A good mic/headset... Suggestions?

[Vagrant0]

As I'm getting ready to build a new system I figured I should try and get most of the extra stuff while I'm at it. This leads me to the issue of headphones.

 

I've used several different types and varieties over the past few years, but they all have had the same problems. The wires in the cord always break on me, rendering the mic and the left speaker useless.

 

I was hoping that someone could make some suggestions for a headset that had a more robust cord design (you'd think this would be a common enough request).

 

I generally prefer to have the over the head style headphones with the smaller padded speaker covers. I don't want anything too bulky, just something that does the job. The arm the mic is mounted to should be adjustable though. Not looking to spend more than $20, but would like something that doesn't break after 2 weeks of use.

[WaLkAwaY]

I have some suggestions but it requires you to elaborate on what you will use them for or what you expect to get out of them. For example: If it is just for games like Oblivion and Fallout 3 then I would be concerned with getting a set that are really comfortable as these games tend to keep you in your chair for longer and your ears will suffer also sound is really not that big of deal with those types of games as it is in say FPS games where directional sound is more important than video. If you are getting them to listen to music and gaming then go a little more expensive. If you are going to use them for FPS at all and music along with "play by yourself games" I would suggest the top of the line.

 

Sound quality and comfort being the biggest things. As far as a cord goes I cannot really say which one has a better cord. One thing you could do is go to some official gaming league websites (like this one http://www.mlgpro.com/) and see which one the gamers prefer or endorse but are not getting paid for it. Maybe check into wireless as well but they come with a hefty price tag.

 

Anything you get that is going to give you superb sound quality, comfort and directional sound ability is going to be expensive so be prepared to shell out some serious cash.

 

Personally I use an Altec Lansing headset. It was not the most expensive and is about 3 years old but it has held up good. I have used Logitech and I think I may have even had a Klipsch before. I will definitely do my homework next time though as in the long run it pays off. Also with any headset you go with make sure that you can return it within at least 30 days (longer if you can for on-line orders) as it will take you some time to see if you like it. Lastly test them yourself with a few tracks of high stimulus sound files or blu rays. You want to hear pin's drop, chains clanking off of walls, trees rustling or glass shattering and you want it to sound real and coming form the direction your character is facing or discernible from other sounds on your track.

[Vagrant0]

I have some suggestions but it requires you to elaborate on what you will use them for or what you expect to get out of them. For example: If it is just for games like Oblivion and Fallout 3 then I would be concerned with getting a set that are really comfortable as these games tend to keep you in your chair for longer and your ears will suffer also sound is really not that big of deal with those types of games as it is in say FPS games where directional sound is more important than video. If you are getting them to listen to music and gaming then go a little more expensive. If you are going to use them for FPS at all and music along with "play by yourself games" I would suggest the top of the line.

 

Sound quality and comfort being the biggest things. As far as a cord goes I cannot really say which one has a better cord. One thing you could do is go to some official gaming league websites (like this one http://www.mlgpro.com/) and see which one the gamers prefer or endorse but are not getting paid for it. Maybe check into wireless as well but they come with a hefty price tag.

 

Anything you get that is going to give you superb sound quality, comfort and directional sound ability is going to be expensive so be prepared to shell out some serious cash.

 

Personally I use an Altec Lansing headset. It was not the most expensive and is about 3 years old but it has held up good. I have used Logitech and I think I may have even had a Klipsch before. I will definitely do my homework next time though as in the long run it pays off. Also with any headset you go with make sure that you can return it within at least 30 days (longer if you can for on-line orders) as it will take you some time to see if you like it. Lastly test them yourself with a few tracks of high stimulus sound files or blu rays. You want to hear pin's drop, chains clanking off of walls, trees rustling or glass shattering and you want it to sound real and coming form the direction your character is facing or discernible from other sounds on your track.

 

I'm less concerned with all that than I am with a cord that doesn't break. As long as it has reasonable quality, can be worn for a few hours without problem, and has a working mic, I'm not too concerned about the specifics. But the last couple sets I've had have all had problems with the wires getting broken somewhere (usually where it plugs into the ear). I'm really surprised that this isn't a more common issue.

[WaLkAwaY]

Well then going wireless will solve your issues. I actually have never had any issues with the cord where it enters the head set. I have run over the cord with my chair (hard floors) and broken wires. Sounds like wireless is the way to go. Can be a bit pricey and th quality will never be on par with a wired headset but hey at least you wont break the cord :biggrin: Wish I could offer some suggestions as far as wireless but I only know one person that uses it and we rarely talk. So I cant help you there, so I will shut up now.

[ginnyfizz]

I have Logitech Clearchat Wireless (there is a natty little receiver that plugs into a USB slot) and they work superbly with Skype and all other applications. The headband is adjustable and the earpieces are padded, and the mike pivots round so is adjustable too. But you are going to pay a lot more than $20, mine were about GB£50.