Best 5.1 Gaming Headphones

[CaptHandsome]

Howdy All, hows everyone doin? Ok, so I wanna buy some 5.1 headphones. Obviously the Zalman headphones are up for the running. But I saw a few 5.1's on newegg that are cheaper than the Zalmans. Id Like to know what 5.1 headphones any one might have. Any likes/dislikes about them. Id really apprieciate it.


-The Capt.



PS: Here are some that I've had my eye on.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=26-106-450&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=36-401-016&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=36-501-001&catalog=23&manufactory=BROWSE

[CaptHandsome]

*bumpage*

[CompGeek01]

The last 2 are the better deals IMO. Zalman is a good name for headsets...but they're not the cheapest pair you're going to ever buy :cool: . The middle link you have there looks to be a good deal, I don't like the foam cusions that the first link has...it's really about blocking out not needed sounds.

[Kandar]

I don't think its actually possible to represent the 5.1 channel configuration in a set of headphones.

The 5.1 standard refers to the number of speakers and their positions relative to the listener. These positions are critical in creating a sound field that surrounds the listener and allows them to perceive direction of audio sources.

Headphones pressed directly to each ear cant possibly represent 6 different audio sources accurately and maintain depth and perception.

Also be aware that 5.1 Surround is actually a 3-2 stereo configuration (L,C,R + 1 REAR & 1 SIDE CHANNEL) NOT Dolby Digital.

[CompGeek01]

You're right Kandar, however the aucoustics in some of the better headphones simulate this sound with surprising realism.

[Kandar]

Fair comment.

People talk about 5.1 and Digital like its the same thing. I just wanted to make people aware that its not.

[CaptHandsome]

Absolutely, I agree. Digital is a big step up from 5.1. However, who is to say that the distance between the user and the speakers is the differentiating factor. The human ear is remarkable instrument, and i believe that the positional sound (5.1) that headphones produce is on an even level as that of a klipsch or logitech system. While the sound position definately isnt the same as sound POWER, headphones may even give you better positional sound than most peoples speakers, for the simple fact that not many people actually position their rear speakers behind them. Usually they are off to the side, which still gives good sound, however doesnt neccesarily give the same feel as the headphones. And Im sure yall know this, but the .1 in 5.1 is technically a different channel, but is ONLY the subwoofer and is not positional AT ALL so calling 5.1 6 channels is technically accurate, however not a true positional channel.