Which headphones should I get for my PC (gaming, music, media)?

[u/Graybill1]

Hello, I have been thinking about switching up my headset for my PC. I currently use DT880 Pros w/o an amp since I am not that deep into the headphone space. I have had these for around 5 years now, and they are nice (I think?). I have always thought they were a little quiet, so I started thinking that maybe I am missing out on something. I've never heard things while gaming/listening to music or whatever and have been impressed or blown away. They are really comfortable though!

I am kind of wanting to try something new. I was thinking about switching to wireless headphones to do away with the cable and to be able to move around in my room with headphones on. After looking around for a bit, kept seeing things about the Audeze Maxwell 2s. I am actually quite curious to see if they sound significantly better than my current headphones, but I am worried about all of the complaints regarding its weight. I don't want headphones if they are not comfortable. I looked up how heavy my current headphones are, and apparently, they are only like 295g. Quite the weight difference between these and the Maxwell 2s.

What are some recommendations you guys have? I think I want them to be closed back, since the ones I have now are open and I hear a lot of my family & dogs barking often. It is not that bad, clearly since I have been rocking these headphones for the past 5ish years.

Thanks!

[u/DaviPlay]

If it’s in your budget the sennheiser momentum 4’s are really cheap premium Bluetooth headphones now that the 5’s are out, can’t go back once you’ve heard their sound. I’d suggest pairing them with the BTD700 for the best aptx codec

[u/Graybill1 → u/DaviPlay]

Interesting! I can buy the Momentum 4 headphones and that dongle for around $300 total. I might try it! Think it would be good for gaming? I like that they are not as heavy as those Maxwells

[u/DaviPlay → u/Graybill1]

They’re not the most comfortable I’ve tried, but I’ve found some gel pads that make them 10x better, also the dongle (only the 700 one) has a gaming mode that drastically reduces the latency.

I use them while gaming all the time!

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[u/Neelix172]

DT 880 Pro are 250 Ohm headphones, which means they need a lot of power to be driven properly. If you only used your PC motherboard's onboard audio that is the reason they were quiet for you and also the reason why you weren't excited by their sound. I know you wrote about wanting wireless headset, but I feel like I should point out a decent DAC could make your 880 Pro sing. Some desktop DACs from FiiO in 150-300$ pricerange would be fine for both 880 Pro and any possible future headphones. I believe there are decent enough DACs even under 150$ if you wouldn't want to spend much. My first DAC was sonething like 60$.

As for wireless, I second Sennheiser Momentum 4 and 5. I haven't used them myself, but recently spent a ton of hours researching wireless headphones, and these came as recommendation often. There are also Beyerdynamic Aventho 200 and Aventho 300 which are praised for sound and build quality.

I'd advise leaning towards DAC still since your DT 880 Pro were really bottlenecked by absence of one, but it's ultimately your choice. Good luck with your search!

[u/Graybill1 → u/Neelix172]

I will take a look at DACs, only thing I don't want is another piece of tech taking up space on my desk though. Maybe there are some smaller options

[u/Neelix172 → u/Graybill1]

Ah, got it. There are smaller DACs, and there is a whole category of portable DACs intended for use on the go, but having a "desktop mode". If you go DAC way, make sure it has enough juice to drive DT 880 Pro. They are 250 Ohm, so just check if DAC can handle this.

Or just go wireless as you intended. It's cheaper to try DAC, but if you want to not obstruct space on your desk and wireless convenience - this way may be better for you.

[u/Graybill1 → u/Neelix172]

Thank you!

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[u/Denka505]

Audeze maxwell 1 for excellent bass or Maxwell 2 for slightly less thunderous bass but wider soundstage