Surround or Stereo Headphones?

[[RSX-S]]

Currently, I have Logitech Z5300 5.1 and X-Fi Fat1lity.

I want quality surround sound for gaming but I'm having difficulty finding good surround speakers for computer. The only other way I can think of is by connecting the computer to a mini-hifi or home theatre system. This would seem a bit overkill since I already have an Onkyo system in the living room; it wouldn't make much sense to buy another system just for gaming.

So I decided, with budget in consideration, that I should abandone the surround system idea and opt for a good set of headsets instead.

I did some quick searches online and I came across someone that recommended quality 2.1 headphones with software rendering over surround headphones due to the size of the drivers (excuse me if I've used an incorrect term) that can be fitted into a headset.

So, my question is:

2.1 Stereo headphone (and let the software create a surround environment) or Surround Headphone?

Also, can anyone recommend a good headset for gaming?

[Culverin]

Or just get a pair of REAL headphones?

I game with my BeyerDynamic DT-990. They are pretty warm, nice highs and lots of bass. No complaints here.

[twitchyzero]

for gaming just get a good set of headphones

If you have a sound card and want good stereo output and don't care about VoIP (aka no mics)
Sennheiser PC350
Sennheiser HD555 (can be modded into HD595 for even better audio)
Audio Technica ATH-700

If you don't have a sound card and want simulated 7.1 surround output:
Astro A40
Logitech G35
Logitech G930

If you don't have a sound card and want true dolby 5.1
Tritton AX PC Pro

Prices will run you anywhere from $100 to $300

I've done my research before I picked up my G930. I don't know much about Turtle Beach but they are also pretty popular (more so if you own a gaming console). Hope that helps.

[[RSX-S]]

^Hey, that does help, thanks.

I do have a sound card (X-Fi Fatal1ty) but I'm not sure if it's obsolete yet?

Would you recommend the first set if I have a sound card AND want simulated surround sound for games?

[twitchyzero]

no clue..the ones that i've listed with simulated surround is usually through USB/or mixamp and its native software to churn out the surround, so I'm not sure how you can achieve that with the stereo headphones (I dont know how it will sound if you just force surround sound on through windows audio settings)

[[RSX-S]]

All of these look so good... Any takes?

Sennheiser PC 360 G4ME Gaming Headset w/ Noise-Cancelling Mic
Sennheiser PC 360 G4ME Gaming Headset w/ Noise-Cancelling Mic at Memory Express Computers

Tritton AXPRO Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset
Tritton AXPRO Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset at Memory Express Computers

Psyko Carbon 5.1 Surround Sound GamingHeadset
Psyko Carbon 5.1 Surround Sound GamingHeadset at Memory Express Computers

Razer Chimaera 5.1 Gaming Headset
Razer Chimaera 5.1 Gaming Headset at Memory Express Computers


It seems Tritton is the only one with true 5.1 connection.

[roastpuff]

A good pair of stereo headphones will provide enough imaging and positioning to make 5.1's unnecessary. My vote goes for the PC350/360's from Sennheiser. I have the PC350 and they let me pin-point footsteps around me.
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[twitchyzero]

not familiar with the pc360 and not sure if it's worth that extra $100 over the pc350
tritton sounds pretty good..but i didnt realize they were $200...

[noTirl]

are the corsair ones any good for gaming?
Corsair HS1, USB Gaming Headset - 50mm Drivers, Circumaural Closed-Back Earcups, Dolby Headphone Technology | Canada Computers
on sale

[[RSX-S]]

Originally Posted by roastpuff

A good pair of stereo headphones will provide enough imaging and positioning to make 5.1's unnecessary. My vote goes for the PC350/360's from Sennheiser. I have the PC350 and they let me pin-point footsteps around me.
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Care to explain? I thought this is all done by software and soundcard, and the headset only reproduces the signal it is given?

[roastpuff]

Originally Posted by [RSX-S]

Care to explain? I thought this is all done by software and soundcard, and the headset only reproduces the signal it is given?

Yes, what you said is true. The signal from the computer determines what the headphones put out to the user's ears. However, not all headphones are made equal.

For example, in CS or MW or what-have-you, they have positional sounds built into the game for 'realism' and to let you figure out where the enemy is in relation to your character. Now, with regular headphones, you get footsteps either in your right ear or left ear, depending on which side of the character's body the enemy is. With good headphones, you get a sense of WHERE on the right or left of you your enemy is, and you can tell the fine differences in the distance between you and your enemy. Basically, if you close your eyes, with good headphones you should be able to point to exactly where the enemy is with your eyes closed.

Another example is in music. With a good pair of stereo speakers, you can close your eyes and pinpoint where instruments are located in relation with the microphone(s) that recorded that instrument (provided they are not electronic instruments) in terms of positioning and distance. Same thing with a good pair of headphones. Listening to classical for example, or jazz, you should be able to point out the violin, the piano, the saxophone, the percussion, the vocalist etc. with accuracy. And, the headphones should provide enough detail to be able to pick out each instrument without it getting muddled by the other instruments playing alongside it.

Surround sound tries to do better by splitting the signal into quadrants and then feeding appropriate speakers/drivers. In headphones, compromises are made to fit the appropriate number of drivers into the earcups which are of a limited size, compared to a regular stereo headphone with one driver per side. I don't like that approach, and find stereo headphones to give me a more natural/easily listenable soundscape, and good ones will equal or better 5.1 headphones, especially with good soundcards (which do not really go "out of date").

[[RSX-S]]

Thanks roastpuff. I think you just answered all my questions. I never looked at it this way before.

I think I'll go grab a set of Sennheiser.

[twitchyzero]

i think you'll be satisfied...the gaming Senn's with a sound card is a winning choice

[[RSX-S]]

I got the Sennheiser's and I'm loving it, but I seem to be getting some annoying, random clicks. Any ideas why it's doing that?

I'm using the front port of the sound card with a 3.5mm to 1/4" adapter.

[Culverin]

As roastpuff said, decent headphones will out-do a 5.1 gaming pair.

Here is a quick rule of thumb whether the headphones are any good.
I'd it is a head set with a built in mic, stay far far away.

Also, a shameless plug, since you guys are taking about good sound cards, I've got am auzentech x-fi prelude I'm looking to sell off. Bout it new for close to $200, make me reasonable offer, I'm not really using it much anymore.
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[roastpuff]

RSX, the clicks are probably switches opening and closing in your computer... interference from the on-board audio card?

[[RSX-S]]

Originally Posted by roastpuff

RSX, the clicks are probably switches opening and closing in your computer... interference from the on-board audio card?

That's what I suspect, because I just realize it doesn't only come from the headphones, but also the speakers. I'll need to spend some time to isolate power wires from signal wires.

[sonick]

Clicks could be latency issues. Are you using onboard sound or a sound card?

[[RSX-S]]

Sound card, but I get it even on the desktop.

[roastpuff]

What do you mean?
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[[RSX-S]]

I mean I get the popping noise even when I'm not on headphones and not running a game. That was for sonic.