Best PC gaming headphones for ~$200-300

I want some epic surround sound headphones for gaming (with or without a mic). I like good quality surround sound with good quality base. I've heard Astro A40 or Denon AHD2000 would be the best choices. Thoughts?

$200-$300 normally I'd say AKGs K701/K702/Q701, but you want bass, which most would say this headphone does not have.

For that the Denon D2000 isn't a bad choice, but the imaging and depth wont be at the level of the AKGs.

The semi-open back Beyerdynamic DT880 might also be worth a look at it has a little more bass than the AKGs and greater imaging/depth than the Denons.

Eyeing on these, Ultrasone pro 900, they have their own "tech" called s-logic surround sound (lol) though still two drivers. Supposely they have the best Bass Quantity without getting muddy, and headfi goes crazy for it for being the more fun headphones. Would of bought these already but looks like my job opportunity is falling thru. These should fetch for $300-350 or else is an overpriced listing.

^With your love for bass I'm not surprised you didn't like the sound of the K701/2s :P

How about I tell you how to generally get great sound for $300? There's no use in blowing all your cash on the headphones when the soundcard plays a huge roll in sound quality as well. I assume you don't use a dedicated sound card because I didn't see one listed in your specs.

My recommendation is to get what I have. :) A Xonar Essence STX sound card ($150) and some MDR-V6 headphones ($80).

The headphones are very balanced. You'll hear things the way they're meant to be heard and they have a good bass response. I don't see the big craze about have bass-heavy headphones when that can be adjusted through a software equalizer. Just get some balanced ones.

As far as the sound card goes, the STX is a sweet deal. Excellent clarity, minimum noise, and you can simulate up to 7.1 surround sound on stereo headphones. Need more bass? Use the integrated EQ to boost it. You can also move the virtual speakers around to suit your taste and it'll simulate the space. That's what I do in my "gamer" configuration if I'm aiming for the more cinematic atmosphere.

^With your love for bass I'm not surprised you didn't like the sound of the K701/2s :P

NVIDIATI

Haha ikr. Though I ditched my audio technicas for being too bass heavy in quantity. I wouldnt call myself a basshead in general since I dont pump the car sub all the way with rap music like some people do, but in terms of headphones than I am.

I had grew to like the k701 a bit more since then, but I think sound is a bit too(??) "neutral" or true for me to enjoy.

$200-$300 normally I'd say AKGs K701/K702/Q701, but you want bass, which most would say this headphone does not have.

For that the Denon D2000 isn't a bad choice, but the imaging and depth wont be at the level of the AKGs.

The semi-open back Beyerdynamic DT880 might also be worth a look at it has a little more bass than the AKGs and greater imaging/depth than the Denons.

NVIDIATI