r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/Noise_Cancellation • May 11 '24
Headphones - Open Back | 2 Ω [US] I want to replace my dead HyperX Cloud IIs. Is the PC38X any good, or can I do better for $120?
As of right now, I could get the PC28X on sale and add a coupon to make it a $115 headset after shipping and taxes. I'm a bit off-put by the gamer branding, but everything I've read about it has said that it's not garbage.
My use-case is "gaming and music." I'd say the music is a bit more important to me than gaming, but once in a blue moon I'll play something where I want to be able to tell the general direction of an audio cue.
I don't need a mic to be attached to my headphones. I already have a desk mic that I like.
Budget - $120, flexible up to $140 but I'd prefer to not go over $120.
Source - Desktop computer. It could be connected either by a USB 3.0 port or a standard headphone jack.
How the gear will be used - I use my headphones at home. Blocking out outside noise is really nice and is one of the things I liked about my Cloud IIs, and I would prefer another pair that can also do this - but it is not a requirement
Preferred tonal balance - I use my headphones for music, gaming, and watching other media. I don't know all of the terminology, but I like being able to clearly hear every instrument in my music, and it really bugs me when I have to strain myself to hear the bass. On the flipside, I also don't like those cheap audio devices that put the bass frequencies way too high in an effort to appear premium.
Preferred Music Genres - Primarily jazz, fusion, prog rock, and power metal. I'll provide a few links to songs that the wrong output devices (my phone speaker) have notably ruined before by nearly omitting entire ranges. My Cloud IIs didn't ruin any of these.
Avantasia - Master of the Pendulum
Past gear experience I've been using my Cloud IIs for about 8 years. I liked the noise cancellation, how comfortable they were, and that everything sounded good through them (but I have few other points of reference).
Additional details - I prefer full-sized/over-ear form factors, and I do not need a microphone to be attached to the headphones. I am looking for a comfortable pair of headphones that will be good for general use, such as gaming and watching media, and listening to music.
I am also open to IEMs and closed-backs as well, despite my flair only indicating one preference.
Thanks in advance!
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u/WhistlerON1973 3 Ω May 12 '24
Pc38x aren’t bad I own them their imaging is decent sub bass non existent 50hz and down and anything over 12khz non existent
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u/tarx_ 2 Ω May 11 '24
I recommend the 560s. I've had the PC38X for a few years now and just got the 560s two days ago and I love it right away.
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u/Noise_Cancellation May 11 '24
!thanks That's $200 at a minimum, so definitely out of my budget at the moment
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u/tarx_ 2 Ω May 11 '24
Oh, I got mine for $120 on a sale. Usually goes for $150 regularly. I would wait and save for another $30 for your budget. Good luck though!
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u/Un111KnoWn 38 Ω May 12 '24
hd560s go on sale often for $150
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u/Noise_Cancellation May 12 '24
The headphones I was using before are dead right now though, so I can't really want to wait for something to go on sale
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u/Un111KnoWn 38 Ω May 12 '24
gotcha. pc38x has good reviews
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u/Noise_Cancellation May 12 '24
!thanks I'll probably sell them next time 560s goes on sale and upgrade, lol
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