Help with headphones
Help with headphones
Hi, I just purchased a new microphone and no longer need a pair of headphones with a built-in one. I'm currently using the steelseries arctis 7 but am seeking something higher quality. Since I don't have enough funds for an amp, my ASRock B450 gaming K4 fatality motherboard is handling the task. I've been checking out the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones, but they are rated at 250 Ohms. I'm unsure if my motherboard can support that or what kind of sound quality it will deliver. I've done some research and for gaming, a strong audio stage is important, so open-back headphones seem like a smart choice. If anyone can advise me on my motherboard's capabilities and recommend a suitable open-back headphone set that balances quality and price, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
The DT 990 Pro 32 OHm are difficult to locate at an affordable cost, and the 250 OHm won't be powerful enough on a non-amplified PC.
Regarding open back designs, I initially believed they were superior, but after testing the DT 770s, I found them to be significantly better for gaming. The isolation of sounds makes it simpler to pinpoint enemy footsteps, and explosions feel more realistic with stronger bass.
Opt for the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 32 OHm. With this impedance, you won't require an amplifier—they function well with portable devices too.
Newegg is currently offering them for $139 using a promo code.
https://www.newegg.com/beyerdynamic...OH...-_-Product&quicklink=true
I've been using the 770 Pro 80 OHm model for several years now and they are by far the best headphones I've ever owned.
The DT 990 Pro 32 OHm are difficult to locate at reasonable prices, and a 250 OHm model may not be powerful enough for an unamplified PC. Regarding the open back design, I initially considered it superior, but after testing the DT 770s, they proved to be significantly better for gaming. The isolation from external sounds makes it easier to pinpoint enemy footsteps, and explosions sound more realistic with stronger bass. The phones also offer clear, unmuddied bass. A notable advantage is the ability to keep windows open during summer, reducing exposure to noise like traffic and emergency sirens. The only minor drawback is difficulty hearing certain alarms, particularly quieter ones like oven timers. While research suggests otherwise, real-world testing reveals that closed-back models can greatly enhance gaming experiences. If you haven’t tried a quality closed-back set, it’s worth exploring from a seller offering full refunds. It’s important to remember that all game audio is compressed, so high-end devices may not reach their full potential in such cases—wasting money could be a real concern.
I can't debate anyone about headphones since it's really personal. The DT770 is definitely a highly reviewed and respected pair of headphones.
I've owned or tried almost every model priced between $100 and $6,000. Each one offers a distinct sound quality. My top pick was the McIntosh MHP1000. They feature a custom driver built into my Beyerdynamic and have a closed back design. They met all the requirements, though they used leather ear pads which made my ears sweat a bit.
I prefer the open back for several reasons. First, as a husband and father, I need to hear my family clearly when they call. Second, I enjoy keeping my ears cool during long gaming sessions (if I get one lucky enough). Third, I also use them for music and still appreciate the open, spacious sound. Ultimately, it comes down to what suits you best.
Well, that's accurate—it really comes down to personal taste. I'm just emphasizing that physically experiencing them is the only sure way to understand their differences.
Regarding your concerns,
1. For me, the main issue is minimal, since I'm single and can hear clearly through everyday sounds like my microwave beeps, doorbells, or alarms. I usually avoid using phones during cooking or when setting my watch alarms (like for laundry machines).
2. Yes, I've felt my ears sweat slightly even when switching between velour and leather. It mostly happens during hot days, usually lasting a few days in summer. I could have bought an air conditioner, but we only experience a few weeks of intense heat each year. I've also found ways to manage heat better, and this summer had few days above 90°F. It wouldn't be worth the cost and space for just a short period. I've also learned to cope with heat better, and on those hot days it's actually helpful to step away from gaming and do something else.
3. I had some open-back Sennheisers, which made the sound too loud for music. This is why many DJs and sound engineers use closed-back phones—they don’t distort the audio. I did prefer open-back phones for certain movies, especially big sound stages like Star Wars, but overall I went with closed-back for better sound quality. The reason was that positional audio and frequencies are more accurate with closed-back designs.
In the end, it's still a matter of personal preference, but I believe these choices are best supported by real-world testing rather than assumptions.