Eight+ 5.1/7.1 true and software/dolby headsets reviewed
Feb 19, 2012 at 4:08 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 10

curiousgeorgieo

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Hi head-fiers,
 
Hopefully this thread will allow us to guide eachother with our headset purchases.  I ran across a lot of posts asking about opinions on 5.1/7.1 headsets and whether they should go for:
 
1) software/dolby vs
2) true (x # of drivers in each ear)
 
and whether a usb headset vs a headset with minijack, etc would be better. I too have had similar questions and I'm not sure if this helps but I ran across this article below. 
 
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/surround-sound-headset-benchmark,3125.html
 
The article compares:
1) True 5.1 - Arctic Sound P531
2) True 5.1 - Psyko Carbon
3) True 5.1 - Cooler Master CM Storm Sirus
4) True 5.1 - It should have added in the Tritton AX Pros but I find my answers quite similar to the Psyko Carbon above
5) True 5.1 - Hopefully a future edition will add in the Razer Tiamat true 7.1
 
6) Software 7.1 - Logitech G35
7) Software 7.1 - Creative Tactic3D Sigma
8) Software 5.1 - Thermaltake eSports
9) Software 7.1 - Shock One
10) Software 7.1 - Corsair Vengeance 1500
11) Software 7.1 - Razer Megalodon
12) Software 7.1 - It should have added in the Sony MDR-DS7500s 24/192 HDMI (+separate mic)
 
13) Receiver 7.1 - It would have been nice to see them compare these against a good receiver+headphones in dolby prologicIIz mode (+separate mic) or something as I would estimate this to be the superior set-up since you get the highest-end headphones with this option
 
 
 
I own and rank my headsets as follows (in my amateur opinion):
3) the Tritton AXPros (true) 5.1 with mic,
2) the Corsair Vengeance 1500 (usb) 7.1 with mic,
1) the Sony HDMI MDR-DS7500 7.1 24/192 no mic,
1) and I also have the Senn HD595 no mic but with a good mixamp/receiver this would be the perfect combo imo.
 
I am interested in trying the upcoming Tiamat by Razer which is a true 7.1 + mic.  My personal opinion is that even though I expected the "true" headset to have better channel separation because it most closely represents a surround sound receiver system in your living room, I found the software 2.0 headsets to be far better when it came to truly being able to pinpoint exactly where an object was in a surround situation like dolby digital (mainly because the speakers in a true headset are so close together and potentially unbalanced that I couldn't quite pick it out as easily).
 
Take care,
 
George
 
 
Feb 19, 2012 at 4:18 PM Post #2 of 10
Hey guys here's a copy paste of their conculsion in case it helps.  All credit of course goes to Tom's hardware:
 
"....But first, I want to talk about surround sound gaming. Specifically, positional audio and the ability of these headsets to convey the source of a sound. Surround sound is a key feature for each of these products. And when you're gaming competitively, it’s important to hear where enemies are coming from.

I’ve never expected much from virtual surround solutions that rely on a single speaker in each can to create positional audio. During game testing, though, I actually did hear things behind me, and instinctively turned to face them based on the perceived source. That was a big surprise that, for me, helped validate the legitimacy of virtual surround sound. In fact, I have to say that it didn’t really make a difference whether the headset included four drivers in each ear or just one. In both cases, I was able to discern where sounds were coming from more effectively.
In order to be sure it wasn't just placebo, I put a number of people in front of a PC with each headset, blindfolded and facing away from the screen. Everyone could accurately pinpoint the source of the sound using the models limited to virtual surround. All of the surround headsets we tested returned similar results, so we can't discriminate against the products equipped with virtual or actual surround capabilities.
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Psyko Carbon

Psyko introduces its own unique flavor to the 5.1-channel surround headset segment, emphasized by an unmistakable design and unique features, such as the ability to open up the ear cups to hear sounds outside the game. It offers the best microphone quality by a landslide.
Unfortunately, the Carbon setup is heavy and overly tight, leading to discomfort over time. That could be acceptable if everything else about the headset was perfect. The real problem with this product is that is simply doesn't sound very good. Its mid-range is misrepresented or distorted somehow, and the experience it provides falls flat in games and music. These aren't the worst-sounding headphones we've ever auditioned, but for $200, I expect something that sounds at least as good, but preferably better than the sub-$100 competition.
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Thermaltake Shock One

Thermaltake’s $93 entry looks great and includes a decent bundle of accessories, such as extra ear pads. It’s collapsible, which makes it relatively easy to tote in the included velvet carrying bag, and bundled software hits all of the important personalization points like equalization and DTS' Surround Sensation technology.
In utilizing DTS' positional audio algorithms, this two-speaker headset does its job well. It even has a fun voice effect feature. It’s relatively light and feels comfortable, although it’s a little tight over time.
Our only real issue concerns sound quality. Unfortunately, that’s the important part. While the headset delivers great bass, the high-end is weak and playback seems hollow. Naturally, it's possible to tweak the equalizer for better results, but we couldn’t seem to get the Shock One to sound exceptional compared to its peers. On top of that, the driver doesn't address the subwoofer channel unless LFE is enabled, and the only way to enable it is to follow a convoluted and undocumented series of steps in the control panel. We like the Shock One, but it's rough around the edges, and that LFE control issue really needs to be addressed.
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Arctic P531

At $50, Arctic enables true 5.1-channel audio to the lowest price point in our round-up with its P531. Cutting costs in reflected in lower-quality construction than the rest of the playing field, and we’re not fans of the remote control mechanism. The headset is a little heavy, although it's fairly comfortable (despite the small ear pads, which make you think you should be folding your ears into them).
Having said all of that, this product offers up a decent auditory experience. It is a little hollow-sounding at times, but when you take its price into consideration, Arctic actually does pretty well. Additionally, the driver includes a solid list of granular controls, plus extras like real-time voice effects. The only other feature we would have liked to see is a virtual surround mode to apply to two-channel music.
With all things considered, the Arctic P531 is an appropriate product for its price. 
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Cooler Master CM Storm Sirus

At $115, Cooler Master’s Sirus is the second most expensive headset in this round-up. At that price, you're getting true 5.1-channel hardware in a headset, the choice between USB or analog connectivity, a set of cloth ear pads for folks who prefer the material over the stock leatherette pads, and the best control pod hardware (a heavy, high-quality dial) of any other headset.
At 13.3 oz, this product is fairly heavy, though surprisingly comfortable. Its software panel features excellent controls, along with extras like Flex Bass II, environmental effects, and voice effects.
Although it's a good all-around headset, the Sirus' sound reproduction left us wanting more. We'd stop short of calling it bad, but there's a hollowness to is that isn't natural. Fortunately, the equalizer goes a long way to minimizing the effect that bothers us. Were the Sirus a little cheaper, it would have ranked higher up on our favorites list. But at $115, it’s a little too expensive relative to the competition.
On the other hand, we do feel that this is the best option with true 5.1-channel capabilities.
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Logitech G35

Logitech’s G35 is a premium $95 entry. At that price, you get an attractive design with quality construction. The company went against the grain and implemented innovative controls on the left can, which we think is a brilliant move that lets you change volume, surround, and mute settings without fiddling around for a controller hanging off of the cord. On top of that, the G35 also has three programmable G-keys.
This headset comes with three differently-sized headband pads to adjust for comfort, and although it’s a tad heavy at 12.3 oz, gaming for short periods is quite comfortable. Over time, we think the G35 is a little tight, though.
A rotating boom automatically mutes the microphone in the up position, which is also appreciated. More important, the headset sounds pretty good too, serving up great bass and highs. The mids are a little muted compared to the rest of the spectrum, but we found this to be fairly easily adjustable with the software equalizer.
Speaking of software, Logitech includes an elegant suite of useful tools, and even some fun extras like voice effects. At the end of the day, we cannot deny that Logitech's G35 is a solid headset.

Best Budget Choice: Creative Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Sigma

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Creative’s $63 entry isn’t going to win any quality awards. It looks a little cheap, it has a thin ribbon cable, and we struggled to keep its microphone sponge cover from falling off. The ear cups are clearly designed to show off illuminated accents, but this model doesn't have them.
Like Han Solo said, though, "...she's got it where it counts, kid." The Tactic3D Sigma is armed with powerful 50 mm drivers that can be made to sound better than most of the competition, especially when you dial in the equalizer and THX TruStudio Pro virtual surround settings you like best. Accessing all of that software is easy thanks to Creative's clean, attractive interface.
At 10 oz, this is a very light headset, which makes it easier to also be quite comfortable. A simple, effective inline controller features a clip for your clothes. Moreover, you can use it on the USB bus or attached to analog outputs on your discrete sound card. Do you take real-time voice effects more seriously than you’d care to admit? Creative includes 19 unique voice profiles, plus the ability to customize and create your own with eight slider controls.
Bottom line, though: when you take the time to configure it properly, this headset sounds very good. It boasts deep bass, good mids, and crisp highs that rival competing models that cost twice as much. For its ability to perform well at an affordable price point, we're happy to award Creative's Tactic 3D Sigma our nod of approval.

Tom's Recommended Buy: Corsair Vengeance 1500

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Corsair’s premium entry costs $85. If you look at its classy brushed metal finish, though, you might assume that it's one of the more expensive options in this round-up. A sparse bundle is apropos given the price, though it's worth noting that you only get a warranty guide and driver download link with the headset.
Instead of a fancy box of accessories, Corsair spend its budget on the basics: impressive 50 mm drivers that sound absolutely wonderful compared to the rest of the playing field. Yes, they’re overly crisp at the default setting, but a little tweaking through the software equalizer makes them untouchable (even if Razer's Megalodon comes close). Dolby's Pro Logic IIx technology works like a charm, and these headphones sound equally great playing music or gaming.
This isn't the lightest headset in our round-up, at 11.4 oz. And they're a little tight, too. But we certainly wouldn't call them heavy or uncomfortable. In fact, large memory foam ear pads go a long way to making this model wearable over long periods of time. Corsair's driver software does its job, even if it isn't loaded with features, so don't expect environmental or voice effects. Make no mistake, though, this headset earns our more prestigious Recommended Buy award for its sound quality. Priced at $85, it doesn't even break the bank.

Honorable Mention: Razer Megalodon

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Razer’s Megalodon came close to taking our top recommendation. Its sound quality is just about on par with the Corsair Vengeance 1500, but it has so many other things going for it, too: an illuminated control pod with surround channel and volume level settings, the ability to dynamically switch between two- and virtual 7.1-channel audio at the touch of a button, and microphone mute/sensitivity/level controls. At 8 oz, its the lightest contender, and it's also the most comfortable. Razer's style is both functional and chic, underlined by illuminated logos on the ear cups. The Megalodon even comes with an awesome carrying case and doesn't require its own driver. Just plug it in and go. So, what's the problem?
We have two issues with the Megalodon: the fact that it lacks an equalizer and its price. Paying $127 isn't bad when you consider the comprehensive package. Compared to Corsair's Vengeance, though, that's a steep 50% increase. We're more disappointed in the lack of an equalizer. A $127 gamer headset limited to USB connectivity should be more configurable than this, plain and simple. It's a shame that Razer doesn't have its own driver interface. We get that the company makes serious gaming peripherals, and we don’t care about the lack of extraneous voice and environmental effects. But that EQ is a must. The only sound adjustment on the control pod belongs to the bass channel.
Our complaint registered, the Megalodon still sounds great, and we wouldn't fault anyone for paying $127 to possess the Magalodon’s unique attributes. Therefore, we're giving this headset our Approved award too, a stamp of approval."
 
Take care,

George
 


 
 
Feb 19, 2012 at 4:24 PM Post #3 of 10
Feb 19, 2012 at 5:05 PM Post #4 of 10
If you're gaming on a PC and you already have some nice headphones (this is Head-Fi after all 
biggrin.gif
) I highly recommend scrapping the headset idea in favor of:
 
You can also use an Astro Mixamp to use your own headphones and mic with a console as mentioned in MadLustEnvy's thread.
 
Feb 19, 2012 at 5:11 PM Post #5 of 10
I tried two sets in the past few weeks with my Xbox 360 with optical out: The Tritton AX 720 (7.1) and the Razer Chimera (5.1), both software sets. 
Both sets were really disappointing as neither of them had even close to good audio quality imo. I suspect that there was something wrong with the Razers as they were really, really low on the volume. The Trittons seemed to work just fine however and while they worked decently for a headset the sound itself was just not very good compared to higher end stereo headphones. 
I really thought there was something wrong with they way I set them up, but since all worked as described in the manual I guess that there just wasn´t a lot to it. They sounded hollow, distant, and unimpressive. They simply sounded like what you would expect from a headset, but not a real headphone. The surround effect was there and noticeable, but again not all that impressive.
In short, wasted money imo.
 
I would really be interested in other peoples opinions of the AX 720 though. Maybe there was something wrong with the way I set them up after all. 
 
Feb 20, 2012 at 11:00 PM Post #6 of 10


Quote:
I tried two sets in the past few weeks with my Xbox 360 with optical out: The Tritton AX 720 (7.1) and the Razer Chimera (5.1), both software sets. 
Both sets were really disappointing as neither of them had even close to good audio quality imo. I suspect that there was something wrong with the Razers as they were really, really low on the volume. The Trittons seemed to work just fine however and while they worked decently for a headset the sound itself was just not very good compared to higher end stereo headphones. 
I really thought there was something wrong with they way I set them up, but since all worked as described in the manual I guess that there just wasn´t a lot to it. They sounded hollow, distant, and unimpressive. They simply sounded like what you would expect from a headset, but not a real headphone. The surround effect was there and noticeable, but again not all that impressive.
In short, wasted money imo.
 
I would really be interested in other peoples opinions of the AX 720 though. Maybe there was something wrong with the way I set them up after all. 



That's really interesting the way you described your experience with the AX720s as that was a similar experience with the AXPros even though those were the multi-driver version from Tritton.  I wish I could send you my Sony MDR-DS7500s to see what your opinion between the ax720s and these would be. In my opinion it is a night and day difference especially in TrueHD or DTS HD MA mode. 
 
 
Feb 24, 2012 at 3:35 PM Post #7 of 10


Quote:
That's really interesting the way you described your experience with the AX720s as that was a similar experience with the AXPros even though those were the multi-driver version from Tritton.  I wish I could send you my Sony MDR-DS7500s to see what your opinion between the ax720s and these would be. In my opinion it is a night and day difference especially in TrueHD or DTS HD MA mode. 
 



I was not aware of these. They seem to be very interesting, but at a very high price point as well! And at that price I can imagine that they are much better than all those other dolby digtal headsets that are out there (mostly gaming headsets).
 
Feb 24, 2012 at 4:05 PM Post #8 of 10


Quote:
If you're gaming on a PC and you already have some nice headphones (this is Head-Fi after all 
biggrin.gif
) I highly recommend scrapping the headset idea in favor of:
 
You can also use an Astro Mixamp to use your own headphones and mic with a console as mentioned in MadLustEnvy's thread.



Not that I've tried every headset under the sun but I think this is solid advice.  I've yet to find a headset that I would deem decent enough for serious listening + gaming.  I know Senn's got a few great looking headset but it seems they are priced a bit higher than their headphone only equivalents and will require modding to sound decent.
 
This week I picked up a logitech usb mic to go with whatever headphone I'm using.  I honestly do not care for the virtual surround sound or multi speakers in headsets.  The few I've tried sounded really bad.
 

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