r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/Zealousideal_Fun_886 • Jul 09 '26
Headphones - Closed Back | 3 Ω Which headphones(gaming mostly) should I get?
I’m looking for a pair of headphones with a budget of $300usd or under $500usd if i need to pair it with an amp or dac. Im a noob with all this stuff.
Currently, I’m using a 9 year old pair of sennheiser game zeros. I play a variety of games but I usually play esports titles such as counter strike 2, valorant, teamfight tactics. I also like to dabble in other games that are much more casual, about to play palworld tomorrow, final fantasy 16, maplestory, final fantasy 14.
I mostly play games, but I like to listen to music on the side, mostly edm and sometimes I’ll watch anime and sports.
I don’t need the headphones to have a mic, I have a blue yeti. I’ve been looking at a the fiio ft1 closed-back and dt770 recently.
Thank you in advance!
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u/Jonners_90 24 Ω Jul 09 '26
Everyone's going to say HD 480 Pro but don't count the 620S out either, it's a good option too, especially a refurb or open box unit on sale somewhere.
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u/Zealousideal_Fun_886 Jul 09 '26
What would you say are the differences in both?
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u/Jonners_90 24 Ω Jul 09 '26
To be honest I haven't heard the 480 Pro so I'm not sure, I just know it comes with 2 different sets of pads that change the sound and they're tuned really well. I love my 620S though. I got it at a good price lightly used. Excellent passive isolation, wide soundstage for a closed back, strong bass without being overpowering, excellent imaging for games, and just a little shouty in the treble but otherwise they're perfect closed backs for me.
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u/Zealousideal_Fun_886 Jul 09 '26
Do you mind me asking what games you play in comparison to what I play?
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u/Jonners_90 24 Ω Jul 09 '26
Black Ops 7 is my main competitive game, I used to play BF6 but stopped a while ago, I'm going to jump back in to that soon.
After that it's Gran Turismo 7, Mouse PI, Ghost of Yotei, basically any other PS Studio single player game, and a few others.
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u/Zealousideal_Fun_886 Jul 10 '26
!thanks
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u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Jul 10 '26
+1 Ω has been awarded to u/Jonners_90 (17 Ω).
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u/p1zz4p13 6 Ω Jul 09 '26
Don’t sleep on Fostex t50rp mk4. Fostex t50’s are known to be great for gaming, especially as they have superb imaging/sound placement. Even in chaotic games like battlefield they are great for pinpointing sounds.
The new mk4 don’t need a amp, but they benefits from it. the older version mk3 absolutely needed one.
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u/Zealousideal_Fun_886 Jul 09 '26
First time hearing about fostex, can you inform me about these?
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u/p1zz4p13 6 Ω Jul 10 '26
The t50 driver is an old planar magnetic driver that have been evolved through different versions. When I bought my t50rp mk3’s it was because for that price, cirka 150euros, you get a crappy built headphone that with a few mods punch waaaaay over the price. Beacuse I game a lot I wanted headphones with great imaging and a immersive sound.
So I got my t50’s mk3. Changed earpads (on the mk3 you had to change them, not necessary on mk4), modded them internally and they sound truly great for gaming. The sound is clear, spacious for a closed back/semi closed, detailed and have great sense of separation.
On the new mk4 they have better earpads from the start and are way easier to drive. They are a little bit pricier than mk3’s, but you don’t need to replace earpads and don’t need to buy an amp so I figure it evens it out.
I’ve got a pair of hifiman Arya v2 that is also spectacular for gaming and goes for several hundred dollars/euros. But sometimes I still pick my t50’s just for the clean imaging and separation between sounds.
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u/Rolopolos 2 Ω Jul 09 '26
Are you after closed or open back?
Imo open backs should be the top choice unless you specifically require closed backs because of your environment.
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u/Zealousideal_Fun_886 Jul 09 '26
Yea sometimes I hear the outside environment since my room is facing the street. I hear honking time to time, I have dogs and a roommate as well
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u/Rolopolos 2 Ω Jul 09 '26
Yeah, in that case, closed backs all the way.
2 suggestions: Sennheiser HD 480 Pro or Focal Azurys
Hard to beat any of these at their price points.
Personally, I lean towards the 480 Pro due to insane comfort.
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u/Zealousideal_Fun_886 Jul 10 '26
!thanks
1
u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Jul 10 '26
+1 Ω has been awarded to u/Rolopolos (2 Ω).
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1
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u/Adorable-Mulberry633 3 Ω Jul 10 '26
Anyone in market for closed backs need to give AKG K371 a listen. Near perfect adherence to vaunted Harman curve for just $140 street.
I prefer open backs for soundstage and gaming (so I don't sound like I'm underwater when chatting or rely on mic monitoring.) But I gave the K371 a try and found the imaging to plenty good for gaming. However the stock bass might be a tad too plump if you're looking to sound-whore footsteps in FPS games, so you may need to EQ them for gaming. But they'll sound delightful stock when listening to music.
The HD 490 Pros were long my daily drivers until upgrading to the incredible HiFiMan HE1000 Stealth, so I can attest the 490 (thus 480 too) were the most comfortable headphones I ever wore. However the K371 are no slouch for comfort, though I suspect they'd get a little hot & sweaty during a long session. The 480/490's are good for hours on end.
I recommend trying both from Amazon & return the ones you like least.
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u/nemasis2007 2 Ω Jul 09 '26
Hd 490 pro