Just finished first gaming build and looking for recommendations on over-ear headphones.

Coyle

Senior member
May 15, 2020
212
20
81
I've never bought myself over-ear headphones and don't know much about them but would like to get something nice to use while gaming. I have a small head so there's that. Budget up to $200. Thanks!
 

balloonshark

Diamond Member
Jun 5, 2008
6,894
3,366
136
To get the ball rolling do you want headphones or a headset with a mic? Do you have a headphone DAC and/or amp?

I also have a small head and Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic fit me well.
 

Coyle

Senior member
May 15, 2020
212
20
81
To get the ball rolling do you want headphones or a headset with a mic? Do you have a headphone DAC and/or amp?

I also have a small head and Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic fit me well.
Just headphones, no mic needed. Will plug into the pc's 3.5mm jack.
 

balloonshark

Diamond Member
Jun 5, 2008
6,894
3,366
136
Just headphones, no mic needed. Will plug into the pc's 3.5mm jack.
Open back or closed back?

Most of my headphones benefit from amplification so I don't have much to suggest. I have a set of open back Beyerdynamic TYGR 300R "gaming" headphones. I like them pretty well but the drivers sit right against my ears and they get sore after a while.

For my PC I'm using a set of open back Drop + EPOS PC38X Gaming Headset but they have a mic.

Hopefully some of the other forum members hop in here to help.

What is Impedance in Headphones?​

Impedance, measured in ohms (Ω), refers to the resistance that the headphones present to an electrical signal. This can have a significant impact on how headphones interact with the output device, such as smartphones, computers, or audio interfaces.

  • Low-impedance headphones (typically under 32Ω): Designed for portable devices. They require less power to achieve high volume levels.
  • High-impedance headphones (usually over 150Ω): Used primarily in professional or studio settings, often requiring a dedicated amplifier to drive them adequately.

Headphone Sensitivity: How it Affects Loudness​

Sensitivity is another important parameter, usually expressed in decibels (dB) per milliwatt (mW). It indicates how efficiently a headphone converts power into sound. A higher sensitivity rating means that the headphones can produce more sound with less power.

Together, both impedance and sensitivity create a framework that dictates how loud your headphones will be when connected to different audio sources.
 

Coyle

Senior member
May 15, 2020
212
20
81
Open back or closed back?

Most of my headphones benefit from amplification so I don't have much to suggest. I have a set of open back Beyerdynamic TYGR 300R "gaming" headphones. I like them pretty well but the drivers sit right against my ears and they get sore after a while.

For my PC I'm using a set of open back Drop + EPOS PC38X Gaming Headset but they have a mic.

Hopefully some of the other forum members hop in here to help.

I don't have a reference point to compare but probably closed back seems like a safe choice unless there's a significant benefit to a particular pair of open back ones?
 

balloonshark

Diamond Member
Jun 5, 2008
6,894
3,366
136
I don't have a reference point to compare but probably closed back seems like a safe choice unless there's a significant benefit to a particular pair of open back ones?
These two articles should help.

https://gymhugz.com/blogs/fitness-and-tech-news/open-back-vs-closed-back-headphones-for-gaming

 
Reactions: Coyle

Coyle

Senior member
May 15, 2020
212
20
81
These two articles should help.

https://gymhugz.com/blogs/fitness-and-tech-news/open-back-vs-closed-back-headphones-for-gaming

I like some of the features of an open back if they also had decent bass, nothing crazy but being used for gaming seems like that would be important, but I really don't have anything to compare with. One main thing would be durability, I don't mind spending more on something nice but wouldn't want it to break. I take very good care of my stuff and like it to last.
 

DAPUNISHER

Super Moderator CPU Forum Mod and Elite Member
Super Moderator
Aug 22, 2001
31,154
29,598
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I am far from an audiophile. Disclaimer made; the onboard audio on many boards is rather poor. What board will you be using the cans with? Might make more sense to spend less depending.
 

balloonshark

Diamond Member
Jun 5, 2008
6,894
3,366
136
I like some of the features of an open back if they also had decent bass, nothing crazy but being used for gaming seems like that would be important, but I really don't have anything to compare with. One main thing would be durability, I don't mind spending more on something nice but wouldn't want it to break. I take very good care of my stuff and like it to last.
The only decent closed back headphones I own is the Beyerdynamic DT 770 pro. I have the 250 ohm version but they make 32 and 80 ohm variants. Many complain that Beyerdynamic highs are too bright. I'm in my 50's and I don't have a problem with the highs. The company also sells the parts to all their headphones.

Sennheiser as a brand is also a safe bet. Both brands also have a outlet if you want to save some money. I have a set of 560S that I love but they are 120ohm so they would work better with a dac and amp. They have a wide sound stage and are very detailed. I've heard some people use them for gaming. They are excellent for music.

They also make planar magnetic headphones. I only have one set but they need a dac and amp. They tend to have more bass than regular open back headphones. Not sure how the cheaper ones would work without an amp though. Hifiman makes affordable planar magnetic headphones but I've heard they quality control is kinda of iffy. The Hifiman Sundara I own is too big for my head so I have to use spacers. Hifiman also has an outlet.

Head-fi is nice headphone forum. The "Introductions, Help and Recommendations" or "Headphones (full-size)" might be a good place to search or ask questions. If you ask be specific about what you're looking for and what type of games and/or music you enjoy. https://www.head-fi.org/forums/

My first set of decent sounding headphone were the Philips SHP9500. They were $60 to $70 at the time. They have a newer SHP9600 version for $70. They are comfortable to wear but they kind of hang off my head and don't have much clamping force. No parts for these though. There used to be a pad replacement video on youtube so you may want to look at it if you're wanting these headphones. Pad replacement isn't easy like normal headphones. If you're gentle like me they will last a good while.

 

DAPUNISHER

Super Moderator CPU Forum Mod and Elite Member
Super Moderator
Aug 22, 2001
31,154
29,598
146
It looks like it can drive a $200 set of cans. For primarily gaming and movies you don't need high end audio anyways. Music is where the long haired dude running Magnolia at Best Buy, that I get advice from, loses his mind on me. I think you are smart to focus on build quality and bang for buck.
 
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CP5670

Diamond Member
Jun 24, 2004
5,657
760
126
I like the DT880 premium (more neutral) or DT990 premium (more sharp treble) for games at $170-ish. The beyers have great build quality for the price points and the V-shaped sound is well suited for games. I think the TYGR is similar but has a mic. The 32 ohm versions can be run without an amp. You can sometimes find used DT1990, HD600 or HD650 in this range too, but they will need an amp.
 
Last edited:

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
65,618
14,004
146
Open back or closed back?

Most of my headphones benefit from amplification so I don't have much to suggest. I have a set of open back Beyerdynamic TYGR 300R "gaming" headphones. I like them pretty well but the drivers sit right against my ears and they get sore after a while.

For my PC I'm using a set of open back Drop + EPOS PC38X Gaming Headset but they have a mic.

Hopefully some of the other forum members hop in here to help.

I do 100% of my PC listening, whether gaming or watching movies/videos through Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro 250 ohm headphones. I have to run an FiiO K5 Pro DAC/amp to power them since the PC doesn't have enough oomph to do it with any volume.
 
Reactions: balloonshark

Muadib

Lifer
May 30, 2000
18,093
899
126
Have you tried a IEM? They have good sound for the money, unless you consider yourself to be an audiophile. I'm waiting for a pair to be delivered, and saw your thread. You can find a pair in pretty much all price points. Amazon is full of them.
 

Coyle

Senior member
May 15, 2020
212
20
81
Have you tried a IEM? They have good sound for the money, unless you consider yourself to be an audiophile. I'm waiting for a pair to be delivered, and saw your thread. You can find a pair in pretty much all price points. Amazon is full of them.
I don't do well with IEMs, having something stuck in my ears isn't very comfortable for me.
 
Reactions: Muadib
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