THE LIST: THE BEST AUDIOPHILE HEADPHONES

YOU MIGHT THINK that it's overkill to use high-end headphones for gaming, but they can transform your experience. They can make your games sound so much better than a cheap headset ever can.

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However, when it comes to gaming and PC usage in general, it's worth noting that quite a few audiophile headphones lack microphones, but that's less of an issue now that you can get a good USB microphone for so little money. Plus, some headsets have microphone attachments you can order to convert your set of cans into a gaming headset.

5 NURAPHONE

These beautifully designed cans are noise cancelling masters, and even come with an app that can customize the EQ to your ears. The result is rich and detailed soundscapes unlike anything else out there. These have come down in price a lot since launch, though if you want a microphone, you'll have to fork out more for an attachment. But when it comes to audio quality, build, design, and noise reduction, these certainly deliver the sonic goods.

$199, www.nurasound.com

4 AUDEZE MAXWELL