Gaming headphones vs Hi-Fi Headphones

[Jean_Luc]

I was just wondering if there were any technical differences between a set of headphones that are marketed as 'Gaming Headphones' and headphones that aren't or are marketed as general headphones?

I've been after a decent set of cans for nearly a year now and at one point I owned a set of Razor Barracuda 5.1 headphones which I couldn't get on with due to the low base and poor quality construction and now I will only consider dedicated 2 channel phones (or 2.1).

Whilst in London last week I got to try out a set of BOSE On-Eay headphones and I was very impressed however I've spoken to couple of people and they have told me that there overpriced and for the money a set of Sennheier HD220 will do just as good a job as the BOSE. Thoughts?

[llama]

I use the HD595's for gaming. Even in CS Source set in stereo, without all the extra CMSS stuff, they are very "pointy".

I'm one of the people that have had a £30 set of 5.1 phones, thought they were basically paper weights, and sold them the day after to a mate at school and converted to the HD515 Senn's. Then later I upgraded to the 595's.

The stereo phones can be very good for positional audio, the ones that IMO are open (like HD595) are slightly better, but if your going to LAN or anywhere noisy you will be distrubed, and disturb others (My GF moans about these cans as I listen quite loud). I can give a vote for 595's. Can't comment on your exact headphones you asked about, but I hope I reasured you a little.

[jkno]

I personally use/love my Sennheiser HD515's

Bose is usually a bit of a taboo subject on audio forums. My personal opinion of them is that they are "over" bassy. It's almost artificial and manufactured to make you think music should sound like that. However if you ever listen to a decent setup it sounds VERy different to what bose think it should sound like.

But as i said its only you thats going to be listening to them so try out a few pairs and see what you get on with.

I have my:
HD515's which produce brilliant sound replication but you may prefer more bass.
and
PXC 450 noise cancelling (amazing for listening but less than ideal for gaming/pc use) your ears get a bit hot after prolonged periods with the leather cans.

[Jean_Luc]

I'm prepared to spend £100 or there abouts on a pair of cans, so I think I might just give the Sennheiser HD595's. I'm not that bothered about missing out on surround sound as headphones that do offer this have compromised audio quality as I found out with the Razor Barracuda's.

[BISHI]

Has anybody tried these -

Sennheiser RS130 - Wireless Headphones: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo