I must say that I enjoy it here. There is plenty of great information, but I have a question about something that is near and dear to me.

Although I own a PS3 and multiple games, I do not have the money to install a surround sound system, and was wondering if there are any options for surround sound headphones. Also, could I plug them into my PS3 or TV, or would I need a receiver? Thanks in advance!

Personally, I'm going for the Tritton AXPro, but there not going to be out until October:mad:...

Otherwise you could use Tritton's AX360's, but you need a separate cable to use voice chat in games. Otherwise, you could get a Turtle Beach one. They have the Ear Force X1, 3, and 4. (4 just came out, and I think it's the only one with surround sound)


Good luck (and please disregard any wrong info in there)!!!!!!:D:D:D

I've heard some great things about the Sennheiser HD-555 headphones, but other Sennheiser over-ear headphones get better reviews on CNET.COM, what's up with that?

I'm really not sure, but the 555 are really good. There are newer models, but they're much more expensive.

Do not buy "surround" headphones. They simply do not work. They are just like
added echo with multiple cheap drivers. Instead you should get a good stereo
headphones.

What do you think of the Astro A40's? Are they worth it?

What do you think of the Astro A40's? Are they worth it?

LOL, mind as well go buy Bose or Skullcandy :rolleyes:.

LOL, mind as well go buy Bose or Skullcandy :rolleyes:.

Get the Astro MixAmp and a pair of regular stereo headphones that fit in your price range. You can skip the rest of the Astro setup if you wish. I don't think I would rate the Astros the same as Bose or Skullcandy, but there are better options. Also, skip the Trittion stuff.

You should also read through this thread http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=894251

Just be careful or you'll spend more on your headphone setup than a surround setup.

Plantronics gaming headset puts a Dolby theater in your ears
Posted by Erica Ogg
August 21, 2008 4:35 AM PDT

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10021780-1.html?hhTest=1

Here's a way to have surround sound audio, but still keep it all to yourself.

Beginning later this month, peripherals maker Plantronics will start shipping its Gamecom 777 headset, which simulates 5.1 channel audio through just two channels--your left and right headphone speakers.
The headset is "open ear," so you can hear some ambient noise while listening through the headphones. The surround-sound feature can also be switched off for regular listening via the inline control, and works with any device that has a native USB port.

The Gamecom 777 set will be available at retail beginning in September for $99.

http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/bto/20080820/Gamecomheadset_540x404.jpg

Do not buy "surround" headphones. They simply do not work. They are just like
added echo with multiple cheap drivers. Instead you should get a good stereo
headphones.

I've read that people perceive positional audio with tiny movements of their head. Trouble with surround sound headphones is that the position of the speakers moves with you every time you move your head. So you can't really get positional audio from a pair of headphones.

The Astros are fantastic and highly recommended.

I have the Sennheiser RS130. Not really a "surround" headphone, but sound sources seem to move around as they should in movies and games. They're wireless too, which I didn't know I needed till I had it lol.

LOL, mind as well go buy Bose or Skullcandy :rolleyes:.
Seriously, your post offers nothing... help or advice. Thanks a bunch.
Plantronics gaming headset puts a Dolby theater in your ears
Posted by Erica Ogg
August 21, 2008 4:35 AM PDT

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10021780-1.html?hhTest=1



http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/bto/20080820/Gamecomheadset_540x404.jpg

Oh, those sound nice. I will wait for a review from CNET and various people before I check them out because I am looking for good sound quality, but thanks for the tip.

Get the Astro MixAmp and a pair of regular stereo headphones that fit in your price range. You can skip the rest of the Astro setup if you wish. I don't think I would rate the Astros the same as Bose or Skullcandy, but there are better options. Also, skip the Trittion stuff.

You should also read through this thread http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=894251

Just be careful or you'll spend more on your headphone setup than a surround setup.
What exactly does a mixamp do? In layman's terms.

I just got some Audio Technica ATH-M50s for playing with my vdrums and find them to be OUTSTANDING. I agree with the others - just buy a quality set of stereo headphones and you'll be plenty emersed. I hear details with these headphones that I've never been able to pull from my Rocket 850 7.1 setup - you won't be disappointed. I got mine on e-bay for $109 which is a great deal. Highly recommended...

I use a pair of AKG K240S headphones, and my receiver as the amp/volume control (although any half decent headphone amp would also do a great job). They turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. They provided a 98% match to my full 5.1 system in tone/seperation which is great considering they cost $100 vs the $4000 of speakers I have.

They're exceptionally comfortable. I happily play COD4 for 5+ hours and barely notice I have them on. And to top it off, the headphone cable is replaceable should it ever get dammaged.

Is there a version of Dolby Headphone that works with Lossless yet(or PCM rather)?

What exactly does a mixamp do? In layman's terms.

It adds Dolby Headphone surround processing to a digital (optical or coax) input. It also inputs the voice chat audio into the headphones if you are into multiplayer gaming. Basically you would get the MixAmp, Headphones, and a clip-on type mic ($2 at WalMart?) and you would have a surround sound gaming experience with voice chat. Astro already has a setup that includes the MixAmp, headphones with built in mic. However, with just the MixAmp you can use whatever stereo headphones that you wish and obtain similar results.

It adds Dolby Headphone surround processing to a digital (optical or coax) input. It also inputs the voice chat audio into the headphones if you are into multiplayer gaming. Basically you would get the MixAmp, Headphones, and a clip-on type mic ($2 at WalMart?) and you would have a surround sound gaming experience with voice chat. Astro already has a setup that includes the MixAmp, headphones with built in mic. However, with just the MixAmp you can use whatever stereo headphones that you wish and obtain similar results.
Aren't there much better options than the Astro A40 setup though? Well, that's what I've heard...

Aren't there much better options than the Astro A40 setup though? Well, that's what I've heard...

There's not many options for headphone amps that support Dolby Headphone, let alone ones that allow mixing in in game chat and mics.

But yes if all you want is a headphone amp, there are cheaper/better options.

Aren't there much better options than the Astro A40 setup though? Well, that's what I've heard...

Yes there are. I didn't recommend the A40 setup, but suggested a roll-your-own solution. Get the MixAmp for DH and integrated chat audio, pick out your best stereo headphone solution, and get a simple mic. There are other options for DH, but you lose the integrated chat. If you don't get the chat audio into your speakers then you are stuck with a headset under your headphone. The XBox 360 allows the chat audio via speakers, but there are many complaints of the sound being very low and pretty much worthless during play, not sure about the PS3. The MixAmp has a volume balance control that allows you to balance the game audio and the chat audio.

Now if you require wireless then you can really narrow down your selection (in a bad way).

I apologize for being so ignorant, but will other mix amps combine the audio/voice chat into one system? Also, what do you think of the Sennheiser 600's? I have heard nothing but rave reviews (while searching the internet), and found them for $220 slightly used.

Aren't there much better options than the Astro A40 setup though? Well, that's what I've heard...

Yes, like Beyers 'gamezone'.. Which uses studio quality SS effects & processing..A huge leap over DH. & A grade aviation mic..But do you want to spend close to 2 grand for them?

Do not buy "surround" headphones. They simply do not work. They are just like
added echo with multiple cheap drivers. Instead you should get a good stereo
headphones. They work as advertised, just not very good, especially the ones with one million drivers.

What do you think of the Astro A40's? Are they worth it?
Oh, yeah..

I use a pair of AKG K240S headphones, and my receiver as the amp/volume control (although any half decent headphone amp would also do a great job). They turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. They provided a 98% match to my full 5.1 system in tone/seperation which is great considering they cost $100 vs the $4000 of speakers I have.

They're exceptionally comfortable. I happily play COD4 for 5+ hours and barely notice I have them on. And to top it off, the headphone cable is replaceable should it ever get dammaged.
I wish more people would realize this.. If you want stellar SQ & on a small budget, quality headphones are the ONLY WAY TO GO!

I apologize for being so ignorant, but will other mix amps combine the audio/voice chat into one system? Also, what do you think of the Sennheiser 600's? I have heard nothing but rave reviews (while searching the internet), and found them for $220 slightly used.
The mix amp is suited for low OHM headphones.. The 600's are stellar, but lack colorization, (Think adding DNR & EE to movies, to help 'improve' the picture:cool:) is more neutral, & is far from bass heavy.. They are studio monitoring cans, first & fore most..

Are receivers designed for ANY headphone, not just low OHM ones?

Are receivers designed for ANY headphone, not just low OHM ones?

There are some receivers that have a discrete headphone amp section.. Specifically made for audiophile type SQ through headphones.. Most receivers just put the headphone out as a ad on..So it's not that great. Although some can be surprisingly good.. The headphone jack on my Yamaha has impressed me.. Not better then my expensive headphone amps, but for a receiver, it's quite good.. & seems to have plenty of drive.. A lot of the better receivers can drive high OHM fairly well.. My Sexetts are 600 OHM, & my receiver does a decent job at driving them.. Not nearly as good as the HR-2 headphone amp, but that retails for 875.00..:rolleyes: & no, it's not 875.00 better.. Diminishing returns hit really quick in audio.. At certain price points you are trying to obtain the last 5%-10%, & a different sound, then looking for a night & day difference..

There is a huge thread on headphones and everything else you could want to know over in the Xbox area.

There is a huge thread on headphones and everything else you could want to know over in the Xbox area.

X-box area..everything you want to know about headphones....:confused:

Yeah ok...I'll stick with this site
http://www.head-fi.org/

X-box area..everything you want to know about headphones....:confused:

Yeah ok...I'll stick with this site
http://www.head-fi.org/

Everything you want to know about headphones as related to gaming. Head-fi doesn't seem to focus much one the gaming side of things. However, using both sites would give you what you are looking for.

Haven't been able to spend a huge amount of time with yet, but I can definitely say that my initial impressions are very positive.

The packaging, and this is hard to describe without experiencing it in person, is truly stellar. It's almost like you've bought something from Tiffany's...

They pack-in virtually every cable you could ever need except for the crucial digital audio cable, but no big deal there.

Set-up was a little confusing, but the manuals are well-done, and surprisingly quite funny. They did an excellent job writing those.

Build-quality seems to be high, was a little concerned on that front.

Performance wise, I'm coming from some entry-level Denon's powered by my receiver's headphone out. The Astro's are a major step up from those, especially in terms of bass.

These might not be the best headphones out there, but for me, a clear upgrade in terms of dynamic range, which is welcomed.

As for the mix-amp, I had feared the Dolby processing would be gimmicky. I was wrong. It is really very impressive, much more so with a 5.1 source than a 2.0 source, but that's to be expected.

I fired up GTA4 for some testing, and when I walked out on the sidewalk, I was overhearing a conversation taking place, but the sound was only coming from my left earphone. I actually took off my headphones to inspect them and make sure nothing was wrong.

I then looked around in the game and realized the conversation I was overhearing was on my left and the DH processing was working.

Directionality FTW!

I'll post some additional thoughts as I spend some more time with them...

I also tried the mixamp with my old cans and the DH processing did wonders with them too.

The overall performance is excellent if you can swing the cost.

I've read that people perceive positional audio with tiny movements of their head. Trouble with surround sound headphones is that the position of the speakers moves with you every time you move your head. So you can't really get positional audio from a pair of headphones.
I once had a set of quadraphonic headphones that worked pretty well. They were older than I was. :D

I used them with a 1960s era quadraphonic tube amp. It caught on fire once. After putting the fire out and fixing the short, it still worked fine. I'd like to see some transistor based job do that! :eek:

Headphones destroy your hearing. Also, subbass isn't very good when using headphones.

Headphones destroy your hearing. Also, subbass isn't very good when using headphones.

Thanks for the info. I'm selling all my headphones now.

Headphones destroy your hearing. Also, subbass isn't very good when using headphones.

Ignorant post destroys our intelligence.

Headphones destroy your hearing. Also, subbass isn't very good when using headphones.

Dumbest post of the day award goes too....

And Subbass shouldnt be very good with headphones,because NOBODY can hear subbass. You only feel it, and you need big drivers (speakers) and mega watts to get it. Go crawl back under that rock.

Dumbest post of the day award goes too....

And Subbass shouldnt be very good with headphones,because NOBODY can hear subbass. You only feel it, and you need big drivers (speakers) and mega watts to get it. Go crawl back under that rock.
shakers (aka transducers) ftw. :D

Haven't been able to spend a huge amount of time with yet, but I can definitely say that my initial impressions are very positive.

The packaging, and this is hard to describe without experiencing it in person, is truly stellar. It's almost like you've bought something from Tiffany's...

They pack-in virtually every cable you could ever need except for the crucial digital audio cable, but no big deal there.

Set-up was a little confusing, but the manuals are well-done, and surprisingly quite funny. They did an excellent job writing those.

Build-quality seems to be high, was a little concerned on that front.

Performance wise, I'm coming from some entry-level Denon's powered by my receiver's headphone out. The Astro's are a major step up from those, especially in terms of bass.

These might not be the best headphones out there, but for me, a clear upgrade in terms of dynamic range, which is welcomed.

As for the mix-amp, I had feared the Dolby processing would be gimmicky. I was wrong. It is really very impressive, much more so with a 5.1 source than a 2.0 source, but that's to be expected.

I fired up GTA4 for some testing, and when I walked out on the sidewalk, I was overhearing a conversation taking place, but the sound was only coming from my left earphone. I actually took off my headphones to inspect them and make sure nothing was wrong.

I then looked around in the game and realized the conversation I was overhearing was on my left and the DH processing was working.

Directionality FTW!

I'll post some additional thoughts as I spend some more time with them...

I also tried the mixamp with my old cans and the DH processing did wonders with them too.

The overall performance is excellent if you can swing the cost.

Oh, nice! Does anyone know if a Yamaha V661 would do this aswell?

Oh, nice! Does anyone know if a Yamaha V661 would do this aswell?
The Astro's use DH.. The 661 uses Silent Cinema.. DH is a bit more spacious & a little better seperation.. Silent cinema has better imaging, better forward presentation, & the left to right depth is superior.. Pin pointing targets is a bit more accurate.. & with HDMI you get the best digital connection on the planet.. The 661's DSP can be modified to your preference.. & isn't limited to 44/16 bit audio..

I A/B both & came to this conclusion... I sold my HK 146 that has DH & kept my Yamaha V1800...

Struggling with how to integrate the mixamp in with the ps3.

To other Astro owners out there, which are you finding to be superior:

1) DD5.1 via toslink to the mixamp & DH then applied

or

2) LPCM 2.0 via hdmi to your receiver and then the mixamp applying DPLII to the LPCM

??

Struggling with how to integrate the mixamp in with the ps3.

To other Astro owners out there, which are you finding to be superior:

1) DD5.1 via toslink to the mixamp & DH then applied

or

2) LPCM 2.0 via hdmi to your receiver and then the mixamp applying DPLII to the LPCM

??

My receiver will not output Optical via any HDMI input (Onkyo 805). It must be Optical or Coax in to Optical out. HDMI in only allows for HDMI out or analog stereo via the headphone jack.

I have both an HDMI and Optical cable connected to the PS3. When I use the MixAmp I have to go into the PS3 settings and switch from HDMI to Optical and switch my receiver to CD (where I have the PS3 optical input). This leaves the HDMI video signal on and allows Optical audio output. It is a pain, but I minimized it by added a button to my Harmony called Headphone Mode in the PS3 activity which switches to the CD audio input. I still have to navigate the XMB to change from HDMI.

If Sony would allow simultanious HDMI and Optical output then it would be a non-issue.