Hifi headphone comparison: Which headphones are best for gaming?
17.8.2020
Translation: machine translated
I've already established that hi-fi headphones are better than gaming headsets. But which is the very best? Audio Technica, Beyerdynamics, Sennheiser and AKG compete against each other.
The topic of gaming headphones is a hotly debated one. The comments also piled up in my comparison article between gaming headsets and hi-fi headphones. From this input and recommendations from the internet, I have selected four models for comparison. The goal: to find the best headphones for gaming
The test candidates
| Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X | Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro | Sennheiser HD 599 | AKG 712 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction method | Open | Closed | Open | Open |
| Connection | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm | 6.3 mm with adapter | 3.5 mm/mini XLR, detachable |
| Driver size | 53 mm | 45 mm | 38 mm | 40 mm |
| Frequency range | 5 - 35,000 Hz | 5 - 35,000 Hz | 12- 38,500 Hz | 10 - 39800 Hz |
| Max. input power | 1000 mW | 100 mW | 500 mW | 200 mW |
| Impedance | 48 Ohm | 80 Ohm | 50 Ohm | 62 Ohm |
| Weight | 285 g | 270 g | 250 g | 235 g |
| Microphone | Capacitor | Without | Without | Without |
Test method
For the test, I use each headphone extensively in various games, for films and to listen to music. For the direct comparison, I switch back and forth between the headphones during use. I use the Fiio E10k as a headphone amplifier or DAC because it works without drivers and therefore delivers an unadulterated result.
- DAC amp: Fiio E10k
- All sound effects disabled
- Game setting: Stereo headphones (if available)
- Sample rate and bit depth: 24 bit, 48 000 Hz
- Music: Youtube Music, 256 kbps, AAC
- Games: "Overwatch", "Valorant", "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare", "Doom Infernal" and "Soma"
Comfortable to wear
Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X [[image:37015692]]
The Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X is wonderfully light and barely noticeable on the head. Thanks to the so-called 3D wing design, the headphones are particularly easy to use with VR headsets because there is a gap in the centre of the head. Unfortunately, I felt a slight pressure on my ears after just a few minutes. For me, the ear pads should be firmer or thicker. The fit is also too loose. Over time, they slide down and as the size is fixed, I can't do anything about it. I have a relatively large head and yet I always have the urge to move them further up. The ADG1X have an open design. This means I can hear everything around me and, conversely, my office colleagues can hear everything I hear.
Sennheiser HD 599 [[image:37015693]]
The complete opposite of the Audio Technica is the Sennheiser HD 599, which presses uncomfortably on the head as soon as you put them on and also seems rather hard padded. Surprisingly, the spartan wearing style doesn't feel at all uncomfortable after long periods of gaming. It reminds me a little of futon beds: Not everyone's cup of tea either, but those who like it, love it. The open design means that the sound is completely permeable on both sides.
Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro [[image:37015697]]
The Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro is the only closed model tested. As a result, it provides the best insulation of all four headphones. The velour padding feels very comfortable on the ears and although it exerts the strongest contact pressure of all, it remains comfortable even after long periods of wear. However, not everyone will like the pressure on the entire head. If I put it on directly after the ADG1X, it definitely takes some getting used to.
AKG 712 Pro [[image:37015696]]
The AKG 712 Pro uses the same carrying system as the Audio Technica. However, it doesn't constantly slide down. It is the lightest and feels the most comfortable next to the DT 770 Pro. The AKG also has an open design and allows sound to pass through unhindered.
Sound quality
When it comes to headphones, I prefer neutral, clear sound with powerful but not excessive bass. They don't need to be particularly isolating at home, as I like to be able to hear what's going on around me. My reference model for music is the Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 2 and for gaming I used an Astro A50 for a long time.
Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro
The Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro is one of the most popular headphones among demanding gamers' ears. And no wonder. The sound is very balanced and clear. It is slightly quieter than the others at the same volume setting. At 80 ohms, it has the highest resistance.
A typical feature of Beyerdynamics is the high treble. This is also unmistakable with the DT 770 Pro. This doesn't suit everyone. In certain scenes or games, it can almost hurt a little in the high frequency range. However, the treble also provides something aggressive and lively. In "Doom Eternal" you can take that literally. When you saw through your opponents for the finisher and the blood gushes out, you'll notice the gurgling sound like never before. In "Call of Duty Modern Warfare", on the other hand, you get a clear and powerful weapon sound and clean localisation. The spatial perception is extremely precise.
"CS:GO", which places a special focus on surround sound with HRTF 3D sound, also sounds impressive. In "Valorant", the transitions during image movements from left to right are somewhat less elegant. This shows how much it depends on the mix as to how well headphones fit a game.
Less surprisingly, the Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro also shines with music. The headphones sound balanced and clear across different genres. The bass is pleasantly powerful. This is where the closed DT 770 Pro can play to its strengths. Sometimes the high treble sounds a little artificial. Especially with rap, sibilants or scratch noises are too aggressive for me. The same applies to old-school hip-hop. Here I had to take out some treble with the equaliser. For Rage Against The Machine and some jazz tracks by Takuya Kuroda, on the other hand, the clear sound is perfect.
Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X
The ADG1X is loud and powerful, but significantly duller than the 770 Pro. In Riot's multiplayer shooter "Valorant", the sound is warm, but not as clean as the competition from Beyerdynamics. As if the sound wasn't perfectly mixed. The situation is similar with "CS: GO". There, I'm impressed by the gun sound, which makes it really fun to mow down bots with the AK-47 in training mode. However, the 53 millimetre drivers clearly sound the dullest overall. Sound effects are therefore less dynamic. But, as always, it depends on the source. "Doom Eternal", for example, sounds very lively with the ADG1X and explosions feel particularly powerful.
The open design plays to its strengths particularly in spatial perception. The underwater horror game "Soma", in which water constantly drips from rusty pipes and eerie noises penetrate me from all directions, feels pleasantly threatening.
When it comes to music, the muffled sound bothers me the most. Whether it's crossover like Rage Against The Machine or old hip-hop tracks by Gang Starr. It's as if there's a blanket over the speakers. The ADG1X makes a good trap for even more old school stuff like Eric B and Rakim's "I know you got soul" with the typical scratchy record sound. But even there I prefer the competition.
Sennheiser HD 599
The Sennheiser also offers a neutral sound. It has slightly more treble than the Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X and has more punch than the AKG 712 Pro. Of all the headphones, it is the most balanced overall. The Sennheiser HD 599 is the perfect combination with "Doom Eternal", where the ballet of violence sounds even more dynamic and brutal. In "CS:GO", too, the HD 599 doesn't let itself down. It is particularly impressive when it comes to distance perception. The same applies to "Call of Duty Modern Warfare", in which the various weapons pound loudly and powerfully on the ears, making it a real pleasure.
I like the competition better when it comes to spatial localisation. I miss some volume. I also noticed that the sound often switched from one ear to the other during fast turning movements, which was slightly annoying.
When it came to music, I was expecting an even clearer sound, as I appreciate with my Sennheiser Momentum. Overall, the HD 599 delivers powerful bass and an accentuated vocal image. Eric B and Rakim's "I know you got soul" is simply a delight. The Sennheiser also gets on well with jazz. Only my favourite band Rage Against The Machine doesn't sound quite like I know them. I can't say exactly what the reason is, but my head nodding isn't as strong as it usually is with "Bullet in the Head".
AKG 712 Pro
I start my test with "Valorant". Just like the other three models, the AKG delivers a pleasantly clean yet powerful sound. When switching from the Beyerdynamics, I particularly notice the voluminous sound - a strength of open-back headphones. The same applies to "Doom Eternal". When the fireworks start on the screen, the AKG fires on all cylinders. Explosions are brutal and powerful without the individual sounds overlapping.
On the other hand, I also noticed a minimal change in sound from one ear to the other on the 712 Pro during fast turns. Mostly, however, the spatial perception is convincing. Especially in games like "Call of Duty Modern Warfare", where recognising enemies early is crucial, I was able to rely on being able to locate quiet footsteps fairly accurately.
The studio headphones are no slouch when it comes to music. The bass is emphasised and powerful. Gang Starr's "Full Clip" is a delight. Rage Against The Machine sounds just as groovy as it should. Takuya Kuroda's jazz beats also trickle pleasantly softly onto my ears. If I had to criticise anything, it would be that the sound is a little too muffled. Something that can be remedied with a quick equaliser adjustment.
Microphone
Of the four headphones, only the Audio Technica has a microphone. It records reliably and produces a warm and easily audible voice. If you want to use one of the other models as a headset, you can retrofit a microphone. I own the Modmic Uni. In my opinion, it sounds a bit clearer than the Audio Technica. As we no longer offer Modmics, you can also use the ATGM2 from Audio Technica. For such retrofit mics, simply stick the magnetic holder to the side of your headphones. The microphone can then be attached to it. You can run the additional cable along the headphone cable.
Conclusion: a subjective double victory
I missed my goal of finding the best gaming headphones. The recommendations from the digitec community and the Internet have proven themselves, but for me all four headphones are winners. The sound quality is impressive across the board. Games become a whole new experience if you were previously wearing a run-of-the-mill gaming headset. The differences between the test candidates can be found in the details.
The Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro is slightly ahead in terms of bass, but not everyone will like the high treble. The same applies to the strong contact pressure on the head. I like that. On the other hand, I don't warm to the hard pads of the Sennheiser HD 599. Acoustically, there's hardly any reason to complain. In this area, I only really criticise the ATH-ADG1X from Audio Technica. It sounds too muffled overall. The fit is also too loose. The AKG 712 Pro doesn't have this problem, although it uses the same wearing principle. Of all the candidates, it has the most inconspicuous sound profile, but that's exactly what I like about it. Sound is very subjective. You can't go far wrong with any of the candidates. My personal favourites in terms of comfort and sound are the Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro and the AKG 712 Pro. I recommend a decent headphone amplifier or DAC for all models. Only then will the headphones realise their true potential.
In the course of this test, I came across the Beyerdynamics DT 1990 Pro several times. They are in a higher price category. Perhaps you can think of other models that would be suitable for a follow-up test? Then write it in the comments. And if you don't want to miss any further excursions into the world of game audio, you can click on "Follow author". <p
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
