp. However, at least two users here at OcUK, have varying opinions on the PC360's. One didn't rate them, one rates them very highly. The difference appears to be the use of an amp. I know the guy that rates them highly, does have an amp.

In light of that, I'd say an amp is needed with both PC350 and 360, to get the best from them. Not sure how they compare to the PC330 though.

The PC3xx series weakness, seems to be the volume control. I have read some comments where the volume control has developed faults. Not good when the damn things are so expensive.

Tweaker · 28 Jan 2011 at 21:33

I would pick the Steelseries 7H headset, i have them, they are great sounding. Pair that with an Xonar and you are going to get a great experience.

TtD · 29 Jan 2011 at 01:35

Many thanks for the replies folks, will think things over, look at prices and make a choice Monday

.

Farooq · 29 Jan 2011 at 02:30

I own the pc 360s sennheiser and they are best headset i have ever used but marsman is right they do need a amp to shine at their full capacity. volume control is fine that said no problems here at all build quality is excellent.
headset can be picked up for 130 at ocuk get a fiio e5 amp for 16 quid and ur good to go audiophile gaming. sound quality is same as the sennhiser 595 / 558 ie outstanding.