Top 5 Gaming Headsets of 2011

We have a look at the top 5 gaming headsets of 2011.

Have a gaming headset to recommend? Then please tell us in the comments section at the bottom!

[Messatsu290]

Astro A30 or A40, that is all I have to say. None listed even come close in terms of sound, comfort, and build quality.

[nanometric]

Wrong, the best part of A40’s or A30’s is the mixamp and not the headphones themselves, granted they are not horrible by any means, but they can’t compete with any decent audiophile phones. I myself have a pair of Sennheiser HD598 & Astro’s MixAmp, maybe pricier, but with those phones I can be in a complete gaming, movie & music surround sound bliss.
But as far as the listing goes, I do agree with you.

[Boody-Bandit]

I use Denon D5000 and Sennheiser 650's on the Astro mixamp. Love them. The Astro A40 headphones are decent but I prefer the Beyerdynamic MMX 300's for online gaming.

I'm picking up the Creative Sound Blaster Omega Recon 3D package next week. I'm really looking forward to see how Creatives new 3D soundcard powered by usb is going to enhance gaming on the PS3, 360 and PC. I'm hoping it's as good as some on reporting on it being.

On topic:
This is a meh list. No Astro A40's, Turtle Beach PX5's, Beyerdynamics MMX 300 or no mention of Creatives new toy out now Recon 3D w/ Omega headphones. Is this a budget list?

[elli0t]

how do you find the HD598's? I was looking at getting a pair of those but read that the bass is lacking a fair bit. what are your thoughts? also, what do you use for a mic? cheers!

[nanometric]

@daffo

I had no problem with bass on my HD598's, at least at the begining I actually felt the phones banging my head, not sure if was because they waren't burned in properly. But do I think they are highly amp dependant. I had an old USSR Radiotehnika amp U-7111, but since it died, I have purchased the MixAmp and with that the bass is slightly lacking. Not 100% sure, since I can't compare.

But for me those phones where best bang for the buck... and I have zero cracking on the headband in 6 months (apparently was or still is a widespread issue).

For the mic I just pluged in some cheap mic w/ stand, didn't have any clip-on ones at the store. Thou noise canceling mic is a must, otherwise the feedback will be enormous.

[elli0t]

thats awesome thanks for the reply! I was thinking of using the hd598's with an ASUS Xonar Essence STX (for PC) which has an inbuilt amp too so hopefully that might improve the bass. I might wait until the Creative Omega Recon3D's are released to see what people think of them as Brutallyhonest suggested. thanks again!

[emforce]

Not had any experience with the Astro's although quite a few of my mates have recommended them. They were on the short list along with the Seinnheiser 650s. This wasn't all about the best audio quality though it was about the headsets that provide the best overall performance and are practical for most of the gamers out there.

Cheers!

[nanometric]

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[bigjoshman]

Astro mixamp and Beyer DT 880's and I'm good to go.