5.1 Headphones Sound Better Than 7.1 to You?

I went to a retail store and they had over a dozen headphones on display. Luckily I had my mp3 player on me and decided to try the majority of them which ranged from 60$ to 300$ and what I found is that 5.1 sounded better than 7.1 in every single one of my music tracks.

Is it just me? Maybe it's because I've used 5.1 for about 5 months and have had 7.1 for 1 month, but it bugs the hell out of me

Perhaps 7.1 is better for television/movies and 5.1 for music? When I try my two pairs at home, that's the impression I get.

What about you guys?

 

Because Quality > Quantity

This is why 2 speakers > 5.1

 

Music is usually 2.1. What would really play behind you, crowd noise?

Most headphones only have 2 speakers, but have dolby digital virtual 5.1/7.1 (very minor difference between the two).

There are a few headphones that have more than 2 speakers like certain models from Tritton, Turtle Beach, Medusa, etc.

Virtual Surround sound headphones with 2 speakers can be just as good or better than surround sound headphones with multiple speakers.

 

There are many questions - starting with were they actually switched to surround mode, or were they actually in stereo?

 

+rep to this. If I could +rep this 10x, I would.

How is it that set of stereo headphones (2 sound drivers) can cost $200, but a set of 5.1 headphones (4 or 6 sound drivers) also costs $200? How can the 5.1 headphones have so many more sound drivers in the ear cups, but cost the same?

The reason is that the 5.1 headphones sacrifice quality. That is why audiophiles, as in the people whose hobby it is to know everything there is to know about audio gear, will never ever buy surround headphones. Just because 5.1 is a bigger number than 2, doesn't mean it's better.

 

I 2nd +1 this.

 

Of course they were all switched

Good replies, guys.

I'll definitely stay away from 7.1 in the future, although I much prefer 5.1 over 2.1.

 

Not necessarily hardware quality, but there is a distinct difference in what it's considered quality sound. Since it's technically impossible to get true surround sound (5.1 or anything else) from only two speakers, the best of what you hear is a "good" interpretation of virtual surround sound. Some people like it, some do not.

 

You have to remember that 5.1/7.1 Headphones were designed for gaming. They will never put 5/7 Stereophile speakers into a surround sound headset. I find my Logitech G35 headset to be way better than my Monster Beats Studio when i game. And i do use the Beats with a Soundcard. But obviously the G35 will not sound as good as the Beats when listening to Music.

 

This doesnt really make any sense, if you are an audiophile who listens to music you would stay away from surround sound headphones completely. 7.1 > 5.1 for gaming, you just hear more.