Earphones: Pretty Much Required for Full Gaming Experience

RelentlessRolento

RelentlessRolento

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I've had my PSP for over a year (heck, since launch) and have been noticing over and over again how important it is to use earphones with the system.

Games on the system have such amazing sound, but the built in speakers really can't "display" the full range. I'm finding about 90% of my games are more enjoyable with headphones. My enjoyment factor goes up a ton on earphones, so I've made it a point to always plug in my earphones when playing a new game for the first week or so.

Games that are almost a requirement and will boost the immersion/enjoyment with earphones are:
Lumines
Monster Hunter Freedom (note, with earphones I kept hearing stuff I never heard on the speakers)
Metal Gear Solid Digital Graphic Novel (earphones are absolute must with this... best SFX ever IMHO)
Tekken Dark Resurrection (You wouldn't think a fighter would gain much from sound, but beleve me, play this loud with your earphones... Trust me...)

Games I've noteiced that have benefited from earphones, but not as necissary have been:
Metal Gear Acid 1 or 2
GTA: LCS
Tokobot
Loco Roco
 
The Headbanger Earsubs are really top notch. Even converted videos that i couldnt hear on the PSP brand headphones come out loud as hell (i cant even turn em up all the way).
 
Well, when I first got my PSP, I thought the sound was good, but was always curious about how the earphones sounded. At first, I plugged a crappy pair of headphones into the remote (The person I bought my PSP from, didn't have the traditional PSP earphones). I noticed just how much better the sound is, and could never go back. But, I realized my pair of headphones was crappy, so I bought a used pair of PSP earphones at EB, and used them instead. First thing I noticed was I couldn't have the volume all the way up, since the music was very loud. I had to turn it down to 3/4 on, and it sounded about right. But ever since I got the earphones, the PSP experience is even better,

The only thing I'm upset with myself over is getting a white pair. I look horrible in white headphones, where I look better in black. I might just buy a new pair.
 
Rolento, I couldn't agree more.

I bought a pair of Sennheiser MX500s from Amazon for $10, and they are simply amazing. For the price, they can't be beat.

Headphones really improve the PSP experience. I use them for Lumines, MLB 06: The Show, MGA2, and anything else I play on my PSP. Until now, I never realized what an integral part sound plays in a gaming experience.

I had a pair of Headbanger Subs, but they just didn't fit my ear holes well. I think one of my ear holes might be smaller than the other, because the left side was always uncomfortable. So I bought the Sennheisers, and they are great.

Samurai T, if you want to buy new headphones, you really should consider the MX500s. They truly are top notch.
 
One game, I feel that the earphones really enhance the experience in is Mega Man Maverick Hunter X. IMO, the awesome sound quality alone makes the game well worth it to remake. I cannot go back and play the original Mega Man X, because of it.

Need for Speed Underground Rivals sounds really great with the headphones also.

the ender, I'll consider those headphones.:)
 
Totally agreed!!! I use my ipod headphones, which are pretty clear, with decent bass.

as soon as the headphones go on, goodbye world! I like them with all games, but I get into it the most with Lumines, for obvious reasons. I feel like I've been brainwashed after playing Lumines w/ headphones.
 
Yeah, I got some good headphones a few weeks ago and the difference it makes is insane. The PSP's speakers are some of the shittiest I've ever heard and I'm not sure why Sony even bothered putting those in there... but games like Tales of Eternia, Lumines, and IMO, even the MGA series benefitted a ton from headphones. Hmm... now that I've got good headphones, I suppose I can go ahead and try out the MGS Digital Graphic Novel.
 
[quote name='Chacrana']Yeah, I got some good headphones a few weeks ago and the difference it makes is insane. The PSP's speakers are some of the shittiest I've ever heard and I'm not sure why Sony even bothered putting those in there... but games like Tales of Eternia, Lumines, and IMO, even the MGA series benefitted a ton from headphones. Hmm... now that I've got good headphones, I suppose I can go ahead and try out the MGS Digital Graphic Novel.[/QUOTE]I don't think there's a problem with quality, more so with the speakers just being tiny little holes and don't really amplify the sound. I can tell though, Sony made the PSP for playing with headphones.
 
[quote name='Chacrana']Yeah, I got some good headphones a few weeks ago and the difference it makes is insane. The PSP's speakers are some of the shittiest I've ever heard and I'm not sure why Sony even bothered putting those in there... but games like Tales of Eternia, Lumines, and IMO, even the MGA series benefitted a ton from headphones. Hmm... now that I've got good headphones, I suppose I can go ahead and try out the MGS Digital Graphic Novel.[/QUOTE]


Go do that now... MGS DGN has some of the best sound on the system IMHO.\

The actual reason why Lumines was made was because of the use of headphones. Tetsuya Miziguchi (i never spell it right) got the idea from listening to "Shinin" on his walkman while on the beach... he realized that the PSP was then the first walkman type of gaming system with superb sound capabilities... and he defintly was not thinking about the speakers on the system, but the headphones.
 
[quote name='Samurai T']Well, when I first got my PSP, I thought the sound was good, but was always curious about how the earphones sounded. At first, I plugged a crappy pair of headphones into the remote (The person I bought my PSP from, didn't have the traditional PSP earphones). I noticed just how much better the sound is, and could never go back. But, I realized my pair of headphones was crappy, so I bought a used pair of PSP earphones at EB, and used them instead. First thing I noticed was I couldn't have the volume all the way up, since the music was very loud. I had to turn it down to 3/4 on, and it sounded about right. But ever since I got the earphones, the PSP experience is even better,

The only thing I'm upset with myself over is getting a white pair. I look horrible in white headphones, where I look better in black. I might just buy a new pair.[/QUOTE]

USED PSP earbud headphones? eww. When i worked at gamecrazy we didn't even stock those used because they were in peoples ears, and people are gross.

and I agree, headphones add a lot to the experience on both consoles and handhelds. I do most of my single player gaming through headphones, i wouldn't go back.
 
[quote name='jer7583']USED PSP earbud headphones? eww. When i worked at gamecrazy we didn't even stock those used because they were in peoples ears, and people are gross.[/QUOTE]Actually, before I bought them, I looked at every single pair (the EB I was at, had like 16 pairs of them). I looked at every pair carefully, and one of the pairs looked it was never used, where it was extremely clean. That's the one I bought. I did see a few of them, that were a little dirty, so I passed on them.

Although, I'm looking to get new earbuds, because I don't like white ones (I should have paid $6.50 mroe for a black pair), since I look better in black than white.
 
[quote name='jer7583']USED PSP earbud headphones? eww. When i worked at gamecrazy we didn't even stock those used because they were in peoples ears, and people are gross.[/quote]

this is what i was thinkin...i hate it when ANY1 use my headphones:whistle2:#
 
[quote name='Samurai T']I don't think there's a problem with quality, more so with the speakers just being tiny little holes and don't really amplify the sound. I can tell though, Sony made the PSP for playing with headphones.[/QUOTE]


their placement sucks. I wish they were on the front somewhere. the most comfortable position for me is with my middle and ring fingers on the back of the PSP, my pointer finger on L+R, thumbs on the dpad and buttons....and pinkies right where the speakers are >_
 
[quote name='Apossum']their placement sucks. I wish they were on the front somewhere. the most comfortable position for me is with my middle and ring fingers on the back of the PSP, my pointer finger on L+R, thumbs on the dpad and buttons....and pinkies right where the speakers are >_
 
[quote name='Quackzilla']It's the same for all systems, from GBA to laptops...

I wish integrated speakers were better, but good sound uses a lot of power.[/QUOTE]

The DS and even the GBA had far better speakers though. As in, you could use those when playing your games and you wouldn't miss out on too much (using headphones improves the experience a lot though as would seem obvious.) The speakers on the PSP are too small and are far too easy to block. It's kinda nice that Sony wanted speakers on the system, but when they're gimped like this...

anyway, I will go ahead and check out the MGS Digital Graphic Novel tomorrow probably. I also want to recommend the Sennheiser EH350's for headphones. They cost me something like $60 (retail for about $150) and they are fucking good.
 
[quote name='Chacrana']The DS and even the GBA had far better speakers though. As in, you could use those when playing your games and you wouldn't miss out on too much (using headphones improves the experience a lot though as would seem obvious.) The speakers on the PSP are too small and are far too easy to block. It's kinda nice that Sony wanted speakers on the system, but when they're gimped like this...

anyway, I will go ahead and check out the MGS Digital Graphic Novel tomorrow probably. I also want to recommend the Sennheiser EH350's for headphones. They cost me something like $60 (retail for about $150) and they are fucking good.[/QUOTE]

Yeah I need to pick up some good earphones, but I wont be getting any for a while since I am currently upgrading my gaming life over the next few months >_<

and yes, the DS and GBA SP had perfect speakers... I just am so confused about what Sony left out for the PSP... so far my biggest gripes about the system are the D-pad and speakers... other than that, I'm totally happy with the system.
 
[quote name='Quackzilla']When I play Lumines at home I use a headphone to RCA cable and play it on my dolby surroung sound system...[/QUOTE]


I have done that as well using a decent surround sound system while playing monster hunter and lumines, but even then it's not the same.
 
Indeed, headphones are a must for pretty much any PSP game I play. I've been using my stock iPod earphones for a while, but the left earbud went out, so I just ordered some of those Sennheiser MX-500's like some people here suggested.
 
[quote name='Chacrana']Good job. For headphones Sennheiser is easily my favorite brand.

Come on, earbud people.[/quote]

:applause: :applause: :applause:

Yep, Sennheisers are the shit, and my personal pick for earbuds.
 
Hmm, I'm liking those Sennheiser earbuds, can I get them for cheap somewhere else besides Amazon? I'd rather get them at a B&M store.
 
When I checked, Newegg.com had the best prices. I think that Circuit City has Sennheisers, but the price is not as good and the selection is somewhat limited.
 
Shit I'm going to have to check on the raving about these Sennheiser headphones since everyone is damn near jumping on them with how much they love them. I always thought the concept of studio headphones was a load of horseshit though and they wouldn't sound much better. What were they called again? MX500's? They better be damn good for a $60 price though I've spent that much before.
Oh and the "History Of BoA" Music UMD sounds fucking awesome with headphones on and even with them off, as well as looking great.
 
The $60 phones I got were headphones, not earbuds, and they were the EH350's. I wasn't expecting them to be as good as they were... I damn near shit myself the first time I used them.
 
Hmm... doesn't look like Newegg.com carries the MX500 earbuds, I guess I'll go the Amazon.com route for them.

Will there be a noticeable difference though? I'm using the stock PSP earbuds for my DS and PSP.
 
[quote name='Sarang01']Shit I'm going to have to check on the raving about these Sennheiser headphones since everyone is damn near jumping on them with how much they love them. I always thought the concept of studio headphones was a load of horseshit though and they wouldn't sound much better. What were they called again? MX500's? They better be damn good for a $60 price though I've spent that much before.
Oh and the "History Of BoA" Music UMD sounds fucking awesome with headphones on and even with them off, as well as looking great.[/quote]

The MX500s are only $10 on Amazon. You're thinking of Chacrana's EHwhatevers for $60.

Yukine, I've never used the stock PSP headphones, so I can't compare for you, but I know that the Sennheisers sound a whole lot better than my regular Sony earbuds I originally used with my PSP. For $10, you can't go wrong.
 
[quote name='yukine']Hmm... doesn't look like Newegg.com carries the MX500 earbuds, I guess I'll go the Amazon.com route for them.

Will there be a noticeable difference though? I'm using the stock PSP earbuds for my DS and PSP.[/QUOTE]

Between the PSP headphones and the Sennheiser's? Basically, it's like the difference between your budget shelf speakers at Best Buy and Krell speakers (high end shit.) The directionality is so much more defined, the bass and treble are far better, and the clarity of the audio is way, way, way better. It's truly amazing how spending a little more to get good headphones or earbuds can net you a huge difference.
 
I watched/played through half of the MGS: Digital Graphic Novel just now (that should make Rolento happy) and yeah... that definitely benefits from headphones and is easily one of the best examples on the system of why headphones are necessary. There's so much going on and the music somehow makes a graphic novel immersive.

Oh, and while you're buying your headphones, go buy the MGS: Digital Graphic Novel as well. It's fantastic.
 
[quote name='Chacrana']I watched/played through half of the MGS: Digital Graphic Novel just now (that should make Rolento happy) and yeah... that definitely benefits from headphones and is easily one of the best examples on the system of why headphones are necessary. There's so much going on and the music somehow makes a graphic novel immersive.

Oh, and while you're buying your headphones, go buy the MGS: Digital Graphic Novel as well. It's fantastic.[/quote]


Agreed. Hopefully, yukine, you can get them both from Amazon, and then get the free shipping for orders over $25!
 
Oddly enough, after purchasing a separate set of headphones for my PSP (and breaking them) I ended up going back to the headphones that came with the PSP. I don't know why I hated them so much because they sound incredible. I agree completely.
 
[quote name='Sk8erlink7']I've been using my stock iPod earphones for a while, but the left earbud went out[/QUOTE]

I've been reading of this happening often enough, with many 'phone brands, that there must be some sort of impedence problem with the iPod (though I don't see why the stock 'phones would be affected, besides the fact that they're crap).

Here's an ilounge discussion about it.
 
[quote name='the ender']The MX500s are only $10 on Amazon. You're thinking of Chacrana's EHwhatevers for $60.

Yukine, I've never used the stock PSP headphones, so I can't compare for you, but I know that the Sennheisers sound a whole lot better than my regular Sony earbuds I originally used with my PSP. For $10, you can't go wrong.[/QUOTE]

Yeah but I think I'm more interested in Chacrana's shit since I HATE buds.
 
[quote name='Sarang01']Yeah but I think I'm more interested in Chacrana's shit since I HATE buds.[/QUOTE]

I hated buds for a long ass time, but ever since realizing I didn't want to pay for any new earphones, I started using the PSP ones (which I hate, only due to the cord being badly built) and am now comfortable with buds. I like both though, so I guys, um,... water polo?
 
[quote name='adamsappel']I've been reading of this happening often enough, with many 'phone brands, that there must be some sort of impedence problem with the iPod (though I don't see why the stock 'phones would be affected, besides the fact that they're crap).
[/QUOTE]


i don't see why people don't like the stock iPod headphones... I actually like them a bit better than the MX500s (which came with my old Rio Karma, IIRC.) They are clear, have decent bass and balanced mid and treble, without any fuzz. talkin about the ones that come with the 30gig video ipod (maybe they are different.)
 
What about the ear subs that are part of the Gamerush clearance right now? Any reviews on those? Better than the white stock headphones? I see they use batteries...that sucks.
 
If you have a good receiver, it does sound pretty amazing. I'm not too big on headphones, most of the good ones are too expensive.
 
[quote name='Chacrana']If they're called ear subs, I can't imagine them being any good. I can, however, see them blowing out your eardrums.[/quote]


Kind of what I was thinking but I didn't know....they have a small black box with them that holds the batteries and presumably the key for blowing out your eardrums.
 
[quote name='adamsappel']I've been reading of this happening often enough, with many 'phone brands, that there must be some sort of impedence problem with the iPod (though I don't see why the stock 'phones would be affected, besides the fact that they're crap).

Here's an ilounge discussion about it.[/quote] I knew something was wrong when I tried another pair of headphones on my iPod and the same thing happened.

I read through that discussion, and it seems that the only thing Apple is doing to help is sending a replacement pair of headphones that will undoubtedly go out as well. If my iPod messes up my Sennheisers when they come, I'll probably just make an exchange at Costco. Although, my iPod is scratched to hell; would Costco still accept it?
 
[quote name='the ender']Agreed. Hopefully, yukine, you can get them both from Amazon, and then get the free shipping for orders over $25![/quote]

Heh, I would of, but I already bought the MGS: Digital Graphic Novel when it first came out. I'll see if I can find something I need for $20.00 on there, perhaps a DS game of some sort.
 
[quote name='Bezerker']Heres the MX500's for $5 + shipping. The store has a 4/5 star rating, though i personally havent tried em.

http://store.whsle.biz/product_info.php?products_id=80[/QUOTE]

I was about to buy the MX-500's there, but the minimum shipping cost was $10.

I also tried buying them from various merchants at Amazon, but the shipping costs were more than I wanted to pay. Even buying through Amazon itself didn't help because the MX-500's don't qualify for Super Saver Shipping.

I'm not sure what I want to do.
 
i really noticed when i got the headset for SOCOM and started playing online. You can actually hear the position of enemies if you stand still
 
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