Headphone opinions

[LtData]

Well, I'm trying to invest in a good pair of headphones and would like to hear everybody's opinions on what they have and like/don't like.

Requirement: Over the head and over the ear.
Don't want behind the head, as it doesn't work when leaning back and watching a movie at home, so that's out. Also, over the ear is much more comfortable then on/in the ear.

Must have a microphone.

NOT USB based, have an X-Fi, might as well use it.

Preferred: Surround sound headphones
Hear they are pretty nice, so considering very much investing in them.

One set I am considering is the Razer Barracuda headphones here.
Also, a friend owns a Speed-Link Medusa 5.1 Surround sound headphones here

The headphones will be used for gaming (nearly all FPS), listening to music, and watching movies.

Also, NOTHING Creative Labs-brand.

Edit: added another requirement: not USB based

[donny]

Re: Headphone opinions

they do say the medusa is quite fine, although some people said the opposite also - so I guess it is a matter of taste.

If you haven't already tried the set your friend has, then certainly do, and if you are satisfied then go for it...

when we were buying headphones we were considering surround ones, but the reviews were quite mixed, and I wasn't sure of the availability (there were some usb versions). Some say they aren't really comfortable after a while (several hours of wearing). there were also question raised about the quality of sound.
in the end we settled with regular stereo headphones, that will give all around good sound. we bought a relatively cheap pair of Sennheiser 201, and we are very satisfied. they are used a lot in games, and the regular stereo (in headphones especially) can be quite good for spacial orientation. (found a quick review here). even the serious audiophile concur that these have a decent sound, and definitely more than expected for the money.

but I have to say that I haven't had much chance of testing surround headphones - so as said if you can do test and decide based on your own observations - nothing is better than that, tastes and expectations vary too much.

[Teknojnky]

Re: Headphone opinions

Not having tried any surround headphones, I am skeptical of any of them.

Both those 5.1 you linked also have their own amplifer which adds bulk and another thing that can go wrong with them.

The razor phones you linked have several 1 & 2 star reviews, I'd really be careful there.

They are not 5.1 and don't have a microphone, (which I guess is 2 strikes out) but I personally use sennheiser hd 280 pro's, but mine are all black like here but with 280 pro printed on the side.

I've had mine for a few years now, worn every day (at work) with no problems and great sound.

[LtData]

Re: Headphone opinions

Actually, the speed-link amplifier basically sits on the desk and the headphones plug into it with a custom 3.5mm jack. The Razer does have the amp in the cord, though.

Sennheiser is another brand I have heard many good things about, so they will definately be up for consideration.

[LtData]

Re: Headphone opinions

I think I'm going to go with the Speed-Link Medusa 5.1 headphones: Link

[donny]

Re: Headphone opinions

well I guess they are the most popular 5.1 headphones, and they generally don't have bad reviews. and if you did try them and believe they have what you need, then why not

tell us of your impressions when (if) you get them...

[uglijimus]

Re: Headphone opinions

I recommend the denon ah-d2000. Pricey, but I've never heard a pair of cans better yet...at least for music.