Ok guys, I've been asked by at least 2 members of this community to write a review on my latest purchase. I've literally just plugged them in and am on my second song at the moment.

 

This thread can be used to write a review on a pair of headphones you own/used or to ask questions aimed at people that own these headphones.

 

The pair of headphones I'm going to start off on is the Audio Technica ATH - AD700. Now first off, I don't claim to be an audiophile, I have neither a powerful soundcard nor any DAC or Amp of any description. I'm currently running them off the onboard sound of my ASUS M50VC laptop with my Apple Ipod Touch 2g being another player that I will use later on.

 

Now, first things first. Taking the headphones out of the box I was confronted by the size of the damn things. They are HUGE! At first I was wondering how they were going to fit onto my head. But they have these two little 'wings' that come out either side and sit on your head. These are what stops the headphones slipping off your head. There is also 2 pieces of longer metal that go across and keep the headphones clamped on you head. So these aren't going to come off your head easily, which is I'm not sure a good thing or a bad thing, because the second thing I thought was of how heavy they are. They feel much heavier than 280g but they are actually quite comfortable when on your head. They feel more 'secure' than my existing pair of logitech clear-chat comfort headset. The cups on the AD-700's rotate a fair bit, so it is possible to fit even the most misshapen head that they are likely to encounter. The inside of the cups are lined with a soft velvet and the outside seems to be firm, but still soft enough to squeeze even with the lightest touch.

 

The AD-700's plug into the device using the standard 3.5mm jack whilst the cord is at least half the size bigger (in diameter) than the logitech pair's. The length of the cord is 3m which is a little bit longer than the logitech's.

 

Plugging in the AD-700's I was confronted with the choice of what was going to be the maiden song. I settled on 'Puff the Magic Dragon' (an old favourite). Coming from the tinny stock Ipod buds, and the semi-bassy logitechs, my ear's were literally in danger of being ground into dust at the sweet sound of the opening bars. The bass, whilst not being overly bassy, are right on the mark for the levels, meaning it isn't overpowering, but when you hear the deeper instruments you know that these aren't a $30 pair of earphones The bass is punctual, whilst retaining a punch. The mid-range is clearly pronounced, nothing sounds murky or overpowered. Whilst the upper notes sound crystal clear and are heard over everything else.

For example U2's 'One' has a little drum with bells (I can't think of the name ATM) which you hit with your hand. On my previous headphones, all I heard was a TISSS, but with these new ones I can now here TISSSiSSSisssissssiss as the bells rattle with extra movement. New noises in songs I thought I knew are putting a new light on the songs. Another of U2's songs 'Stay' has a pronounced mid-lower grungy sort of sound like really quick strumming of lower end guitar keys. I can now hear that clearly as opposed to blending in and making a rather harsh garish sound in the logitechs (I couldn't hear it all in the stock Ipod buds).

 

You can practically hear every note that is played, and every word that is sung. The lead singer sounds like he is standing infront of me. In RATM's Bulls on Parade you can hear every single individual hit of the bass drum, with the distinctive thump. The singers voice sounds above the music, not blending in like my other playback devices. You can make out the contempt and anger in his voice.

 

I'm really enjoying the 'rediscovering' of my music collection. Now whenever I 'acquire' music, I have to be careful that it is high quality (usually 320kbps) as even the smallest bit of compression is easily identified in the song. I realise that to get the full potential out of these headphones, you really need a decent soundcard or DAC.

 

^My attempt at writing a review of one of the most satisfying purchases I have made in ages. I can fully recommend these headphones to anyone wishing to get good quality, value for money, and comfortable headphones. They were $200 with free postage and handling from http://www.headphones.com.au <- I can fully recommend that site/shop for anything headphones, they know what they are talking about, the forums are really helpful and they offer a 20 day trial period for if you are not happy with you new headphones. If you live in Perth, you should definitely check out their shop and try before you buy. I am extremely happy with their support and help in selecting these headphones.

 

I am ever so happy and excited by these headphones, and I can't wait to get a decent rig to stick a sound card in and get even more. I'll let everyone know how these go in PR and also on my Ipod.

 

Cheers. :hi:

I think you'll find the quality of music goes up marginally with a soundcard, although mine have dimmed down sound wise over time, when I start making some proper money, fix my un-roadworthy Laser, then I'll get some bigger and better headphones and maybe even check these ones out.

 

Once you get a taste of proper sound, you won't want to go back to what you had

Edited January 20, 201015 yr by YAK

Need pics of you wearing the headphones...

look cool but far to expensive

 

nice review

Edited January 20, 201015 yr by Tycalt

a little drum with bells which you hit with your hand.

 

It's called a Tambourine.

Pics for proof.

Sorry no body shots though, don't want people getting jealous now

 

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd84/ProffessorX/P1000729.jpg

 

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd84/ProffessorX/P1000730.jpg

Purple is my fav colour.. but that just looks yucky for some reason.

Didn't ask for purple. Even though they are a more pink colour, to be honest I didn't know they had different colours.

 

Firing a gun in PR nearly made me deaf, everything else sounds so quiet then the gun sound is so loud. It sorta makes the game like mumble, e.g. footsteps sound like they are below you, whilst gun shots sound at your head (when you fire), stuff that's really close that I used to not hear directionally now sounds directional.

I'll say it for everyone else like me who doesnt have a decent sound card (or in my case a sound card - integrated motherboard ftw ) turn off EAX, set the renderer to software and your sound settings up high/very high.

has served me damn well, as you can hear everything on the battlefield.

As in you can hear big red driving around the villiage if your sitting at the airfield in op archer.

Provided its quiet near you and youre not driving/shooting.

 

also xavo its nice to hear that the headphones finally arrived!

did you have to go to the post office or did the truck actually stop this time?

Edited August 31, 201014 yr by Atheos H-K

I have these as well, absolutely awesome headphones. Yeah purple is the only colour they make them lol, its not that bad though as they are far too big to use walking around town from an mp3 in any case (you will start to notice the difference in sound quality from Ipod to higher quality players).

 

I upgraded from HD555s a while back, bass wise they are about the same but the AD-700s are far superior in every other area. My only issue with them is they are a bit lose on my head compared to the 555s, the auto adjusting wings don't go as tight as I need them to so its possible to shake them off my head if I try hard enough (whereas the 555s wouldn't come off unless you took them off). They are a little bit less comfortable as the 555s didn't sit on my ears at all whereas the 700s do a bit. Minor issues in any case.

 

In general sound and sound quality is one of the most under used aspects of FPS games and one which can give you a huge advantage over those who neglect to make the most of it.

I got the Audio Technica ATH - AD900's for chrissy and bought an Asus Xonar Essence STX headphone soundcard/amp to go with them, when i plugged them in all i could say was wow.

 

The difference between playing them through an ipod and then through the sound card is like black and white. So much more depth to the music.

 

A few of my mates tried them on and actulally said no word of a lie "the headphones arnt plugged in the sound is coming from the speakers" lol.

 

Highly reccomend them,

Damo

Those who have listend to my speaker feed back the time has come to hear me clearly !!

 

just got me these for an awesome price

http://www.simplyheadsets.com.au/corded/plantronics/audio-377-corded-headset.html

Purple is my fav colour.. but that just looks yucky for some reason.

 

It's not really purple. It is what happens to the headphones after your eardrums explode inside them.

OK, so I"m in the market for some new headphones, and I would dearly love someone to pick some headphones for me!

 

Just a half decent set of headphones with a mic for playing PR for < $100 pls.

 

Wifey thought she'd be nice, and purchased a set of these for me - I don't like them, they hurt my ears after a while, and the cord isn't really long enough. (and I have no need or desire for USB)

 

Logitech Premium Notebook Headphones

http://www.loa.com.vn/image/logitechheadset/premium%20notebook%20headset/1671.1.0.jpg

 

I do really like the fact that they pack up nice and neatly, because I do play on an HTPC which is in the middle of our lounge, so that was a nice little feature.

Other reviews say that these are a bit expensive (wifey paid $80NZD).

I don't really like the semi fit on your ears either.

I'm thinking cans might be nice, as I've never really used 'em.

 

 

My previous set of headphones was a pair of:

Logitech ClearChat Style Internet Headset

 

http://www.daydeal.com/files/images6/logitech_clearchat.jpg

 

These have been a perfectly good set of headphones, but I think I've pulled them outta the hole by the cord too many times, and the mic wire is getting dodgey on the inside.

They are OK to wear, and sound fine, but aren't the easiest things to pack up tidily or to travel with.

 

 

 

So... whats next? I do NOT want to spend a lot of money - Im thinking $50-$100. Just a decent set of headphones, with a decent mic, and it would be nice if they had a decent length cord, and were nicely pack-away-able.

Corsair's HS1 gaming headset

 

I picked up a set yesterday and highly recommend for gaming. I was actually like WTF after 5 mins of use. PR sounds even more amazing.

 

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/6231/hs1t.jpg

 

 

Lots of reviews avail.

http://techreport.com/articles.x/19740

I was hoping you'd reply EvilRooter.

 

I've had a wee look at these, and they look like they'd do the job. They are $120 for me, and I suspect I'd have to wait till the new year . NO retailers have them in NZ, and all the online retailers are 'out of stock' - meaning they will ship to order - or is it order to ship?

 

I'm hoping to get a few other recommendations - perferably one that I can get within a couple of days .

 

 

Oh - and I have some strange feelings about USB headsets... do you have a decent sound card? Is USB really all good?

 

 

edit: ooh, I just put these in my 'basket' and they came to $95. I'll email the online retailer, and see how long it would take.

Edited December 18, 201014 yr by majorgame1

Headset < $100

 

Up until a few days ago, I was using a Plantronics 777 (AU$99.99), which served me very well for a good year before my roughhousing cracked them. My brother was also quite impressed by them, so he got himself a pair as well (which haven't cracked). They're fairly comfortable, though I find they start to ache after like 6 hours of HARDCORE GAMING!!. They have "virtual 7.1" which everyone will tell you is a gimmick, but I, personally, think they sound really good, regardless.

 

Otherwise, if you want basically the same thing, but without the gimmicky virtual 7.1, there's the 377 (AU$49.99) or the 367 (AU$39.99) depending on if you want open ear or closed ear.

 

Anyway, I recommend them, but don't really have anything to compare them to (like most ameture reviews).

http://www.techshout.com/images/roccat-kave-solid-5-1-gaming-headset.jpg

 

these things are pretty awesome, very comfortable

 

good old roccats

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/2009/06/custom_1243924675777_Creative_Fatal1ty_Professional_Series_Gaming_Headset_MkII.png

 

Their really good! although those Corsair HS1 look mighty good aswell.

For a sub - $100 headset, I'll back the Platronics 777 also. Solid cans.

 

That said, I'm no audiophile, so if you like to listen to music there's probs better choices

...Otherwise, if you want basically the same thing, but without the gimmicky virtual 7.1, there's the 377 (AU$49.99) or the 367 (AU$39.99) depending on if you want open ear or closed ear...

 

I would definately recomend these two to edward. They're cheap but perform really well. They DONT use a usb connection. You can still get surround sound by using the windows "virtual surround sound" enhancement, which I used for almost a year to sound whore in MW2 (and pwn) and PR. Its really easy to hear small sounds like footsteps but still hear vehicles in the distance. Also because of the surround sound, you can hear the direction the sound is coming from. The cable is strong and 2m long.

 

I dont think there is any difference in the hardware inside the different Gamercon headsets and they all look the same except for slightly different colours and features hear and there.

377-Openear

367-Closedear

777-USBsound card Openear

 

http://pics.mobilostore.com/produits/high_res/GameCom367_HD.jpg

http://www.plantronics.com/australia/aus/products/computer/gaming-headsets/gamecom-367 i have these, bloody brilliant set of cans, good for music of listeningness as well , not to mention the inbuilt mic

367-Closedear

aha beat me too it vapo

Well thats enough advice for me...

 

I was very very tempted to purchase the Corsair HS1, but I can buy the Plantronics Gamecom 367 today ($70 NZD), and it will arrive at work in the next day or two... so I've given my CC details, and I look forward to my new toy

 

Thanks lads. Twas very cool to see quite a bit of consistent advice towards the GameCom.

 

 

Love you long time.

For a sub - $100 headset, I'll back the Platronics 777 also. Solid cans.

 

That said, I'm no audiophile, so if you like to listen to music there's probs better choices

 

I can comfortably confirm that the Platronics are quite awesome for gaming, but are lackluster for music, there's good low-mid range sound, but the high end needs some heavy duty equalizing to be properly audible.

 

I'm also in the market for some decent cans, 70-140 is my price range.

 

Having owned the Platronics, I think I want a pair that would be better than them at the music side of things, but still come with the Headset Microphone for gaming.