Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation

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Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation - 7/13/2019 8:36:19 PM

Korvar

Posts: 813
Joined: 9/3/2014
Status: offline

If any of you are in the market for a new headset, I would suggest taking a look at the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition:

Amazon link

My old headset finally 'gave up the ghost', and I found these on sale for $63 USD at Amazon (usually in the ~$80 range). They have THX complete 360 (virtual) surround sound built into them and sound fantastic for this price point. They also do very well with music, and I would guesstimate that noticeably better music headphones would set you back $300 USD or (much) more. I'm talking something like a nice set of Grados or Sennheisers with a good headphone amp. That said, something like that are headphones only (no mic) and thus do not cater to gaming and voice communications like the Krakens do. I do notice much of the detail with the Krakens that is common with high-end headphones.

They have a 3.5mm aux connection but come with their own USB DAC, which gives them the power of USB for directional audio while still being compatible with a wide range of phones and other devices (although they will revert to stereo mode without the DAC). This means, of course, these won't be a contender if you're looking for wireless. Their cushions are made of memory foam with a cooling gel layer, and I've found them to be very comfortable. The headband doesn't apply too much pressure either. With some experimentation and the addition of a dead cat wind shield, I got the mic working consistently with Discord voice activation even with a floor fan blowing in its direction. Pretty good stuff.

Their primary downside - they require a bit of tweaking/configuration on the front-end. I would not consider them 'plug-and-play' if you want all of their advanced functionality. The biggest initial hurdles are downloading the right software (Synapse 3 instead of the older version) and realizing there is a firmware update for the DAC. It's also helpful to note that there are separate volume controls on both the headphone cord and the DAC - these should be turned up to 100% so that the main volume control on the computer will effectively be the sole volume adjustment. The confusion with their intial configuration is why their reviews are mixed. In addition, it would have been ideal if these had a removable/replaceable cord.

TL;DR: these are a nice headset for the money, and with some configuration will give you everything you'd want for gaming and voice comms (Discord, in-game, etc.). Even the music/audio of WitP:AE sounds amazing with these. I can't comment on their longevity, but I picked up the $4 USD 4-year protection plan to help mitigate that unknown.

_____________________________

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Post #: 1

RE: Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation - 7/15/2019 5:14:04 PM

Lokasenna

Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline

I've been using the Logitech G3 for the last 5 years. It still functions fine, mechanically-speaking, but I'm considering getting a new one soon because the vinyl is wearing off. It's comparably priced.

Logitech, in general, makes great gaming peripherals. I've been using the same Logitech speakers for 15 years now. Still love 'em. I've only sprung for a Logitech mouse maybe twice in my life, though.

(in reply to Korvar)

Post #: 2

RE: Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation - 7/15/2019 5:51:24 PM

Korvar

Posts: 813
Joined: 9/3/2014
Status: offline

Logitech is a solid choice in general. I play AE primarily via a G700s mouse and a G13 gamepad. I was seriously considering the G933 headset this time around but was somewhat concerned about the long-term build quality (based on reviews).

BTW, the black Kraken set is on sale for $62 for Prime Day for those who prefer it to the bright 'Razer green':

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Allied Ship Insignia Art

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Post #: 3

RE: Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation - 7/16/2019 12:46:53 AM

Lokasenna

Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline

Oops, I'm using the Logitech G930. It's been fine for me. Not sure what the difference is between the 930 and 933.

(in reply to Korvar)

Post #: 4

RE: Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation - 7/16/2019 1:17:56 AM

Korvar

Posts: 813
Joined: 9/3/2014
Status: offline

I'm not exactly sure what the difference is between the G930 and the G933 other than an aesthetic redesign. Perhaps some incremental improvements; for instance, the G935 apparently has a slightly improved mic over the G933.

There probably isn't a compelling enough reason for you to upgrade as long as your current set is working. My old set forced my hand - the band was already wrapped on the sides like an old pair of glasses and then the right speaker became intermittent. When it got to the point where I had to jiggle the right-side input wire just to get it working properly, I figured I had squeezed that lemon for all its worth.

_____________________________

WitP:AE Install & Configuration App - Get SeaBee Here
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Post #: 5

RE: Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation - 7/16/2019 1:47:50 AM

durnedwolf

Posts: 885
Joined: 5/23/2005
From: USA
Status: offline

I just ordered the Logtech H600. I like a wireless headset and the microphone is cool for web-chats and on-line gaming.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GTO07O/ref=pe_2640190_232586610_pd_te_s_gc_ti?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B005GTO07O&pd_rd_r=1TRE41TCHNM69YVFEXNB&pd_rd_w=kzTi8&pd_rd_wg=aYzrF

_____________________________

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I try to live by two words - tenacity and gratitude. Tenacity gets me where I want to go and gratitude ensures I'm not angry along the way. - Henry Winkler.

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(in reply to Korvar)

Post #: 6

RE: Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation - 7/16/2019 2:03:00 AM

Korvar

Posts: 813
Joined: 9/3/2014
Status: offline

Durnedwolf,

I would consider cancelling that order and getting this instead. For an extra $25 you'll get SIGNIFICANTLY better performance:

Corsair Void Wireless

It's a Prime Day deal, but you can sign-up for the free Prime trial if you don't already have it (then cancel anytime before the expiration if you don't want to be charged for renewal).

_____________________________

WitP:AE Install & Configuration App - Get SeaBee Here
Allied Ship Insignia Art

(in reply to durnedwolf)

Post #: 7

RE: Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation - 7/16/2019 2:05:53 AM

Korvar

Posts: 813
Joined: 9/3/2014
Status: offline

This headset stand is also a nice touch for $9 - I have one, and it does the trick perfectly:

Amazon

_____________________________

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Allied Ship Insignia Art

(in reply to Korvar)

Post #: 8

RE: Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation - 7/16/2019 3:07:27 PM

Yaab

Posts: 4552
Joined: 11/8/2011
From: Poland
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Korvar

If any of you are in the market for a new headset, I would suggest taking a look at the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition:

Amazon link

My old headset finally 'gave up the ghost', and I found these on sale for $63 USD at Amazon (usually in the ~$80 range). They have THX complete 360 (virtual) surround sound built into them and sound fantastic for this price point. They also do very well with music, and I would guesstimate that noticeably better music headphones would set you back $300 USD or (much) more. I'm talking something like a nice set of Grados or Sennheisers with a good headphone amp. That said, something like that are headphones only (no mic) and thus do not cater to gaming and voice communications like the Krakens do. I do notice much of the detail with the Krakens that is common with high-end headphones.

They have a 3.5mm aux connection but come with their own USB DAC, which gives them the power of USB for directional audio while still being compatible with a wide range of phones and other devices (although they will revert to stereo mode without the DAC). This means, of course, these won't be a contender if you're looking for wireless. Their cushions are made of memory foam with a cooling gel layer, and I've found them to be very comfortable. The headband doesn't apply too much pressure either. With some experimentation and the addition of a dead cat wind shield, I got the mic working consistently with Discord voice activation even with a floor fan blowing in its direction. Pretty good stuff.

Their primary downside - they require a bit of tweaking/configuration on the front-end. I would not consider them 'plug-and-play' if you want all of their advanced functionality. The biggest initial hurdles are downloading the right software (Synapse 3 instead of the older version) and realizing there is a firmware update for the DAC. It's also helpful to note that there are separate volume controls on both the headphone cord and the DAC - these should be turned up to 100% so that the main volume control on the computer will effectively be the sole volume adjustment. The confusion with their intial configuration is why their reviews are mixed. In addition, it would have been ideal if these had a removable/replaceable cord.

TL;DR: these are a nice headset for the money, and with some configuration will give you everything you'd want for gaming and voice comms (Discord, in-game, etc.). Even the music/audio of WitP:AE sounds amazing with these. I can't comment on their longevity, but I picked up the $4 USD 4-year protection plan to help mitigate that unknown.

Your review, ehh, speaks volumes.

(in reply to Korvar)

Post #: 9

RE: Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation - 7/16/2019 4:02:03 PM

Canoerebel

Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline

Do people actually wear headsets while on the computer? Why? How do they avoid heart attacks when somebody comes up behind them and taps on their shoulder or whispers in their ear?

(in reply to Yaab)

Post #: 10

RE: Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation - 7/16/2019 4:03:09 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Do people actually wear headsets while on the computer? Why? How do they avoid heart attacks when somebody comes up behind them and taps on their shoulder or whispers in their ear?

They lock the door ...

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Post #: 11

RE: Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation - 7/16/2019 4:46:23 PM

Canoerebel

Posts: 21100
Joined: 12/14/2002
From: Northwestern Georgia, USA
Status: offline

They must not have kids or a wife. If they did:

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 12

RE: Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation - 7/16/2019 5:34:09 PM

durnedwolf

Posts: 885
Joined: 5/23/2005
From: USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

They must not have kids or a wife. If they did:

** Laughter ** I've got kids, grand kids, and a wife in the house.

I've found that if I keep the volume low I can hear my surroundings just fine with a headset. I don't normally close my "office" door unless it's later in the evening and I'm "chatting loudly" while playing a game with an on-line team.

I listen to my Cubs games, Bears games, Science Friday Friday, and Wait-Wait - Don't Tell Me pretty faithfully from either my phone or PC. I often use ear buds when using my phone unless I'm with someone who has my taste in sports or radio shows.

I guess it's a bit of to-each-their-own. :-)

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Post #: 13

RE: Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation - 7/16/2019 5:52:20 PM

Korvar

Posts: 813
Joined: 9/3/2014
Status: offline

It all comes down to some good 'ol TR diplomacy: "Speak softly and carry a big stick."

Either I'm on the computer with my headset, or it's all barrels of my Klipsch home theater surround system 'Noriega-style'.

A home office also works wonders. That said, I've been known to be the occasional recipient of an intra-home phone call (I have a dedicated upright stand for my mobile phone in my peripheral sight) and/or having a sock thrown at my head.

_____________________________

WitP:AE Install & Configuration App - Get SeaBee Here
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(in reply to durnedwolf)

Post #: 14

RE: Semi-OT: Headset Recommendation - 7/17/2019 5:26:28 AM

Lokasenna

Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Do people actually wear headsets while on the computer? Why? How do they avoid heart attacks when somebody comes up behind them and taps on their shoulder or whispers in their ear?

Because this:

quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

They must not have kids or a wife. If they did:

I have a headset so that my good speakers don't keep other people up, and so that I have an actually decent mic without having a standalone piece (which also tend to pick up more background noise).

(in reply to Canoerebel)

Post #: 15