Replacing my beloved Sennheiser Game Zero

[hakon2404]

Hello!

I’ve had the Sennheiser Game Zero headset for many years, and I think I’m finally going to replace it. Here’s my problem: what should I replace it with? I’m thinking of staying in the Sennheiser family and buying another one, since I’ve been fairly happy with it. On the other hand, I’ve always found it a bit boring sound-wise, e.g. very flat and no base?

I use my headset with a desktop computer. A few nights each month I play with friends and talk on Discord for a few hours. Otherwise, I watch moslty YouTube or listen to music while I work on the computer, and I really love film soundtracks. My favorite artists are Hans Zimmer, Ludwig Göransson, Ramin Djawadi, Steve Jablonsky, and Glenn Stafford.

I recently saw the launch of the Sennheiser HDB 630. It seems promising, and I believe the Hifiman Edition XV could also be worth considering and even the Hifiman Sundara 2020. They’re all quite expensive, and I’m wondering whether I should just buy the Sennheiser HD 560S for $130 plus a boom mic and call it a day. I’m also considering the Drop + EPOS PC38X for $160. I’ve never truly owned proper audiophile headphones and I’m curious how that would feel. Because of that, I’m thinking of adding a boom mic to any headphones that don’t have one built in.

The reason I’m considering two different price points is that I’ve used my current headset for thousands of hours, and it has lasted a really long time. I’m not a rich person, but I can stretch a little for items I know I’ll appreciate and use frequently, since the cost per hour will be fairly low. I would say my maximum budget would be around $500.

Sorry for any spelling mistakes; English is not my native language. I hope this makes sense, and please feel free to share your opinion on what I should get.

 

[twsecrest]

I just ordered the Sennheiser HD560S (used), should be able to test it Thursday, will post back on it.
Would their even be much differance, between the Game Zero and PC38X?
For over all audio quality (for the price), check out the Drop/Hifiman HE500X headphones.

 

[solderdude]

Here’s my problem: what should I replace it with?

You should replace it with a headphone that is comfortable and sounds good to you as is (unless you are going to EQ then the sound as-is is less important) and fits your purpose.
What that will be no one can tell or predict. Your preference most likely differs from that of others.
Some recommendations you will get may work for you or may not.
Everyone has their reasons for choosing a model, they may differ from yours even when their goal is the same (find a good headphone for a certain price and use case).

Just remember ... whenever you buy a wireless headphone you can be sure it has a limited lifespan unless you can replace the batteries easily.

When you want it to last long check how long the manufacturer supports the consumables (pads and padding).

I hope you find what you are looking for. There are so many decently good headphones around some of them you might really like.
Chances are they are not the same ones others prefer/bought.

Sorry for not being able to help you by telling which ones I like or would recommend.

 

[hakon2404]

Thank you so much for the feedback. Yes I agree I definitly need to find the ones I like personally. I just a little bit lost in what are considered good headphones, since there are so many! Anyways, I appreciate the answers. Would love to hear how your take was on the HD560s twsecrest!

 

[DVDdoug]

I just a little bit lost in what are considered good headphones, since there are so many!

With headphones there is almost no correlation between price and sound quality. But of course you are more limited with headset that includes a microphone. For example, the AKG K371 (about $150) gets excellent reviews for sound quality but it has a reputation of being fragile, and it's just a headphone with no microphone.

Harman Curve
Understanding Headphone Measurements (ASR video)
Measurements 101 (Dan Clark video with ironically bad audio)

 

[Curupira]

Besides the previous advice from others, I'd advise you to be aware that open audiophile aheadphones, and even the PC38X, don't have anywhere near the bass your old Sennheiser had. With this in mind, and giving the buudget you commented on, I'd advise to look at the Audeze Maxwell or the Astro A50 Gen 5:

And if you want to avoid planned obsolescence with the battery dying, you can either go with the Akg 371 mentioned by Doug or get a HD560S and EQ its bass, while getting a boom mic:

The problem with EQing bass in open dynamics is that you'll need an amplifier. So add 20-60 USD for a competent dongle/desk amp for that. If you need help, let us know.

 

[twsecrest]

Thank you so much for the feedback. Yes I agree I definitly need to find the ones I like personally. I just a little bit lost in what are considered good headphones, since there are so many! Anyways, I appreciate the answers. Would love to hear how your take was on the HD560s twsecrest!

Sennheiser HD 560S arrived a few days ago, worth the price I paid (used $115), but not as good as my ($200) Hifiman/Drop HE5XX.
I'm not into FPS gaming, so can't comment on that.

 

[stubaggs]

Hello!

I’ve had the Sennheiser Game Zero headset for many years, and I think I’m finally going to replace it. Here’s my problem: what should I replace it with? I’m thinking of staying in the Sennheiser family and buying another one, since I’ve been fairly happy with it. On the other hand, I’ve always found it a bit boring sound-wise, e.g. very flat and no base?

I use my headset with a desktop computer. A few nights each month I play with friends and talk on Discord for a few hours. Otherwise, I watch moslty YouTube or listen to music while I work on the computer, and I really love film soundtracks. My favorite artists are Hans Zimmer, Ludwig Göransson, Ramin Djawadi, Steve Jablonsky, and Glenn Stafford.

I recently saw the launch of the Sennheiser HDB 630. It seems promising, and I believe the Hifiman Edition XV could also be worth considering and even the Hifiman Sundara 2020. They’re all quite expensive, and I’m wondering whether I should just buy the Sennheiser HD 560S for $130 plus a boom mic and call it a day. I’m also considering the Drop + EPOS PC38X for $160. I’ve never truly owned proper audiophile headphones and I’m curious how that would feel. Because of that, I’m thinking of adding a boom mic to any headphones that don’t have one built in.

The reason I’m considering two different price points is that I’ve used my current headset for thousands of hours, and it has lasted a really long time. I’m not a rich person, but I can stretch a little for items I know I’ll appreciate and use frequently, since the cost per hour will be fairly low. I would say my maximum budget would be around $500.

Sorry for any spelling mistakes; English is not my native language. I hope this makes sense, and please feel free to share your opinion on what I should get.

I went this direction: If you are not set on a headset with a microphone, consider a DAC-Headphone Amp + Headphones, many options and measurements are in the reviews section. Then add a low cost lavaliere microphone like ones from Hollyland.