A lot of pro players are using earbuds, avek and cypher on almost every lan are using razer moray. I'm using moray+ too, but I don't really know too much about headphones. I bought it because it was a nice prize offert. For me they are very good, enaugh to hear everything what I need.
I'm not saying that if u will have a gear like avek u will play like him. But it's just obvious if they can play their best on that headphones you too will be able to.
the joke's on you... you bought razer earbuds for 55€+ because cypher wore them on some lan and instead of going into hiding you proclaim in public you thought they were "a nice prize effort" :S
you can't be helped, but leave shambler alone. my guess is that (in)earbuds help a lot with cancelling out the noise on lans and that is mainly why you see some of the duellers using them. they are in general not a good idea for quake, unless you're a regular on those "esports" lans.
without having them tested, i would recommend the Superlux HD 381.
superlux is basicly the taiwanese (or chinese if you want) equivalent to beyerdynamics, akg and whatnot. so, the medium to high priced headphone brands. means also medium to great sound quality for like 1/4 of the usual price. they go for like 20€ here in hitlerland.
The sound of it is nice (especially regarding the price-range it covers) and I say this, even so I'm quite picky regarding sound quality. Pleasant lows, a bit squeaky highs, nice bass, good vocals, acceptable dynamics.
It's good not just for gaming but to watch movies or listening to music too. Especially when you consider the price. It sounds even better with my Audigy than with the integrated audio (though it's true for other headphones too - but a good soundcard is something that is always good to have).
Offical details:
-------------------
Driver: 50mm, dome type, neodymium magnet
Sensitivity: 98 dB (SPL/mW)
Frequency Range: 10 to 30,000 Hz
Rated Impedance: 32 Ohms
THD: <0.25
Weight: 220 g
-----------------------------------
Based on my experience, I would suggest you to try some Superlux earbuds if you got the opportunity. This brand looks really promising - and definitely not pricy.
I got mine for £10, like six years ago. Those two you listed are like $50 and $30 listed price, which is at minimum twice the price I got the cx300's for.
Hifiman RE-0 are great for gaming (and everything else obviously), super accurate positioning and extreme detailing. Very neutral too (flat frequency response). Bass is subtle (insufficient for some people and some music genres) but still present and accurate.
Was that really meant as a reply to me? I was answering the guy and never said IEMs would be better than headphones (although top of the line IEMs do beat the crap out of not-so-good headphones).
( BTW Essence STX is completely overkill for Sennheiser PC 360. May as well get the Xonar DG or the DX even. )