Headphones

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Captain Roh

Captain Roh

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Shin_Roh
Hey guys, thought this would be the best forum to ask in, since I know a lot of you use headphones regular or at least have some experience.

Basically, my brother broke his cheap 2.1 sound system that he plugged I to his TV for gaming. It's unfortunate, but he never really used it anyway because he mostly plays at night, and it's too loud. You see where I'm going with this ;)

I live in the UK if that makes any difference, and I want to buy him a really nice pair of sound muffs for Christmas.

Questions: Are there such things as surround sound headphones? And do they work? Are there headphones with comms function built in? Can I get great quality over all genres of games or are some better for different jobs? Will wireless work, otherwise how would I connect? Also are there any you could recommend?

I think that's all. If there is any additional information you think I ought to know I would appreciate it. Oh and it's PS3 by the way, maybe that's important.

Thank you
 
There are so many options out there.

If you want a convenient all-in-one package, you could do worse than the Astro A30 Wireless System. You'd still need to get the $10 PS3 chat cable to route comms through.

I like the Mixamp a lot. I have the wired one. It can take Dolby Digital 5.1 and process it using Dolby Headphone for a very convincing surround effect. It has a volume mixer to adjust voice comms and game levels. I haven't heard the actual A30 headset, but a lot of gamers seem to like them.

You can also buy the Mixamp separately, if you want to pair a different headset with it. I have a few pairs of really nice headphones for music listening, so this is the route I took. I then clipped on a Zalman Mic-1 when I need to chat in-game. This works well for me as I place a premium on headphone audio quality, but might not be for everyone, as it's one extra cable to contend with and the Mic-1 isn't as good as the boom on a good gaming headset.


A lot of gamers like the Audio Technica AD700. They're high quality headphones and sound great, but they lack bass in my opinion. However, one enterprising gamer made a great gaming headset out of these headphones and a Labtec boom mic. I'm sure this could be adapted to many headphones.

My personal favorite headphones at the moment are the Ultrasone HFI-680. I think they sound great, and are very balanced, without any emphasis on any specific frequency.

If you're looking for a good headset that combines great sound and a good mic, Sennheiser's PC 360 is really nice, though pricey.

I'm not sure what your budget is, but those are some options to get you started. If you go with the Mixamp and separate headsets, I would say to look into headsets made by companies with a headphone pedigree, vs headsets from gaming companies. You tend to get a better sounding product. Just make sure the headset has standard separate analog cables, one for the headphones and one for the mic.
 
I saw these pair of headphones from logitech reviewed by insidesimracing. It also works for the PS3 and xbox 360 so even if your brother wanted to use the headphones with the PS3, he can.

I'm not big on gaming with headphones but good luck with the choice of headphones.
 
If you want the best for gaming and general entertainment theirs only one really...

Sony MDR-DS7100 Wireless Surround Headphones
7.1 Wireless with a high quality build and stylish finish.
Also made with input from Sonys own gaming division these are specifically made with Blu Ray and PS3 Games in mind.

Few will know of them as they are only sold for the Japan market but these are fantastic using special patented technology and over a decade of past experience in surround headphones.

I have last years S7000 models and very highly would reommend but your in the £180+ price bracket from online auctions or importers.
 
I have the TRITTON AX Pro true 5.1 Suround Headphones:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017IUFAE/?tag=gtplanet-20
tritton_ax_pro.jpg


I would highly recommend them. They're not wireless, but due to that, they offer very clear sound with no loss of quality.




;)
 
Delphic Reason
I have the TRITTON AX Pro true 5.1 Suround Headphones

I would highly recommend them. They're not wireless, but due to that, they offer very clear sound with no loss of quality.;)
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Did you tried them already for GT5 online gaming:dopey:? Do they work for chating in a GT5lobby? In game?
 
Delphic Reason
I have the TRITTON AX Pro true 5.1 Suround Headphones:

I would highly recommend them. They're not wireless, but due to that, they offer very clear sound with no loss of quality.




;)
Click to expand...

Ive read of a few that have those,are they Dolby / DTS certified?

One thing I found great with the Sonys is that they are wireless, so much handier and I certainly suffer no aparent loss of quality whatsoever. Then again these are aimed at the AV market not the toy/gamer market. I very much doubt regards audio quality and importantly comfort their is much better than the Sonys, depends what the OP wants and his budget.

For games I prefer these in Cinema/Game mode over my Sennehiser HD600
The benefits of the Sonys is their audio support for PS3 DVD/BLU RAY/GAME enjoyment and their patented technology really sounds good with multichannel sources.

Support:
Dolby ProLogic I & II - Dolby Digital - Dolby PL IIx
DTS - DTS Virtual - DTS ES -
MPEG 2 AAC

Specialist: Virtuaphone Technology

Unfortunately they need a seperate mic to work best with online thats their only drawback..
 
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Mars Attacks
Did you tried them already for GT5 online gaming:dopey:? Do they work for chating in a GT5lobby? In game?
Click to expand...

I haven't tried them with GT5 yet, but they're fully compatible with all PS3 games that support chat.

Many people are using them, currently. They're one of the most popular (and best reviewed) 5.1 headphones on the market.

I found mine online for a steal of a price, $120 shipped.


Mr. Latte
Ive read of a few that have those, but are they Dolby / DTS certified?
Click to expand...

Yes, they are. Also, full support for Xbox 360/PS3/PC



;)
 
Delphic Reason
Yes, they are. Also, full support for Xbox 360/PS3/PC

;)
Click to expand...


You mean, Dolby only not DTS from what I seen.
Still I reckon these are good but definately for a cockpit wireless would be much handier, shame.

The amount of times I tangled my Senn headphones cable going for snacks getting in/out of seat was frustrating.
 
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Mr Latte
You mean, Dolby only not DTS from what I seen.
Click to expand...

Says DTS support in the manual...

I'm not a fan of wireless headphones. I have yet to find a pair that sound as good as wired units.

Yours may be the exception, but I wouldn't know.



;)
 
I am using these. JVC HA RX900.

23655.JPG


Incredibly comfortable. I'm not much into audio gear but they sound awsome to me. I use a Zalman clip on mic for voice coms on PC. No coms on ps3 however.

They are so comfortable that I put them on when studying (while not actually playing any music or sound). I find they help me concentrate and act like a tether to stop me getting up and procrastinating too often.
 
The JVC HA-RX900 are good headphones if you can find them for around $50-$60. Some places sell them for $100, which I think is way too much. The baby brother HA-RX700 are also great for the price, at around $30. Some people like the RX700 more, but I'm not one of them.


Corza
I am using these. JVC HA RX900.

Incredibly comfortable. I'm not much into audio gear but they sound awsome to me. I use a Zalman clip on mic for voice coms on PC. No coms on ps3 however.

They are so comfortable that I put them on when studying (while not actually playing any music or sound). I find they help me concentrate and act like a tether to stop me getting up and procrastinating too often.
Click to expand...
 
I got tritton ax pros just a month ago, and I have to say that they're great. If you can get around the wiring, then definitely get this. This is the best surround sound headset you can get at that price, Astros A30/40 are just ripoff scams simply cause they do heavy advertisement with MLG, plus they're not even true 5.1, it's all simulated.
 
Delphic Reason
Says DTS support in the manual...

I'm not a fan of wireless headphones. I have yet to find a pair that sound as good as wired units.

Yours may be the exception, but I wouldn't know.



;)
Click to expand...

Well I guess its not important if your not a fan of wireless headphones. To say that quality is diminished Id say that only relates to perhaps on some cheap sets. Maybe youd like to share your expertise in headphones and models you compared these against?

The OP mentioned/queried wireless and hence why I suggested a product that not only goes beyond 5.1 is actually wireless and supports 7.1 with specialy patented "Virtuaphone Technology". Ive personally compared these to 2x Sets of Sennheiser's and a pair of Bose so I can only comment on my own findings giving an honest opinion. The wireless seems to be no drawback but a huge bonus on these.

Bass (50mm speaker in new models) and quality of the Sonys is very good but the most striking thing is the "soundfield" they produce compared to "Virtual Dolby" or Yamaha's "Silent Cinema" mode. VPT is much more envolving soundstage with headphones over those more recognised technologies. Indeed for stereo Senns are much more musical but the Sonys create an exciting more dramatic audio particulary from games and I never use their normal stereo mode.

By no means are the headphones you have a bad product, I just dont believe they would outperform the Sony's and those still look a bit toyish.

Also nowhere can I see ANY mention of DTS on their website. If they are not "Certified/Licensced" then how are they DTS compatible.Please by all means show me the manual where it says these also support DTS. I think your wrong on this and also wrong to assume wireless may always be a case of degrading quality.
 
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Mr Latte
Well I guess its not important if your not a fan of wireless headphones. To say that quality is diminished Id say that only relates to perhaps on some cheap sets. Maybe youd like to share your expertise in headphones and models you compared these against?

The OP mentioned/queried wireless and hence why I suggested a product that not only goes beyond 5.1 is actually wireless and supports 7.1 with specialy patented "Virtuaphone Technology". Ive personally compared these to 2x Sets of Sennheiser's and a pair of Bose so I can only comment on my own findings giving an honest opinion. The wireless seems to be no drawback but a huge bonus on these.

Bass (50mm speaker in new models) and quality of the Sonys is very good but the most striking thing is the "soundfield" they produce compared to "Virtual Dolby" or Yamaha's "Silent Cinema" mode. VPT is much more envolving soundstage with headphones over those more recognised technologies. Indeed for stereo Senns are much more musical but the Sonys create an exciting more dramatic audio particulary from games and I never use their normal stereo mode.

By no means are the headphones you have a bad product, I just dont believe they would outperform the Sony's and those still look a bit toyish.

Also nowhere can I see ANY mention of DTS on their website. If they are not "Certified/Licensced" then how are they DTS compatible.Please by all means show me the manual where it says these also support DTS. I think your wrong on this and also wrong to assume wireless may always be a case of degrading quality.
Click to expand...

They are not DTS certified, you have to uncheck DTS in PS3 sound settings, when playing DTS compatible games otherwise you get no sound at all.
 
I Know

I have a friend has them too.

Maybe Delphic's pair are special. :sly:

Not aware of many headphones that are DTS to be honest and why I asked.
Its also one thing that makes the Sonys quite different.
 
You're right, they are not DTS. The manual mentions DTS, but not to specify it's compatibility. I was mistaken.

Well I guess its not important if your not a fan of wireless headphones. To say that quality is diminished Id say that only relates to perhaps on some cheap sets. Maybe youd like to share your expertise in headphones and models you compared these against?
Click to expand...

I did some research about your headset, and they do seem to review well compared to other wireless units. I may have to check them out. Frankly, they are more than what I see myself needing at the moment. I still can't fathom why I would NEED wireless. I have never had a situation where the wires were in the way. I have a dedicated cockpit (as you know, of course), and only use my headphones for said cockpit. I don't see a reason to pay extra for something that doesn't do anything head and shoulders over what mine do. However, if wireless is something you really want, then those Sony units look a treat, for sure. I have owned many studio headphones over the years from Sennheiser to Denon to Sony, and everything in between. As far as "Surround Headphones" go, my experience is more limited. I have owned some Turtle Beach units (2.0 and 5.1 units), Sony (again 2.0 and 5.1, not 7.1), and that's about it. My Tritton AX Pro's sound better than any of the 5.1 headphones I have tried, and while not nearly as good as a pair of Senns (Studio 2.0) I had a few years back, they hold up well to most anything else. For the price (The Sony's are almost double the price in some places) you just can't beat them, in my opinion.

I would love to try out those Sony's though. When I upgrade, eventually, to a pair of 7.1 units, Sony is probably where I'll go.





;)
 
Wireless isnt essiential, my point was your comment/opinion referring to wireless being an almost assured reduction in audio quality. Thats not quite the case as their are various forms of wireless technology from RF - Blue Tooth and quality can vary. DTS is maybe overkill but well if it can be used DTS is often assumed higher quality in audio terms, specifically with improved bass.

Just like a controller being wireless is less cumbersome or restrictive.
Cables do get stood on, tripped on, tangled, twisted and at worse damaged or pulled ends.

Reference quality headphones would be pointless for PS3 even with a quality specific headphone amp and not using an AV amplifers headphone out which usually offer rather basic quality even on high end AV amplfers besides games are not designed for stereo fidelty but more multichannel effects and larger soundstage.

I think Pioneer had headphones that rivalled the Sonys and are also held in high regards.
Pioneer SE-DIR800C

Handy Website
 
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kengan
I got tritton ax pros just a month ago, and I have to say that they're great. If you can get around the wiring, then definitely get this. This is the best surround sound headset you can get at that price, Astros A30/40 are just ripoff scams simply cause they do heavy advertisement with MLG, plus they're not even true 5.1, it's all simulated.
Click to expand...

I can't speak to the quality of the A30 and A40 headsets personally, but a lot of people seem to really like them. I also take issue with referring to HRTF processing as a "ripoff scam". It can be an extremely effective method for simulating a very realistic surround effect out of standard stereo headphones. I got a chance to try a set of Tritton AX Pros back to back with the AX 720 and the AX 730 suited my tastes a lot more. And to my ears gave me a better surround sensation. Creative has a similar processing technology usd with their sound cards called CMSS-3D. I find it very effective when playing PC games.

I still think the Mixamp Dolby Headphone processor and similar standalone products that let you pair your own headphones are a viable option.
 
I use Sharkoon xtatic 5.1 digital surround headphones. The sound quality for gaming is nothing short of superb. I have 3 friends who have all purchased after trying mine. The mic is also superb , having recieved several comments and enquiries in game lobbies about the clarity.
They have an extremely comfortable padded headband and are adjustable.
Each can holds 3 directional speakers plus a bass speaker.
£110 from overclockers, highly recommended by all who have tried them.
enjoy

Bandit
ps
they are dts dolby 5.1
 
Are there headphones that work for both PS3 and 360 with a mic? I've been looking too and it seems like you get one or the other?
 
mf-dif
Are there headphones that work for both PS3 and 360 with a mic? I've been looking too and it seems like you get one or the other?
Click to expand...

The TRITTON AX Pro's work for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.




;)
 
I love my Turtle Beach X41's they're wireless and 7.1 surround with automated chat/game volume balance.
 
I use Creative DDTS-30 Headphoneamp (DD,DTS, Dolby Headphone) and a cheap usb-soundcard for the microphone. Toslink to the amp. Connected to all that I have my modded Sennheiser PC-350. Outstanding sound and excellent microphone.
 
Cheers for all the great responses guys. I feel like I can make a much better decision now so thank you. Probably should of told you all a budget, but I didnt even think about how much headphones cost. I guess between £50-£100 sounds about right, so I'll see what I can find. Thanks again 👍
 

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