Like I said before, the only reason people buy gaming headsets is because it comes attached with a built in mic. There is no reason one should buy a gaming headset unless they need a ready convenient mic attached. Unless they buy for 5.1/7.1 which I have no experience in.

Most audiophile headphones (no mic) at similar pricing out-performs in terms of audio quality. However I must point out that not all audio-phile headphones are comfortable. As in some headphones are made to be isolated from outside noise, so these sets are tighter on the head as the clamping pressure will ensure their pads firmly insulates your ear. This also will prove to be a warm affair on your ears. So a little Google-ing will help you find a nice headphones that will fit your budget and practicability. Long static gaming hours is different from 1 hour studio recording.

Hmmm so far used the Razer Carcharias, not sure if it is open or not. I'll test it again tonight and see if sounds are 'leaked' when worn. Comfort for the Razer is great, it is a very light headset, compared to my A700. The pads are soft and is not as large as my A700 which completely seal my ears whole. The Carcharias just nicely covers around it. More bass sounding but is not over-whelming until you can't hear the treble. Mic is good, tested recording my self in Windows sound recorder and also on CS:GO self mic test, sounds clear and no "airport" or "generator" sounds behind.

But the sound signature if I use a CS:GO example, the AWP sounds on reload is "KluK! KluK!" on the Carcharias where as my A700 sounds like "KelaK! KelaK!". That is how refine the A700 is, can hear an additional "ke-" before the "-lak" and I imagine the AD700 (open) is even more 'refine' since the A700 (Closed) is considered the bassier brother. This example can be reproduced in foot steps, from "Drub! DruB!" on Carcharias as compared to "Teraup! Teraup!" on my A700. Hope this explanation can help you imagine what I hear when comparing both. It's crude.

AD500 is a open headphone, no mic, comfort wise will probably be top notch since it uses the same wing type construction as my A700. Never had a listen on these before, but if you've read any pro and customers review online, they are highly regarded.

SS Siberia V2 is a closed headset with retractable mic. Comfort wise is among the best according to reviews. I've only worn this 2-3 times to compare with my A700. It belonged to a friend. From that brief 30 minutes sessions, I would say the V2 scored well in audio quality as well. Never wore it for long so can't comment on long hourly use but online reviews are all good on this front.

The Razer is RM279 RRP, can get it cheaper of course depending where you shop whether online via this forum or outside with a discount. But definitely above RM250 > RM279.

The Siberia V2, RRP is RM399, again like above but the range would be from RM350 > RM399

The AD500 is defnitely more than RM500 in Malaysia I think, but can be found for less than RM400 for retail in SG. Another thing is that AD500 has an impedance of 66 ohms. Means it needs a stronger driver as compared to the Siberia V2 or the Carcharias. I'm not entirely sure if on-board sound has the ability to drive that but if you have a soundcard with a headphone amp, then should be no problem.

But I found a seller in LYN selling the better AD700 for RM460 which is a damn good deal, not sure if it comes with the improved pads or not.

http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...=audio+technica