Looking for headphones for use at my computer. Primarily for gaming but also music. Lots of people online recommend the Sennheiser HD 560s but I figured I’d ask to see if there’s anything else worth looking at. I think I want open backs since I’ll primarily use them at my desk by myself.
My criteria are: -Decent price (around $200 or less) -Option for microphone attachment (also looking for recommendations there)
If I were to go with the HD560s, would I need an amp to take full advantage of them? If so, I would also like recommendations for that too, as I don’t really know anything about them. Any other advice you could give me would be very beneficial. I’m new to the audiophile scene and don’t have a ton to spend on the best of the best in gear. Thanks!
$300, USB DAC like the Fiio K5 pro and Beyerdynamics DT 990s. 3 stages of gain and the volume knob separate from internal device audio. Great soundstage for gaming and I use them for production and listening just tuning the EQ profile.
I also use the 250ohm DT990Pros and am very happy with them. I have them paired with a $99 Atom Amp+. If you go with the lower ohm version I bet you could delay the amp purchase depending on the output of your computer’s default stack.
For a mic I attach a wireless Antlion ModMic which is… Fine. Audio quality is good but it is kinda wiggly and charges off micro USB. Allegedly Q1 they’re going to announce a revamped version which I think it really needs.
Regardless of which headphones you decide on, if you’re interested in a budget headphone amp I can recommend the Atom Amp. It does everything I need with good build quality at an affordable price. I’ve used it for several years with no complaints
For a microphone I use a combo webcam meant for business meetings. Room wide audio so I always come through clearly.
Philips X2HR is a great open back that I got for $90. It’s comfortable to wear for long periods of time, but I don’t know about mic.
The only open-backs I’ve used are the Hifiman Sundaras, and I’ve got to say I really love the audio quality. They’re probably out of your budget, though.
You may not need a headphone amp to use the 560s, but any audiophile headphone will be better with a decent amp. I use the Atom amp.
