Looking for a good headset (5.1 / 7.1) for PC/360/PS3....wireless would be great

I'm looking at $100+ set with a mic and DD 5.1+ that works for PC/PS3/360....and like I said wireless would be nice too.

Anyone know of a good set? No more than $150

We don't like wireless, as it will cost you an arm and a leg, while producing a very average sound. What's common here is something like this:

• Sennheiser HD555 - Headphone - $85 (Amazon)
• Zalman Zm-Mic1 - Clip on Microphone - $13 (Amazon)
• Bravo V2 Tube Amp- Headphone Amplifier - $30 to $50 (Bravo Ebay Store)

To use the microphone with the PS3 you will need a USB-3.5mm like this one for $0.09

And to use the microphone with the Xbox 360 controller you will need an adaptor like this one for $1.94

If you must have wireless, don't cheap out on it and don't get something from an off-brand. Get it from Sennheiser or another reputable company. Otherwise what was stated above is perfect. I'd suggest a cheap ASUS Xonar DG also for PC but thats just me.

Nvidiati, I'm interested in trying a similar set up. My Astro A40s recently bit the dust and I'd like to replace them. My amp from that is still functioning (http://www.astrogaming.com/mixamp/mixamp-usb), do you know if it will be good with the Sennheiser headphone and Zalman mic? cszero

We don't like wireless, as it will cost you an arm and a leg, while producing a very average sound. What's common here is something like this:

• Sennheiser HD555 - Headphone - $85 (Amazon)
• Zalman Zm-Mic1 - Clip on Microphone - $13 (Amazon)
• Bravo V2 Tube Amp- Headphone Amplifier - $30 to $50 (Bravo Ebay Store)

To use the microphone with the PS3 you will need a USB-3.5mm like this one for $0.09

And to use the microphone with the Xbox 360 controller you will need an adaptor like this one for $1.94

NVIDIATI

What about this headset?

http://mature-gaming.com/topstory/turtle-beach-earforce-dpx-21-headset-reviewed-ps3-360-pc/

Well my last post was deleted for whatever reason...I'm sure I will get some kind of warning over something reallt stupid but whatever.

Anyway, what about this set?

http://www.turtlebeach.com/products/ps3-gaming-headsets/ear-force-dpx21.aspx

Turtle Beach/Astro/Plantronics/Creative/Tritton/any other gaming headset = big no no. Their sound quality is horrid.

Turtle Beach/Astro/Plantronics/Creative/Tritton/any other gaming headset = big no no. Their sound quality is horrid.

ChubbyGuy40

Really? This Tritton has gotten rave reviews about it's SQ.

http://www.trittonusa.com/index.php/products/gaming_audio_technology/ax-720/

[QUOTE="ChubbyGuy40"]

Turtle Beach/Astro/Plantronics/Creative/Tritton/any other gaming headset = big no no. Their sound quality is horrid.

BSC14

Really? This Tritton has gotten rave reviews about it's SQ.

http://www.trittonusa.com/index.php/products/gaming_audio_technology/ax-720/

Who would you rather trust? Audiophile websites, or reviews from gaming websites/magazines that have no experience in audio?

[QUOTE="NVIDIATI"]

We don't like wireless, as it will cost you an arm and a leg, while producing a very average sound. What's common here is something like this:

• Sennheiser HD555 - Headphone - $85 (Amazon)
• Zalman Zm-Mic1 - Clip on Microphone - $13 (Amazon)
• Bravo V2 Tube Amp- Headphone Amplifier - $30 to $50 (Bravo Ebay Store)

To use the microphone with the PS3 you will need a USB-3.5mm like this one for $0.09

And to use the microphone with the Xbox 360 controller you will need an adaptor like this one for $1.94

grenadedodger

Nvidia, I have to disagree with you. Not that the HD555's are a great sounding set of headphones because they are. But for positional audio whilst gaming I personally think (and I know it is very much a matter of opinion) that a 5.1 decoder does make a lot of difference. Yes I completely agree that for music your set up will blow a "gaming" set up out of the water, but, I don't think it will for games, at least when it comes to positioning and depth.

@BSC14. A lot of people don't like either Tritton or Turtle Beach and think they aren't worth the material they're made out of. However others, including a lot of reviewers think they are great. For your budget I think you would be happy with either, the DPX21's are newer though so maybe have a look at them (also the Trittons can be a bit delicate, especially round the mic). Also it is worth noting that both headsets you mention are using 1 driver per cup and the Dolby headphone algorithm to simulate surround sound, it is very clever tech and is what the Astro Mixamp uses, however some people cannot hear it properly. You can pretty easily find a test on the net to let you know if you can hear it properly or not. Another 2 you should maybe have a look at if you want "true" surround sound out of a pair of headphones is either the Tritton AxPro or more realistically the Sharkoon X-Tatic V3's (they are basically the same headset but with different manufacturers and thus look different).

Nvidia, I have to disagree with you. Not that the HD555's are a great sounding set of headphones because they are. But for positional audio whilst gaming I personally think (and I know it is very much a matter of opinion) that a 5.1 decoder does make a lot of difference. Yes I completely agree that for music your set up will blow a "gaming" set up out of the water, but, I don't think it will for games, at least when it comes to positioning and depth.

@BSC14. A lot of people don't like either Tritton or Turtle Beach and think they aren't worth the material they're made out of. However others, including a lot of reviewers think they are great. For your budget I think you would be happy with either, the DPX21's are newer though so maybe have a look at them (also the Trittons can be a bit delicate, especially round the mic). Also it is worth noting that both headsets you mention are using 1 driver per cup and the Dolby headphone algorithm to simulate surround sound, it is very clever tech and is what the Astro Mixamp uses, however some people cannot hear it properly. You can pretty easily find a test on the net to let you know if you can hear it properly or not. Another 2 you should maybe have a look at if you want "true" surround sound out of a pair of headphones is either the Tritton AxPro or more realistically the Sharkoon X-Tatic V3's (they are basically the same headset but with different manufacturers and thus look different).

grenadedodger

The Tritton Pros are what I'm leaning towards at the moment.

Nvidia, I have to disagree with you. Not that the HD555's are a great sounding set of headphones because they are. But for positional audio whilst gaming I personally think (and I know it is very much a matter of opinion) that a 5.1 decoder does make a lot of difference. Yes I completely agree that for music your set up will blow a "gaming" set up out of the water, but, I don't think it will for games, at least when it comes to positioning and depth.

@BSC14. A lot of people don't like either Tritton or Turtle Beach and think they aren't worth the material they're made out of. However others, including a lot of reviewers think they are great. For your budget I think you would be happy with either, the DPX21's are newer though so maybe have a look at them (also the Trittons can be a bit delicate, especially round the mic). Also it is worth noting that both headsets you mention are using 1 driver per cup and the Dolby headphone algorithm to simulate surround sound, it is very clever tech and is what the Astro Mixamp uses, however some people cannot hear it properly. You can pretty easily find a test on the net to let you know if you can hear it properly or not. Another 2 you should maybe have a look at if you want "true" surround sound out of a pair of headphones is either the Tritton AxPro or more realistically the Sharkoon X-Tatic V3's (they are basically the same headset but with different manufacturers and thus look different).

grenadedodger

They will beat out gaming headsets. A good stereo source is all you need as downmixers can cause distortions, loss of quality, and off-positional cues. Even games as old as WoW and CSS have great stereo positioning. The sound quality alone is enough to not get a gaming headset.

Of course those reviewers think they're great. They don't know any better. Trittons and Turtle Beaches are complete ass. Build quality is very cheap plastic. Ear pads are very low grade faux leather (if thats what it even is.) They are not better for gaming. They are cheaply made headsets that are marked higher because of gamer tax. I had the Tritton AX360. Thought they were great, until I get the HD555s. Its no comparison, the HD555s obliterate them in every way.

Look at it this way: You can either get an awesome pair of headphones for movies, video games, and music, or you can get a great headset designed specifically for reproducing spacial - not special, spacial - effects. You'll probably be happy either way, to be honest, but I personally would prefer a pair of quality headphones to one specific to gaming.

Regardless, be sure to purchase from a quality retailer so you have the option of returning or exchanging them if you're dissatisfied.

Good luck,

Boz

@BSC14 - I used to have the sharkoons, same headset different colour scheme, have to say I loved them. Good thing as well is even if the headset did everbreak you still have the decoder so you can pair it to a better set of headphones like some HPA2's (or even upgrade if you fancied, only cost you about £60). As Boz said though, make sure you get them from somewhere reputable.

Look at it this way: You can either get an awesome pair of headphones for movies, video games, and music, or you can get a great headset designed specifically for reproducing spacial - not special, spacial - effects. You'll probably be happy either way, to be honest, but I personally would prefer a pair of quality headphones to one specific to gaming.

Regardless, be sure to purchase from a quality retailer so you have the option of returning or exchanging them if you're dissatisfied.

Bozanimal

I just picked up the Tritton AX-Pros from Best Buy and the warranty.

I'm no audiophile butI think I know decentSQ vs bad SQ. For music I use a Cowon S9 and a pair of Sony earbuds (MDR-EX300 not the best but pretty decent imo) and in my opinion it sounds great. When I use my phone or some other music player there is an obvious difference in SQ. Point is that if the AX-pros don't perform I will know...I think.

These will be for games and games alone so I'm not too worried about music.

well I tried them out...not sure what I think just yet.

The 5.1 is really good but the SQ is not worth the price tag imo. If these were not 5.1 I would have to say they would be a $65-70 set but the 5.1 is what makes them.

Not sure if I will hang on to them or not...gonna use them for a bit tonight and then I will decide. :)

If I decide to take these back what would be a good pick. I don't want to order online but I have bestbuy and Frys close by.

In the $200 range btw...

I can find you a pair of headphones. Cannot find an amp, mic, and adapter needed for cross-platform usage though from Best Buy or Frys.

If I decide to take these back what would be a good pick. I don't want to order online but I have bestbuy and Frys close by.

In the $200 range btw...

BSC14

I think i might pick up anothet pair and take back the ones I like least.

I have to say though the 5.1 works really well with the Tritton's and the base is pretty nice too. But I want to try another pair just in case I end up liking the better sound more than the 5.1 with decent sound.

What about this : Turtle Beach - Ear Force DSS 7.1-Channel Dolby Surround

With a different headset?

You can't use any headset with PS3 can you? With this it has to plug into USB....I wonder if I can plug it directly into my PS3 then attach my headset that I'm going to pick up?

Whast do you think?

I think i might pick up anothet pair and take back the ones I like least.

I have to say though the 5.1 works really well with the Tritton's and the base is pretty nice too. But I want to try another pair just in case I end up liking the better sound more than the 5.1 with decent sound.

BSC14

Just saying, Trittons have next to no real bass. Its all boom and another cheap magnet that rattles more than it puts out any sound. Same with the Turtle Beaches I had.

What about this : Turtle Beach - Ear Force DSS 7.1-Channel Dolby Surround

With a different headset?

You can't use any headset with PS3 can you? With this it has to plug into USB....I wonder if I can plug it directly into my PS3 then attach my headset that I'm going to pick up?

Whast do you think?

BSC14

PS3 will not output sound via usb. It will accept the mic though. 360 won't work either.

[QUOTE="BSC14"]

What about this : Turtle Beach - Ear Force DSS 7.1-Channel Dolby Surround

With a different headset?

You can't use any headset with PS3 can you? With this it has to plug into USB....I wonder if I can plug it directly into my PS3 then attach my headset that I'm going to pick up?

Whast do you think?

ChubbyGuy40

PS3 will not output sound via usb. It will accept the mic though. 360 won't work either.

I think it will...look at this pic.

EDIT: well it's using optical + USB for the mic so yeah..

IMO Dolby headphone is not that great. Still would take stereo anyday. I'm just too lazy to change the settings with my PS3.

IMO Dolby headphone is not that great. Still would take stereo anyday. I'm just too lazy to change the settings with my PS3.

ChubbyGuy40

But this would also allow me to connect a pc/usb headset to my ps3 or 360.

So this + a decent headset might be a good option....

So today I picked up the TB dpx21's.

Wow, the Trittons are so much better.....not impressed with the TBs.

So today I picked up the TB dpx21's.

Wow, the Trittons are so much better.....not impressed with the TBs.

BSC14

Tried to tell you :P Very uncomfortable and very weak sound with a hollow echo. Its like that even with their top model.

Well I figured I would try'em out but man....makes the Trittons sound like TOP of the line.

Well I figured I would try'em out but man....makes the Trittons sound like TOP of the line.

BSC14

Well I figured I would try'em out but man....makes the Trittons sound like TOP of the line.

Oh and the TB ones would take sounds out or even cut sounds short before they were complete...terrible.