Affordable and durable headset

[zherok]

Looking for a headset to replace my terribly cheap one. I've probably replaced headsets a half dozen times in the last few years, and I'm a bit sick of finding new ways for them to break under constant usage. I've never stepped on any of them or broken them through any sort of odd abuse, but usually some part gets overstressed from just wearing it and they break.

Can't spend a ton of money on one, but I'm open to a wide price range. Really can't afford high end, and honestly don't really need it. More than anything just need it to be durable. Would prefer a mic, but if there's just a really solid and affordable headphone I'd be open to that as well.

So, any ideas?

[Hadouken]

Sennheiser HD555. They cost about $170-185, but they're pretty good headphones (a step or two below high end).
Or you could get the JVC HARX700 headphones. These cost about $40 in most places (assuming you're shopping online) and they're also good.

If you're just looking for a durable set of headphones, then the Sennheiser HD428 should be enough (these cost me about $80).Nice sound and made from hard plastic so it's pretty hard to break unless you purposely step on them or throw them against walls like a moron . My only problem with these though is that the cord is thin as fuck and pretty short so there'll be some times where you'll accidentally yank the cord.

[kitamesume]

if you want a really affordable brand then superlux have been a little too famous around my area.

they go less than 75$ and sound quite good for their price to the point where you wouldn't believe it, so... might wanna check that.

[datora]

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What is your typical use?  Do you need something that's just decent sound for gaming & maybe Skype-like communications?  Do you use them daily for many hours, or maybe a couple times week for multi-hour game sessions?

Or, are you looking for something that can deliver semi-audiophile sound for FLAC-level music?  Or more casual MP3 & such?  What type of music?  Because, Rap & metal don't use the same range/dynamics as Classical & acoustic, etc.  Do you need to rely on them for editing, or just pure listening?

Can you remember some of the broken models that you've already tried?  Not only will that eliminate recommendations for items you already reject, it might help other folks out who read this to determine what they should be cautious of.

Set a price cap.  Like "around $40" or "up to  $150, under $100 preferred" or something.  What region are you buying in?

There have been a couple headphone topics both in

» Discussion Forums » General Discussions » Music

and » General Discussions » Technology

A Search would probably be a good idea to see what's already been discussed.

I have previously recommended, and still stand by, Sony MDR-v900HD as an entry level studio monitor headphone.  Previous to that I had MDR-v300HD, and they held up for about 15 years; they are still used as a back-up set in the studio I donated them to.  I have edited live recording for publication with the v900HDs, and listen to a very broad range of music.  When I bought them in 2009, they had about the widest range of any headphone available, and they deliver some exceptional definition in sound.  I picked 'em up for about $160 on line at the time and they outperformed $350 competition.  I worked with sound engineers at the time who agreed, so it's not just my opinion.  Look for the latest equivalent model by Sony if you can't find the exact model.

For a microphone, just for voice communications, I use a Logitech desktop, model 600 w/ 3.5 mm jack (not USB ... I don't like installing USB software solutions for my audio).  From what other people tell me, they are clear and sound at least as good as any normal cell phone.  Picked it up on sale for $5 at a local Target store a couple years ago and it's as good as anything needed for VOIP.  Can be used with headphones or speakers, so I like that flexibility.

[zherok]

Cheap. I've got a bunch of Amazon credit from some tradeins that should come in today, but would prefer not to spend it all at once. $40 sounds about right. I honestly don't need it to be that great, I just need it to not break. As for the mic it only has to work on Ventrilo for WoW, as long as other people can understand me I'm not picky. Worse case I'd be willing to drop it if a pure headphone better fit that price range.

As for previous models, this was the last one I got, as a dirt cheap replacement: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826193037
Case broke on the side with the cord, screws popped out. Electrical tapped it to hell, but then one of the swivel points broke. Taped that, but then the cord (which doesn't appear to be terribly well secured within the headphone itself, you can push and pull it pretty far within the case) appears to have pulled loose of at least part of the speakers, as I'm still getting some of the channels (I think it's the first headset I've ever had come loose and not lose either the left or right year entirely. Too bad that still leaves me with a broken piece of shit.)

One before that was: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826502013
I don't recall if I bought that one, might have been a gift. Anyway, I think it still worked last time I had it, but the excessively complicated swivel joint holding the speakers in place broke spectacularly on one side, and reattaching it with the joint breaking in several spots and still having the thing work were pretty much impossible.

I'm not a huge audiophile. I'd probably drop FLAC from most of my anime if it weren't commonly coupled with bluray releases anyway. I'd like it to not suck, but not expecting amazing performance by any means. I just want a headset I can expect to last me a good while.

[NaRu]

Sennheiser HD555. They cost about $170-185, but they're pretty good headphones (a step or two below high end).

I also recommend those. I got my on amazon on sale for $90

[Bob2004]

I'd second datora's recommendation of getting a set of Sony headphones. I haven't used either of the ones he suggests, but up until very recently I was using a pair of MDR-X200s. They're very cheap (£19), the sound quality is acceptable (plenty good enough for many purposes, but nothing special), but they lasted me perfectly for 6 years or constant use. And I didn't buy them to begin with - I literally found them lying on the floor where someone had dropped them, and since I couldn't find the owner, just kept them for myself. So I have no idea how many years of use they've actually had.

I also recently bought a pair of MDR-XB300s (for £35). I can't comment on their durability, since I've only had them for a couple of months, but if they're anything like the rest of Sony's headphones, I'd bet on them lasting a good few years at least. The sound quality is excellent, and they have ridiculously good bass (though they obviously lack the power of a proper subwoofer, it's great for a pair of headphones). They'd be particularly good if you plan to listen to a lot of music with them. Their biggest downside I've found is that the cable is only 1.2m, which is too short for me - though it might be plenty for you.

[Tatsujin]

What specs do you look for when picking a headset (with or without mic)? This is for listening to whatever you want during the night.

[zherok]

What specs do you look for when picking a headset (with or without mic)? This is for listening to whatever you want during the night.

I've never really invested heavily in audio stuff so I can't really say anything specific about audio quality or features.

More mundane features though: comfort would be nice, I use them constantly. Between glasses and the length of time I spend with them on, it'd be nice to have a pair that doesn't hurt. Cord length: I'd be receptive to something like the suggested Sony headphones if they weren't so short. Doesn't have to be terribly long, but I'm not using them for portable devices, so something at least 5-6' long would be required.

I guess I wouldn't mind avoiding more complicated headsets. By that I mean headsets designed with a lot of moving parts in order to compact them. Haven't had very much luck with maintaining those. I don't really ever need to fold and put away a headset, and they've tended to end up breaking at the joints and whatnot more often than not.

Oh, lastly, as I mentioned earlier, I'm using Amazon credit to purchase the thing. So has to be available through Amazon.

Edit: probably drop looking for a mic, I don't use it all that much, and if it lets my dollar stretch a little further with sound quality I'm all for it. Currently looking at cheap Sennheisers. Most of the Sony ones I looked at all had the same 3.9' cable length, and that's just not enough.

HD202s are $21. HD203s are $40. Can't see myself going much higher from there, I definitely don't have the money for their higher end stuff and I'm not doing anything with them that I could see myself needing something that much more than that. Open to more suggestions though.

[douglife]

Assuming when you say headset, you mean headphone+microphone.

As of 4/16/12, it is $50.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KQ9A14

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0MC08P6013&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=4238077&SID=skim7917X667306X8d612a9fce6311f29f7d78802205913c

The usb mixer isn't exactly for the computer so unless you enjoy the idle static sound when nothing is playing I'd suggest you pick up

http://www.ebay.com/itm/270940036762?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

[datora]

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These just went on a Shell Shocker deal this morning for $29.99 delivered:

 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826158082

Normally they go for $39.99 + about $3 delivery.  I can't speak to them personally, but the pix make them look pretty solid.  Also, the reviews are fairly encouraging.  I had considered these last year for VOIP communications, but decided to stick with my Sony headphones + mic setup and used the money for other more critical tech.

I usually, at a glance, look at the total percentage of 4-egg plus 5-egg reviews, in this case it adds to 74%.  Normally I consider anything in the mid-70s to 80 worth looking at, and anything over 85% to be pretty critical to look at ... caveat: only really applies if there's more than 50 reviews.

Anyway.  For the money, the quality looks solid.  The 20Hz–20KHz is better than most (assuming you can trust it).  You start getting into audiophile equipment to get better range, and it's real tough to find under-20Hz on the low end of the range.  The sensitivity lists at 110dB/mW, which most 'phones are rated about 89 to 96-ish .. so, that's also a Good Sign.

I realize you want to get these at Amazon, but I posted this to give an idea of true value.  Maybe Amazon will match the price?  Also, might just be worth buying at Newegg and using your credit for something else at Amazon.


[ EDIT: Notice the 40 mm Neodymium magnets that drive these.  If you are looking for top response, look for 50 mm.  But, the 40 mm is still fantastic.  Common by today's standards, the quality was stratospheric 15 years ago. ]

[Hadouken]

Sennheiser HD555. They cost about $170-185, but they're pretty good headphones (a step or two below high end).

I also recommend those. I got my on amazon on sale for $90

You guys are so lucky, being able to shop online and get things for cheap. 

[Monokuroomu]

I'm using Fanny Wang On-Ear headphones, price can be discussed. I got mine on sale, so, but they're amazing in my opnion that is. I haven't had them quite that long, but so far(past year) it has been a bliss.
But I also recommend the Sennheiser HD555. Like some others did.

[mgz]

most sennheisers have replaceable wires ive had my hd555s for a good 5 or 6 years now im not nice to them and the plastic that mounts the 2 earphones to the headband is just starting to crack a lil bit