Which Headset To Get?

Headset = headphones + mic
headphones = sound output
mic = sound input

I don't like headsets, they often have substandard headphones, and you often just want the headphone functionality without a mic infront of your face. You also want to be able to drink while ur gaming.

So I use a Logitech USB desktop mic, in combination with some Sony MDR-XD100 headphones.
 
bit harsh, it's only £25 and sounds better than my brother's Technics headphones (ok not top kit). They're clear, crisp and have a decent amount of bass. Perfect for gaming. It's not clear from the op whether he wants them for music or gaming and without spending a huge amount of wonga they're pretty reasonable for either. Ok I'm not keen on the Wendel-based branding either but don't judge on that alone.
 
They are like a 4yr old vauxhall astra: Uninspiring and meh :p

A decent pair of headphones even for £25 such as the likes of some Goldrings will outlast a crummy headset, sound infinately better than the not so crisp and bassy headset, plus you can enjoy much improved sound from movies and music too. Grab a clip on or desktop mic, and you're set for games.

/Simples
 
having not tried the Goldrings I am unable to comment but happy to stand down in the presence of greater wisdom :)

Are you referring to the DR50s or the DR100s then?
 
Last edited:
DR50s very cheap these days. £14.99 delivered (although not stocked by OCUK). Excellent for the price, although they lack some of the mid-bass that some people will like. Add a cheap mic and you're looking at a very nice headset equivalent. They gave superb directional representation when I tried them on a Xonar D2 in L4D. Perhaps not enough 'boom' in explosions though.

DR100s not that much more expensive but do have warmer mid bass. I actually preferred the DR50s though. They had a cleaner sound, and were the best cheap (sub £20) headphone I've heard for classical music and jazz.
 
Last edited:
I just got the Speedlink Medusa 5.1 and holy hell they're so comfortable I still can't belive it :D I recommend them to anyone
 
Catahya said:
I just got the Speedlink Medusa 5.1 and holy hell they're so comfortable I still can't belive it :D I recommend them to anyone
Click to expand...

I also have Speedlink Medusas and agree with you on comfort. Close to zero clamping force and they're one of the few headphones I've actually forgot I was wearing.

However, sound quality is dismal for the money compared to cheaper stereo headphones. I actually still use mine occasionally because of the comfort factor but I have them in stereo mode, using Dolby Headphone instead of the 5.1 option. It works much better than the separate 4 drivers in each ear malarkey. Also the amp included with my Home Edition (now discontinued) was really awful - more susceptable to EMI than any other piece of audio equipment I've tried. When I do use them, I now use a stereo headphone amp or AV amp and it makes them sound just about respectable - much cleaner than the Speedlink amp.

Even cleaned up with a better amp, the Medusas are tonally inaccurate and lacking detail. I would actually consider buying the stereo version, (note - I've not actually tried it) if it were a little cheaper, as a comfortable gaming headset. Adding a Xonar D1 or DX for Dolby Heapdhone to the stereo set will give better surround than the 5.1 Medusa version though.
 
Catahya said:
I just got the Speedlink Medusa 5.1 and holy hell they're so comfortable I still can't belive it :D I recommend them to anyone
Click to expand...

Awful sound quality and they weren't as comfy as the 595's I had replace them.

Still can't believe I bought the Medusa's, thank god I got my money back they were unbelievably ****.
 
:confused: I've used them for a few days now and I think the sound is great! I guess it depends on what you're using it for though and I only use it for multiplayer games. They are a lot better than all other headsets I've owned.
Then again I'm not too fussy when it comes to the sound quality, I care more about the comfort :)
 
Catface, when they break (they will)

Buy yourself either..

Goldring DR150 or Sennheisser 555

far comfier and better sound :)
 
bledd. said:
when they break (they will)
Click to expand...

Took mine 4 years. Eventually the .1 pin went on the amp connector though (hence they now only work as 5.0 or stereo). I honestly don't know what you all do to medusas though. Mine had been thrown around, sat on, run over by an office chair without breaking. It was eventually just unplugging and replugging that did it though. Good old wear and tear...
 
Uriel said:
DR50s very cheap these days. £14.99 delivered (although not stocked by OCUK). Excellent for the price, although they lack some of the mid-bass that some people will like. Add a cheap mic and you're looking at a very nice headset equivalent. They gave superb directional representation when I tried them on a Xonar D2 in L4D. Perhaps not enough 'boom' in explosions though.

DR100s not that much more expensive but do have warmer mid bass. I actually preferred the DR50s though. They had a cleaner sound, and were the best cheap (sub £20) headphone I've heard for classical music and jazz.
Click to expand...

worth checking out the NS1000s??
 
Last edited:
-Ad- said:
They are like a 4yr old vauxhall astra: Uninspiring and meh :p

A decent pair of headphones even for £25 such as the likes of some Goldrings will outlast a crummy headset, sound infinately better than the not so crisp and bassy headset, plus you can enjoy much improved sound from movies and music too. Grab a clip on or desktop mic, and you're set for games.

/Simples
Click to expand...

having just received a pair of the Goldring NS1000s, I have to say that I find the snobbery towards to the Creative set rather disappointing, yes the sound is a little better but I couldn't say that they are worth upto 6 times the price.
 
zytok said:
having just received a pair of the Goldring NS1000s, I have to say that I find the snobbery towards to the Creative set rather disappointing, yes the sound is a little better but I couldn't say that they are worth upto 6 times the price.
Click to expand...

It does worry me that so many people dismiss headsets out of hand. Headsets being rubbish gets repeated like a mantra around here and I don't see any reason why it should be so hard for a manufacturer to stick a mic on some headphones. I try to avoid criticising headsets I've not heard.

Taking Creative as an example. Their Aurvana X-Fi noise cancelling headphones are made by Phitek, the same OEM that makes the Goldring NS1000s. Granted they're headphones - but I'm sure people around here would automatically say they were rubbish if they came with a mic.

Likewise, the Creative Aurvana Live! are made by Foster (or Fostex?), and are pretty much the same model as the Denon D1001s. How hard would it be to stick a mic on them for an extra fiver?

Unfortunately the mic isn't usually an extra fiver. In some cases it doubles the price vs the equivalent headphones. That's why headsets have got a reputation for being overpriced.

Having said that, what source and amp are you using with the NS1000s? Headphones are only as good as what you feed them. I can take mine or leave them straight out of an mp3 player but straight out of an X-Fi Prelude (no DSP) or Xonar D2 (with Dolby Headphone) and I'm :eek:
 
coming out of an xfi in entertainment mode. Still unsure whether they should be set to headphones or speakers and whether to have CMSS and Crystallizer on or off.

I've left them on "burning in" overnight and will try them again today but I am tempted to stick them on the MM as I can't really justify the expense if they don't sound considerably better than what I have already. The CX300s I bought as well are fairing better as they've replaced the stock Sony ones that came with my phone and that really is a case of night and day.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom