[AgentOtaku]

Oh shit, I'm sorry I meant the 555s sound really "natural" :D

[Spinning Plates]

Are there any good alternatives to the JVC SU-DH1 amp?

http://www.astrogaming.com/products/.../5/A40-MixAmp/

I have the SU-DH1 and would like to upgrade to the A40 Mixamp for 2 reasons

1. Voice chat is mixed into with the game audio independently (MixAmp connects to your controller headset input) and is a better solution than fitting a slimline mic underneath your headphones.

2. Dolby Headphone imo works best for games (FPS especially) and not movies atleast where the SU-DH1 is concerned. Watching a movie with the SU-DH1 is not really that good thus DTS decoding and DH1 setting (best for movies) doesn't count for much of advantage over the A40 Mixamp. The bass on the SU-DH1 suffers from distortion (guess you could fix this with a headphone amp) and dialogue sounds really tinny.

[Struct09]

I have the A40. When I first got it I was upset because it didn't seem to do much for me. So I unplugged it and tried my headphones again without it. I promptly plugged it back in and have been loving it ever since :)

[Vespa]

The features on that a40 look good! I think I can get the JVC delivered for around £88, this (a40 - amp only) costs $129/£88 but would probably have to pay delivery on top...decisions, decisions.

Thanks for the info, Spinning Plates.

[Zoc]

[IMG]2. Dolby Headphone imo works best for games (FPS especially) and not movies atleast where the SU-DH1 is concerned. Watching a movie with the SU-DH1 is not really that good thus DTS decoding and DH1 setting (best for movies) doesn't count for much of advantage over the A40 Mixamp. The bass on the SU-DH1 suffers from distortion (guess you could fix this with a headphone amp) and dialogue sounds really tinny.

I think that's an intended part of the Dolby Headphone effect. Without the tinniness, the surround effect wouldn't work. DH is really good for what it's designed to be, but it heavily modifies the sound. It'll never be good as a bunch of discrete speakers surrounding you.

I have the SUDH1 too, and I leave it off for movies, too, because it monkeys with the sound too much, and movies are much more precisely mixed.

[Spinning Plates]

The features on that a40 look good! I think I can get the JVC delivered for around £88, this (a40 - amp only) costs $129/£88 but would probably have to pay delivery on top...decisions, decisions. Thanks for the info, Spinning Plates.

Delivery is $52 (£35) from Astro plus customs duty charge (guessing £20-ish) so you will have to pay a premium for the A40 MixAmp. I think I paid just over £70 (inc del) a year ago for my SU-DH1 from Bluetin who use standard post and mark packages down. I also got a compatible Sony AC Adapter off Ebay for £4.

There is a 100+ page thread on AVS forum that is well worth a look...

What gaming headphones to buy?

I think that's an intended part of the Dolby Headphone effect. Without the tinniness, the surround effect wouldn't work. DH is really good for what it's designed to be, but it heavily modifies the sound. It'll never be good as a bunch of discrete speakers surrounding you. I have the SUDH1 too, and I leave it off for movies, too, because it monkeys with the sound too much, and movies are much more precisely mixed.

Yeah I can accept the processing effects and muddiness in games because it gives you the depth and position away of enemies but I can't put up with how it makes dialogue sound in exchange for surround effects you get in action movies.

[Puck]

Hi gaf. I bought AT AD900s and they arrived a few days ago.
For my PS3, i am using HDMI from PS3 to my monitor (no audio output on it) and composite to a rca-> 3.5mm converter (a very cheap one). My AD900s sound like ass. There isn't a way to change what quality for the PS3 to send in settings when using composite.

What do i need to buy? A switch / receiver or something?

I have a fiio E5 on the way that was apparently lost in transit, not sure if it will help but i hope it does.

[brain_stew]

I'd just like to add that I'm a complete convert to stereo headphones and 3D positional audio. The CMSS 3D built into my new sound card does an incredible job, the sensation is very strange, it really does work as advertised with my Sennheiser HD555s and takes the sound right out of your head and fills the room. I stupidly invested in "surround" headphones in the past due to the positive reviews I'd seen, what a disaster taht was, positional accuracy was poor and the sound quality was atrocious.

Obviously this solution isn't going to work for my consoles so is the JVC unit still the best option? What's the most reasonably priced solution for someone in the UK and are new (entry level) receivers starting to integrate this functionality yet?

[AlkalineSolo]

I have my console hooked up through vga and my headphones hooked up through an adapter. Is there any way to adjust the volume on the headphones? Or is there something I could buy. The volume is perfect for games, but when I watch movies it's a little too quiet.

[brain_stew]

I have my console hooked up through vga and my headphones hooked up through an adapter. Is there any way to adjust the volume on the headphones? Or is there something I could buy. The volume is perfect for games, but when I watch movies it's a little too quiet.

A cheap headphone amp like a Fiio E5 should sort you out, I'd imagine. Should improve sound quality as well:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.18350

[AlkalineSolo]

A cheap headphone amp like a Fiio E5 should sort you out, I'd imagine. Should improve sound quality as well: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.18350

Thanks for the help!

[PixelJunkie]

I'd just like to add that I'm a complete convert to stereo headphones and 3D positional audio. The CMSS 3D built into my new sound card does an incredible job, the sensation is very strange, it really does work as advertised with my Sennheiser HD555s and takes the sound right out of your head and fills the room. I stupidly invested in "surround" headphones in the past due to the positive reviews I'd seen, what a disaster taht was, positional accuracy was poor and the sound quality was atrocious. Obviously this solution isn't going to work for my consoles so is the JVC unit still the best option? What's the most reasonably priced solution for someone in the UK and are new (entry level) receivers starting to integrate this functionality yet?

Astro Gaming's A40 mixamp is a better option if you can get if from the UK. The A40 uses the newest Dolby Headphone chipset, which the JVC uses an older chipset. The makes quite a bit of difference.

I use the A40 for console gaming and even though it doesn't have support for DTS, the one downfall of the A40, it doesn't really matter since the perferred standard in console games are Dolby Digital. Games like Uncharted that support DTS still have support for Dolby Digtial and out of the 30 ~ 40 PS3 games I have all have Dolby Digital Support where as only 2 or 3 have DTS support.

If you do go with the A40 make sure to get the rechargable battery. Find a cheap digital/optical cable, TSOlink cable, and hook up your A40 that way. You won't find a much better experience for headphones and gaming on a console.

[brain_stew]

Astro Gaming's A40 mixamp is a better option if you can get if from the UK. The A40 uses the newest Dolby Headphone chipset, which the JVC uses an older chipset. The makes quite a bit of difference. I use the A40 for console gaming and even though it doesn't have support for DTS, the one downfall of the A40, it doesn't really matter since the perferred standard in console games are Dolby Digital. Games like Uncharted that support DTS still have support for Dolby Digtial and out of the 30 ~ 40 PS3 games I have all have Dolby Digital Support where as only 2 or 3 have DTS support. If you do go with the A40 make sure to get the rechargable battery. Find a cheap digital/optical cable, TSOlink cable, and hook up your A40 that way. You won't find a much better experience for headphones and gaming on a console.

Duly noted, its a little too pricey for me to jump in atm but if anyone knows of stockists based in the UK then I'm all ears.

[Kowak]

i was wondering if anyone could help me. i wanted some headphones for gaming plus blu ray movies but didnt know where to start. willing to spend around £300 on the headphones plus extra on whatever else is required for the best sound

[panda21]

EDIT: duh... forgot i was in a 5.1 thread.. sorry! still these are very good headphones! :

i was wondering if anyone could help me. i wanted some headphones for gaming plus blu ray movies but didnt know where to start. willing to spend around £300 on the headphones plus extra on whatever else is required for the best sound

so for £300 you should be able to get some either HD650 or HD600, with a nice headamp.

i've owned both, the 650 used to be more expensive and were the higher end model but strangely i think they have swapped over and are now cheaper than the 600 in the UK.

people say 600's are generally 'cleaner' and colour the sound less. the 650's are definitely slightly warmer, potentially slightly too much but it really depends what you want. personally i prefered the 600s for listening to music because the details came out better but both are very good.

very comfortable and i use them a lot for gaming as well

for an amp i'd recommend one of these

http://www.meier-audio.homepage.t-online.de/index.htm

p

i have the arietta (sold out but it looks like the swing) and its incredibly well built and sturdy, looks nice and sounds great. also has crossfeed to make the stereo sound more natural.

also maybe have a look around here if you want to see some other options

http://www.head-fi.org/

[Totobeni]

good news


Tritton AX720 and AX400 will use Dolby Headphone ( emu 5.1 via only 2-speakers like SU-DH1 , AX360/ Axpro has real 5.1 via 6 drivers plus 2 Subwoofers ) both should will be "cheaper" alternative to AX360/AXpro .....and AX400 support Wii too .

Hello,I don't have exact pricing yet, but the AX720 will be a lower cost alternative to the AX Pro. It will be very similar in terms of functionality, but instead of using true 5.1 surround sound it will use 2-speakers and use Dolby Headphone for virtual surround sound. The AX400 will be similar, but wireless. However, at this time I'm not sure if the AX400 will support mic functionality with the PS3 (we're working on that). The AX720 should be out by Q3 and the AX400 will drop Q3 or Q4. Thanks!

http://boardsus.playstation.com/play...ending&page=29



TRITTON To Unveil Two New Gaming Heaphones At E3

When it comes to high-quality gaming headsets, TRITTON Technologies' AX line of Dolby-powered 5.1 surround sound headphones is right at the top of the list. So when it comes to new additions to the critically praised line of ear-pleasers, it only makes sense to reveal them at a massive gaming event. If only there were just such an event coming up soon... That’s right TRITTON fans. Two new headphones will be on display at this year’s E3, and given the company’s track record for churning out quality products, audiophilic gamers everywhere have a lot to be excited about. The first headset is the AX 720, which kicks up the Dolby goodness to the next level thanks to the inclusion of Dolby Digital Headphone technology, inline audio controls and a separate control for chat volume. It also sports USB microphone support for PS3, PC and Mac, Xbox Live voice compatibility and a breakaway cable for MP3 player and/or iPhone support. The other is the AX 400, a new Dolby Headphone-powered wireless headset. The Wii-compatible headphones pack the same audio punch as the AX 720, minus the in-line audio controls obviously. Plus, no wires means you're free to dive around your living room, as you act out the in-game action, without having to sacrifice audio quality. Sweet deal. And just to show how confident they are in their products, TRITTON will be holding a competition at their E3 booth where attendees will be able to test out and then judge headsets from various companies in an all-out, goes-to-11, audio battle royal. To find out who wins the “TRITTON Challenge”, be sure to tune into G4’s E3 ’09 coverage starting June 1. Anyone out there got a pair of these bad boys?

http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/69...nes-At-E3.html

[Totobeni]

AX400 for Wii ( Dolby Headphone )

[IMG]http://i40.************/14b16ja.jpg[/IMG]

should be under $100

[BruceLeeRoy]

Hey guys,
I just got a email from NewEgg that the TRITTON AX PRO's are on sale.
Original Price: $179.99
You Save: $40.00
Free Shipping*
Your Price: $139.99

Awesome price way cheaper than when I got mine :(

[TheKurgan]

Sorry for the bump but I am thinking of picking up a pair of Senn HD-555 for late night gaming or movie watching while the wife and kids are asleep (Amazon has them on sale for under $100us). My setup would be 360/PS3 - Toslink/HDMI - Yamaha 2600 - HD555.

Couple of questions:
With this setup do I still need to get an AMP like the SU-DH1, or would my receiver be sufficient?
Are HD-555 still the best sub $100 option for gaming/movie headphones?

[firen]

I am in the market for a pair of headphones.

I was wondering if 5.1 surround sound headphones are worth it. Or can I just get a regular pair and use an adapter. Is there a major difference? Can I use the 5.1 headphones for my iPod. Any special recommendations? So far it seems Audio Technica ATH-A700 or TRITTON AX Pro Dolby Digital 5.1 are good options.

Help me gaf!

[usea]

Sorry for the bump but I am thinking of picking up a pair of Senn HD-555 for late night gaming or movie watching while the wife and kids are asleep (Amazon has them on sale for under $100us). My setup would be 360/PS3 - Toslink/HDMI - Yamaha 2600 - HD555. Couple of questions: With this setup do I still need to get an AMP like the SU-DH1, or would my receiver be sufficient? Are HD-555 still the best sub $100 option for gaming/movie headphones?

I realize this is weeks late, but you know that the hd-555 are open right? As in, they don't block any sound from the outside, and if your volume is anything above quiet other people around you will be able to hear it.

If you're OK with that, then yes they are really excellent headphones. If you're not OK with it, you might want to consider the hd 280s. And no, you won't need an amp.

[Zaptruder]

I have the A40. When I first got it I was upset because it didn't seem to do much for me. So I unplugged it and tried my headphones again without it. I promptly plugged it back in and have been loving it ever since :)

The truth about the A40 is that it hacks your sound port and decreases the sound quality permanently the instant you plug it in. The only way to get the original sound quality back is by leaving it in.

[firen]

I am in the market for a pair of headphones. I was wondering if 5.1 surround sound headphones are worth it. Or can I just get a regular pair and use an adapter. Is there a major difference? Can I use the 5.1 headphones for my iPod. Any special recommendations? So far it seems Audio Technica ATH-A700 or TRITTON AX Pro Dolby Digital 5.1 are good options. Help me gaf!

Nevermind. Ordered the Tritton Ax on NewEgg.

[SapientWolf]

Astro Gaming's A40 mixamp is a better option if you can get if from the UK. The A40 uses the newest Dolby Headphone chipset, which the JVC uses an older chipset. The makes quite a bit of difference. I use the A40 for console gaming and even though it doesn't have support for DTS, the one downfall of the A40, it doesn't really matter since the perferred standard in console games are Dolby Digital. Games like Uncharted that support DTS still have support for Dolby Digtial and out of the 30 ~ 40 PS3 games I have all have Dolby Digital Support where as only 2 or 3 have DTS support. If you do go with the A40 make sure to get the rechargable battery. Find a cheap digital/optical cable, TSOlink cable, and hook up your A40 that way. You won't find a much better experience for headphones and gaming on a console.

This. AD700's and an A40 are almost as good as 5.1 speakers.

[Rapping Granny]

Hey guys.

I am in the market for my first gaming headphones and I am on a budget, has to be sub $100, and I am using it for the PS3.

What do you guys reccomend, I don't know what's the difference between 5.1 and the other shit.

Thanks.

[DragoNZ DZ]

I just ordered the A40 mixamp + headphones (figuring that even if i found them disappointing, that I'd be able to sell the headphones for a reasonable amount)

So I see that these AD700s are being sold by two companies through amazon. At like 50- 70% off (which puts them as low as $77), yeah.... not sure I want to touch that.

In the event I decide to pick 'em up, any specific place I should look to do so at?

Oh, and what's that velcro-on mic I've heard of?

[sweetvar26]

Turtle Beach announced their new Headset which is supposed to have a 7.1 Channel, i never used any of these Headsets before but i am looking for a one so that i don't disturb my room mates.

http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/20512/...eless-Headset/

[Captain N]

I'm looking for a pair of 5.1 Headphones for use with the PS3. I usually just play games with the sound all the way off because my wife thinks it'll wake the baby.

any suggestions? I'd love one with a long cord.

[Tom Penny]

5.1 headphones = gimmick

[SapientWolf]

I just ordered the A40 mixamp + headphones (figuring that even if i found them disappointing, that I'd be able to sell the headphones for a reasonable amount) So I see that these AD700s are being sold by two companies through amazon. At like 50- 70% off (which puts them as low as $77), yeah.... not sure I want to touch that. In the event I decide to pick 'em up, any specific place I should look to do so at? Oh, and what's that velcro-on mic I've heard of?

?

They usually run for $90 so $77 is a good deal if they don't stick you on the shipping. I've also heard good things about the Sennheiser HD555 but I've personally never tried them.

[Eric WK]

Just splurged for the Astro Gaming A40s plus MixAmp instead of going the Turtle Beach or Tritton route. Hope they're worth the extra ninety bucks or so.

[chrisisawesome]

Just splurged for the Astro Gaming A40s plus MixAmp instead of going the Turtle Beach or Tritton route. Hope they're worth the extra ninety bucks or so.

I originally bought the Tritton ax360's and was incredibly dissapointed. Luckily I was able to sell them. I bought the Astro mixamp to use with my AKG k240 studio's and its simply night and day. The difference in sound with the 5.1 the Astro's produce is amazing and worth every penny.

[kpeezy]

5.1 headphones = gimmick

Yep.

The first page of this thread is still very relevant. Surround sound headphones are gimmicky and you will be better off buying nice stereo headphones. Sennheiser has always been my favorite for games because of the presentation...

People should go back and read the first page... it's still good.

[Wormdundee]

I have Medusa NX 5.1 headphones and I don't get how it's a gimmick. I can clearly tell when the sound is behind me, beside me, or in front of me. The woofer is also a nice bonus. Sound is coming from an X-Fi card. Plus, it feels fantastic on the ears.

I'm guessing it would sound better if I bought 350 dollar headphones of course, but it seems like a good deal for 100 dollars.

I should specify that I wanted a headset so don't get all up in here with your Sennheiser 595s.

[mousepad42]

I've been canvasing the internet for a new headset. Specifically one that's comfortable when wearing a pair of glasses.

[abstemious]

Duly noted, its a little too pricey for me to jump in atm but if anyone knows of stockists based in the UK then I'm all ears.

I got mine from here. They are the only supplier in the UK I think.

[Variable]

On a side note, how can I hook up some headphones to my TV that has my PS3 and Xbox360 hooked into it via HDMI?

[catapult37]

Based on the recommendations in this thread, I've put the SU-DH1 on the top of my Christmas list, along with a pair of Sennheiser 555s. Then I discovered what "open-air" means! The whole reason I'm using headphones is because my wife is writing her dissertation on the couch across from me when I'm gaming. Does anyone have a good CLOSED alternative to the 555s? Similar price range (~ $100), good soundstage, good for Dolby Headphone as well as music?

[Dark Octave]

Yep. The first page of this thread is still very relevant. Surround sound headphones are gimmicky and you will be better off buying nice stereo headphones. Sennheiser has always been my favorite for games because of the presentation... People should go back and read the first page... it's still good.

This is what I needed to hear. I read the whole page but it's two years old so I jumped here to see if anything has changed. My surround sound is on it's last legs and my GF constantly "reminds" me to turn it down because she works from home.

So to keep us from killing each other I am interested in that JVC SU-DH1 box that goes between the console and headphones. How would you hook it up to the 360, USB?

[rbenchley]

Based on the recommendations in this thread, I've put the SU-DH1 on the top of my Christmas list, along with a pair of Sennheiser 555s. Then I discovered what "open-air" means! The whole reason I'm using headphones is because my wife is writing her dissertation on the couch across from me when I'm gaming. Does anyone have a good CLOSED alternative to the 555s? Similar price range (~ $100), good soundstage, good for Dolby Headphone as well as music?

Audio Technica ATH-A700 ($107)
Sennheiser HD-280 ($85)
JVC HA-RX700 ($35)
JVC HA-RX900 ($55)
The RX700 and RX900 compare pretty favorably to the Audio Technica A700 and A900 and are quite a bit cheaper. If you're looking for information on quality headphones, you should really check out http://www.head-fi.org

[Spinning Plates]

I am interested in that JVC SU-DH1 box that goes between the console and headphones. How would you hook it up to the 360, USB?

No powering it via USB and this thing will guzzle batteries therefore your better off importing the japanese version (Victor). Why? Because it has a power adaptor input whereas the US one doesn't.

[faceless007]

Any lead on where I could import the Japanese one to the U.S.?

A true 5.1 system would be nice but I need something I can use to play at night when everyone else is asleep.

[Akia]

I'm using A40 that are connected to my PS360 through toslink digital, my PC through a 3.5mm audio cable and finally out to my Sen555s.

I love my current setup, it made playing through Uncharted 1 and 2 for the first time an amazing experience.

[Spinning Plates]

Any lead on where I could import the Japanese one to the U.S.?

http://bluetin.com/catalog/victor-jv...ffeaa1a18282f7

http://www.audiocubes.com/product_in...oducts_id=1633

A power adaptor that is 3v/500ma/centre positive/jack size 1.7mm should work.

I got the AC-MZR55 power adaptor and the AC-E30HG / AC-ES305 should work too. Those were all originally for Sony Personal Minidisc Players. Remember those. :D

[jmoe316]

I see Tritton released a new Best Buy US exclusive AX 720 that has Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic II for 129.99.

Any comments? I am in Canada and have nop way to get them up here. I'll be in the US in a few months and am thinking about picking those up.

Just read above that AX 720 isn't true 5.1 where as the AXPro is? But I've read 720 has better sound quality than AXPro plus less wires... hmmm

[Commanche Raisin Toast]

i'm doubting that anyone calling 5.1 headphones a gimmick have actually used true 5.1 headphones, like the AX360, as opposed to simulated 5.1.

i have a pair of AX360 headphones and they are amazing. i get all of the "im at my rich friends house with his awesome surround sound cranked loud" without having to wake up my room mates. the rumble feature is pretty cool, the sounds are extremely crisp, works with optical from my PS3, and the surround sound work extremely well.

as i said, it SOUNDS like i am in a room with surround sound, except wearing ear muffs.

if you just want some headphones for your gaming consoles though, try the cheaper models from Tritton. they have some decent features and at least simulate some surround sound to a degree. as said before, the new models work with wii too. (rca input)

[d0c_zaius]

i'm doubting that anyone calling 5.1 headphones a gimmick have actually used true 5.1 headphones, like the AX360, as opposed to simulated 5.1. i have a pair of AX360 headphones and they are amazing. i get all of the "im at my rich friends house with his awesome surround sound cranked loud" without having to wake up my room mates. the rumble feature is pretty cool, the sounds are extremely crisp, works with optical from my PS3, and the surround sound work extremely well. as i said, it SOUNDS like i am in a room with surround sound, except wearing ear muffs. if you just want some headphones for your gaming consoles though, try the cheaper models from Tritton. they have some decent features and at least simulate some surround sound to a degree. as said before, the new models work with wii too. (rca input)

This is accurate. My AX360s, while being headphones, give a accurate feel for 5.1, especially with the right game. Im looking forward to playing Bioshock with positional audio.

[Dark Octave]

I'm in Best Buy right now. Nobody has ever heard of this type of device.

[RS4-]

I'm torn between the AX360s and the Astros; it didn't help that I've read mixed reactions from both on various sites like AVS and here on GAF.

If I get the Astro amp alone, I still have to pick up a pai of headphones lol.

[Spinning Plates]

Get the MixAmp and Turtle Beach HPX's or AD700's

The MLGPro Tech Forum is another good place to learn what is best out there.

I have never heard the AX360's but you guys make it sound like it is the Smyth SVS Realiser which it isn't.

Companies like Turtle Beach and Tritton that started off making 5.1 headsets have now moved on to using Dolby Headphone processing in tandem with their stereo headsets.