5.1 / 7.1 Headset recommendations

[AsuraRevenge]

Hi,

Can anyone recommend any good quality and comfortable headsets? I'm looking for something 5.1 or 7.1 and I’d like a detachable mic. I’m looking to spend between £80-£120

Thanks

[Overclocker_]

Headphones aren't 5.1 or 7.1, get that concept out of your head ('scuse the pun), and headsets by gaming brands aren't all that great in quality (build or sound) and are generally overpriced.

For that budget I'd suggest some Audio-Technica ATH-M50 cans and a Zalman clip on mic, or a desk mic.

[Krevedko012]

Originally Posted by Overclocker_

Headphones aren't 5.1 or 7.1, get that concept out of your head ('scuse the pun)

Here it shows 7.1 headset with separated drivers ("speakers") for each sound direction:
http://store.razerzone.com/store/raz...oryId.35096300
You think it's not real 7.1? Why?


An here is another approach: only 2 real speakers, but 7.1 is simulated using HRTF (simulates surround sound refraction from ear form)
http://store.razerzone.com/store/raz...oryId.35096300
(I heard some people had problems with this model, they needed to upgrade the firmware or I don't remember what).

HRTF: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HRTF

[NotYourHero]

Razor tiamat is amazing headset if you can afford it. 5 drivers in each ear.

[Xiox420]

Not sure if you're going to find anything Razer in that budget, most likely going to go for Logitech, which is completely hit and miss, some Corsair too.

Corsair CA-9011112-WW Vengeance 1500 Dolby 7.1 USB Gaming Headset - $69.99

Razer Megalodon 7.1 Surround Sound USB Gaming Headset (Black) - $150 but i know it's over budget but eh if you want to splurge for the extra bill or not heh

heres a Logitech :/ - Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 with 7.1 Surround Sound Wireless though and I usually stray from wireless devices lol

[damaged]

I've a G35 headset and the positioning is accurate and sound quality is quite good.

[Overclocker_]

Originally Posted by Krevedko012

Here it shows 7.1 headset with separated drivers ("speakers") for each sound direction:
http://store.razerzone.com/store/raz...oryId.35096300
You think it's not real 7.1? Why?


An here is another approach: only 2 real speakers, but 7.1 is simulated using HRTF (simulates surround sound refraction from ear form)
http://store.razerzone.com/store/raz...oryId.35096300
(I heard some people had problems with this model, they needed to upgrade the firmware or I don't remember what).

HRTF: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HRTF

The tiamat is a gimmick because with so many drivers so close to your head, you get issues with muddled sounds, there's simply not enough room around your noggin to do it properly.

What you would you rather have in a $100 pair of cans? Two $50 drivers, or ten $10 drivers? Simple logic.

As for HRTF, it's simulation and works on two drivers... the headphones are still stereo, they just have surround simulation. They aren't a 5.1 or 7.1 headset. My issue is with the misrepresentation of facts and the fact that we're swimming in marketing jargon.

If you think razer make stuff with good sound quality, you're sorely mistaken.

[XeviaN]

I'd go with Sennheiser for the supreme quality over competitors. Wired if you want totally clear sounds (even at low volume). I think is not too important if simulated 5.1 or with multiple drivers.
I own a "standard" HDR 170 (no 5.1, or 7.1). They sounds great and have the latest technology for wireless audio systems, but at lower volumes they are not perfect. Wired! (again)

[thotaz]

Originally Posted by Overclocker_

If you think razer make stuff with good quality, you're sorely mistaken.

Now it seems to fit better when you are talking about razer.

[Hi2u! Tw1TcH]

I agree with the option to get a good pair of headphones and a desk/clip-on mic.

[Hivomnomnom]

I've had two Corsair Vengeance 1500s and both of them have the same issue where after a few months the audio doesn't work properly. The first time I RMA'd it, it was because you had to jiggle the cord into a certain position to get any audio at all. This time, you have to jiggle the cord into a certain position if you want audio that doesn't sound like the noises are coming from the other side of a tunnel except without the echo. This time I'm going for a refund and taking my chances with the Razer Megalodon, personally.

[iTzMojo]

I personally love my Tiamats. They perform amazingly and the positional audio is bang on and very clear. Mind you they're not the greatest on sources that arent 5.1/7.1 tho.

[RasQee]

I previously had this
http://www.roccat.org/Products/Gamin...CCAT-Kave-5-1/
Very good headset and very durable. I've been using it almost a year until I bought myself Steelseries Siberia V2 with sound card.

Also you have this cheaper alternative
http://www.roccat.org/Products/Gamin...-Kulo-7-1-USB/

[a6yss]

Originally Posted by AsuraRevenge

Hi,

Can anyone recommend any good quality and comfortable headsets? I'm looking for something 5.1 or 7.1 and I’d like a detachable mic. I’m looking to spend between £80-£120

Thanks

Just throwing in my 2 cents worth...

I have been using surround sound systems for over 10 years now and surround sound headphones for about 7. One thing that I've learnt, is headphone quality does make a difference.

There are 2 types of headphones out on the market today. Ones that simulate surround sound (e.g. Logitech G35's, Razor series) by using software to recreate sourround sound - this type of headphone comes with only 2 drivers (speakers), 1 in each ear, usually a 40mm speaker. I really don't enjoy these, as the sound reproduction gets flakey at times.

The other type (which I prefer much much more) actually use multiple drivers (speakers) in each earcup to produce true surround sound (e.g Tritton and Turtle Beach), just like an external surround sound speaker system does. These headphones usually come with 6+ speakers, so 3+ in each ear, and recreate surround sound in a more believable way. Price difference between the 2 types is minimal. My favorites over the years has been the Tritton series (look at the AX Pro). Well built, solid, comfortable and most important (to me) is the wiring does not break easily. No need for secondary (or even a primary sound card), as these are USB headphones with built-in drivers. Basically, plug & play.

[yuuks7785]

+1 for Roccat Kave 5.1

I'm using Roccat Kave also and so far I am absolutely happy with them.
Especially for gaming.

The big kicker for me was that they actually have real separate speakers in each cup for real surround sound and not simulated. You can also do a lot of adjusting using the in line control to suit ur needs.

They are extremely solid built and I've never experienced any discomfort, the earcups are well padded. Just note that this requires a USB for power and separate jacks for each input of your sound card.

They are relatively cheap but I was extremely surprised with the build quality and that they come with separate 40mm drivers. I would recommend them to anyone who doesnt want to spend $150+ on a headset.