New headset

[T}{OR]

Originally Posted by PilotError

So if you got a 5.1 set it should still work with binaural sound, but you would also have the benefit of 5.1 for other games or films. The best of both worlds.
Something for you to consider ?

Let me put it this way. If the game supports binaural audio reproduction then there is no need for 5.1 headsets. But if SoW isn't the only thing that you play and positional audio is more important to you... as we all stated here - it comes down to personal preference and requirements. For general ease of use (having a mic attached) and not bothering to get the best audio quality, then go with a headset (analog, not USB). If you want the best audio reproduction and recording quality, I suggest that you read what we wrote here.

With todays soundcards that can simulate virtual 3D sound, the small 'benefits' of 5.1 headset over stereo headphones are almost non existent.

[albx]

Originally Posted by PilotError

Just to let you know that I listened to the same thing with my Medusa 5.1 headset and still got the binaural effect.
I've got to admit I was totally blown away by the experience , and that's why I said I would probably be using the headset a LOT more when SOW is released.

So if you got a 5.1 set it should still work with binaural sound, but you would also have the benefit of 5.1 for other games or films. The best of both worlds.
Something for you to consider ?

I already have a 5.1 system on my pc, so i thought to spend money for a better stereo headset, enjoy the music and everything else, and when i really need a 5.1 just unplug it and use my speakers.

[WTE_Galway]

When in doubt go for something a bit Steampunk ...

[T}{OR]

Originally Posted by WTE_Galway

When in doubt go for something a bit Steampunk ...

My eyes (and ears) hurt after looking at those pictures...

[KG26_Alpha]

Originally Posted by albx

I already have a 5.1 system on my pc, so i thought to spend money for a better stereo headset, enjoy the music and everything else, and when i really need a 5.1 just unplug it and use my speakers.

Which is exactly what I do.

[Codex]

Medusa 5.1 all the way, I've had the v2 for about 4 years now with no problems with the sound quality. The vinyl around the ear cups is only now breaking up and pealing so I think I'm due for a new pair, but I will be buying Medusa again (non USB)

If you have an X-Fi with a CMSS-3D ship you can experience binaural sound.

[Les]

Originally Posted by T.}{.O.R.

...I am currently considering pairing up HD 595's with Zalman's clip on mic. The new HD 598's are way overpriced IMO, and the technical details are exactly the same as HD 595's. Plus, 595's come with a headphone holder...

Here's a very short but sweet description of the HD 595's from a site and forums that have a wealth of knowledge on the subject, take it as you will -

http://headphones.com.au/psingle?productID=81

I personally wouldn't go with the Sennheisers, for various reasons of my own, but that's just me. I suspect the HD555 would actually be better in terms of price for performance, but I wouldn't get those either. The Zalman ZM-MIC1 seems alright though. I haven't really had any use for mine yet (waiting for BOB and RO2), but it sounded okay when I first tested it out.

[T}{OR]

Originally Posted by Les

Here's a very short but sweet description of the HD 595's from a site and forums that have a wealth of knowledge on the subject, take it as you will -

http://headphones.com.au/psingle?productID=81

I personally wouldn't go with the Sennheisers, for various reasons of my own, but that's just me. I suspect the HD555 would actually be better in terms of price for performance, but I wouldn't get those either. The Zalman ZM-MIC1 seems alright though. I haven't really had any use for mine yet (waiting for BOB and RO2), but it sounded okay when I first tested it out.

Thanks for that. Some people dislike how Sennheisers sound, but I don't. Few reviews (like the one you linked) stated the 'lack' of bass. Well, I have had the chance to try many headphones and currently I am using AKG K 240's (600 Ohms), semi open design. Although they do sound great, I still prefer the Sennheiser sound. Highs and mids are more important to me than the bass. What I have found out and you probably know as well - if the recording of high quality then you won't miss any bass in reproduction. This is true for both headphones and speakers.

I could mod 555's to get them close to 595's:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvQ8PzBrHXE

but 595's come with the headphone holder and better designed grill. And if the drivers really are the same, then 595's definitely passed tighter tolerances.

Before I decide on purchasing them 100% I will definitely try them out. There are stores that have them on display so you can listen before you buy.


HD 598's are currently priced too high and sound (from what I was able to read) very similar to the 595's. IMO this makes 595's a better value for the money, IIRC they were priced almost the same when they first came out.

[Les]

Originally Posted by T.}{.O.R.

I could mod 555's to get them close to 595's...

HD 598's are currently priced too high...

Thanks for the video, good to know the 555's can be modified so easily, but it does annoy me when companies do stuff like that to differentiate between their upper and lower end products. The headphones should be the same price if those pieces of foam are the main point of difference between the models. IMO they shouldn't be charging more or less for different sounding headphones when their basic structure is so similar.

Just had a look at the 598's, and yeah, more of the same, hard to justify the expense.

I can't really comment on the sound quality of the Sennheiser HD5** series. I tried a pair of high end Sennheisers when I bought the AKG's more than ten years ago and the Sennheisers just sounded tinny to me. But then the AKG's I was comparing them to are known to be very dark sounding and more suited to studio vocal monitoring, so...

I have a pair of Sennheiser HD280 Pro's that I use for field-recording (listening to some music with them now as I write this) and they sound fine, albeit a bit flat and neutral (as they should be when using them for their intended purpose), but they're not that comfortable and they're a closed back design so I wouldn't use them for general listening.

As you say, I don't find any of these headphones mentioned lacking in bass, but I know there are models that do emphasize the bass above all other considerations.

[TeeJay82]

I have the Logitech PC Headset 120.. the best headset ive ever had... i tried a usb fatality headset lately but gave that away.. crappiest thing ive ever had on my head.

ive tried a few headsets in the 50-100 euro range, but i think they contain too much crap software and too many useless settings wich only makes things too complicated for me to bother with...

the one i use now cost around 15 euro