KINGOFOOTBALL
Junior Member
For about 5 or 6 years now I've been switching between my 5.1 home theater setup and headphones for gaming.
I've upgraded my 5.1 system twice in that span. Currently a very likable set up with floor standing polk speakers center channel orb surround speakers and 3 Aura bass shakers in the furniture ((google them or butt kickers will change your perception on home theater)).
However since I do not own a home neighbors are a consideration. Therefore a bulk of my night gaming takes place with headphones. My previous two pairs were by turtle beach. Since they were dedicated they incorporated surround sound microphone and chat system for easy compatibility.
Generally I've been very happy with them. They were decent for movies and tv so that was always an added bonus for nighttime tv watching.
However once again cabling and durability became as both earpieces have broken. While duct tape and plastic spoons help me jerry rig them back to operability ;the final nail in the coffin was the headset Jack breaking off into my controller. Thus my new search began.
Turtle beach px5 were first on my list. With an expensive list of features like wireless rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth I figured it was a no brainer. However during the gears of war launch I did try on the tritton gears of war headphones which came with a separate amp and sounded pretty good. I decided to purchase the triton ax 720 s which work essentially the same things minus the gears of war branding.
While these were not a wireless pair of headphones they were very good and surprisingly easy to setup.
However they were "open" design. Which basically means the pieces over your ears are open to the outside air. Fantastic for expansive sound stage and accuracy not so good for when a phone rings a thunder storm there's a fan on or any of the other million everyday household noises.
After much reading I heard about the astro mixamp. These came in a wireless variety and would allow me to pair them with any headphones I choose.
Thus begain 2 weeks worth of trial and errors deciding on a final set up. Below are some mini reviews and thoughts I'd share in regards to gaming.
Quick things that I learned...
1. Why bother with Dolby surround gaming to begin with ??
It is an IMMENSELY different experience from simple TV volume. If you care anything at all about competitiveness while online or experiencing the tension of an action/horror game its almost a must have. While IMO nothing beats a good 5.1 setup I can tell you that for 150$ you can have a headphone setup that rivals and may surpass some entry level home theater in a box 5.1 setups 2-3 times as much.
2. Whats needed ?
No matter your setup. Theres pretty easy solutions. Already have a HT ? Nothing but tv ? either way its pretty damn easy.
Ive demoed, borrowed , or used the below over the last few weeks and thought Id share. Even ones I dont like are still a major step up from TV only setup and would suggest at least trying them to see if it makes a difference for you.
3. What will I actually be experiencing differently ?
Basically same as a good HT setup compared to tv. You are no longer having all audio pumped from dintzy speakers located in front of you. Your sitting in a hall way and a frag is thrown at your feet while a zombie sneaks up from behind will FEEL just like that because the sounds will seem to be coming from those directions. Competitive gamers insist that hearing those footsteps creeping u on you saves there K.D ratio.
Anyways...
Tritton Gears of War edition $180
These were all over the GOW3 Launch. Was on these for about an hour or so.
Great surround abilities , comfortable , really weird but nice effect where the earphones light up during activity ((worthless for anything though)). The separate mixer is a huge plus and should allow you to use your own headphones/mic if the headset ever breaks.
IMO NOT worth the 179 price tag as the AX720s are just as good without the "Epic" price tag.
TRITTON AX 720 $129
Love these. For 115-140$ online these are IMO a no brainer for inexpensive , flexible , and good sound . The mic is removable , the headset allows you to easily change game or chat volume. Also allows you to put an MP3 player for music listening ((although didn't try it via there method)). You can hook up another pair of headphones ((via extra adapter)) so two people can enjoy a movie or gaming session with headphones. IMO best overall value I came across.
Like the above VERY wide sound field. Meaning in GOW3 on over pass the little bridge area with turret...Ill sit there close my eyes and try to pinpoint where the gunfight , guy that got spotted , or fallen comrade is at. It may shock you how often on sound alone you can line up your target within a few inches of your reticle. When you are running around trying to find that last guy or avoid the gang...being able to spot not only direction but if the sound is beneath or above you is a huge benefit.
Even though Ive found my ideal combo ((for alot more $$)) if wires aren't an issue these are definitely highly recommended. Only real downside is the hiss sound when everything is quiet. Tends to be more prominent than I expected during quiet scenes but doubt you'll notice once your into a session or movie
Durability like Turtle Beach may be a concern but that's speculation on my part.
ASTRO MIXAMP 5.8 140$ + cost of bring your own headphones.
Pretty much exactly what I was looking for but for a high price tag =-(
All the benefits and pluses of the above. But the added benefit of having a wireless receiver , a bass boost , easier chat/volume mixing. Ive paired these with a few headphones and really really love them. Not as much hiss as the Triittons and ((while I haven't tested range or interference)) the SQ is much better than I expected.
Biggest benefit has been being able to just get the fuck up off the couch to grab some water , candy , or crack without getting tangled up or worse forgetting you're wearing them and getting yanked backwards. I sincerely look forward to peeing in between matched with this.
**These can be purchased with the A40 headsets or separate. I did not try the headsets just the amp with my own headphones.
Turtle Beach PX5 210-225$
An amazing set of features. Programmable EQ , rechargeable battery , voice that tells you when battery is dying , ability to pair with two Bluetooth devices so you can chat on phone while gaming.
On paper a very easy choice. However as much as I wanted these and set out to get these initially...my TB experience has been 2-3 years before a connection/wire goes dead or breaks off. Much different beast replacing 70$ headphones after 3 years than 200+$ ones. Considering the price tag and inflexibility of these I wouldn't personally recommend these. Sound in the realm of the Trittons
Sum it up..........
If you dont have a home theater setup or if being noisy or needed to drown out the sound of others is a concern you owe it to yourself to at least try one of these. They are equally capable for movies. Only per-requisite is you do NEED optical out from your xbox/ps3/AC Receiver or tv. If its just the tv make sure it passes through the 5.1 audio for all HDMI connections.
If anyone has any thoughts or share there experiences feel free....
I've upgraded my 5.1 system twice in that span. Currently a very likable set up with floor standing polk speakers center channel orb surround speakers and 3 Aura bass shakers in the furniture ((google them or butt kickers will change your perception on home theater)).
However since I do not own a home neighbors are a consideration. Therefore a bulk of my night gaming takes place with headphones. My previous two pairs were by turtle beach. Since they were dedicated they incorporated surround sound microphone and chat system for easy compatibility.
Generally I've been very happy with them. They were decent for movies and tv so that was always an added bonus for nighttime tv watching.
However once again cabling and durability became as both earpieces have broken. While duct tape and plastic spoons help me jerry rig them back to operability ;the final nail in the coffin was the headset Jack breaking off into my controller. Thus my new search began.
Turtle beach px5 were first on my list. With an expensive list of features like wireless rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth I figured it was a no brainer. However during the gears of war launch I did try on the tritton gears of war headphones which came with a separate amp and sounded pretty good. I decided to purchase the triton ax 720 s which work essentially the same things minus the gears of war branding.
While these were not a wireless pair of headphones they were very good and surprisingly easy to setup.
However they were "open" design. Which basically means the pieces over your ears are open to the outside air. Fantastic for expansive sound stage and accuracy not so good for when a phone rings a thunder storm there's a fan on or any of the other million everyday household noises.
After much reading I heard about the astro mixamp. These came in a wireless variety and would allow me to pair them with any headphones I choose.
Thus begain 2 weeks worth of trial and errors deciding on a final set up. Below are some mini reviews and thoughts I'd share in regards to gaming.
Quick things that I learned...
1. Why bother with Dolby surround gaming to begin with ??
It is an IMMENSELY different experience from simple TV volume. If you care anything at all about competitiveness while online or experiencing the tension of an action/horror game its almost a must have. While IMO nothing beats a good 5.1 setup I can tell you that for 150$ you can have a headphone setup that rivals and may surpass some entry level home theater in a box 5.1 setups 2-3 times as much.
2. Whats needed ?
No matter your setup. Theres pretty easy solutions. Already have a HT ? Nothing but tv ? either way its pretty damn easy.
Ive demoed, borrowed , or used the below over the last few weeks and thought Id share. Even ones I dont like are still a major step up from TV only setup and would suggest at least trying them to see if it makes a difference for you.
3. What will I actually be experiencing differently ?
Basically same as a good HT setup compared to tv. You are no longer having all audio pumped from dintzy speakers located in front of you. Your sitting in a hall way and a frag is thrown at your feet while a zombie sneaks up from behind will FEEL just like that because the sounds will seem to be coming from those directions. Competitive gamers insist that hearing those footsteps creeping u on you saves there K.D ratio.
Anyways...
Tritton Gears of War edition $180
These were all over the GOW3 Launch. Was on these for about an hour or so.
Great surround abilities , comfortable , really weird but nice effect where the earphones light up during activity ((worthless for anything though)). The separate mixer is a huge plus and should allow you to use your own headphones/mic if the headset ever breaks.
IMO NOT worth the 179 price tag as the AX720s are just as good without the "Epic" price tag.
TRITTON AX 720 $129
Love these. For 115-140$ online these are IMO a no brainer for inexpensive , flexible , and good sound . The mic is removable , the headset allows you to easily change game or chat volume. Also allows you to put an MP3 player for music listening ((although didn't try it via there method)). You can hook up another pair of headphones ((via extra adapter)) so two people can enjoy a movie or gaming session with headphones. IMO best overall value I came across.
Like the above VERY wide sound field. Meaning in GOW3 on over pass the little bridge area with turret...Ill sit there close my eyes and try to pinpoint where the gunfight , guy that got spotted , or fallen comrade is at. It may shock you how often on sound alone you can line up your target within a few inches of your reticle. When you are running around trying to find that last guy or avoid the gang...being able to spot not only direction but if the sound is beneath or above you is a huge benefit.
Even though Ive found my ideal combo ((for alot more $$)) if wires aren't an issue these are definitely highly recommended. Only real downside is the hiss sound when everything is quiet. Tends to be more prominent than I expected during quiet scenes but doubt you'll notice once your into a session or movie
Durability like Turtle Beach may be a concern but that's speculation on my part.
ASTRO MIXAMP 5.8 140$ + cost of bring your own headphones.
Pretty much exactly what I was looking for but for a high price tag =-(
All the benefits and pluses of the above. But the added benefit of having a wireless receiver , a bass boost , easier chat/volume mixing. Ive paired these with a few headphones and really really love them. Not as much hiss as the Triittons and ((while I haven't tested range or interference)) the SQ is much better than I expected.
Biggest benefit has been being able to just get the fuck up off the couch to grab some water , candy , or crack without getting tangled up or worse forgetting you're wearing them and getting yanked backwards. I sincerely look forward to peeing in between matched with this.
**These can be purchased with the A40 headsets or separate. I did not try the headsets just the amp with my own headphones.
Turtle Beach PX5 210-225$
An amazing set of features. Programmable EQ , rechargeable battery , voice that tells you when battery is dying , ability to pair with two Bluetooth devices so you can chat on phone while gaming.
On paper a very easy choice. However as much as I wanted these and set out to get these initially...my TB experience has been 2-3 years before a connection/wire goes dead or breaks off. Much different beast replacing 70$ headphones after 3 years than 200+$ ones. Considering the price tag and inflexibility of these I wouldn't personally recommend these. Sound in the realm of the Trittons
Sum it up..........
If you dont have a home theater setup or if being noisy or needed to drown out the sound of others is a concern you owe it to yourself to at least try one of these. They are equally capable for movies. Only per-requisite is you do NEED optical out from your xbox/ps3/AC Receiver or tv. If its just the tv make sure it passes through the 5.1 audio for all HDMI connections.
If anyone has any thoughts or share there experiences feel free....
