Speakers or Headphones?

[Mike Gayner]

Do you use speakers or headphones primarily for your PC gaming? Personally I've never felt comfortable with headsets, and I like big sound that's simply unachievable with small drivers. Currently I run my PC and Xbox through a set of Logitech Z-5500s which are great in my small office (about 10sqm).

 

[simonizor]

Headphones. I have a pair of Sony MDR-XB300's that sound pretty good and are extremely comfortable. I can wear them for hours and almost forget I'm wearing them.

The main reason that I use headphones is so that I can use my mic without having other people hear the game echoed back to them (one of my extreme pet peeves when it comes to gaming lol). Also, my GF can watch TV or something without my gaming disturbing her TV or her TV disturbing my gaming.

 

[zerocool84]

Headphones so I can have it loud and not disturb anyone.

 

[QuantumPion]

Speakers. Much better sound field IMO, feels more immersive. Also I wear headphones at work all day so I much prefer not having to mess with them at home.

 

[Modular]

Headphones but I'd prefer speakers. I just can't justify the cost of the Z-5500's, but I'd love to have them!

 

[dust]

I would prefer headphones actually, the problem is I can't stand them for long so I'm going with speakers for 90% of the time.

 

[ImpulsE69]

Speakers, unless I"m on vent.

 

[Powermoloch]

Speakers atm

 

[Maleficus]

Headphones 4 lyfe

Denon AH-D5000 + Schiit Asgard + Cambridge Audio DacMagic

 

[BFG10K]

I find headphones far more immersive than speakers.

 

[Renob]

Headphones but I'd prefer speakers. I just can't justify the cost of the Z-5500's, but I'd love to have them!

What he said...

 

[Anomaly1964]

Speakers for single player, headphone and mic for MMO...

(Damn I hope KOTR is GREAT!)

 

[biostud]

headphones when gaming with friends, since they have mike built in. Speakers when gaming alone.

 

[pmv]

Headphones, because I have neighbors and no sound insulation.

 

[Demo24]

I would prefer headphones actually, the problem is I can't stand them for long so I'm going with speakers for 90% of the time.

Get ones that sit over your ears instead of on them, million times more comfortable. I have some open air Audio-Technica ones that I can wear all day and be ok.

Headphones, because I have neighbors and no sound insulation.

Same for me unfortunately, I did away entirely with my speakers as there just isn't much point.

 

[sham63]

Where is the both option? If I am at off work and alone at home, speakers, but when the kids are sleeping, headphones. When the kids are home, I do not get time to game, unless we are on the 360 or wii.

Jim

 

[fatpat268]

I prefer headphones. Most of my listening come from in-ear headphones, but when I'm gaming, I have a USB headset.

I rarely ever use my speakers on my computer.

 

[Schadenfroh]

I use my Audio-Technica open-air headphones with my Audigy 2. Works well for telling where your enemy is located in FPShooters, if the game uses half-way decent 3D sound.

 

[IGemini]

Headphones. Sennheiser HD595s with my X-Fi XtremeMusic that has built-in amps...very comfortable and good sound. Doesn't disturb others in the house either.

I do have Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speakers but they only see use when I'm watching/listening to movies/music with someone else, which isn't often. My current setup isn't productive to surround sound.

 

[cronos]

Mostly no sound.

Headphones are plugged in but I don't put them on unless it's necessary (listening to dialog/cut scenes, etc).

 

[dust]

Get ones that sit over your ears instead of on them, million times more comfortable. I have some open air Audio-Technica ones that I can wear all day and be ok.

I never cared enough about this to look for better headphones. I got some wireless Thompson here, I wouldn't even know how they're rated.

 

[imaheadcase]

Headphones..sony MDR-v600. Using Audioengine A5's when listening to music lots of times though.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

Headphones

speakers can be fun for their power but a good audio source and set of headphones will destroy speakers in terms of immersion and especially game play advantage with their vastly superior ability to relay positioning and subtle sounds, they're also a must for voice coms, I can't stand idiots who use a microphone with speakers.

 

[KeithTalent]

Headphones for sure. Bought Sennheiser HD555s a couple of years ago and have never been happier. Very comfortable and the sound is great.

I hate playing MP with people that are using speakers; every time they talk you can hear yourself coming through if they speak too quickly and hear everything else going on. Very distracting.

KT

 

[minmaster]

speakers (5.1) for now but headphones/earphones definitely give you more sound detail. i just can't be bothered to plug em in and put them on every time.