forum thread Posted by gusruck • Jan 13, 2025
Jan 13, 2025 10:59 PM
Item 1 of 2
Item 1 of 2
forum thread Posted by gusruck • Jan 13, 2025
Jan 13, 2025 10:59 PM
Drop + EPOS PC38X Gaming headset - $119
$119
$169
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My philosophy has always been, if I can get 75-80%+ of the performance/sound quality for 50-80% of the cost, then that's what I will go with.
As for a comparison between the PC38X and the SHP9500, I have used both and prefer the 9500 over the PC38X. They are actually very similar. Both have excellent mid-range which make them stand out against the competition. The PC38X has better "booming" bass, but the SHP9500 has more than enough for my liking.
The key difference between these two is in the treble/higher frequencies. The SHP9500 wins this area hands-down as the PC38X sounds rather dull by comparison. Everyone is different, though, and it should be noted that I often prefer treble over bass...especially when the bass is already more than sufficient for my liking on the 9500.
The highs on the 9500 can achieve "ear piercing" volume and have that "shrill" you get from horn tweeters found in most movie theatres. This is what I like. The PC38X is very tame on the higher end and lack the overall volume and punch.
In terms of sound stage, the 9500 wins by quite a longshot. It sounds much bigger and more spacious making it easy to determine direction and distance of sounds in games like CoD. The PC38X is still good in this aspect, but pales to reach what the 9500 can achieve.
The mic on the PC38X is considered one of the best; often beating integrated mics on "gaming" headsets that cost more than twice this much. I would say the mic is slightly better than the V-Moda, but again I go back to my philosophy of getting 75-80% of performance at a fraction of the cost.
You can currently get the 9500 for $55 (eBay) and an excellent quality used V-Moda mic for $10 (Amazon).
Here is a direct comparison between the two on Rtings:
https://www.rtings.com/headphones.../371/22543