Reddit mentions of Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X Open Air High-Fidelity Gaming Headset

It's the game, not my hardware. If the buggy they were driving sounds like it's in front of me, but their subsequent gunfire definitely sounds like it's behind me, it's the game. Plus the HRTF sound option only sites 'remote gunfire,' meaning everyone's but mine and only saying gunfire.

EDIT: this is my headset and no it's definitely not the issue when CSGO sounds perfectly fine

Here's a few options. Depending on where you are in the world some might be more feasible than others. I'm talking from a UK perspective, YMMV.

• Sennheiser HD598 + Antlion ModMic. Can't speak for the quality of the modmic but I own the HD598's and adore them, they're almost unbeatable. The ModMic is essentially a headset mic with velcro pads included so that you can stick it onto pretty much any set of headphones that has space for it.
  
  
• Phillips Fidelio X2 + V-Moda Boompro mic. This is a good option because the Fidelio X2's have a standard 3.5mm port meaning you can plug any 3.5mm mic into it, including the V-Moda Boompro which is essentially a headset mic that can be unplugged (though of much better quality imo). Again, can personally attest to quality as I own both. The X2's are £130 on Amazon rn which is a goddamn goddamn steal in my opinion, but they're better for music than gaming (again, my opinion, it's slightly subjective). They'll still thrash any headset but they don't quite compare to the HD598's for competitive gaming.
  
  
• Speaking of Phillips and 3.5mm ports, a cheaper option than the X2's would be the Philips SHP9500/00. Same benefits as the X2's, but in this case they + the V-Moda Boompro will run you about as much as the X2's alone would. Can't speak for sound quality, haven't tried them, but I hear they're very good.
  
  
• Another option would be the Audio Technica AD700x; from what I have heard this is pretty much the end game for gaming cans. They're legendary, beating out the HD598's by a small margin; small enough that really it's personal preference as to whether you go for these or the Sennheisers. Both will do you proud. Again, an Antlion ModMic would be your best option here, you won't be able to fit a V-Moda Boompro as like with Sennheiser, the AD700x uses a proprietary port.
  
  
• Finally, if you got the cash, you could go for the Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X; essentially Audio Technica have cut out the need for a third party mic by adding their own; it's a headset. The downside to this is that it's expensive for what it is, and you probably leave yourself open to the kinds of issues you'd have with standard headsets (more likely to fail, harder/more expensive to fix if they do). Not really sure how much you'd have to worry about this since it's genuine quality; not the £15 of components stuffed into a £100 headset that passes for "gaming headsets" these days. TimTheTatMan uses one of these on Twitch if I'm not mistaken.
  
  So that's what I recommend. Any option you pick here will theoretically last you a great many years, if not a lifetime, and will outperform any gaming headset. This is because manufacturers of these headsets will spend a tiny amount of cash on the components and a large amount of cash on marketing them, meaning when you buy a gaming headset you're really paying for them to sell it to you. Stuff like I've listed above is all word of mouth; passes the savings onto the consumer who gets a quality product at a good price.
  They're all open backed, meaning they leak sound out and allow outside sound in; the benefit of this is that you get a wider soundstage, which in regard to gaming essentially means better 3D positioning. You can pick out things like footsteps and locate where they're coming from with a great degree of ease.
  
  HD598: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-HD-598SR-Over-Ear-Headphone-Black/dp/B06WLGRYSF/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1521973971&sr=1-1&keywords=HD+598
  
  Fidelio X2: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-X2-Headphones-Over-Ear-Cushions-Black/dp/B00MRUPSHQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521974003&sr=8-1&keywords=Fidelio+x2
  
  Phillips SHP9500/00: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-SHP9500-00-Headphone/dp/B00ENMK1DW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521974021&sr=8-1&keywords=shp9500
  
  Audio Technica AD700X: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-Technica-ATH-AD700X-backed-Hi-Fi-headphones/dp/B009S332TQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1521974053&sr=8-1&keywords=ad700x
  
  Audio Technica ADG1X: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-Technica-ATH-ADG1X-High-Fidelity-Open-Air-Headset/dp/B01AYZZP5U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521973470&sr=8-1&keywords=audio+technica+headset
  
  V-Moda Boompro: https://www.amazon.co.uk/V-MODA-BoomPro-Microphone-Gaming-Communication/dp/B00BJ17WKK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521974126&sr=8-1&keywords=v-moda+boompro
  
  Antlion ModMic: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Antlion-Audio-ModMic-Attachable-Microphone-Uni-Directional-Muteless/dp/B00R98O6R4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1521974091&sr=8-2&keywords=antlion+modmic

ATH

Koss

It looks like an audio technica headset and that line of them do that. See example below.

Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X Open Air High-Fidelity Gaming Headset https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AYZZP5U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_x8moDbVNSMCCB

First off, something like this headset would probably help quite a bit. It's pretty expensive, but comfort always comes first when gaming in my opinion.

So i have pretty dry skin, and in turn have a very dry scalp as well. I can recommend trying some sort of conditioner with tea tree oil in it, as well as something Like This to use while the conditioner is in your hair. It will help with dead skin collecting/dandruff.

Also another thing, maybe try not washing your hair every day. Some people just have naturally dry skin and washing it every day can make that worse. Otherwise, You may just have to switch to earbuds if it becomes a big problem.

If you want a headset, i would go with this. https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-ADG1X-High-Fidelity-Gaming-Headset/dp/B01AYZZP5U/ref=pd_sbs_23_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01AYZZP5U&pd_rd_r=81708d0f-e602-11e8-874d-6931060f34e0&pd_rd_w=Mq9oj&pd_rd_wg=CJz1X&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=7d5d9c3c-5e01-44ac-97fd-261afd40b865&pf_rd_r=X5SECGS6080ZJAEBYZK4&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=X5SECGS6080ZJAEBYZK4

Even better than the Sennheiser headsets IMO if you can afford it.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-Technica-ATH-ADG1X-gaming-headphone/dp/B01AYZZP5U/
AD900X with a mic.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-Technica-ATH-PDG1-Premium-Open-Air-Headset/dp/B00OTG9RGE/
Similar to the MSR7

For me the Audio Technica products are some of the most uncomfortable headphones/headsets out there.

I have the ATH-M50x and the ATH-ADG1x.

The ATH-M50x sounds absolutely terrible to me compared to almost all of my other headphones/headsets. The bass drowns out everything else for me. And the pads are so terrible.

Whereas the ATH-ADG1x is one of the best sounding "gaming" headsets I have ever heard. It does everything right except comfort. It's not the headband or anything like that on the Audio Technica products. It is the insanely uncomfortable ear pads on almost everything they make. I guess the ear pads are made for people with smaller ears or something because they are not really over ear headphones/headset they sit on your ear because no-ones ear is a circle. So you have the pad sitting on the top and bottom of your ear and if you can handle that then perfect. I tried to change the ear pads but it ruined the sound. And after about 30 minutes it begins to hurt really bad.

So my recommendation is the ATH-ADG1x, which is essentially a ATH-AD900X with a mic. The sound is fantastic. Very nice bass, perfect sound stage and openness for gaming, but damn do the ear pads ruin it. Also the mic is phenomenal. It also works perfectly with my MixAmp and is actually really great for anything. Movies, music, TV, all sound amazing on these.

Anyway, good luck.

Some alternatives to consider if you value comfort:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-GAME-Acoustic-gaming-headset/dp/B00JQDOALC/
This is very close in terms of sound quality to the ATH-ADG1x but absolutely kills it on the comfort side. This headset is my go to recommendation for anyone that wants supreme comfort, way above average sound quality, and no bullshit.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/HyperX-Cloud-Gaming-Headset-Mobile/dp/B00SAYCXWG/
This is extremely comfortable too. It is closed though. But still sounds very very good. And if you like a more "cinematic" sound then these would be the best option. They are slightly bass boosted (but it doesn't drown out anything and sounds so much better compared to the M50x) and everything else like mids and highs are solid as well.

Also, I should mention that all of the headphones/headsets mentioned here will absolutely destroy the A40 in terms of sound quality.

Basically once you hear a better pair of cans you will understand how bad the Astro's sound. It's basically like putting your head in a fishbowl with water in it and listening to speakers on the outside of the fishbowl. Bass that is so strong it drowns out the mids and highs and completely destroys any clarity. The A40's do look cool and feel pretty comfortable and also feel very well built but that is about it.

>I play a lot of games that require surround sound, so surround sound is a must I believe

It's not a must, for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, games that require positional audio, e.g. FPS games, already have algorithms filtering the audio for you. Otherwise everything that you hear would be the same volume, regardless of distance or direction from you.

Secondly, there are only a handful of headsets on the market that provide "true" surround sound, with actual physical speakers for separate channels. The rest do it via virtual surround sound, and for that you can just get software. A good example is the Razer Surround, which is used with most of Razer's headsets, which is completely free.

The best surround that you could get is already between your ears. For an excellent demonstration, listen to the Virtual Barber Shop with headphones.

LinusTechTips actually has a video on this topic, comparing different implementations.

>My current headset / amp combo is not bad, but I feel like it could be better. Should I just get a different amp to use with my Sennheiser?

There are very few "gaming" headsets that you could buy that would provide you with better audio than the Sennheiser HD598s. For example, the Sennheiser GAME lineup of headsets use the HD 518 as their basis. So unless you're willing to pay out the ass for something like Audio Technica ATH ADG1X, you're better off sticking with what you have.

I am not familiar with the Astro mixamp, but I wouldn't expect it to be very good, since it comes from a "gaming" brand. However, your headphones in question does not really benefit from a headphone amp, since it's very low impedance to begin with.

Personally, I currently use a pair of AKG K273 Pros, which are a limited edition of the K 272 HDs with a few minor improvements. Before that, I used Sennheiser HD555s, which I got based on a vast volume of recommendations for high quality gaming headphones. I've since taken a liking to AKG's headband system, and doubt my next purchase would be something other than AKG. However, I see no reason to move up to something better right now: The headphones are good and comfortable.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AYZZP5U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm rocking either a ModMic/Headset combo or the ADG1X:

Antlion Audio ModMic 4.0 LINK

Note: If you have your favorite pair of headphones that you would love to have a mic on and convert it into a Headset, get the ModMic and apply it on!

Audio Technica ATH-AD900X Open-Back LINK

Note: Audio Technica ATH-AD700X Open-Back is a favored 2nd choice by me.

Creative Sound BlasterX G5 HD Audio External Sound Card LINK

Note: If you don't have a Sound Card and need something to drive your headset.

Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X Open Air LINK

Note: This headset is Big Head Summit1G approved Kappa (Current headset he is using)

I been using them very good quality and comfortable because they are open back. I don't why they are too pricey right now. I got them for $200 couple months ago.

Here you go:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type|Item|Price

----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD - Ryzen 7 1700X 3.4GHz 8-Core Processor | $315.24 @ Amazon
CPU Cooler | Corsair - H100i v2 70.7 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler | $109.78 @ OutletPC
Motherboard | Asus - PRIME X370-PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard | $149.50 @ OutletPC
Memory | G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory | $141.88 @ OutletPC
Storage | Samsung - 960 EVO 500GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive | $234.00 @ Amazon
Storage | Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $66.89 @ OutletPC
Video Card | EVGA - GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB SC Black Edition Video Card | $724.98 @ Newegg
Case | Phanteks - ECLIPSE P400S TEMPERED GLASS ATX Mid Tower Case | $84.99 @ Newegg
Power Supply | EVGA - SuperNOVA G3 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply | $117.13 @ B&H
Operating System | Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit | $92.99 @ B&H
Monitor | Dell - S2417DG 23.8" 2560x1440 165Hz Monitor | $399.99 @ Amazon
Keyboard | Corsair - K70 Wired Gaming Keyboard | $89.99 @ Amazon
Mouse | Corsair - M65 Wired Laser Mouse | $49.99 @ Amazon
Headphones | Kingston - HyperX Cloud II 7.1 Channel Headset | $96.99 @ Amazon
Other| AM4-AMD Retention Bracket Kit for Hydro Series Coolers| $4.99
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $2679.33
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-07-22 00:57 EDT-0400 |

So taking it from the top:

- Octacore CPU with great overclock potential, a proper motherboard to allow tweaking and an AIO to keep it cool through overclocking (along with it's bracket). You've also got 16GB of high speed memory and the option to add more in the future if you find yourself needing it.

- Storage wise, you have the ultrafast 500GB M.2 SSD. This is to install your operating system and a few games/apps you use frequently. It'll make sure their loading times are non-existent. You have the 2TB HDD for mass storing files and media that don't require speedy access (movies,music, photos, etc.).

- GTX 1080 Ti. Pretty much the best GPU on the market right now.

- Nice tempered glass case with an efficient 750W power supply from very reputable brands.

- There are no 21-22" monitors that fit your requirements. The smallest one is the S2417DG from Dell. It's 23.8" but supports 1440p, 165Hz and most importantly, G-Sync for the ultrafast and smooth gaming experience.

- The K70 is the perfect keyboard for you. Blue switches, 100% anti-ghosting, backlit and sleek. There's also the gaming mouse to go along with it. Both are also available in RGB if you'd prefer to have fancy, customized lighting.

- These headsets are the best bang for the buck IMO. The sound quality on the cans and the mic are very good. If you want better ones, I'd suggest the Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X. I'm using it's predecessor - the ADG1 - and can vouch for it. They are top notch audiophile headphones with an incredibly mic.

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-ADG1X-High-Fidelity-Gaming-Headset/dp/B01AYZZP5U/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498822960&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=Audio-Technica+-+ATH+gsmiong

the price shot back up to 299.99 on amazon.

Best Buy rep mentioned their systems were showing $90.56.

i possibly got lucky paying 1/3 of the price.

Call and try. Ill try again to confirm.

Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X Open Air High-Fidelity Gaming Headset https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AYZZP5U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_6cHnzbAVS7Y48

Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming Headset - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KK8ZLEC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_7dHnzbRV91KJ2

Pick one you won't go wrong with either. But if they're too pricey then get the non gaming versions and pair with a mod mic

Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition Over-Ear Headphones - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0126HISOO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3hHnzbH63J9VA

Audio-Technica Audiophile Open-Air Headphones Black (ATH-AD900X) with Audio-Technica Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZQDTO4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_TjHnzbGPFHTNP


Unfortunately I never seem to do simple

This is what I'm using: -

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-ADG1X-High-Fidelity-Gaming-Headset/dp/B01AYZZP5U

The sound quality is noticeably better than the Astro A40, which is the headset I owned before I got this one, although there's no surround sound out of the box. If you want surround sound you'd need to buy a MixAmp or whatever.

Headset wise, maybe a little over your price range but here's what I have, it's the best audio I've had out of any headset and super comfortable. Outside that you can't go much wrong with Turtlebeach headsets although I do find many of them clamp my head a little too hard making it not so comfortable for long gaming sessions.

Mix audio from PC and PS4 into same headset, never tried this but some kind of powered mix amp would be needed but tbh its not something I've tried or would want to try.

Most AAA games are around 30-50gb in size, so with that in mind take the lower size as you might have some smaller indie games installed also so probably around 30'ish but at worst around 20 if all the games are massive. It's a shame Sony haven't gone the route of Xbox where you can just plug in an external 5TB USB3 drive and expand storage that way, that's always seemed more sensible to me.

​

Here are some options that match your Description:

MH40 price: $250 - Full Match

ATH-ADG1X price: $280 - Close Match

Monolith M1060 price: $275 - Close Match

B&O Beoplay H7 price: $210 - Full Match

Source: BudgetSet

^(if you find this reply useless, downvote for removal.)

Get a set of decent cans and never look back. If you want something you can wear for hours on end without hurting your ears or causing your ears to sweat I suggest a set of open back headphones. The open back design is not only comfortable but it really expands the sound stage and ups the presence factor 2 fold.

I have a pair of audio-technica ATH-ADG1s https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-ADG1X-High-Fidelity-Gaming-Headset/dp/B01AYZZP5U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474908441&sr=8-1&keywords=ATH-ADG1x

and the Sennheiser HD598 SE which are on sale right now.

https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-598-Over-Ear-Headphones/dp/B0126HISOO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474908465&sr=8-1&keywords=HD598SE