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USB DAC and positional audio

post #1 of 3
11/13/11 at 2:18pm
Thread Starter 

Newbie question.  I've noticed that some gaming-oriented USB soundcards such as the Steelseries Siberia USB advertise virtual 7.1 surround as one of their features.  I have not, however, seen this feature listed on any audiophile USB DAC's.

Is virtual 7.1 surround really important, and do I need it if I want positional audio in games?

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post #2 of 3
11/14/11 at 9:49am

I think the reason you haven't seen that advertised on audiophile USB DACs is for the fact that audiophile equipment is geared towards listening to music.  You don't need virtual 7.1 audio to listen to music.  In gaming however the 7.1 concept would be a lot more useful in order to know where your opponents are in relation to your position.  I have never used a system that employs this technology so I don't know how effective it is but I hear it works well.

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post #3 of 3
11/14/11 at 10:31am

I'm not sure about the Siberia component, but something like the X-Fi HD USB comes to mind here, which features CMSS (it's a virtual surround widget); it can be neat in some games, however it isn't really a make or break kind of thing - a good source and good headphones do a whole lot on their own. 

 

I don't think you'd have an issue with a stereo solution, but if gaming is a primary interest, I'd at least consider something with other features (again, X-Fi HD comes to mind). Asus is supposed to have a solution as well, it probably has a better headphone amplifier, I think it lacks a RIAA preamp; it probably costs more. 

 

 

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