Are they really that good? - the most popular gaming headphones tested

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0:00 - 1:25 Intro
1:25 - 4:25 Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (Overwatch)
4:25 - 6:22 HiFiMan Sundara (Overwatch)
6:22 - 8:32 Sennheiser HD600/HD6XX (Overwatch)
8:32 - 10:06 Sennheiser HD800S (Overwatch)
10:06 - 11:16 Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro (Valorant)
11:16 - 12:42 HiFiMan Sundara (Valorant)
12:42 - 13:39 Sennheiser HD600 (Valorant)
13:39 - 14:50 Sennheiser HD800S (Valorant)
14:50 - 20:02 Conclusion Time!

[quincyfreeman]

Not gonna lie, I’m glad to see some “mainstream” support for the 6X0 line for gaming. I’ve been getting loads of flack over the years for claiming that despite the 3-blob style soundstage, it really is a competent gaming headphone due to its tonality, comfort, layering/image distinction, and detail/resolution. I’ve used loads of different headphones for gaming, and the HD600 actually became one of my very favorite, adding to the reasons to keep on around in my small headphone collection.
Cheers!

[stephen_hynes]

Such a nicely presented review! My own experience with designing headphones (as a layman hobbyist) is that the pads are a big variable in performance. A ring of heavy felt inserted into an over ear pad can change overall sound quite dramatically, taming treble harshness and refining spatial presentation in some designs. Less than a dollar spent at any arts and crafts store for a totally reversible mod that takes a few minutes to do. Adding a 1/8" connector to Beyer Dynamic phones is also an easy process, then you can choose any cable you like.

[danieleturrin]

You'll never understand how good is the Koss ESP/95X at gaming until you try them personally. Crazy good imaging and super detailed.

[EpisodicGamer]

The DT 900 Pro X and HD560s are both pretty legendary for gaming, if all the reviews and testimonials are of any indication.

[medivhh]

Hey this was great, you should keep this as an ongoing series where you take a bunch of headphones into shooters and talk about them.

[PastafarianLemur]

In prior comments the Audio Technica ATH-R70X was brought up as a good gaming headphone (which I also own and definitely agree with). One headphone that still appears to be slept on is the AKG K702 which is light and comfortable (at least IMO) with an overall neutral tonality and the imaging and soundstage are quite good. At the very least some people did mention its siblings.

[enjoshi-godrez]

Could you test some of the more wacky headphones for gaming like the raals or e-stats, as well as just absurdly expensive stuff like the susvara? The dichotomy between music performance and gaming performance needs more metrics, even those that are impractal (because it would be entertaining).

[ZenithWest]

What DAC/AMP are you using? In particularly are you using Windows Sonic or Dolby Atmos? You keep comparing the imaging, but like are you on straight up stereo (in which how are you having good imaging)? Dolby Atmos seems to provide the most realistic (more precise) imaging experience, but can make distant sounds extremely quiet to where you can miss them. Windows Sonic isn't as precise and doesn't provide no where near as good depth (which might in some cases not be a bad thing, like if you were playing S&D and wanted to hear someone as soon as possible Dolby might delay you hearing it as the sound begins off extremely quiet).

[MykeBinaryMan]

My main headphone for gaming is the DT1990 pro. This has been for Pubg, Apex and Fortnite. This is mostly due to the the details and stage so I can tell shots from distance. I also have used the 6XX which I found better for Overwatch and Valorant think that's because they are smaller maps.

[JeSuisBacon]

I've been using AudioTechnica R70x for gaming for years, and still one of my favourites.

[docpic]

I have watched many contradictory reviews on the lcd gx. Where would you put it between those in terms of sound stage/imaging quality?

[smoloms]

it also definitely helps if you keep using the same headphones as opposed to switching a lot. you get more used to the sound stage a specific headphone has and what it means for the positioning of enemies.

I found that switching from 6XX to 7506 to Aria to T1 on different sessions, i’d get confused sometimes because things sound different panning left to right and placement of sounds are different. so just stick to one

[leonardoaviles]

i use my hd800s for valorant, cs, and overwatch.
what amp dac combos would you recommend? (preferably under $400). thank you!

[gabsriel]

HE400i with removed grills, thicker faux leather hybrids to add more bass and tame the treble, and a neodymium on each side on the rear part of the magnet to add mass. And it's a charm to game with at a fairly low price.

[Twistidone]

I'd like to know what dac/amp you're using because with the sennheiser gsx 1000 and jds atom stack there is a setting on the gsx 1000 to boost the sound in front of you which helps pin point where sounds come from. Your headset alone can only do so much your dac plays a huge part in your imaging and being able to tell where things are. Currently have been using the dt990 pro for a few years and about to order the sundara.

[darknesseclipse]

What do you think about Focal Bathys as gaming headphones?
I mainly use them for single player games (including FPS) and did not seem bad.

[jeffcarrozzi]

I feel like you missed one of the biggest competitors, the hd560s.

[shadeshotTV]

i chose my first non-gaming headphone for gaming, and that was the ad1000x, bass is pretty limited but the highs hit you in the face (but with a pillow type of way, not like a brick wall), for more open map type games like battlefield they are insanely immersive and after 6+ years of owning them i still have to take them off to make sure there isnt something outside my door, when people describe the hd800s i get all of that with my ad1000x but with much less technical performance of course

after getting the sundara for listening and watching content the gaming performance is as described in this video, you can hear everything distinctly but the imaging isnt precise enough for you to naturally place a sound in a fully 3d space

[BuzzKora]

i use a dt990 pro limited black edition at 80ohms. i already enjoyed them for gaming but always found them a bit too intense bcs of the vshape response curve. i bought some thick ass dekoni pads and i must say the soundstage is magnificent, widest soundstage ive heard, its so nice. im using a hd660s now and just slowly inserting it for gaming to see how they compare.

[bash]

Chrono is killing these comparison, keep up the good work but wish Maxwell was in the mix as well ;)