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
Camera - amzn.to/38tuIc1
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
These are my genuine recommendations in various categories. They are affiliated links that help pay for this youtube channel at no additional cost to you.
SOCIAL MEDIA
📘 / joshua-valouryt
📷 / joshua.valour
🔔 / joshvalour
💸PATREON💸
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📫SENDING FOR REVIEW??📫
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#Drop #PC38X #Review
*As an Amazon & Drop Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@tomas_m]

Respect for the TL;DR intro, haven't seen that on KZbin before

[@catchinsomezzzs]

yo they switched up the scam dialogue

[@Responder117]

Agreed, that was so nice. Stuck around because of it honestly.

[@exact3]

Damn, that TL;DW summary at the beginning was great, even though I watch all your reviews from start to finish. Props.

[@rage0exe]

Love the style, a quickie for some and a detailed review for others. I appreciate that 11/10, time to turn on notification hehe

[@warpathh]

This is absolutely one of the best headphone review videos I've seen. Thanks so much!

[@krandeloy]

Glad I ran across your channel, this is the kind of audio review information I want. Spot on. Good job. Dayum nice.

[@timor474]

Stuck around for the full review, really worth it, very complete!

[@iTzDeyo]

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 !

[@warren2336]

You answered my biggest question in the first minute and thirty. Thanks, man. Great overall review, as usual.

[@Howling-Mad-Murdock]

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.

[@notstretch]

Josh your a beast. Keep it up brother!

[@sultan8726]

Oh man josh your r the best i love your editing style is so clean like optimum tech Keep it goin love from saudi

[@ScotchTapeification]

this is such a solid video format and such a good review

[@awabyassin4851]

this is so practical to give a brief summary at the beginning of the vid, brilliant idea😎👍

[@octagon_1211]

I love this quiet music in the background.. fantastic video!

[@voyd3013]

didnt even notice till i read this

[@octagon_1211]

@@voyd3013 haha, nice... (I would wonder how many people with "bad" headphones can hear this...)

[@MSPstance]

i heard if easy on my mackie 624's on very low volume

[@marln2157]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Subscribed instantly.

[@returningwhisper]

Like others have said, love the TLDW upfront rundown at the beginning. Watched the whole thing but still nice to get that, Josh!

[@RNeeko]

Treble is incredibly important in a lot of shooters. It helps separate footsteps from gunshots and explosions.

[@bogdanadzic9305]

Saber

[@Slambars94k]

Thank you for the review, this made it a clear choice.

[@dcime1]

Another great, intelligent review from the very talented Mr. Joshua Valour!

[@sephondranzer]

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!!

[@Hunterssoldier]

Thanks for the detailed review as always Josh, I placed an order within the first minute of the video. 👍

[@Pseudoics]

Gosh man you need an intervention!

[@Hunterssoldier]

@@Pseudoics Mate this was from a year ago, I've moved onto other things. 😆

[@zzdoodzz]

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.

[@kimdyrdal2057]

I bought The game one used for 30usd, but i really wanted these… but I could not pass that steal

[@xxxgabaxxx]

I'm listening this video on a PC38X and wow, the mic this guy is using is amazing!

[@aestheticgamer1177]

Waiting for this review

[@gamebroskii438]

Just got these. Amazing review.

[@grems4689]

How do you like them for FPS?

[@wafflesid]

Just now ordered a 38x, and this review was the biggest factor. BEST headphone review.

[@Alvah37]

How are they for you?

[@bulldog7050]

@@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

[@TheSimChannel]

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! :)

[@olivercox2565]

What an incredible review.

[@CapFlipGaming]

One of the best reviews I've seen on electronics, ever. In all aspects this is a world class review right here.

[@ameenfarraj8834]

Amazing review. I dont evan comment on yt vids like that but this review was just good😭😭😭

[@mastacator2739]

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!

[@Usernamebreh]

Audeze penrose

[@haydenmorris1683]

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.

[@ultrainst1ct403]

Update?

[@Hyper1555]

@@ultrainst1ct403 exactly.. Arctic headphones have been godlike for the price so would really like to know about his opinions.

[@schaf7716]

subbed for that TL;DR at the beginning

[@mandipdas]

I would love to see a video about your mic settings someday!

[@sebastian-benedictflore]

Subbed just for the TL;DW. Legend

[@irun2sanaxox]

never stop making videos please

[@criptocolorlightstech5292]

DOES THE MIC AUDIO CUT IN AND OUT WHEN U TALK AT A NORMAL VOLUME WHILE GAMING?

[@odb2388]

I'm not going to watch the whole video however, I did sub. Much appreciated the intro.

[@Snoopyni0h]

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 🖤

[@MantaProx2]

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.

[@cankinomad]

Do you use any Dac or something like that? Isit possible just plug in and play?

[@sijmen2670]

@@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!

[@sarahwallace1103]

Thanks for heling me finalize my choice.

[@tinypickle]

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.

[@GeneralStealth]

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

[@rosalindchris5392]

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.

[@kiriath]

Hey, love the content, can you maybe look at making a roundup of different gaming headsets for different prize brackets?

[@buggyfanatic6918]

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.

[@Wek-9]

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!

[@WildfireX]

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.

[@derekd4349]

Agreed, 11/10 review. Almost took away one point (10/10) because I was forced to buy the headphones.

[@spooky1640]

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.

[@reckulurn3038]

What would be the best Dac/Amp setup for the PC38X for the ultimate PC gaming experience?

[@networkn]

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..

[@KazeSword]

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.

[@justyndesouza514]

Awesome review, I never click so fast lol

[@KevinMajka]

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.

[@BIGEUROtv]

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.

[@ricardocarmo3464]

@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 ?

[@Wh1terider]

@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

[@MegaParsa2000]

In terms of comfort and sound quality how would the Beyer DT990 pro hold up

[@MarioP495]

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?

[@tdsifers]

Random question - what bike is that in the background? Does anyone know?

[@yogi915.]

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?

[@draegus0072]

What gaming amp/dac would you currently recommend with this right now? The new Hel 2?

[@hybrid_nb1538]

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?

[@cogadhturtar8408]

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?

[@Faxmachine15]

For gaming I’m currently using hd660s but kinda disappointed due to the narrow soundstage. Would these make a noticeable difference regarding the soundstage or not really? Thx.

[@jfigs2859]

@joshua valour where can I get a replacement cord for my 38x? Sometimes I have to rotate the cord because the mic doesn’t work

[@biblio550]

Stuck around because of the TL;DR. Much appreciated

[@Didact357]

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!

[@JohnnyLongpube]

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?

[@keichansuzuki372]

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?

[@jarethanstey7566]

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.

[@spawnandbatman6975]

What dac or Amp would you use for the pc38x?

[@aimforthebushes5463]

Respect for the viewer’s time. Take my like!

[@ChinmayH]

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.

[@vertigo_one]

Do you honestly think you need an external DAC/Amp combo to really make this useful?

[@MakubexGB]

How would you compare these to the Audeze Mobius?

[@zombie93]

A longshot, but how does this compare to the Ananda? I swapped my pc363D for the Sundara’s, but didnt like the small soundstage. So i moved to the Ananda, now based of this review i’m slightly regretting my decision.... Thoughts anyone?

[@blackdragon44]

Would I need a combo adapter to connect it to a dac/Amp? The ifi zen dac v2 and the schiit hel 2 in particular

[@EverybodyEditsHacks]

I noticed that same popping in my 37X, does this headset deal with it better?

[@rogerhuston8287]

If I wanted to use this with an Xbox, what would I need? I have an Astro MixAmp, but is there anything better now a days?

[@COACHCURTISBUSSE]

Is this Wireless? I looking for a headset that’s open back so I can hear myself and surroundings. Only solution has been going mono. I need to hear my own voice but rather not do it in the ear phones but rather real time through the open back

[@OnlyLose2Luck]

@joshua valour which is better for gaming for footsteps & gunshots? Between these two, is it the pc38x or hd 560s?

[@connorking6315]

What is a good dac amp to pair with the 38x that also has room to pair with better headphones in the future?

[@ThulrVOdinsson]

Great, thorough video! What is that setup you're using with the "mod mic" at 12:09 in your video?

[@jayweinstein1633]

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.

[@MrKalu666]

Are you getting Verite anytime? I'm a poor guy but got to buy closed version of them and would be interested in your opinion on them too.

[@oswaldd1026]

I purchased these headphones for my pc, but the mic won't work. I connected to xbox to see if it could be my pc but its not working either Please help.

[@ahumblerequest5222]

Josh, test this headphone while playing Insurgency:Sandstorm , that game has some real accurate sound stagings

[@ezclap1445]

A fellow Insurgency player i see.

[@pc_decisions8764]

You mean squad

[@ahumblerequest5222]

@@pc_decisions8764 ah no, but ya Squad is cool

[@donnienall626]

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.

[@TheSimChannel]

You mean Darude - Sandstorm.

[@Woupsme]

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.

[@edmunza]

What do you buy, Sennheiser HD 560s or HD 599 SE? I am undecided. Your opinion, please

[@monokendo]

ignoring the mic are this better than ath-ad700x? i own the ad700x and i find them uncomfortable after using them for more than 5hrs because my ears touch the plastic that is protecting the drivers causing my ears to hurt

[@-Ambos-]

I heard a lot about two Problems: 1. Rattling Bass at mid Volume 2. People in Chat hear themselves through the microphone did you experience any of those things? Makes me unsure if I should get some

[@zefanjaf]

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?

[@FallenGamerNica]

i know that this may be funny but how much better are this than the astro a40 +mixamp, just want a good headsets to enjoy elden ring, i have an old logitech´s g433, they are pretty solid but want an upgrade

[@SS-ho8jx]

These or the mmx300 2nd gen for music ?

[@chaostheory499]

Subbed and liked just cause of the tldr

[@Rain-tx2hi]

Would you recommend buying these over the pc37Xs for the higher price point?

[@seren7434]

can these work with a k5 pro from fiio and the mic still work? or will just get audio?

[@DjUnborn]

Compared to the logitech g pro x wireless in terms to the sound how will u rate it? For music listening or gaming?