PC38X Review | Float Like A Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee
Finally, a worthy successor to my favorite midrange gaming headphone, the PC37X. The 38X offers updated drivers, better comfort and FAR better music performance.
PC38X Here - massdrop.7eer.net/nOJMR
Mayflower Arc Here - amzn.to/3jBeeVw
OPEN BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Arya - amzn.to/3cDZ0vT
🥈 DIANA V2 - abyss-headphones.com/products...
🥉 DT1990Pro - amzn.to/38BN3DM
CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Sony Z1R - amzn.to/3cF6EWX
🥈 M1060C - amzn.to/39vDkQU
🥉 1More Triple Driver - amzn.to/2wGC2ni
BUDGET HEADPHONES
🥇 HD58X - massdrop.7eer.net/mmKDX
🥈 SHP 9500 - amzn.to/32ZQJ0S
🥉 Porta Pro - amzn.to/2Is8dtu
AMPLIFIERS & DACS
🥇 THX AAA Dual 788 DACAMP - amzn.to/3cHHTJC
🥈 THX 789 / 887 - amzn.to/2TwsvZg / massdrop.7eer.net/DmW0n
🥉 DX3 Pro - amzn.to/2wJGp0X
IEMS
🥇 Fir M5 - www.firaudio.com/store/m5
🥈 ZUES - massdrop.7eer.net/rN9Ny
🥉 Tin T2 - amzn.to/2xeGvxT
SPEAKERS
🥇 SVS ULTRA Towers - amzn.to/2v2Fto1
🥈 Vanatoo T1E - amzn.to/2TKEmSl
🥉 Micca RB42 - amzn.to/2wCCO53
ACCESSORIES
🥇 Soundrise Pro Stands - amzn.to/3aCpb4i
🥈 IEM TIP Storage - amzn.to/331xuUN
🥉 Headphone Case - amzn.to/39xOlkF
My Filming Equipment
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Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 - amzn.to/2wI119R
Sigma 16mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/2wBRe5q
Sigma 30mm F/1.4 - amzn.to/39ym2m8
Ronin SC - amzn.to/39zDLcG
GVM Slider - amzn.to/2PWZDam
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Respect for the TL;DR intro, haven't seen that on KZhead before
yo they switched up the scam dialogue
Agreed, that was so nice. Stuck around because of it honestly.
Damn, that TL;DW summary at the beginning was great, even though I watch all your reviews from start to finish. Props.
Love the style, a quickie for some and a detailed review for others. I appreciate that 11/10, time to turn on notification hehe
Glad I ran across your channel, this is the kind of audio review information I want. Spot on. Good job. Dayum nice.
This is absolutely one of the best headphone review videos I've seen. Thanks so much!
Stuck around for the full review, really worth it, very complete!
You answered my biggest question in the first minute and thirty. Thanks, man. Great overall review, as usual.
Josh your a beast. Keep it up brother!
this is such a solid video format and such a good review
I have been using a pair of Sennheiser PC323D G4ME's for some time now. I wanted something with the same flip up mic, cloth ear pads and volume dial. I picked up the PC38x and wow, huge improvement. Didn't realize how bad my old headphones were until I got these. Only minor negative is they are slightly tight, they should loosen up over time though. Great review, helped me pick these.
Just watched this and ordered a pair as a result. I’m more into my home hifi than headphones but I have to say this was an excellent review, concise but detailed.
Just bought these after watching atleast 5 reviews about them but this one sold me, sounds like they are perfect for me and i cannot wait for them to get here!!! Thanks for the review !
this is so practical to give a brief summary at the beginning of the vid, brilliant idea😎👍
Oh man josh your r the best i love your editing style is so clean like optimum tech Keep it goin love from saudi
This is exactly what I was looking for. Subscribed instantly.
Like others have said, love the TLDW upfront rundown at the beginning. Watched the whole thing but still nice to get that, Josh!
I love this quiet music in the background.. fantastic video!
didnt even notice till i read this
@@voyd3013 haha, nice... (I would wonder how many people with "bad" headphones can hear this...)
i heard if easy on my mackie 624's on very low volume
Treble is incredibly important in a lot of shooters. It helps separate footsteps from gunshots and explosions.
Saber
Yo, the point you made at about 10:10 was really brilliant! I actually never thought of compression as necessary for those otherwise traumatic sounds!!
Thank you for the review, this made it a clear choice.
Another great, intelligent review from the very talented Mr. Joshua Valour!
Thanks for the detailed review as always Josh, I placed an order within the first minute of the video. 👍
Gosh man you need an intervention!
@@Pseudoics Mate this was from a year ago, I've moved onto other things. 😆
I would love to see a video about your mic settings someday!
Waiting for this review
Man I'm digging your content! So glad I've found your channel! Do you think this would be a good headset for the ps5? Would you still recommend getting an amp to go with it? Much appreciated
Awesome review 10/10. I'm just getting into audiophile, although I have been a musician and gamer for years. I just got a topping dx3 pro v2 and a tin p1, but I'm now looking for a headphone, so in terms of gaming immersion which would you recommend the the 38X or the Sundara? My Razer nari ultimate is awesome for some games but sucks at everything else.
Hey Josh, hoping you will read this. I'd really like to see you get into the topic of equalization. I think a lot of people nowadays use computers to play (or mix/ record) music, where equalization is often as easy as a free or low-cost plugin. Theoretically, that should allow us to equalize out almost any weaknesses a headphone may have as far as the frequency response graph is concerned. But does it introduce any issues like distortion, or reduced dynamic range, or anything of that sort? Maybe even metering and sound stage? Do different headphones take equalization differently well, so that a weakness of headphone A can be easily adjusted for with an EQ, while headphone B falls apart trying to fix its respective issues? Why is it not discussed more often in headphone reviews? Wouldn't a 5$ plugin often get you a few hundred dollars worth of sound? Couldn't an audio-interface come with presets to flatten out the frequency response of a variety of popular headphones? Or a specialized software plugin for MacOS / Windows? Or are such things already available? If so, how do they perform? I'd love to see a video on that topic. Thanks for considering this! :)
subbed for that TL;DR at the beginning
Hey, love the content, can you maybe look at making a roundup of different gaming headsets for different prize brackets?
I'm listening this video on a PC38X and wow, the mic this guy is using is amazing!
Appreciate the differentiation between music and gaming performance! How would you rate the Focal Elex for gaming? Audio direction is sometimes so nebulous and hard to describe, or the game just has god awful audio so it can be hard to tell, but I'm curious on what you think about the Elex for gaming.
What an incredible review.
One of the best reviews I've seen on electronics, ever. In all aspects this is a world class review right here.
Just got these. Amazing review.
How do you like them for FPS?
never stop making videos please
Need a video on various audiophile headphones that double as good gaming headphones. I feel that is a lot of viewers use cases. And maybe separate the gaming use case into two categories, competitive and immersive. Two very different sound profiles. Liking my elex for my do it all headphone. Keep up the good work!
Audeze penrose
just bought the pc38x with a schiit hel. I cant wait to try them out together. I currently have a steelseries arctis 7 from 2017 so this will be a major upgrade for me. The only thing ill be missing is the wireless but I think that the way better audio quality is a great trade off. Your reviews helped me to make my purchases thank you and keep up the great content.
Update?
@@ultrainst1ct403 exactly.. Arctic headphones have been godlike for the price so would really like to know about his opinions.
Amazing review. I dont evan comment on yt vids like that but this review was just good😭😭😭
Hey Josh , Love Your Videos Man , Those're very helpful for making Purchase Diction . Just a little Request . . . Can Make a Top 5 Gaming Headset Recommendation Video . . . ! It Will Be Helpful For Many Gamers Like Me 🖤
Thanks for the review, how would you say it compares to the A50 Gen4's if you have tried them. I have the HD800S and never used them for gaming, what would you pair them with for good gaming performance? I have a Crack Amp and Bifrost DAC, but I also have the Liquid Carbon X on it's way..
Subbed just for the TL;DW. Legend
Great review. I have heard that this headset uses the drivers from the Sennheiser/EPOS GSP 500, but using the form factor of the Sennheiser Game One. Is this true? Cheers!
Just now ordered a 38x, and this review was the biggest factor. BEST headphone review.
How are they for you?
@@Alvah37For me they are the best headphones I have ever heard, i used to use the steelseries arctis 5s, and listening to those after buying the pc38x made it sound like tin cans . My brother also has the logitech g pro headset which is said to be really good and even that one sounds like absolute garbage compared to the 38x
Josh, test this headphone while playing Insurgency:Sandstorm , that game has some real accurate sound stagings
A fellow Insurgency player i see.
You mean squad
@@pc_decisions8764 ah no, but ya Squad is cool
no lies some of the best game sound staging I've seen is minecraft. it isn't the most active game for sound. but there are times I think the sound is playing from my speakers instead of headset because thats where the sound is coming from.
You mean Darude - Sandstorm.
You should do a review of the Bose quietcomfort 2 gaming headrest! I'm curious what you'll think.
How would you compare this to the Tygr 300Rs? Ignoring the mic, just focusing on the headphone build/audio quality etc for both gaming and music.
With many of us working from home, would request you do make a video on how you would suggest for best audio for virtual meetings, would you recommend a gaming headset with good mic or a usb mic + Headset combination also which ones.
Great, thorough video! What is that setup you're using with the "mod mic" at 12:09 in your video?
Mine just arrived from drop. A decent upgrade over my Superlux HD681 Evos. The soundstage is awesome in comparision and the lux wasn't bad for the price either. These would be very good as a daily driver headphone for a gamer who could only afford 1 set of cans. Two thumbs up from me.
Do you use any Dac or something like that? Isit possible just plug in and play?
@@cankinomad I'm a little late, but you CAN drive these headphones without an Amp or DAC, you can even plug them into your Xbox controller or prone. Do note that you get more out of them with a DAC and AMP, but it's definitely not necessary!
I know this might sound ridiculous but considering how well the audiophile community received this headset, what do you think of them for studio usage?
Thanks for heling me finalize my choice.
Your videos are well made!You could do one on the Beyerdynamic 300R, it's a great open Headphone.
See I agree with you I'm curious about the beyer sound I liked my ad700x for gaming but they broke. I have a pair of 6xx and argons looking for something with a decent amount of trebble and soundstage for gaming.
The Beyer TYGR 300R has an impactful frequency response from the bass to the treble, good sound stage and an excellent imaging.
They are good but found they don't get loud enough. And no removable cable is a sin.
@@JohnnyLongpube Removable cable would be better. A good low cost amplifier solve the question of loudnes. Schiit Audio for example has great products.
Currently trying to purchase the tygr 300r, but the European beyer site has massive technical problems, won't allow any products to be added to cart, effecting friends and family who also tested the site, also there's a problem with stock counts not showing correctly, beyer tech support being useless and denying there's a problem 🙄, which is now driving me towards the 38x, for reference I'm currently using a HD660s with modmic wireless and I'm questioning whether in real world I'll gain anything over the 660s in terms of soundstage and imaging, so very torn between the 300r though, i owned a dt770 and 990 previously and loved the their sound signature
Have you done any AB testing with ur on-board audio and the mayflower mk2 with the PC38x to see if there are truly any differences? So lost whether or not I should one or not since they’re so easy to drive.
I've been looking for a nice new headset for months. Just ordered these. I don't really like the design but if they sound great and are comfortable I don't really care.
Hey Josh, Would you be interested in comparing these to my pair of Beyerdynamic MMX300 GEN II's? I live in the Mill Creek/Bothell area in case you are interested. Also, I hope the review of the Mayflower Arc Gen 2 is good because that's what I'm currently using lol. Cheers to another solid video.
Allthough I watched it all the way, great summary at the beginning! How does this one compare to the Beyer TYGR 300R especially since they are about the same price?
TYGR 300 is good but it's not a headset.
Awesome review, I never click so fast lol
@joshua valour which is better for gaming for footsteps & gunshots? Between these two, is it the pc38x or hd 560s?
@Joshua Valour would you go with the 38X or the HD660S ? I'm still riding the 363D, and i'm thinking about getting the GSX 1000 to couple with one of the two. What do you think ?
Hey Josh, love the channel and your reviews. Based on your high praises of the PC38X, I decided to purchase them! I’m excited to get them, my only question was if you think a DAC/amp would be beneficial for gaming. I mainly play MMOs, I’m not a FPS player at all. A lot of the 38X users seem to recommend the Schiit Fulla 3 so I wanted to get your opinion if you don’t mind. Thanks so much in advance!
Hey, did you end up getting the amp? Was it worth it at all
@@Murko27 I did but I returned it, for what I use the headphones for (mainly gaming), I didn’t feel it was necessary, hope this helps!
@@HerrmDogg appreciate that! How have they held up? Would you recommend buying
@@Murko27 held up great and would absolutely recommend!
I'm using a Naenka Lite Pro headset recently. It uses a Qualcomm 3040 chip and 5.2 Bluetooth. It can last for seven hours in a single battery life. Every point is worth showing off. Not only that, it only costs 59.9 US dollars. Said it is a very cost-effective headset.
Josh - would you recommend the pc37X and pc38x for work from home usage? Zoom, skype, etc primarily with light media usage for work? I wish the 38x came in the Massdrop blue so it was a bit more professional.
Hey Josh! I enjoyed this review! Have you tried Beyerdynamic's MMX300 gaming headphone? I have a pair I could send you if you want to try them out
Josh, trying to decide between this and the HD599. I like both. I feel soundstage is wider on HD599 but intimacy is better on PC38x. Thought?
What would be the best Dac/Amp setup for the PC38X for the ultimate PC gaming experience?
Do the Beyerdyamnic MMX Mk II closed back for comparison!!
good video, should i buy this instead of the astros a 40? you look like arrow from the tv show btw xd
Man being in the UK sucks :( Right now I either buy a HD 560s for about £170 from Sennheiser UK, or this headset (which I would rather get) from drop but with all the customs charges etc, that raises the price wayyy above the HD 560s. Not to mention after sales service with the HD 560s which would be in the UK, whereas for the PC38x I'd have to send it back to the US. Really wish they didn't close the Drop EU warehouse. All of that aside, fantastic review as always, and much respect for the summary at the start of the video. Can't wait to see the HD 560s review!
One thing I am misssing in this review is the cable. I am owner of the PC360 (probably 1st gen of this lineup), which has fixed long thick rubber cable. This thick rubber is really good at keeping the cable straight and reducing noise from cable rubbing on my clothes. It seems that every new gen already has removable cable, which is braided (more dirt being picked up by it) and some other reviews mentioned more noise from cable rubbing the clothes... Also this new cable seems thinner, so I am worried about more tangling.
How would you say the imaging in games for these compare to the Beyerdynamic T1 1st or 2nd gen? I ask because I use them and want to know if the PC38x is worth picking up and using for gaming instead.
@6:30 I have that issue with driver popping on my PC38X as well at higher volume. Wouldn't listen at that volume normally but wanted to see what you meant and was comparing to my TYGR. Was using my Schiit Hel at around 75/80% volume off the unit. Was a little disappointed. My TYGR had no issue at that volume and higher.. But again, I wouldn't listen at that volume normally.
Just got the pc38x and I gotta tell ya even though I ordered a soundblaster x4 to run with it these are awsome for music and games. being open is good so I won't get yelled at for not hearing me by my wife. Snug but thats probably cause they are new. I was using corsair wireless but when the charge was dying sound would crap out. Base is nice but the sound blaster will give me the Boom boom I want for music. Joshua sounds like he is talking right in my ear. awsome.
@Joshua Valour - After watching this video. Do you still feel this is a better performance package for gaming purposes vs the AKG712 Pro, or is there still a competitive advantage with the AKG in respect to positioning. Thanks in advance
I Have the Sennheiser GSP 500's for FPS gaming and very happy with them. I'm looking for enjoyable headphones for the more cinematic games. Any recommendations?
I'm not going to watch the whole video however, I did sub. Much appreciated the intro.
Would you consider the sound like a HD58X with a built-in mic? Or still a different sound? I've previously had PC37X and now running HD58X with external mic, but might be nice to get back to a built-in mic.
What gaming amp/dac would you currently recommend with this right now? The new Hel 2?
In terms of comfort and sound quality how would the Beyer DT990 pro hold up
Great review as always! I'm on the fence to buy the PC38X. But here is the thing, i play mainly on consoles. If i'm plugging the headphones to the wireless game controller, am i loosing the audio quality advantage wired headphones have over wireless ones? Is there a way to avoid this problem? Another question i always have is if i should stick to uncompressed stereo or choose the dolby atmos (on XBOX) or the virtual surround options most games have nowadays? Which option will give me the best sound quality, imaging/pinpoint accuracy and soundstage? Thanks Kind regards! 🙏
Did you buy the Headset? I'm also on console and would like to know if there are any problems
@@Wiessens No, i bought the Sennheiser HD560's and a boom mic and I am very happy with them. I also use the truthear zero's when it's to hot to use headphones and they are awesome.
I'm super late to this lol, but are these still my best option for the price point? Should I wait until the next iteration? I have Astro A40s with the mix amp which I know isn't really comparable, but should I stick it out for now or pick these up?
Thanks for the review. The detail about the compression was really interesting its not something I had considered in a gaming vs music headphone. Will stay away from gaming ones even if they did a good job of it here. The search goes on for a warm closed mostly for music upper bass / mid focused headphone to replace my v-moda m-80's.
What did you end up buying?
@@fernandixo8937 I kept conservative to what I know and went for v-moda XS, basically an improved m-80.
Respect for the viewer’s time. Take my like!
When are you dropping the review on the 560s? I literally have them in the cart since DMS's review but since your opinion on all of my headphones matches mine, I'm waiting on your opinion to place the order!
Not sure exactly yet. But, it is a really good headphone. Being a little light on bass is my biggest complaint.
He touched on them in the DMS Collab Headphone Tier List vid. He doesn't love them. They are very flat and clinical. I was looking at them as well, but I'm gonna go with TYGR 300R for a new music/gaming headphone.
@@fiveforbiting Here's my situation: currently i use mainly the 58X and the DT770. Had the M1060, he-4xx and Fidelio X2HR and sold all of them. I have the O2+ODAC and the LCX+SDAC. For gaming I have the SHP9500 with the vmoda mic and the 598CS so I have that covered. Despite how different the 770 and the 58X are I really like them both and I'm looking for something that takes them both a little bit further. Any sugestions other than the DT1990? Budget is up to 1K.
@@JoshuaValour Here's my situation: I currently use mainly the 58X and the DT770. Had the M1060, he-4xx and Fidelio X2HR and sold all of them. I have the O2+ODAC and the LCX+SDAC. For gaming I have the SHP9500 with the vmoda mic and the 598CS so I have that covered. Despite how different the 770 and the 58X are I really like them both and I'm looking for something that takes them both a little bit further. Any sugestions other than the DT1990? Budget is up to 1K.
@@SrKulay sivga Phoenix maybe? But qait for more reviews there aren't enough
This Pc38x is really nice for what i can see, but drop doesn't ships to Mexico, so tygr300r is my best option (I did sold my K712 pro to get a Tygr bundle on prime day), and according to badseedtech imaging is slightly better, but with you I know that low end is better too.
Stuck around because of the TL;DR. Much appreciated
Keep going back to my hd 660s from my 38x, the imaging and sound quality immersion beat the sound stage and style of 38x.
I bought these headphones last year, mostly based on your review. Here's some of the gripes I've had: Plugging it directly into my laptops headphone jack made the headphones sound atrocious, and no amount of software tweaks I made could improve it. I had to buy a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter as a "DAC" substitute to get it sounding good, luckily this was a cheap purchase and fixed the audio issues almost immediately. Next issue, the microphone is horrid. I can get it sounding good in Audacity, but through discord or in a game program, everyone says I'm barely coming through properly unless I'm absolutely eating the microphone, even though all hardware cables are properly connected. The microphone handle has very little play so you can't bend it towards your face very close, and pushing it up to switch it off is very hit and miss, sometimes it shuts off, sometimes it doesn't. Aside from these issues, they're fantastic sounding cans. Has anyone else had these issues?
I bought this headset around a year and a half ago, and actually I've had none of those issues, plugging it into my computer 3.5mm jack sounded great, although now I do have an EQ on them. Only issues I've had were the first few times I used it in discord, my friends could hear my audio through the mic, but that went away after a few days and its fine now, kinda seems like it needed to "break in" like a subwoofer or something. Only other issue is using the volume dial creates a static noise when turning it. The mic arm also came apart, didnt break, just slid apart, I fixed it with super glue and its still holding strong, other than those minor issues, its been perfectly fine, I think its the best headset I've ever heard personally.
I'm so torn between these and the Sundara's. The primary use will be for music but gaming would be a plus. Anyone have any thought in which would be better? I listen to a lot of EDM and rock.
So in a previous video on the SHP95/600 and HD58X you described the 9500 for the gaming focused, the 58x for the music focused and the 9600 as for the consumer looking for acceptable performance in both. Curious how you would rank the PC38X in that dual use category compared to the SHP9600?
pc38X will beat both of them for gaming.
I am currently using Epos' H3 with GSX 300 as a dac and I am currently thinking of getting this however, I'm kind of skeptical of still getting 38X upon this time. Is it still worth it?
I was going to go with either the Jubliee 58x or HD6XX with a mod mic. It's mostly for gaming some music, would it be better to go for PC38X?
Finally some audio gear for competitive online chess
Fast forward to 2022: please review the Epos H6Pro Open, and do the comparison with PC38x, please 😉
If I really want to get rid of the built-in mic, would the 560s be the next best thing or is there another recommendation? Or should i just suck it up and ignore the built-in mic?
Agreed, 11/10 review. Almost took away one point (10/10) because I was forced to buy the headphones.
I’m on Xbox (One at the moment), and plug my cable in into the controller. How good is the sound in this case?
Very good
Do you honestly think you need an external DAC/Amp combo to really make this useful?
What do you buy, Sennheiser HD 560s or HD 599 SE? I am undecided. Your opinion, please
Would you recommend buying these over the pc37Xs for the higher price point?
Subbed and liked just cause of the tldr