This, and also I think a lot of non-audiophile types expect too much when trying out a pair of high-end headphones (high-end to them, mid-fi to most of us).

Usually this is because an audiophile has hyped up their gear before having their friend try it out. They expect to be blown away, but that hardly ever happens.

Unless all they’ve known is super crappy headphones, and you’re having them tryout a flagship set like HD800S, their reaction is probably going to be something close to OP’s.

100%. Audio fidelity is a very small part of being good at competitive games. Most of the top level players use whatever company sponsors them, and almost none of them use audiophile headphones. The headphones are usually from a company that also makes keyboards. One of the best Apex Legends players (aceu) uses apple earbuds for Christ’s sake.

Unless the game is heavily dependent on a lot of sneaking around and picking up tiny sounds, great headphones will make only the smallest difference.

As long the headphones are halfway decent, the most important factors are comfort and a sound signature that’s not fatiguing. Everything else is just for funzies.

So maybe turn the volume up a bit?