LikeMike wrote:Well, it seems like there is no easy answer here... I made up my mind, that I want wireless headphones - simply to be able to play while sitting on the couch. True 5.1, virtual 7.1 or stereo - get one from a game periphal company (Logitech, Razer) or an audio company (sennheiser, denon) - all of that seems to be just a matter of taste.
Personally, I just want a good, immersive experience and not spend too much (let`s keep it well under 200$). I don`t neccessary need a mic - I am not really into online gaming... Right now I´m looking at the Corsair Vengeance 2000, Logitech G930 and the Sony MDRDS6500 or the Sennheiser RS 170 (though the two later ones are reported to have a very slight lag, only noticeable if you play instruments with them - but that could be a dealbreaker for the immersion).
What about a soundcard - right now I use the onboard sound. I noticed that some headsets have a USB-soundcard. Do I need one of those (or even an internal one? I also use the PC for watching movies and have it connected to my AV-receiver with a 5.1 setup)?
You'll already be tethered by the Rift (it is wired), so you might as well get cabled headphones for the extra sound quality. Length of audio cables can go very far without audibly losing quality.
For suggestions, I second the Beyerdynamic DT 770 if you want the full
range of frequency (from VERY low bass to inaudible upper frequencies) and don't want external noise. Its bass is known among the audiophile community as "slow" (I agree), but if you've never heard high quality headphone bass, you won't notice what you're missing.
If you want to hear the outside world, at <$200 you'll be giving up the lowest bass frequencies. If you want to save a TON of money, get the Koss KSC-75 for $20. It is an incredible deal for the sound quality, and is fine for gaming. The only downside is that they may physically hurt your ears (NOT your hearing, unless you have the volume too high, of course) because they are clip-ons. I used to experience ear pain after wearing them for 2+ hours at a time, but my ears have since toughened up.
edit: and, as I stated on the last page, the KSC-75 is the headphone I use the most, even though I have much "better" headphones.
edit 2: Ah, soundcard. Yes, the Xonar DG, for $30. Much better SNR than onboard, and it has "dolby headphone" for simulated 5.1 surround on normal headphones. It also has an integrated headphone amp that is more than enough for the KSC-75.
. I just bought the AudioTechnica AD700 over ebay (since they aren`t regularily sold in Germany). The best selling point in the end were the various reports of them being the most comfortable and really light headphones. I think that will be very important with the Rift, especially since I wear glasses. Oh and the great sound and soundstage didn`t hurt either...