5 point earphones that are supported (and processed) by a X-Fi sound processor

[Enigma_2k4]

Hi all,

I am looking to see if there are any good surround sound earphones around that are supported by a X-Fi sound processor on the PC. So many earphones connect via USB and use their own software for sound processing, I want it to use the X-Fi which should be notably better.

Has anyone done any research in this regard of have any previous experience?

[BigWoodenSpoon]

I am of the opinion (having listened to so-called surround sound headphones) that they are inferior to tried and tested HP's

In fact for your purposes a pair of senns,  BD, Koss or any renowned pair of HP will do the job better especially as you specify that your PC will be doing the processing. In this case you want accurate reproduction of the source, any HP that has a built in surround effect will more than likely make things worse by adding to what is already there. I've dabbled with surround effects using foobar2000 via Senn HD595 with satisfying results although IMO if you're looking for post-effects, Dolby headphone is better.

My suggestion,...... stick to a trusted brand and not the fly by nights who appeal to the public's thirst for 'surround'

[Enigma_2k4]

I am of the opinion (having listened to so-called surround sound headphones) that they are inferior to tried and tested HP's

In fact for your purposes a pair of senns,  BD, Koss or any renowned pair of HP will do the job better especially as you specify that your PC will be doing the processing. In this case you want accurate reproduction of the source, any HP that has a built in surround effect will more than likely make things worse by adding to what is already there. I've dabbled with surround effects using foobar2000 via Senn HD595 with satisfying results although IMO if you're looking for post-effects, Dolby headphone is better.

My suggestion,...... stick to a trusted brand and not the fly by nights who appeal to the public's thirst for 'surround'

Thanks, I am def looking for something tried and trusted. Been burnt too many tims with cheap sound... that's why it's cheap! haha

The things is that for games, the processor is processing full 5 (or 7) point sound so it's not turning a stereo into surround, in that case I'd stick with stereo. This would be for gaming and the odd movie, but being a interested in sound i'd be irritated to death if it wasn't a good enough quality.

[BigWoodenSpoon]

The things is that for games, the processor is processing full 5 (or 7) point sound so it's not turning a stereo into surround,

In that case HP's are not suitable for you as they can never accurately reproduce a 5.1 or 6.1 sound track the way a home cinema can. I still stand by my word on rather spending your cash on a decent pair of Senns or Beyers   

[Enigma_2k4]

In that case HP's are not suitable for you as they can never accurately reproduce a 5.1 or 6.1 sound track the way a home cinema can. I still stand by my word on rather spending your cash on a decent pair of Senns or Beyers   

Ok, thanks. I'll keep that in mind.

[Timber_MG]

Zalman did a multi-driver headphone at one stage, but I cannot really see how that improves on HRTF positioning.

I second the advise on a decent pair of cans.

[BigWoodenSpoon]

Zalman did a multi-driver headphone at one stage, but I cannot really see how that improves on HRTF positioning.

I've tried them, ......................... Bollocks 

[Viagara]

I am not to sure, but was the Senn 595's not supposed to create the impression of surround sound?

[Viagara]

Correction, I was thinking of the Senn 555 and I quote from Sennheiser's website:

"The HD 555 open, dynamic stereo headphones feature a special internal surround reflector. It generates an extended, spatial sound field, making this model the ideal headphones for home cinema as well as music."

[BigWoodenSpoon]

Correction, I was thinking of the Senn 555 and I quote from Sennheiser's website:

"The HD 555 open, dynamic stereo headphones feature a special internal surround reflector. It generates an extended, spatial sound field, making this model the ideal headphones for home cinema as well as music."

True but they were not marketed specifically as a 5.1 HP like the Zalman's.

Expecting to hear accurate 5.1 from Headphones is like expecting to hear the same level of detail and resolution (you get from HP's) on loudspeakers 

[Viagara]

Expecting to hear accurate 5.1 from Headphones is like expecting to hear the same level of detail and resolution (you get from HP's) on loudspeakers 

Hmmm, you have not heard decent speakers for a long time, hey Greg

[BigWoodenSpoon]

Hmmm, you have not heard decent speakers for a long time, hey Greg

Plenty !! I'm not denying loudspeakers' capabilities, just of the opinion that HP's deliver a superior level of detail and definition. - You obviously haven't heard a good set of cans driven by a quality HP amp in a long time, hey Abe 

[Viagara]

Plenty !! I'm not denying loudspeakers' capabilities, just of the opinion that HP's deliver a superior level of detail and definition. - You obviously haven't heard a good set of cans driven by a quality HP amp in a long time, hey Abe 

Just yanking your chain LOL! Fortunately I have access to both "worlds"

Now if only we could combine the strengths of both

[BigWoodenSpoon]

Now if only we could combine the strengths of both

Try roping your Maggies to your head 

[Viagara]

Try roping your Maggies to your head 

Hmm! Can see you have been away for too long I replaced them with other speakers.