Resolved: top audio choices under $150
Resolved: top audio choices under $150
Hello, I’m a beginner with PC gaming and currently lack both a headset and microphone. I'd like to understand whether it’s better to purchase them as individual items or invest in a dedicated gaming headset, such as the HyperX Cloud 2. I primarily intend to play Rainbow Six Siege, PUBG, CS:GO, and Battlefield. Thank you.
delaro :
thank you for the response, it was very informative; which one would you personally recommend as superior?
“Best” is a matter of personal opinion. Audio fidelity is more significant than any reduced features or control options, and you may well have a different view.
Superlux HD 668B/HD681 paired with a Mod Microphone: “While not exceptionally cozy, it offers outstanding audio quality without built-in controls.”
Audio-Technica MX40 + Mod Microphone: “Provides greater comfort than the Superlux, yet costs twice as much.”
Reduced audio quality is compensated for by added features—including inline controls and software applications.
SteelSeries Arctis 7: “Wireless”
HyperX Cloud Revolver: “An improvement over the HyperX Cloud II.”
HyperX Cloud II: “Superior construction, comfort, and inline controls are valued above average soundstage and uneven treble response.”
Corsair HS60...
A friend advised me about the Audio-Technica MX40 and MX50 microphones. The microphone is either sold separately or included in a package. Initially, while gaming with the MX50 – having previously used $55 Turtle Beach headphones for two years – I felt a sensation similar to experiencing a film with an exceptionally loud surround sound system. It was remarkably pleasant.
Take a look at the customer feedback and compare it to other products; you’ll notice a significant number of reviews available.
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT...hnica+mx50
I purchased the MX50, although I haven’t yet connected the microphone.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CUV...UTF8&psc=1
The individual who suggested them has owned theirs for many years. My Turtle Beach headphones unfortunately failed after only two years of typical use. Feel free to wait for further responses and ideas, or conduct your own research. The most frustrating aspect of the MX50 I possess is its cable/wire; it’s inconvenient for me, and I would prefer a wireless version.
I own a Logitech 623 headset, and I find the audio quality to be excellent; it's also a traditional wired model.
Volkgren:
A user recommended the Audio-Technica MX40 and MX50 microphones. They come as separate units or bundled together. Upon using the MX50 while gaming – having previously used $55 Turtle Beach headphones for two years – I was struck by a sensation akin to experiencing a movie theater with surround sound at maximum volume. It felt remarkably immersive.
Consider the customer feedback alongside that of competitors; you’ll find a significant number of reviews available.
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT...hnica+mx50
I purchased the MX50, though I haven't yet connected the microphone.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CUV...UTF8&psc=1
The individual who suggested them has owned theirs for a considerable time. My previous Turtle Beach headphones failed after less than two years of typical use. Feel free to await further insights and recommendations, or conduct your own research. The most frustrating aspect of the MX50 I possess is its cable; I would have preferred a wireless option to avoid it obstructing my movements.
For competitive first-person games, prioritize excellent soundstage quality. Disregarding comfort, features, noise cancellation, construction durability, latency, connection type, and microphone performance, focus solely on audio fidelity.
Soundstage – This metric indicates the perceived breadth and environment of sound, determining how accurately you can discern subtle details like footsteps or gunfire.
Imaging – This characteristic defines the spatial positioning of individual sound sources within a stereo image, controlling their location, clarity, and balance as intended by the original audio source.
Frequency Response Stability – Variations in a headphone’s frequency response are influenced by its fit on your head, accounting for individual differences in head shape and ear interaction, as well as the use of glasses.
Total Harmonic Distortion – Unwanted frequencies generated beyond the original sound source.
Rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest quality.
.....Studio Headphones.....
Superlux HD 681 “Requires Mic Modification” $35 – V-moda ModMic $30
7.1 Soundstage
8.1 Imaging
7.8 Frequency Response Stability
6.3 Total Harmonic Distortion
9.4 Bass/8.6 Mid/7.2 Treble
Superlux HD 668B “Requires Mic Modification” $43
7.0 Soundstage
8.4 Imaging
7.5 Frequency Response Stability
7.8 Total Harmonic Distortion
8.6 Bass/9.0 Mid/7.8 Treble
Audio-Technica MX40 “Requires Mic Modification” $80
5.8 Soundstage
7.9 Imaging
7.0 Frequency Response Stability
6.8 Total Harmonic Distortion
8.7 Bass/8.6 Mid/8.5 Treble
Audio-Technica MX50 “Requires Mic Modification” $130
5.9 Soundstage
8.6 Imaging
7.3 Frequency Response Stability
8.9 Total Harmonic Distortion
9.0 Bass/8.8 Mid/8.3 Treble
.....Gaming Headphones......
HyperX Cloud Revolver $100-$120
7.2 Soundstage
8.3 Imaging
5.7 Frequency Response Stability
8.8 Total Harmonic Distortion
8.6 Bass/8.6 Mid/7.3 Treble
SteelSeries Arctis 7 $118 “Wireless”
6.4 Soundstage
8.5 Imaging
5.4 Frequency Response Stability
8.4 Total Harmonic Distortion
8.4 Bass/8.5 Mid /9.0 Treble
HyperX Cloud 2 $100
5.3 Soundstage
8.5 Imaging
5.8 Frequency Response Stability
6.5 Total Harmonic Distortion
8.9 Bass/8.9 Mid /5.7 Treble
LOGITECH G933 $100
6.4 Soundstage
7.5 Imaging
5.5 Frequency Response Stability
8.3 Total Harmonic Distortion
8.1 Bass/7.8 Mid /8.1 Treble
Logitech G533 $90
7.3 Soundstage
8.0 Imaging
5.7 Frequency Response Stability
7.1 Total Harmonic Distortion
9.2 Bass/8.1 Mid /8.7 Treble
CORSAIR HS60 $50
6.1 Soundstage
8.7 Imaging
6.5 Frequency Response Stability
7.2 Total Harmonic Distortion
8.2 Bass /8.4 Mid /7.9 Treble
LOGITECH G430 $30
5.9 Soundstage
8.1 Imaging
6.1 Frequency Response Stability
7.3 Total Harmonic Distortion
8.1 Bass/9.1 Mid /7.9 Treble
A simple $29.95 USB headset featuring a microphone, readily available at retailers like Walmart and Best Buy, can be perfectly adequate for extended use. After a few months of experience, consider whether an upgraded model would truly offer substantial improvements. – Wolf sends
Here’s a different perspective:
Begin with an inexpensive $29.95 USB headset featuring a built-in microphone from retailers like Walmart or Best Buy and test it out for a while. Then, consider whether you truly require an upgrade beyond that level.
- Wolf sends
I already possess a used Turtle Beach headset designed for PlayStation 4, so I’m not interested in something similar for my PC—thank you though.
User “tomas33” :
User “Wolfshadw” :
Simply offering a different perspective.
Begin with an inexpensive $29.95 USB headset featuring a built-in microphone available at stores like Walmart and Best Buy, and then evaluate whether you truly require an upgrade from that point.
-Wolf sends
“I already possess a vintage Turtle Beach designed for PlayStation 4, so I doubt I’d want something similar for my personal computer—however, thank you for the suggestion.”
“That's perfectly understandable!”
😉
-Wolf sends