Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming – Reddit Top Choices

If you’re looking to know which audiophile headphones are the best, then Reddit is the right place to get helpful insights from real gamers who have tested out different headphones in different gaming conditions. So, you can trust those reviews — even blindly.

But we understand that browsing through several subreddits and posts can take several hours. So, we did all the hard work for you. We checked all posts on Reddit where users recommended the best audiophile headphones for gaming, and we figured out the top choices in terms of the number of “votes”.

Read on to figure out what we found out.

Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming: Reddit Users’ Recommendations

We found 7 posts on Reddit where the topic of discussion is along the lines of “best audiophile headphones for gaming”. The total comment count on these posts was over 200. We deemed that number more than enough to get valuable insights from users.

Then we started listing out the recommended options and the number of times each was recommended — the number of “votes”. And here are our top contenders.

1. Beyerdynamic DT990. Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming

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The Beyerdynamic DT990 is one of the best open-back headphones in the world, delivering fantastic audio reproduction and solid build quality at a moderate price.

Design

The Beyerdynamic DT990 hasn’t changed in design in the last 30 years, especially since it provides comfort and longevity. At 249g, it is extremely lightweight but rigid as tanks. Almost all the materials used are replaceable and you can get them from the company’s website.

The ear cups are covered in a suede-like fabric while the headband is completely made out of metal with a stylish and detachable padding cover.

The headphones are portable but not as their siblings from the same brand as they don’t fold into a more compact format and will only fit into a bag or a purse. They come with a 6.3mm adapter and a soft pouch that can protect them from scratches but not from falls.

Sound Quality

Although many open-backed headphones are typically unable to deliver sufficient bass response, the DT990 is an exception. It delivers excellent bass and mids resolution with a generally agreeable tonality. However, it has what can be called ‘an aggressive treble’ that might annoy careful listeners.

You can count on the Beyers to fill their airy presentation with detail and display balance but once they perform for more than 72 hours, the music is tainted by an uncomfortable trebly edge.

Sound stage is another aspect that the Beyerdynamic DT990 really shines. The headphones produce an excellent sense of depth, imaging and soundstage. Also, the instrument separation is superb but be aware that the ripped body of the ear cups leak a lot of sound, sufficient enough for someone close to hear the music.

Pros

• Big, open sound
• Overflow with detail
• Very comfortable and accommodating
• Sturdy build quality

Cons

• Its contenders have more punch in lower frequencies

Reddit Reviews

[su_quote cite=”Moerkyorz”]I believe the DT-990 has the best soundstage among the ones you mentioned. Furthermore, they have a V-shaped sound signature, so the emphasized treble gives them a lot of detail and articulation, which is also good for gaming. They are quite good for music as well, if you enjoy a V-shaped EQ. If you are treble-sensitive, however, they may be fatiguing to use for extended periods (many people call them treble cannons).[/su_quote]

[su_quote cite=”PockyG”]DT990 would be a good option for gaming. Nice open sound and elevated treble for gaming. However it can get fairly fatiguing so I wouldn’t recommend it for long sessions. DT880 is less fatiguing overall but perhaps a little “boring” for some people. (I happen to love my DT880)[/su_quote]

[su_quote cite=”Darth_Dodraugen”]I had 770 and switched to 990 a few years ago. Both are an excellent choice.[/su_quote]

[su_quote cite=”lliiaalein”]I can really recommend the DT 770/880/990 pro for their comfort and sound quality at a relatively low pricerange. I have the 990’s and regularly use 770’s as well and definitely love them. They are big but not too heavy, have very nice feeling pads and are very comfortable over long periods of time. I often wear mine for 5+ hours and really enjoy doing so. I would also reccomend actually testing and comparing headphones you are interested in, especially since you want to use them for vr gaming, where moving your head and wearing vr glasses is pretty much required.[/su_quote]

[su_quote cite=”Morioh_Hotel”]I just got the DT990’s and I’m loving them.[/su_quote]

2. Sennheiser HD58X. Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming

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The Sennheiser HD58X is an upgrade to the original Sennheiser HD580, and is another pair of high-quality open-back headphones.

Design

Being a reinterpretation of the Sennheiser HD580, it’s only normal for the Sennheiser HD58X to look practically the same, with the only exception being the difference in types of grills used. With regards to build quality, these headphones are made fully out of plastic but feel rigid and can flex to a degree.

Still on its looks, these headphones rock a black paintjob, which is largely glossy while the ear cups are matte. On top of the headband are the company’s logo and other engravings like the name of the headphones, the serial number and the Massdrop branding.

The only problem here is the clamp force when you first get these out of the box is extremely high.

Sound Quality

Users of Sennheiser products do admit that they perform up to expectations and the same is true of the HD58X. In fact, it can be argued that it sounds more refined than the original HD580. Bass on these is great but it isn’t perfect. It can come across as show if it gets around 80hz and a little bloated if it is elevated at around 150hz. Nonetheless, you can rest assured of enjoying whatever you throw at it.

It, however, delivers clean and beautiful mids alongside an incredible reproduction of highs. No crazy spikes or eerie shrieking. It also has a great sense of height but it lacks a good sense of width and feels rather closed in.

For its pricing, this is a great headphone to go for as it manages to deliver superior audio fidelity and quality.

Pros

• Robust build
• Comfortable
• Decent bass output

Cons

• Slight lack of refinement in sound quality

Reddit Reviews

[su_quote cite=”PockyG”]For under $200, the HD58X is extremely tough to beat IMO without the need for fancy gear. It’s one of my favorites due to its versatility. I could wear it all day and the sound is never fatiguing but still detailed and clear. One knock for gaming however is that the soundstage isn’t very wide compared to other open backs but it does still give some air. For me though, its imaging is quite good and gives a nice sense of depth.[/su_quote]

[su_quote cite=”conman526″]I use the HD58X. Good imaging, which is what you want for gaming. Open back so you have more of a soundstage, but if you will be able to hear any background noise in your room. Comfy padding.

Only downside is that there’s often complaints of too much clamping force. If you have a large head this would be an issue. I have a smaller head so this isn’t an issue for me.[/su_quote]

[su_quote cite=”foulplay99″]HD58x user here as well. Had them two weeks now and use them every day, sometimes for 8+ hours.

The clamping force sometimes reminds me of the infamous Game of Thrones episode when The Mountain pops that guys head 🙂

I think they are loostening up a bit now, and the force does wear off once they are in place for a bit. They make my ears a bit sweaty over time, but once the clamping force goes away they are pretty comfortable for long periods.

On the plus side, the imaging on these for gaming is the best I’ve ever heard, by a mile. They put the Astro A40, A50 and the Sennheiser GSP600/GSX1000 combo to shame, just in straight stereo. Those other headsets sound like trash compared to this, and they are more expensive.

I’ll never get another gaming headset ever again.[/su_quote]

3. AKG K712 Pro. Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming

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AKG K712 Pro are a pair of flagship headphone that has solidified its position within the headphones world, and are suitable for those looking to mix and master or anyone that simply want to listen to music with a new level of sophistication.

Design

AKG is widely known for its premium workmanship and top-tier design. The K712 Pro uses the ‘hammock’ headband and this style allows you to adjust the headband to your head. Being a self-adjusting headband, the moving parts should be a weakness but they are made out of leather and shouldn’t wear out too fast. All other important parts of the headphones are either made of metal or durable plastic.

From the self-adjusting elements, it is clear that AKG considers comfort a priority for the K712 Pro, so it can be worn for hours without fatigue and discomfort. The ear pads are made out of firm foam and are covered in plush-like fabric. Swapping them is easy and you can remove them without tools. Plus, the cable is also easily removable and these headphones come with two of them.

Sound Quality

The AKG K712 Pro offers no surprise in terms of audio reproduction and will let you hear all the detail in a mix with an accurate balance of frequencies. It delivers rich sonic performance and sonic soundstage alongside pure and paced transient imaging.

With regards to the bass, the K712 Pro surprisingly produces a solid low end with proper EQ functions in the mix. It is rich, enveloping and clear enough to hear details and still distinguish the individual bass notes. Also, the highs and mids are very detailed without them ever struggling against the other for presence. In fact, no frequency range is overemphasized.

Pros

• Nice build quality
• Reasonably comfortable
• Impressive sound quality

Cons

• Highs are a bit hyped

Reddit Reviews

[su_quote cite=”HotahO_X”]The AKG K712 Pro are the best gaming headphones you can buy imo. The comfort is also 👌. Very light (270 grams) and the plush earpads omg…[/su_quote]

4. Beyerdynamic Tygr 300 R. Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming

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When you need solid gaming headphones, the Beyerdynamic Tygr 300 R is among the best in terms of raw audio quality but at the expense of an inbuilt microphone.

Design

One of the first things you will notice about that the Beyerdynamic Tygr 300 R is that it adopts a minimalist style as there are no colored LEDs or edgy designs.

It’s that inconspicuous and the black color with a touch of orange around the grille further helps to achieve that effect. Like other headphones on this list, this model also sports an open back design and offers a rugged build not so common among headsets.

The headphones are pretty comfortable to wear and require little to minimal adjustment, even after hours of use. There are no settings on the headphone and it is extremely simple – just plug and play. You can easily remove the headband and have it replaced. As mentioned earlier, the package comes without a microphone but you can invest in the company’s Fox USB condenser mic.

Sound Quality

The Tygr 300 R provides one of the most compelling audio gaming experiences for gamers and unlike other gaming headsets, it also sounds good when listening to music. In a nutshell, what you get is detailed audio reproduction, meaning you shouldn’t have trouble picking out different string sounds and instrumental sounds that are lighter than songs with prominent bass lines.

Furthermore, the headphones knock out ample bass yet it doesn’t sound overblown or unrestrained. Its isolation is also not the best as it is harder to miss external sounds even when you are using it.

Pros

• Comfortable design
• Best-in-class audio quality
• Robust cable

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a mic
• No replaceable cable

Reddit Reviews

[su_quote cite=”Wagrram”]My pick for the best audiophile gaming headphones is the Tiger 300 R[/su_quote]

5. Beyerdynamic DT1990. Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming

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The Beyerdynamic DT1990 is the new-gen of the original DT990, proudly sitting at the top of Beyer’s range of professional studio headphones.

Design

A quick look at the appearance of the DT1990 provides some interesting design features. Among the first things that you will notice is that the DT1990 feels extremely solid in hand, like a professional audio tool should. The cups are constructed out of plastic with some sort of matte finish and a plush black leather-covered headband.

The DT1990 feature a single mini-XLR connection on the left ear cup, which might be a problem for some audio engineers.

Going further, the padding inside the headband is replaceable as are the ear pads and their design make them comfortable to wear for extended periods. This pair of headphones might not make you forget that you’re wearing headphones but they will make you comfortable to a great extent so you can appreciate the Beyerdynamic’s experience.

Last but not the least, the DT1990 are running the latest version of their Tesla drivers.

Sound Quality

In terms of the performance, the DT1990 does brilliantly but not without some challenges. Once you plug it in, you will notice that it is actually two different sounding headphones with one ear pad featuring a neutral frequency response and the other with a slight bass boost.

It might be frustrating at first to know how to best to use the headphones but you will quickly learn the best technique to make the most of the DT1990.

Thankfully, highs were equally excellent between the two pads but they can get a little too energetic. The treble resolution is superb but the mids are one area where the DT1990 could do with some improvement as they sound a bit more recessed than usual and vocals aren’t much emphasized.

Pros

• Great sound quality
• Build quality is top-notch
• Comfortable wear pads
• Great lows and highs

Cons

• Ear pads are hard to swap
• Slightly recessed mids

Reddit Reviews

[su_quote cite=”Pr0N3wb”]Beyer DT1990 and T1 are great options for gaming[/su_quote]

[su_quote cite=”banaantjexx164″]I’ve seen a ton of people either use DT1990’s for professional gaming or rave about how great it is for gaming in general, so I guess those are great.[/su_quote]

[su_quote cite=”Wellhellob”]If you want perfect precision imaging dt 1990 is best at this price range. If you want more relax and comfy amiron home might work but more expensive.[/su_quote]

Other Highly Recommended Headphones on Reddit

6. Beyerdynamic DT880/770
7. Audio-Technica ATH-AD900x
8. Sennheiser HD598/599

FAQs: Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming

Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming: Conclusion

In conclusion, audiophile headphones can elevate the gaming experience to new heights, providing exceptional sound quality and accuracy that immerse players in the virtual worlds of their favorite games.

The top contenders for the best audiophile headphones for gaming, such as the Sennheiser HD58X, AKG K712 Pro, and Beyerdynamic DT 990, are well-regarded for their outstanding audio performance and comfort, making them ideal choices for gamers seeking an immersive and detailed soundstage.

Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, these audiophile headphones prove that superior sound quality can transform gaming into an unparalleled and captivating experience.