PC38X Gaming Headset

Don't need to get too complicated. You're asking enthusiasts what you should buy, and they will suggest enthusiast-grade products like DACs and dedicated mics. You don't need any of that. Listen to people who suggest a quality headset (most of the time are not typical gaming headset companies) that don't make your wallet cry. I've used the Sennheiser PC38X for years now. It's an open-back headset, very comfortable, legit headphone quality sound, built-in mic, for like $189 (used to be $139 sadly it went up). Many enthusiasts suggest it.

Drop/Sennheiser PC38X Gaming Headset. I love 'em. These are open back. I don't know if Sennheiser makes a closed back version anymore. You get Sennheiser sound in a headset. Mic mutes when you flip it up. No software.

I have nothing but bad things to say about the PC38x but goddamn was is good for footsteps in siege.

The Sennheiser Drop PC38X is $200 and probably the best headset for gaming if you really just want an all in one headset. The general recommendation is to get separate headphones (DT 770, AKG k371, ath m50x) and mic (shure sm57 or sm58, antlion modmic) but anybody that just wants a simple headset will have the best experience with one of the sennheiser drop models.

If you are looking for a headphone with a built in mic then the best option would be to go with Sennheiser + Drop PC38x. Its got an amazing built in mic and awesome sound performance. It has been my daily driver since late 2023. Alternatively, you can go with a pair of decent audiophile headphones and get an external or attachable mic.

I'd probably recommend Drop/ Sennheiser PC38x for multiplayer/ directional audio and HiFiMan Edition XS (or perhaps Sundara if you have small ears; not comfortable for me) for cinematic single player games for fairly affordable headsets within a few hundred bucks. I've read good things about the Audeze Maxwell. Going much higher will probably require an amp and get MUCH pricier. For PC and listening to music, I use an HE1000SE, which will challenge your statement about budget not mattering. It's by far the best set of headphones I've ever used for gaming (including the also excellent Sennheiser HD 490 Pro, which I also own) or music but definitely not low budget.

Agreed, not likely to buy any of these. I might buy the Audeze Maxwell on a great sale. I have a couple of headphones for console that can be powered by a potato, the PC38x and Aune AR5000. For PC, where I'd play competitive games, I use HE1000se, HE6se V2, and HD490 Pro. I've heard the Arya Stealth is also excellent for gaming, but I don't have that one.

sennheiser hd560s and an mpm1000u with a seperate mic stand the absolute best? audeze maxwell with budget options being the sennheiser pc37x and the pc38x