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    Are 5.1/surround/3D headphones worth it for gaming?

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by drfelip, Sep 10, 2011.

  1. drfelip

    drfelip Notebook Evangelist

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    I mean, can you really know where does the sound come from? Or is it mostly marketing hype? I'm thinking mostly on affordable headphones (under 100 USD).
     
    drfelip, Sep 10, 2011
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  2. helmetface

    helmetface Notebook Consultant

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    Some people might disagree, but I say they are not worth it.

    A decent set of headphones is all you need. I played CS 1.5/6 competitively for years and I could always tell where someone was creepin'

    Its really up to you, I've used a set of Koss Pilot, over the ear headphones for years now and they've held up awesome.
     
    helmetface, Sep 10, 2011
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  3. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

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    I don't know beans about gaming application, but the illusion of 5.1 from a stereo pair is only as good as the programming logic that created it. Remember, just like an actual 5.1 mixing, they're not all the same; and some are much better than others.
     
    Krane, Sep 10, 2011
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  4. eleven

    eleven Notebook Consultant

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    Still waiting for Razer Tiamat.
    It has some juicy promises.
    I hope they deliver.
     
    eleven, Sep 12, 2011
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  5. Jasp

    Jasp Notebook Evangelist

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    Been using a set of Roccat Kaves for nearly 2 years now, the first true 5.1 surround set, can't complain and you can actually tell were things are around you.
     
    Jasp, Sep 12, 2011
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  6. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    +rep. Absolutely 100% correct.

    The ability of a pair of surround headphones to emulate the surround field effect is determined by the quality of the surround algorithm being used to downmix a 5.1 source audio signal --> 2.0 stereo sound output in your headphone earcups.

    If you are looking for a decent pair of sub-$100 surround headphones, check out the Corsair HS1 USB headphones (not the HS1a analog version). Just about every review site that has looked at these headphones will tell you that they are an absolutely incredible buy. You get much more quality than the $100 MSRP asking price.

    Buy.com actually has a rebate & sale on the Corsair HS1 USB headphones through September 30 2011, bringing the total price to around $48 USD shipped. If you do not already own a pair of surround headphones, this is the deal to get.
     
    kent1146, Sep 12, 2011
    #6