Home PC Components and Peripherals The Best Audiophile Headphones for Gamers in 2022
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PC gaming is heavily dependent on good audio, and it’s extremely likely that your computer is already configured to produce the best possible audio experience. A sound card or DAC/Amp may be something you want to consider purchasing in the future, but they are not necessary right immediately. These audiophile headphones come without flashy extras like RGB illumination and deliver excellent sound quality right out of the box.
There aren’t many microphones on audiophile headphones, though. But, this isn’t as big of a deal as it once was. Not because we think playing alone online is the sole viable option, but rather because inexpensive gaming mics are excellent right now. Remember that these are designed for the purest audio experience, so don’t expect to see many gaming-related features like 7.1 surround or fancy RGB lights. Regardless, they’re still worth considering.
If you’re looking for a good headset that can offer great audio for gaming, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the best ones you can find on the market today. Read on to see which ones suit you best.
The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X has all the attributes that make it ideal for extended periods of critical listening, audio mixing, and mastering. Starting with the construction and comfort. These headphones are incredibly well made and offer a degree of comfort that is difficult to match. The cushions will envelop your ears in blissful luxury. Forget lambskin leather. The enormous circular velour pads totally enclose the ears, so gamers who wear glasses won’t have any pain.
Despite having an open back, the headphone’s memory foam cushioning and spring steel headband keep them firmly attached to your head, providing an outstanding sound seal. Initially, the clamping force was too strong that you couldn’t comfortably wear them for longer than an hour, and while you can hear your environment, it’s not as transparent as something like Drop PC38X. You have to manually stretch them out over a few days.
You can use the DT 900 Pro X on nearly anything without an amplifier, thanks to its low power need of 48 ohms. The DT 900 Pro X is an open-back style headset that will astound you with how powerful the audio is in contrast to the slightly anemic, airy sounds in other open-backs. This system uses a STELLAR.45 driver that is expertly tuned for a flat profile that smashes the music you’re listening to. Leave behind the normal overblown gamer bass. The almost surgical precision of the DT 900 Pro X lets you hear layers of bass that hit precisely without ever overpowering and muddying the extremely acute highs. When Beyer stated that these headphones are for critical listening, they weren’t kidding.
Excellent audio qualityHighly comfortableBeautiful and sturdy buildCompatible with almost anything
No removable or in-line microphoneThe initial clamp is quite tight
The open-back design of the Audeze LCD-1 headphones perfectly matches the ultra-detailed sounds produced by a planar magnetic driver. Sadly, it appears that the LCD-1s are also approaching the end of their useful lives. If you can find them, I still recommend them because they are still accessible from a select number of specialized retailers. However, because of limited supply, you must be wary of exorbitant prices.
Although these headphones might be almost unbearably detailed right out of the box, they are still excellent headphones. This is due to the fact that planar magnetic drivers require time to warm up. However, they age like fine wine. And after breaking in the LCD-1 cans, the music becomes gorgeously warm and rich while remaining equally precise and detailed. A large open-back design and such excellent drivers become an unbeatable combo if you want to achieve true audio immersion in your favorite game worlds.
They’re simply stunning for lounging around and enjoying total immersion in your preferred game. However, sometimes the expansive soundscape can be overly impressive. The main drawback is that due to the open-back design, anyone seated next to you who lacks passive noise cancellation will be able to hear your gaming audio. These headphones are ideal for game isolation and a complete sonic joy.
Exquisite audioOpen-back design is more comfortable during extended sessions.
It takes some time to warm up.Sound leakage from the open back
In the world of audio equipment, Sennheiser has established a strong reputation. That is further supported by the Sennheiser HD 650. Thanks to its exquisite open sound and extremely detailed drivers, this premium pair of headphones raises the bar for high-end home audio. The HD 650 is one of the leading proponents of the reputed “Sennheiser sound.” This indicates that it shines at the high end and provides exceptional clarity and definition throughout the frequency range.
Compared to most gaming headsets and planar magnetics, we’ve found it to be lighter on the bass response, and whether that flatter sound works is entirely up to you. However, you could argue that the softer bass is a result of the fact that these headphones are just striving to reproduce sound that is as near to the true digital experience as possible. Because of this, we believe this is a fantastic headset if you’re chasing flawless music presented flawlessly via a broad soundstage.
If the price turns you off, the Sennheiser HD 650 is quite well made, and you can get a somewhat less expensive pair on the used market. Just keep in mind that these headphones really preserve their value, so don’t anticipate any large discounts (unless you’re lucky). One thing to keep in mind is that Sennheiser recently sold its audiophile headphone division to Sonova. Although we don’t anticipate many immediate changes as a result of the acquisition, it wouldn’t be shocking to see prices for used Sennheiser pairs rise after the deal is finalized, which is anticipated to occur before the year is through.
Fantastic high-end responsivenessAudio with fine detailOpen soundstage
Light on the bass tones
Since their successful Kickstarter launch three years ago, the Nuraphones have already undergone a number of substantial modifications. The addition of active noise cancellation (ANC) software and a gaming microphone adapter, both of which cost around $50, make an attempt to compete with even the most expensive gaming headphones. The twinned design provides parallel drivers in each ear in addition to two layers to prevent outside noise.
The in-ears, which resemble uvulas, provide high-frequency goods while leaving the better-suited, over-the-ear section to handle the low tones and deep bass. It is analogous to having two speakers, one for each channel on the left and right. Simply said, the Nuraphone is a gorgeously crafted headset with a great combination of silicone and stainless steel. It is uncomplicated, contemporary, and acceptable to wear in public. With its thin headband and wide ear cups, the minimalist design is reminiscent of the Bose NC Headphones 700 in many ways.
The design does have a few flaws that interfere with regular use. You are forced to decide which headset controls are most important to you because there are no controls or knobs. One touch-sensitive button that only responds to single and double taps is located on either side of the headphones. Despite these drawbacks, the Nuraphone has excellent sound quality. You can even customize the sound to your preferences thanks to the audio tuning they have included. The Nuraphone is a great pair of wireless headphones, and the addition of a microphone elevates it to the status of a respectable gaming headset.
Lovely designSuperb personalized soundExcellent active noise reduction
You need to spend an extra $50 on a gaming mic
These professional-grade headphones provide a broad frequency response of 5 Hz to 40 kHz and huge 50 mm drivers. In addition to being great for gaming, they are also great for music. The lightweight, compact design of the M-200 is one of my favorite features. It’s a terrific option for travel, business, and pleasure at only 290 grams. Because they are reference headphones, you will receive a flatter EQ compared to a typical gaming headset.
This is ideal when you’re attempting to perfect a music track or edit the audio on your most recent movie, but when it comes to gaming, such a neutral aural experience can occasionally feel underwhelming. However, the V-Moda M-200 headphones truly deliver on the purity of sound, and because of their closed-back design, you get terrific audio and respectable noise cancellation as well. The goal is to “get you closer to perfection,” and they unquestionably succeed in doing so.
The V-Moda M-200 does have some flaws. Yes, unlike other headsets on this list, the V-Moda M-200 already includes a microphone; however, it’s actually not as great as you’d expect. Additionally, the fit is not very comfortable. If you’re going to use it for gaming, you want a pair of headsets that are comfortable to use even after hours of using it. Unfortunately, the V-Moda M-200 fits a little too tight. If you’ll use it for quick games, though, you might be able to let it pass. Overall, it’s still a pretty decent pair of headsets you can use for gaming that still lets you enjoy good audio. Besides, it’s a lot cheaper than other headsets on the higher end.
Outstanding Compact DesignLightweightClear, precise soundCustomized plates
Not so great micFits a little too tightNo lightning or USB Type-C adapter
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