5.1 Headphones
Legionnaired
Join Date: 2002-04-30 Member: 552Members, Constellation
Join Date: 2002-04-30 Member: 552Members, Constellation
in Off-Topic
<div class="IPBDescription">Zalman, or I/O Magic Sound Assault?</div> Right, so I just ordered a computer with a 5.1 sound card built in, and I've decided I'm in the market for a nice pair of 5.1 Headphones.
The only ones I can find are either the Zalman Theatre 6's, or the I/O Magic Sound Assaults.
THere's a ton of Reviews for the Zalmans, which say that they're good, but need some tweaking to play music well. However, there's only one review for the I/O Magic sound assaults, anywhere on the whole internet, but it gives a pretty glowing review.
The I/O Magic set has a separate Amp with volume adjustments, and it's also cheaper than the Zalman set by a good 10 bucks. However, it's lack of reviews is worrying. Anyone have any experience with either of the two systems?
The only ones I can find are either the Zalman Theatre 6's, or the I/O Magic Sound Assaults.
THere's a ton of Reviews for the Zalmans, which say that they're good, but need some tweaking to play music well. However, there's only one review for the I/O Magic sound assaults, anywhere on the whole internet, but it gives a pretty glowing review.
The I/O Magic set has a separate Amp with volume adjustments, and it's also cheaper than the Zalman set by a good 10 bucks. However, it's lack of reviews is worrying. Anyone have any experience with either of the two systems?
Comments
Nope - I have a pair of the Zalman Theater 6's and they are very nice. They could use a little more padding on the headband, but that's my only (very minor) complaint. The problem is easily fixed by having them sit on your head correctly.
Also, check out newegg - they have several pairs available, including headsets as well as headphones. ^_^
Besides, 'Magic Sound Assault'... stupid name doesn't deserve to be bought.
/me sitting with Zalman on head and listens to some music
Nope - I have a pair of the Zalman Theater 6's and they are very nice. They could use a little more padding on the headband, but that's my only (very minor) complaint. The problem is easily fixed by having them sit on your head correctly.
Also, check out newegg - they have several pairs available, including headsets as well as headphones. ^_^ <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Zalmans > all
<img src='http://img295.echo.cx/img295/554/onkyo0ck.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<img src='http://img295.echo.cx/img295/554/onkyo0ck.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Nope. The zalman headphones have real surround sound - three speakers per ear. Plus, you can pick them up and carry them anywhere, even to a LAN party. ^_^
<a href='http://www.zalmanusa.com/usa/product/view.asp?idx=110' target='_blank'>http://www.zalmanusa.com/usa/product/view.asp?idx=110</a>
=D
Unless you can distinguish the various channels which you can't with headphones, it isn't real surround sound. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Unless you can distinguish the various channels which you can't with headphones, it isn't real surround sound. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
If you mean that you actually have multiple speakers each putting out a diffrent sound, then the zalman ones fall into that category. They literally have 6 diffrent speakers inside the headset, 3 over each ear. It's basically a full speaker setup, just taped to your head.
Since it is still inputting sound into the same area (read: Stereo left/right) it isn't real surround sound, you are not getting a full effect not matter what you want to believe.
It probably sounds quite nice, but doesn't even compare to a full surround sound system.
Which is why a surround sound headphone is an oxymoron.
Onboard soundcards ALWAYS sound like arse. I got fed up with mine and bought a cheapo audigy and it's a million times better. Plus it can do EAX.
--Scythe--
<!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
uuuurgh! Dont start another picture war thread!
--Scythe-- <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yeah, EAX kicks a large amount of butt. Id worked with Creative to put EAX 4.0 in DOOM 3 and it makes the game sound a lot better.
Still didn't save it from being **** though.
That said though Cyndane does have a point. 5.1 usually involves Centre, Front Left, Front Right, Back Left and Back Right. Forgive me for my ignorance, but I don't see how those headphones do it the same way. You can't here something from the front (Centre Speaker) and it probably isn't "true" 5.1.
That said however, I'm a slave to 7.1 so these headphones would be useless <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Since it is still inputting sound into the same area (read: Stereo left/right) it isn't real surround sound, you are not getting a full effect not matter what you want to believe.
It probably sounds quite nice, but doesn't even compare to a full surround sound system.
Which is why a surround sound headphone is an oxymoron.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
If I apply your argumentation to speakers, that means the following:
If I take surround sound equipment and cluster it together (like in that picture you posted), it is no longer surround sound equipment.
On a different note, what makes those headphones 5.1? I'm counting two speakers and a subwoofer/bass speaker in each earpiece. That's 4.1. They may accept 5.1 input, but the output is 4.1. At least I think it's 4.1, since spreading the bass channel across two speakers does not count as two channels.
If I apply your argumentation to speakers, that means the following:
If I take surround sound equipment and cluster it together (like in that picture you posted), it is no longer surround sound equipment.
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Perfect, I am glad you understand that now. Without having the space inbetween the speakers it no longer sounds like surround sound, because it isn't.
I am glad you agree with me hun.
So, point still stands real surround sound > fake headphone surround sound.
It boils down to doing a test. Anybody willing to donate a set of headphones to this noble cause?
It is their nature to simulate the surround sound effects, which is why some of you wish to pay uber amounts of money when all you are getting is simualted, if you wish to have real surround sound, you will need a full set up of speakers and/or am/reciever.
In addition to placing them correctly to take full advantage of the surround sound it can provide.
1. Place the left and right front speakers in an equilateral triangle with your viewing seat, closer to the viewing seat than the television is, unless you have no center channel speaker. Toe in (angle) the left and right front speakers up to 30 degrees so that most sound seems to be coming from the television.
2. If you don't have a center channel speaker, place the front speakers next to the television.
3. Place the center channel speaker close to the television - on top or in the same cabinet if possible.
4. Set up the subwoofer anywhere you have room.
5. Set up the rear speakers behind and to the sides of the viewing seat. Place them higher than the front speakers.
6. Aim the rear speakers at each other.
Extra Tips:
For accurate bass reproduction, move speakers far from the back wall and several feet from side walls. Place the subwoofer away from walls, too.
For best sound fidelity, set up the center speaker so it's at the same height as the tweeters in the front speaker cabinets.
Experiment with subwoofer placement. Look for a location that results in clean, tight bass. Ideally, you shouldn't notice that sound is coming from the subwoofer.
Experiment with speakers placed near side and rear walls.
"Home theater" is really just the combination of a good television with a good sound system.
Warnings:
Speakers placed on or near a television must be magnetically shielded.
That is why a headphone can not do it.
It isn't surround sound.
They are the cheaper alternative.