surround sound headphones

I've been looking at a lot of headphones recently and one of the things that caught my eye were surround sound headphones. I've read there are 2 kinds ones that connect to five or six outputs or usb and others that use some kind of dolby digital driver to create surround sound. However since I've never been able to try them I was wondering if anyone can tell me if these kinds of headphones are good. Are they better than canals? Also if you could make suggestions about a good model or tell me what the difference is between the dolby and the other kind that would help immensely.
I'm looking for something to watch movies and play a few games like oblivion. Since I don't use speakers I'm willing to spend a bit more for good quality sound, but only for a noticable difference since I'm far from being an audiophile and have next to zero experience with sound cards, speakers, and head phones.

 

That doesnt make any sense. Surround sound headphones? I mean, do they have a speaker in the front and back of each ear? Sounds cool.

 

theyre probably huge!

 

Certain headphones are not able to fully utilize the surround sound feature of say a Creative Audigy sound card that would be apparent if you have 5.1 system. Currently, I have a pair of Sony headphones (not earphones) and you could hear the difference when you test the surround sound features - so yes, you can experience "surround sound" through the headphones as I can sense the sounds coming from different part of the headphones. But I am not aware of a headphone being sold as "surround sound" - it just sounds (pun ) like hype to sell the product.

 

well here are a few that I've seen.
http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/zalmanheadphonesreview.php

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref...dex=blended&keywords=surround+sound+headphone

But yeh it seemed strange to me too, so I'm trying to find someone with some experience with them that they would be willing to share. Like how do they stack up against normal headphones or midrange professional headphones or something.

 

I agree with most of the opinions posted above, and ask...why not just get insulating earbuds (like Etymotic Research ER-6i)? These earbuds insolate, and filter out all sounds so you just hear the sound/music your listening to. I mean your going to be spend alot for surround sound headphones that should have noise cancelling technology also....those earbuds seem like a better buy if you're gonig to spend alot already.

 

I have used these for about a month.
LTB USB True 5.1 Surround Sound Headphone with Microphone. They were around $80 with shipping from newegg. They sound good and will play loud enough to hurt my ears a little without distortion. I played the DVD Enemy at the Gates and it sounded like missiles were flying behind me and you can tell they have a sub woofer in each ear. Each side has a sub, front, back, and center speaker. I would buy them again.

 

APWiseman actually that's one of the questions I'm trying to find the answer to. I'm trying to find a good pair of headphones to invest in, but there are a lot of new technologies like wireless, noise cancelling, and surround sound now so I'm not sure what to get.
I know canal type headphones are the best in terms of noise cancelling vs price and are probably great with music, but I'm wondering if a pair of surround sound headphones are better at watching movies and anime or playing games.

 

Well I can answer the movie question, as my dad is a Home theater/Audiophile guy...If you watch movies more geared towards talking and ambient sounds (romance, Noir, Artsy) type films, then a 2-speaker stereo sound will create a better sound image. This is compared with equally as good DTS 5.1 amp with 5.1 speakers. The 2 speaker setup does voices and music much better and clearer. The range of Hz (frequency/sound wave stuff) is less dynamic, so a good 2 speaker system and high end amp can create those frequencies with more realness. Throw in some gun shots, tire screeches, car chases (i.e. action movies and anime) then a 5.1 will provide better projection as it will throw the sound to the direction you need it to go. You don't care about the correct loudness the gunshot is or the right tone of a tire schreech, building collapsing: you just want to be in the exact place/position the actions are occuring.

Well back on the topic, all this comparing it to headphones is tricky, and I cannot even answer this that well. Personally, I don't play alot of games anymore, and just want earphones with a clear amp that can immerse me in the listening environment and isolate me from the world (like unwinding to Stairway to Heaven or Bolero after a hard day of school). I want clear pure sound, and even though this is coming from a digital source (WAV conversion within the comp) I believe high end earphones and amps help maintain some audio authenticity to music. The surround sound issue becomes very tricky, and I question the effectiveness of a "surround sound earphone" as surround sound needs distance to work. the speakers in a 5.1 physically need space for the sound waves to back from behind to your ears, each speaker needs to control the intensity of the sound and project according to the volume of the effect (that is why 5.1s have sweet spots to set up each speaker to). Your ear to the physical earphone drive has maybe 1.5-2.0 inches top before it reaches the ear drum. How well can it control the pitch, tremble, bass, volume to immitate surround sound from a headphone...I have no clue.

Sorry for the lengthy response, just trying to clear up ambiguities in your search for the best product that will fit you.

 

I use sharkoon dynamic 5.1 with majestic driver (equalizer) and they are excellent. Much better than stereo. I use them mostly for DVD (hardware DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1 decoders on them). But stereo music is also excellent. Of course you can set it to have 2.0 or 2.1 system.

Features:
• 5.1 channel headset
• 8 speakers for perfect surround sound in Dolby Digital/DTS Digital quality
• Subwoofer with vibration
• USB audio control box
• High-end amplifier
• Automatic stereo/5.1 switching
• 4-in-1 volme control (seperate volume adjustment for each channel)

http://www.sharkoon.com/all_eng.htm

Cheers,

 

those sharkoons look interesting, but I don't think they are available in the US considering I didn't even see them being sold on e-bay or on their website.

 

Screw those 5.1 surround sound headphones. Buy a pair of Sennheiser PX100 headphones if you plan to listen to music. They're average for gaming but they use duofol layer for a crisp and sweet bass sound. They also have very large sound frequency range. The best part, they're VERY portable and will be amazing for your laptop. Google "Sennhesier px100 review" and you'll see why these are the best headphones under 50$.. They absolutely blew me away when I got them.