Sennheiser - 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 had the PC37X for probably close to 8 years before the mic and cable broke. Sad day. I ended up getting a sennheiser desktop mic and hd650 as a replacement and eventually the LCD 2 to partner it. I like your approach to testing out all the headphones. That is probably the best way a person can really experience things. I have seen so many post of people buying and selling headphones trying to find that perfect sound signature for them. Getting their hopes up on a headphones, eventually buying it and hating it. On a side note, I need to listen to some Hifiman one of these days. Feel like half the people on this sub have them.

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.

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

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

What you want is a headset, not headphones, headphones don't typically have mics. What your friend needs is an open backed headset, open back means they don't even physically block out sound, you can typically have both cups on and still hear your surroundings. I recommend the PC38X from Sennheiser.

Gaming headsets can be good. My PC37x has been going strong for like 5 years now.

Shocked that nobody has mentioned the Audeze Maxwell. Given your use case and budget they would seem to be a top 3 choice. I’ve owned a pair for quite a while and they are honestly amazing at both content consumption and also gaming. They come with a mic built in and you don’t need a separate DAC/AMP. The Sennheiser 560S and PX38X are also great options.

Drop X Sennheiser Pc38x, unbelievable Tone and I’ve had plenty headphones yet a gaming headset beats them all. I wish there was one like the Pc38x that wasnt „gamy“ but looked rather classy

I own a Pair of Sennheiser Pc38x and Dt770 Pro. Im extremely pleased with the sennheisers. The dt770 are more detailed but the Sennheisers have better staging and are was more pleasant tone wise.

I have the PC38X and I love them.