What GAMING Headphones AUDIOPHILES Use: 2024 Update!

Summary

This video revisits a popular topic from two and a half years ago: the best headphones for gaming. The script addresses past credibility issues and reevaluates previous recommendations, including the Sennheiser HD800s and the Drop EPOS PC 38x. It features insights from various audio experts who share their picks for affordable and high-end gaming headphones, discussing comfort, sound quality, and the impact of different audio features on gameplay. The video also highlights the importance of personal preference and the evolving landscape of gaming audio technology.

Takeaways

• 📈 The video creator's previous video on gaming headphones became highly viewed but also damaged their credibility due to perceived bias.
• 🎧 In the past, the Sennheiser HD 800s were a popular high-end choice for gaming headphones, but the video suggests that there are now more affordable options that perform well.
• 🔧 The video features various experts in the audio space sharing their personal picks for gaming headphones, emphasizing comfort, sound quality, and features.
• 🎮 Gaming preferences and needs vary, with some preferring in-ear monitors (IEMs) for competitive gaming, while others opt for open-back headphones for a more immersive experience.
• 💰 The economy's current state is considered, with the video exploring options that offer good value for money, including both budget and high-end picks.
• 🎶 While the focus is on gaming, the importance of sound quality for music is also acknowledged, with some headphones recommended for both gaming and music listening.
• 👂 Comfort is highlighted as a crucial factor in choosing gaming headphones, with personal preferences for ear pads and fit affecting the choice.
• 🔊 The video discusses the role of microphones in gaming headsets, with some preferring detachable mics for better audio quality.
• 🎛️ Convenience features like onboard EQ and game-to-chat mix are valued in gaming headphones, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
• 🔄 The video revisits previous recommendations to see if they still hold up in the current market, considering advancements in audio technology.
• 🎉 The video concludes by emphasizing that high-end gear is not necessary for gaming success, with some professional gamers preferring simple and affordable options.

Q & A

What was the initial reaction to the video released 2 and 1/2 years ago?

The video quickly became one of the highest viewed videos with around 1.1 million views, but it also damaged the credibility of the creator to many new viewers who assumed there was a paid endorsement conspiracy with Sennheiser.

What were the two recommendations featured in the original video?

The two recommendations were for an affordable and accessible pick, and a 'money is no object' pick. The affordable pick was the Drop EPOS PC 38x, and the high-end pick was the Sennheiser 800s.

Why did the creator decide to revisit the topic in 2024?

The creator wanted to revisit the topic because a lot of new audio products have come out since the original video, and the economy has changed, which might affect the relevance of the previous picks.

What was the purpose of asking the contributors about their audio gear?

The purpose was to understand what they personally use for gaming, focusing on their audio knowledge and preferences rather than just their recommendations.

Why did Joe from Gadri Tech choose the Maxwell from Odyssey for the affordable pick?

Joe chose the Maxwell for its excellent sound quality, gamer features like game-to-chat mix and onboard EQ, and its resetting of the bar for what's possible in a gaming headset at a $300 price point.

What is the significance of the EOST H6 Pro open acoustic headset according to Joe?

The EOST H6 Pro was chosen for its comfort, good sound quality as an open-back headset, excellent build quality, and the convenience of features like a flip-to-mute mic and compatibility with the Creative GC7 deck for game-to-chat mix and onboard EQ.

Why did the creator emphasize that the video is not sponsored by any of the mentioned brands?

The creator emphasized this to maintain credibility and transparency with the audience, especially after the previous video was perceived as having a paid endorsement conspiracy.

What is the role of the ant lion mod mic wireless in the context of the video?

The ant lion mod mic wireless is a device that can turn any pair of headphones into a gaming headset by attaching a microphone, providing convenience and good audio quality without the typical drawbacks of gaming headsets.

What game does the creator play most, and how does it influence his choice of headphones?

The creator plays E online, a space-based MMO, most frequently. This influences his choice of headphones as he needs a good microphone for communication and may prioritize comfort and features over sound quality.

What is the general consensus on the importance of soundstage and imaging in gaming headphones according to the video?

The general consensus is that while soundstage and imaging are important, they are not the only factors to consider. Comfort, features, and personal preference also play significant roles in choosing gaming headphones.

What is the opinion on IEMs (In-Ear Monitors) for gaming expressed in the video?

The opinion expressed is mixed. While some contributors find IEMs to be good for detail retrieval and competitive gaming, others prefer the immersive experience of headphones or speakers and do not find IEMs to be necessary for gaming.

What is the significance of the Sennheiser HD800s in the context of gaming?

The Sennheiser HD800s is considered a high-end pick for gaming due to its expansive soundstage and tuning that emphasizes footsteps and gunshots, providing an advantage in games like CSGO.

What is the recommended budget pick for gaming headphones in the video?

The recommended budget pick is the Drop EPOS PC 38x, praised for its comfort, good sound quality, and built-in microphone.

What are the key takeaways from the blind test conducted with various headphones in gaming scenarios?

The blind test revealed that the game engine and the user's familiarity with the headphones were key factors influencing performance. It also showed that headphones with super elevated treble did not perform as well in gaming.