7.1 Dolby surround headset query

I'm in a rush to get a good headset with 7.1 surround but can't afford the Tritton and Turtle Beach offerings which are well over $200. After reading loads and loads of reviews I have just about settled on the Sennheiser PC360 however; despite its glowing reviews it remains a stereo headset. This means I need to add an external 7.1 spatial sound converter (I think). These seem to sell for anything from $2.50 to a few grand.

Can anyone give me advice on what would be a good external solution for under 60 bucks?

It may be that I can upgrade the ATI sound card that my Alienware M17x R2 came with but I have no idea what to replace it with.

 

None that I've come across that does as good a job as e.g. the Logitech G35.

 

For under $60, try to get your hands on a Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi SB1090 or SB1095 ("Pro" version). You should easily be able to buy them used for under $60.

Those two sound cards support Creative Labs X-Fi CMSS3D Headphone mode, which will take a 7.1 source input audio signal and downmix it into 2.0 stereo headphone output.

The next bump up in terms of quality will probably be a Dolby Headphone processor, like an Astro MixAmp for about $120.

 

The Sennheiser PC360 is an amazing choice. I wouldn't go for a 7.1 surround sound headset anyway. Surround sound doesn't makes sense anymore if the speakers are so close together and so close to your ear. You only have two ears, and all the sound will be coming from the two earcaps. Besides, more speakers in the headset means that they will be smaller. And smaller speakers mean worse sound quality, if you don't want to pay more.

For hearing the enemy's footsteps and what direction they are coming and such in FPS games, soundstage is what's important, not surround sound. The Sennheiser PC360 beats everything for the price. You could try to get some sort of surround sound through software, but I doubt you will be hearing much difference. Again, a big soundstage is what you want. Surround sound is a gimmick in headsets.

Surround sound DOES make sense in your room though, if you place the speakers correctly. But not in a headset.

 

Take a look at the GameCom 780.

 

Thanks for all your replies guys!
In the end I went for a pair of Sennheiser PC360's and a Turtle Beach DSS2 7.1 external decoder. They should arrive tomorrow or Saturday.

Incidentally Androyed, I have to say I cannot agree with your belief that surround sound doesn't work in a headset. The main reason I wanted 7.1 surround sound was because I have been using a Sony cordless 5.1 surround headset with my home cinema for years and it is nothing short of amazing! It gives a significantly enhanced sound stage sometimes leading you to believe things are happening outside the room you are listening in. But please don't take my word for it. Next time you are in the vicinity of a store that sells Tritton AX720's or AX Pro's or even a Turtle Beach XP500 give them a whirl and see what you think. All 3 are 7.1 surround headsets. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

 

Surround sound is definitely possible in a headset, but not by putting 5 or 7 speakers next to your ear. That many speakers such close together and to your ear; the whole idea of surround sound is gone. And besides, the speakers will be smaller, thus worse. Surround sound is about a big and wide soundstage.

This doesn't mean that 5.1 or 7.1 headsets can't be good. It's just that for the same price, you would be much better off buying a stereo headset with a wide soundstage. I can assure you that the surround sound effect will be much better. Every audiophile will tell you this, and it's true.

English isn't my native language, so sometimes I have troubles explaining my opinion, but I found something that should make sense:

But in the end, it's about what you hear. Hearing is subjective, at least for a big part. I hope you enjoy your Sennheiser PC360! `

 

Well the great thing is that from what I have read in reviews the PC360 appears to be one the best stereo headsets currently available and as I will also have the DSS2 converter I will be able to try both. One small deception is discovered that TB's original DSS decoded both 5.1 and 7.1 dolby surround signals whereas the new DSS2 only works in 5.1. Oh well, it's a starter and like you say, the 360's alone will probably deliver all I need.

 

The surround sound you get from a headset with more than two speakers is essentially the same as the surround sound you get from two speakers. There isn't really any reason to have more than one speaker in each can.