Question about Gamming HeadSets, vs Headphones for gamming

I see alot talk and reviews of how headphones such as the Audio Technica ATD-AD900

http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD900-Audiophile-Open-air-Headphones/dp/B0006OQY2S

As well as other headphones in the FAQ are really nice for gamming since you can tell the position of your opponents and such plus they sound better. Though from a gamming standpoint I don't understand how real headphones can be superior then gamming headsets such as the Corsair Vegeliance

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-CA-9011112-WW-Vengeance-Gaming-Headset/dp/B005QUQP7G

or other gamming headsets since they actually have real 7.1 sound in the headphones so you can hear the positions of enemys. So how can headphones with only 2 channel speakers be as good or better then gamming headsets with 7.1 surround sound?

I see alot talk and reviews of how headphones such as the Audio Technica ATD-AD900

http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-AD900-Audiophile-Open-air-Headphones/dp/B0006OQY2S

As well as other headphones in the FAQ are really nice for gamming since you can tell the position of your opponents and such plus they sound better. Though from a gamming standpoint I don't understand how real headphones can be superior then gamming headsets such as the Corsair Vegeliance

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-CA-9011112-WW-Vengeance-Gaming-Headset/dp/B005QUQP7G

or other gamming headsets since they actually have real 7.1 sound in the headphones so you can hear the positions of enemys. So how can headphones with only 2 channel speakers be as good or better then gamming headsets with 7.1 surround sound?

Zaral_1

Just a heads up, the Corsair Vengeance you linked to also has 2-channel speakers, and uses simulated surround effects in order to provide a 7.1 "feel."

On another note, it's not so much positioning when comparing a true 7.1 headset to a 2-channel simulated surround headset. Rather, it's about clarity and sound quality in most cases. Whenever you have a 7.1 headset that has all the drivers in strategic locations on the headset in order to provide that effect, the positioning sometimes works really well, but at a significant cost as to how well that sound is outputted. This lack of quality is usually due to cost restraints by the manufacturer in order to drive up margins. This in turn leaves the end user with a handful of cheap drivers in their headphones that produce a level of sound quality that is severely lacking from each speaker. On the other hand, with a regular pair of headphones at a similar price, you not only are ensured you have the best drivers in your headphone to push the quality and clarity of the sound, but you are also provided a simulated surround effect that (imo) makes regular headphones more worthwhile than true 7.1 headsets.

Obviously, when it comes to deciding between the two types of headphones/headsets, it's a matter of priorities. Positioning, to some, is much more important than having the best sound quality as well. Others (like me) would rather take a slight hit in the positioning aspect in order to ensure a more immersive, realistic sound from their headphones/headsets

im impartial to my headrush.. but they arent stocked anymore. only play you can get em is the source (that i know of)

Soundcards has virtual 7.1 feature (dolby headphones or that other one cmss3d). Usb headsets are meh.

thanks ravenguard90 I didn't realize those were just 2 channel. I am an competitive FPS player in games like Battlefield 3 and Team Fortress just looking for something to gain an edge. I would think in this day and age someone would create a good true 7.1 headset. I guess I will just buy some headphones off the FAQZaral_1

thanks ravenguard90 I didn't realize those were just 2 channel. I am an competitive FPS player in games like Battlefield 3 and Team Fortress just looking for something to gain an edge. I would think in this day and age someone would create a good true 7.1 headset. I guess I will just buy some headphones off the FAQZaral_1

That's because 7.1 in a pair of headphones is quite useless. You really want a good pair of headphones because good ol' 2 channel provides just as much immersion.

What you need to know is that just having "surround" sound won't make you a better player. You have to know what to listen for.

I realize that the razer tiamat is the only true 7.1 headset and its not even out yet and who knows how good it will be. I'm still disappointed in man kind for not being able to develop a good true 7.1 headset. It's good to know simulated isn't the real thing but good headphones are good enough. thanks guysZaral_1

If you don't mind in ears than you can try custom fitted ones that have 6 drivers each ear.

link

link2

...of course though thatll cost you an arm for it.

The only bad thing about stereo that I seem to find is that a lot of games coming out these days don't put much work into their 5.1 to stereo mix-down. Since the audio designers work in 5.1 most of the time (especially when it comes to console games) you will usually want to set your soundcard outpost to 5.1, and then have your soundcard mix it into "virtual surround" (or use something like the earforce DSS if you are getting an actual dolby signal from your comp). The only recent game I've seen with a dedicated "stereo output" mode you can turn on, is Batlefield 3. I wish more games would do this.