[illram]

While not directly answering your question, I find that planars resolve 3D positioning, especially with surround sound, far better than dynamics.

The in your head or 3 blob imaging of planars works very well when surround sound processing is used since DSP pushes the audio away from you. I find that while dynamic headphones give a more realistic soundstage with stereo content, the added depth of 3D processing makes sounds seem too distant.

Thanks, interesting perspective re: planars generally being better specifically for surround. Sort of matches my personal bias in preferring the 400i in games where imaging is important over all the others I own (AKG 7XX, DT770Pro, Hd598, V Moda M100). I guess I'm sort of wondering if the grass is a lot greener somewhere else. It's been like 6 months since I made a frivolous headphone purchase so I'm getting twitchy...

 

[Sam21]

While not directly answering your question, I find that planars resolve 3D positioning, especially with surround sound, far better than dynamics.

The in your head or 3 blob imaging of planars works very well when surround sound processing is used since DSP pushes the audio away from you. I find that while dynamic headphones give a more realistic soundstage with stereo content, the added depth of 3D processing makes sounds seem too distant.

I agree with this 100% ... my HE400 has a 3D like soundstage with a lot of depth...While My K702 has a wide soundstage...it has no to little depth...I would use my HE400 for immersive fps gaming hands down...it is a bit uncomfy though...on the heavy side...

To me comfort matters the most..Ok, You have the best sounding headphone, but if you cannot keep it on your head for more than 1 hour because of clamp, heaviness , ears getting hot or annoying headbands...I think it is not an ideal headphone...

 

[cskippy]

Thanks, interesting perspective re: planars generally being better specifically for surround. Sort of matches my personal bias in preferring the 400i in games where imaging is important over all the others I own (AKG 7XX, DT770Pro, Hd598, V Moda M100). I guess I'm sort of wondering if the grass is a lot greener somewhere else. It's been like 6 months since I made a frivolous headphone purchase so I'm getting twitchy...

Not to dissuade you from getting another headphone, but what are you using as a DAC and amp? Those can make a pretty big difference for everything you listen to.

 

[xH4wK]

I'd say, after my testing, that surround sound is 1. personal preference 2. related to headphones soundstage and performance.

When I listen to GSX test videos with apple earpods I am really immersed but when I listen to very same video with HD558 it sounds terrible.

Personally, for now I stick with stereo.

 

[illram]

Not to dissuade you from getting another headphone, but what are you using as a DAC and amp? Those can make a pretty big difference for everything you listen to.

Creative X7. I've pondered upgrading the OP-amps. But otherwise for strictly surround processing, I'm not sure there is an alternative that is a hugely discernible upgrade that is compatible with both consoles and PC?

With the new windows surround, or with something like Razer's virtual surround, I suppose I could upgrade my DAC/AMP and use virtual surround...but I'd still need a console solution as I use both. X7 seems to be the best solution for that currently.

 

[cskippy]

I think you're correct. I used to use the Mixamp but the noise level and overall quality wasn't up to my standards. I recently bought a Soundblaster Z and it sounds far better than Dolby, but unfortunately, Xbox One doesn't output regular 5.1 through optical so it won't work with the Soundblaster Z. Virtual options are okay, but I far prefer SBX over Razer virtual surround. I haven't been able to get windows surround to work but am curious about it.

 

[Yethal]

Creative X7. I've pondered upgrading the OP-amps. But otherwise for strictly surround processing, I'm not sure there is an alternative that is a hugely discernible upgrade that is compatible with both consoles and PC?

With the new windows surround, or with something like Razer's virtual surround, I suppose I could upgrade my DAC/AMP and use virtual surround...but I'd still need a console solution as I use both. X7 seems to be the best solution for that currently.

There's also the Smyth Realizer A16 whis is both pc and console compatible.
Also, Razer Surround is awful.

 

[illram]

Oooo yeah the Realizer. I am dying to try one. Does anyone here have one yet?

The one thing that kept me from jumping on that kickstarter was I have no access to a surround system to calibrate it with. Is there a way to do that without a studio or 7.1 speaker setup of your own?

 

[Yethal]

Oooo yeah the Realizer. I am dying to try one. Does anyone here have one yet?

The one thing that kept me from jumping on that kickstarter was I have no access to a surround system to calibrate it with. Is there a way to do that without a studio or 7.1 speaker setup of your own?

You can download other people's calibrations and upload them to Your Realizer. @Evshrug You received the A16 yet?

 

[Evshrug]

Not yet, looks like the kickstarter was delayed and first shipments will be like August.

However, I'm flying to Munich tomorrow for the High End Show (and my face/skin is totally stressing out!) to meet the Sennheiser team (will post adventures on Twitter! @Evshrug). I'm sorely tempted to book another Realiser demo, even though I had one in February haha.

 

[Gech]

Superlux HD668B (+a mic) vs Cloud 2 vs Sennheiser GSP 300 for competitive gaming(CS GO)
I would want ath-ad700 but they cost 200 euro in europe. Or maybe an other headphone

 

[xH4wK]

Cheapest and probably best bang for your buck would be the cloud II I guess.

 

[Yethal]

Superlux HD668B (+a mic) vs Cloud 2 vs Sennheiser GSP 300 for competitive gaming(CS GO)
I would want ath-ad700 but they cost 200 euro in europe. Or maybe an other headphone

When given a choice between brand new mediocre gear and used awesome gear always go for the latter one.

 

[Rompe]

Superlux HD668B (+a mic) vs Cloud 2 vs Sennheiser GSP 300 for competitive gaming(CS GO)
I would want ath-ad700 but they cost 200 euro in europe. Or maybe an other headphone

If you have the power (i.e. enough amp) AKG K701/K702 or even K612 could be good alternatives to ATH-AD700x and are a bit cheaper in Europe.

 

[WhiteHartMart]

I'm stuck - want a new set of Headphones but stuck between 3 options:-

Playing on PS4, using a Creative G5 for mainly FPS games (BF1, Destiny in the main). Currently using Superlux HD681 Evo with a VModa Boom via an adaptor.

Now looking at Sennheiser 598se (with an adaptor), AKG K701/712 (I have a mini XLR to 3.5mm adaptor already for the mic) and Fidelio X2 (worried they may be a bit focused on the bass for my liking).

Would like any headphones to be decent with music listening also when not gaming.

Cheers in advance.