Better headphones for gaming than the Astro A40s?

[jamienufc]

I am hoping someone with a bit more knowledge on the subject than me can help me out and point me in the right direction?

I own a set of Astro a40 headphones and use them along with the mix amp for gaming on my 360 and the occasional blu ray on my HTPC.

I am and remain impressed with the set up I have (previously I was using my TV speakers). However, after reading around the subject I understand that there are headphones out there around the £200 price point that are better for gaming than the a40s. When I say better for gaming what I mean is that the headphones produce an overall better sound quality and have a good sound stage meaning you can pick out the direction of sound more easily.

I keep seeing the Audio-Technica A700 and Audio-Technica AD900 Headphones recommended to people for gaming.

I've also read a piece about the Ultrasone HFI-780 headphones being great for gaming. The piece I read rated the Ultrasone HFI-780s as having " a superb sound huge sound stage accuracy that non other compare to". The reviewer added "if you are serous about fps gaming these are your only choice in my eyes". The same reviewer tested the a40s and rated them as overpriced, producing average sound quality.

Then theres the Sennheiser PC 350 headphones.

Are any of the above headphones a significant jump above the a40s to warrant an upgrade?

I know you shouldnt be swayed by 1 review or comparison piece, but other places have called the astros quality into question when compared to similar priced cans which has got me thinking. I'm a big fps fan and sound stage accuracy and sound quality are really important to me, with the Ultrasone HFI-780s being £129 they have turned my head a little, especially when I could get atleast get £100 for my astros if I sell. Saying that If the A700s/AD900s are worth £188/£199 I'll happily pay the difference to get those or the PC 350s at £179.

I know people will say if your happy with your astros then stick with them, but like I said I've got nothing to compare them to.

What do people think? I really want to know peoples opinions. Would I be better getting the A700s, AD900s, PC 350s or the HFI 780s? or wont I notice much improvement over my a40s? Are there a set of headphones out there at the same price point I've overlooked? Ideally I dont want to spend over £200.

Jamie

[jamienufc]

It seems a few people are recommending the Audio Technica ATH-AD700 Open-Air Dynamic Headphones for gaming on their console.

Audio Technica ATH-AD700 Open-Air Dynamic Headphones | SALE Now On!

These can be had for £99.99 @ iheadphones.

Would people put these on top of the pile above the Ultrasone HFI-780's, which are closed and a similar price?

Theres also the Audio Technica AD900s which are nearly £100 more than the 700s, are these worth the extra money or would I struggle to hear a difference between these and the AD700s?

Any advice would be really appreciated.

[jamienufc]

Ordered some Ad700s today from iheadphone.

Thanks to everyone who posted and helped me reach my decision. Much appreciated

[BISHI]

Let me know how you get on. Looking for some headphones for gaming. They need to be surround sound ....

[solid]

Originally Posted by BISHI

Let me know how you get on.

Same here mate i also currently have the astros and mixamp im keen to hear on how you find the new setup

[jamienufc]

Originally Posted by solid

Same here mate i also currently have the astros and mixamp im keen to hear on how you find the new setup

I'll let you know. I wont be selling the a40s until the ad700s arrive so will test them side by side.

[Knyght_byte]

I play CS:S competitively and I use Sennheiser PC161/166's (headphones are the same, 166 version comes with a USB inline soundcard adapter).

You can hear the sounds and where they are perfectly well with them. No need to spend more (i've demoed more expensive models and to be honest, it doesnt improve the directional sound, only the sound quality).

Perhaps the Senny 350's would be worthwhile if you want the extra sound quality, but there really is no need to spend more. Then again, my hearing is somewhat sensitive so I might be getting more out of the 161's than other people would.

The mic on them is spanktastic too

To be honest, its probably more to do with your soundcard setup than your headphones if you already have a decent pair but cant pinpoint where sounds come from in game. If you are using onboard sound, get a soundcard. Lots of people say that the onboard chips are damn good nowadays, they may well be, but have they been implemented correctly as well? Generally, no. lol. Either fiddle about with the settings regardless of what you have, or upgrade to a soundcard from onboard sound if you are using it.