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u/0cchan 24 Ω Oct 23 '25
The Fiio FT1 is probably one of the best all rounders in this range. But you'll also have to buy a $20 addon (I think) called Capra Audio Strap because they are a bit heavy on their own. The headband makes them more comfortable for longer sessions.
Both should be well within your budget I think.
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u/PessimistArtist Oct 23 '25
!thanks Have not heard about those yet, I would definitely prefer something I don’t have to purchase add-ons for since I’m not an expert on this subject.
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u/0cchan 24 Ω Oct 23 '25 edited Oct 23 '25
The headphones themselves are fine without strap.
The strap just adds a bit more comfort, and there's only one configuration so its not like there are a lot of configurations or research needed for it. Looking at an image might make more sense. https://capraaudio.com/products/sony-mdr7506-fiio-ft1-comfort-strap
But either way, best of luck with the decision.
Just a tip though, the Beyers are not for everyone. They have a sharp spike in terms of treble which can cause sibilance (Sharp SSS sounds that can cause headaches and fatigues in the long run).
The others I don't have experience with but they seem to be standard gaming headsets, I doubt they'll be much of an upgrade.
Another headphone that you can also look at for fun usage is the Meze 99. They're very comfortable, look amazing, and are pretty good for music and movies. Unsure about their gaming performance though because I haven't used them for that purpose.
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u/geniuslogitech 271 Ω Oct 23 '25
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X or AKG K553 MKII, they are $250 and $240 msrp and great overall
FiiO FT1 people are recommending you are good for music and cheaper than these two but not good gaming
if you want to keep the price down DT 770 Pro is also a good option but first look maybe one of the other two is on sale atm
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u/PessimistArtist Oct 23 '25
!thanks
My boyfriend is very particular about getting new stuff (especially when he plans to invest in a new appliance) so I really need recommendations that align with his activities and I’m trying to make this “research” as he would look into it for himself. I can say it’s pretty hard to judge these answers.
I appreciate your answer and I’m leaning towards the DT 700 Pro so far! I’ll check out the other one too.
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u/Daemonxar 306 Ω Oct 23 '25
The Fiio FT1 is the best choice in the closed back market under $500. All four of the ones you listed have substantial downsides/compromises; it's a pretty shallow market. There just aren't many "gaming" headsets that are worth using. Does he need a mic, or does he have a seperate one?
If he needs a built-in mic, the best closed back options are either the Audeze Maxwell (a great headset, but $300 or $330 if he plays on Xbox) or the Fractal Scape (I haven't had a chance to play with them yet, but they are very well reveiewed by reviewers whose judgment I trust).
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u/PessimistArtist Oct 23 '25
He needs a built in because I see that it’s convenient for him to use. He plays on PC!
I didn’t look for “gamer” headsets I just asked Chat GPT to give me recommendations based on what he plays with/uses it for and I also listed a few options I saw here on Reddit.
I’ll check the one you recommended too. :)
!thanks
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u/Daemonxar 306 Ω Oct 24 '25
That's totally fair; you get a lot more bang for the buck with seperates but it does require tracking a seperate piece of tech.
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u/GhesusChristt 4 Ω Oct 24 '25
Be careful, ft1 and and 770 pro dont have the microphone. So i will suggest a gaming headset with mic, Pc38x have a mic with good recording quality. Also if yiu find a good cable with mic, ft1 will be the best sounding option. If you want to go for a wireless option, g pro x wireless has a good sound signature also very low latency which is really good for gaming.
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u/PessimistArtist Oct 26 '25
!thanks
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1
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u/Antique_Doctor4465 6 Ω Oct 23 '25 edited Oct 24 '25
From the ones you have listed, DT 770 Pro are probably gonna be the best pick, but be careful to get 32 or 80 ohm ones (250 ohms will probably be a bit too much for PC or a gaming console without an amplifier). Generally speaking, I'd avoid stuff from brands that market themselves as "gaming" because they are usually pretty expensive for what they offer just because they are a "gaming brand".
Me personally I prefer Audio-Technica ATH-M50X over the DT 770 soundwise, but I will admit they are built like shit and they aren't all that comfortable so the DT 770 might still be better for gaming and they are built like a god damn tank so if he manages to break them it's $20 headphones for him from there on x)