Best 5.1 Surround Headset Xbox/ PS3?

[Neil H]

I'm looking for a new headset as the headphones I use at the moment kill my ears after long sessions.

I'd like surround sound, compatibility with Xbox and PS3 and closed back earpieces.

Any suggestions? I really like the look of these

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Razer-Carcharias-Gaming-He...

but they're only 2.1. Looking at Amazon etc just confuses me with options.

[Raify]

I've just upgraded from turtle beach (non surround) to Tritton AX pro and the difference is amazing.

I avoided the Tritton previously because it's more expensive (normally £130, I found a used pair for £90). The quality and sound really is worth it. Buy cheap, buy twice. I should have listened to that.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0017IUFAE/ref=asc_df_B...

They're compatible with both console. Proper 5.1, digital input very comfortable.

[StormLoaded]

i've recently upgraded my TurtleBeach X41's [5.1] to a set of Astro A40's [5.1] with the wireless MixAmp (5.8).
Sound absolutely brilliant, and v.comfy for long duration gaming.

You can get the MixAmp by itself to use with other headphones as well, so get a good rating headset as Mr Pazzini has done i believe (or even just use your existing headphones for now?), couple it to your MixAmp and away you go with surround sound.

There's a fairly recent thread here somewhere with headset reviews linked that would be worth a read


eta, found the link from Pazzini : http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envy-aka-...

Edited by StormLoaded on Thursday 17th November 11:33

[Raify]

StormLoaded said:

eta, found the link from Pazzini : http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envy-aka-...

Very useful reviews, wish I'd read that before buying. He hates the Trittons, but since I'm only comparing them to the hissy Turtle beach ones I think they're great.

[andrewrob]

I'd go with the recommendations above. I've got the wired stereo turtle beach X11s which are great for the price but tried a friend's set of X41s and was disappointed with the sound quality and didn't seem a lot different to listening in stereo.

[StormLoaded]

Raify said:

Very useful reviews, wish I'd read that before buying. He hates the Trittons, but since I'm only comparing them to the hissy Turtle beach ones I think they're great.

its all a bit subjective.. i doubt i could tell the difference between most of these similar headsets to be honest.
I'd previously seen that review before buying my A40s but still bought them.. despite his personal view of the Astro's being .. well, not very good!

The Sennheiser are the ones i think Pazz has coupled to his MixAmp .. so that's probably the best setup going on that review.
[quote]
Sennheiser PC360 (ADDED 1/21/2011)

JUST GET IT NOW. Seriously, if you want a headset, don't even think twice. Get it. NAO. Easily the best headset I have heard. THE BEST.

[Neil H]

Very useful link, I may investigate the Sennheisers as I have a few sets of their headphones already and I always like them. I guess surround on headphones isn't necessary then?

[swiftpete]

Well headphones only simulate surround, none of them are actually 5.1. How would they fit the sub in? On one side? If you want some decent quality headphones, then get some grado sr60i.

[Steve Evil]

swiftpete said:

Well headphones only simulate surround, none of them are actually 5.1. How would they fit the sub in? On one side? If you want some decent quality headphones, then get some grado sr60i.

Arguably the sub is of lesser importance, but the ones I've had have all had multiple small speakers situated around the headset, so they are surround-sound.

[StormLoaded]

Neil H said:

I guess surround on headphones isn't necessary then?

at the start of the review the guy mentions he's reviewed each of the headsets as "surround" headphones, rather than their abilities as stereo jobbies, by plugging them into his MixAmp..

which according to Astro "easily turns any wired headset into an amazing wireless surround sound experience. Just connect your headset to the Receiver (RX) unit, kick back and enjoy 7.1 channel Dolby® Surround Sound"

http://www.astrogaming.co.uk/mixamp-58-bundle-uk

[S3_Graham]

I've recently bought Turtlebeach X12's which are one of the cheapest TB's at £42.

To be fair its totally improved the game. I play my xbox via a computer 26" LCD display and the sound was crap at best, now i can hear people behind me etc etc. you dont HAVE to spend loads.

[StormLoaded]

S3_Graham said:

I've recently bought Turtlebeach X12's which are one of the cheapest TB's at £42.

To be fair its totally improved the game. I play my xbox via a computer 26" LCD display and the sound was crap at best, now i can hear people behind me etc etc. you dont HAVE to spend loads.

agreed, just the OP's title is "Best 5.1...." which is why most are suggesting/offering up some of the higher priced options, as they tend to be better.

the trouble with TB's as well, which is why i got rid of my own X41's is the comms are xbox only, where alot of these options are multiplatform [PS3/XBox/PC].. which reminds me i need to order a ps3 chat cable from Astro!.. they were out of stock when i originally ordered my headset!

[Neil H]

I realise there are cheaper options, but my general experience with headphones is that you get what you pay for. I used to DJ so I'm used to spending £150+ on a good set. I'm using some from Sony at the moment which have great sound but the earpieces sit on my ear instead of around them and after a few hours it's very painful.