So can 2.0 stereo headphones do surround in gaming?

[BeauRoger]

Ive been looking at several types of headphones to game on, but i want them to be solid all around, not just games. Mic is not important to me.
 
At first i was looking at the logitech g930 which has gotten great reviews, but later people started convincing me to go for "regular" headphones for better sound, and since then ive gotten recommendations for everything from the Sennheiser HD598 to Astro A40 and AD700 headphones.
 
Also people have been talking about amps and sound cards as a complement to get the most out of them. This is something im willing to buy, but im not sure exactly when they are needed and to which headphones.
 
My main question is, can you get gaming directional/surround sound on 2.0 headphones, or should i stick with the gaming 5.1 or 7.1 variaty? Surround is important, but at the same time, if there is a big difference in sound quality, i might go with a 2.0 stereo set.
 
any help would be appriciated!

 

[NamelessPFG]

Yes, they can.
 
That G930 you're looking at? It's stereo and uses Dolby Headphone for its surround effects. Instead, you could just get a sound card with CMSS-3D Headphone or Dolby Headphone to use with any competent set of stereo headphones (unless you're a console gamer, which would leave you with the Astro Mixamp, Turtle Beach Ear Force DSS, and JVC/Victor SU-DH1 since you can't just install a sound card in a console).
 
The idea is to turn on those binaural surround features when gaming, and turn them off for music listening to preserve sound quality.
 
As for what kind of stereo headphones I should suggest...that depends on your sound signature preferences and budget.

 

[BeauRoger]

Quote:

Yes, they can.
 
That G930 you're looking at? It's stereo and uses Dolby Headphone for its surround effects. Instead, you could just get a sound card with CMSS-3D Headphone or Dolby Headphone to use with any competent set of stereo headphones (unless you're a console gamer, which would leave you with the Astro Mixamp, Turtle Beach Ear Force DSS, and JVC/Victor SU-DH1 since you can't just install a sound card in a console).
 
The idea is to turn on those binaural surround features when gaming, and turn them off for music listening to preserve sound quality.
 
As for what kind of stereo headphones I should suggest...that depends on your sound signature preferences and budget.

thank you for your answer! Would you say that something like HD598 would be overall better sounding than for example g930? or do you have any other recommendation, Im willing to go around 200 dollars/euro for the earphones, and then some extra for the amp/surround card or whatever i need. thanks!
 
 

 

[ilikepooters]

Fischer Audio FA-011 are gaming monsters apparently, i'll find out soon enough when mine turn up 

 
http://www.gd-audiobase.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=102&category_id=5&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2

 

[PurpleAngel]

Save a few dollars.
Panasonic RP-HTF600-S
Beyerdynamic EDT 200 Velour pads.
Total, around $60

 

[NamelessPFG]

 
Quote:

thank you for your answer! Would you say that something like HD598 would be overall better sounding than for example g930? or do you have any other recommendation, Im willing to go around 200 dollars/euro for the earphones, and then some extra for the amp/surround card or whatever i need. thanks! 

I have no doubt that the HD 598 would be an improvement, but for all I know, there could be less expensive options that are just as viable. (I'm receiving an RP-HTF600 tomorrow and will get around to reviewing that shortly; no Beyer velour pads, though, just the stock ones.)
 
For PC gaming, you could just spend $30 and get a Xonar DG, or if you have around $90-120 to spend, start looking into the X-Fi Forte or Titanium HD.

 

[catscratch]

While it's been a long time since I've messed around with any headphones resembling a rational price, the answer is yes, absolutely, you will get as good or better performance with a good set of 2 channel headphones than you will with 5.1. 5.1 in headphones is mostly a gimmick and a simple stereo set that has some degree of imaging accuracy will get you better and more consistent positioning overall, regardless of whether or not the game supports 5.1. Back in my Quake days I played on a DT770 and the positioning was really good, the slightly U-shaped FR brought out the relevant sounds nicely, plus the isolation kept keystroke sounds from being annoying. I'm almost tempted to sign up for QuakeLive to see how the O2 will do, but the sad thing is that I just don't have the time to play on that level again.
 
Getting older sucks. Traditional stereo headphones, however, don't.
 
I'm not sure what to recommend but www.innerfidelity.com has a really good review and measurement database which will help you make up your mind.