The only way to test for bitperfect that I know of is to play a DTS-encoded WAV over a S/PDIF to a DTS-enabled receiver. If you get music, you're bitperfect. I can post the link again if you haven't already gotten the file I use for testing.
Does this mean that getting the file to play properly on a PC without an external receiver doesn't necessarily indicate bitperfect? I've got the file playing in Foobar (with the DTS decoder plugin and ASIO) though I did have to rename the file extension to .dts to get it to play. I don't really know anything about this stuff so I'm just curious :P.
It means that the path was lossless up to the point of the decoder -- in other words, that Foobar is getting the file correctly off disk, which is no big shock.
By running the sound over a digital cable to an external receiver, getting music there means that your signal path is perfect; the bits arriving at the receiver are exactly correct. For the decoding process to work, the stream has to be read from disk, sent to the soundcard correctly, encoded and sent down the S/PDIF correctly, and then decoded. This proves that all those steps are working properly.
Hearing it decoded with Foobar doesn't prove much, because once Foobar hands the decoded sound to Windows, it can be damaged by resampling or whatever. You can often tell something is resampled if you're very familiar with listening to that music on a good reproduction device, but if you haven't heard it before, it's much harder to pick out. It has to be a pretty bad resampling job for you to notice on music you don't already know. 
So if I pick up a TBH, I don't need a sound card in my system at all?
So if I pick up a TBH, I don't need a sound card in my system at all?
That is correct.
Assuming stereo is good enough for you, it should be fine.
So after my current paired failed in dog-related incident, I went for the Sennheiser HD-555, add a Zalman mic, and a 'Y' splitter for when I want to use speakers. Should be here next week!
So after my current paired failed in dog-related incident, I went for the Sennheiser HD-555, add a Zalman mic, and a 'Y' splitter for when I want to use speakers. Should be here next week!
I love my HD555s. They sound great and they are the most comfortable headphone I have ever used.
Anyone seen of the bone conduction headphones? Any experience? I've been tempted to try one out with a waterproof MP3 player, but I am hesitant to buy one untried.
RichyRambo wrote:So after my current paired failed in dog-related incident, I went for the Sennheiser HD-555, add a Zalman mic, and a 'Y' splitter for when I want to use speakers. Should be here next week!
I love my HD555s. They sound great and they are the most comfortable headphone I have ever used.
How do they fit compared to the AD700? I wanted to get the Audio Technica's but I fear they will be a little loose after reading a few reviews. If the HD555s are a little snugger I think they would be perfect.
heavyfeul wrote:RichyRambo wrote:So after my current paired failed in dog-related incident, I went for the Sennheiser HD-555, add a Zalman mic, and a 'Y' splitter for when I want to use speakers. Should be here next week!
I love my HD555s. They sound great and they are the most comfortable headphone I have ever used.
How do they fit compared to the AD700? I wanted to get the Audio Technica's but I fear they will be a little loose after reading a few reviews. If the HD555s are a little snugger I think they would be perfect.
The HD555's will have a much snugger fit than the AD700's, but without the clamping force of some headphones. I can wear them for hours without a problem. The AD700's ear cups do not fully clamp down around your ears. They sort of "float" around the ears with only the bottom part of the ear cups clamping a bit, because the headphone band is really wide. After lots of wear they fit more snuggly, but not like a traditional full size headphone. The AD700's are one of the best gaming headphones, though, and if you wear glasses, they are almost a no-brainer in my opinion.
Truth is they are both very comfortable excellent sounding headphones, but the "floaty" fit of the AD700's can take some getting used to. It is hard for me to recommend one over the other, because they are both so wonderful, even though they sound and fit very different from one another.
Thanks for the info. I think I am going to snag the HD555s next time they drop below $90 on Amazon.
I'm glad I saw this thread.
Ok, I want some headphones for my iphone.
I would like active noise-cancelling and a microphone so I can use them with the phone. I would also prefer a bud-type.
Has anyone heard/seen/owned something like this?
I am traveling a lot for work lately and something to take out the airplane drone would be awesome. I'd like it to have the mic for when I'm doing a conference call in an airport, too.
The Etymotic Research HF2 iphone headset will probably be your best bet. They do not use active noise cancellation, but they have the best sound isolation of any earphones on the market, even ones with active noise cancelation. They are canalphones that sit deep in the ear, so it is like wearing full on earplugs with tiny headphone drivers in the middle.
They are expensive ($140 through Amazon), but if sound quality, isolation, and iPhone compatibility are your main concerns, then they are perfect.
![Pyroman[FO]'s picture](https://www.gamerswithjobs.com/files/pictures/pictures/picture-27.png "Pyroman[FO]'s picture")
I have had it with earbuds, I just ordered two HD-202's instead, one for work and one for home. Travelling with headphones is just asking for them to be broken.
I have had it with earbuds, I just ordered two HD-202's instead, one for work and one for home. Travelling with headphones is just asking for them to be broken.
Is this type supposed to be good when it comes to keeping sound from bleeding out? I have a pair of 595's at home but I too am sick of using earbuds during my commute or at work, and I want ones that don't disturb people near me at reasonable volumes, aren't completely horrible sound-wise and are cheap enough that I don't fret when they eventually break due to everyday abuse.
They are more expensive ($60), but Sennheiser just launched a new 2_8 line. The 228 model is small, closed, and built for portable applications, so it has a short cord (5ft) that comes out of just one ear cup and the ear cups swivel to lay flat when they are around your neck. Little things like that can make a big difference if you wear them all day long.
I found the 202's and 201's to be not very portable friendly (long Y-type cord, bigger earcups). You'll save a good chunk of dough on them though. They can be had for $20.
I'm in the market for new earbud-style headphones for my iPod. I'm looking for something comfortable and sturdy, that stays in when I run. I'd rather they weren't the sound-isolating kind that form a seal within the ear - those are great for staying still, but not so good for moving around and being outdoors. Sound quality is nice, but I've been listening more and more podcasts over music, so it's not all-important.
I've been using these Bose ones and while they're fantastic, the one problem is that they keep breaking. My 6th pair has just broken in less than three years, which is beyond ridiculous.
They are not ear buds, but the Koss KSC-75 headphones should work good. They a clip on headphones and the clips can be bent and adjusted to fit just right. Plus they are cheap and sound great. If they break it is not a big expense to replace them.
How portable are the KSC 75s? They seem a bit too big to carry around in a pocket.
How portable are the KSC 75s? They seem a bit too big to carry around in a pocket.
If you want to put a pair of headphones in your pocket your choices are limited, but not bad. There's a lot of pretty great earbuds, or if you just have to have regular on-ear pad type phones, I'd say the Sennheiser PX-100's are the clear winners for good sound quality out of a very portable set of headphones. They fold up into a little case that fits pretty easily in most pockets, though it is a little chunkier than even something like a blackberry.
PX100's are God. There's a pair on my head right now.
How portable are the KSC 75s? They seem a bit too big to carry around in a pocket.
Think of a golf ball that has been flatted out a bit. They will fit in a pocket, no problem, but they will feel bulky compared to ear buds.
The PX100's take up more room because of the headband. When I used them I just let them rest around my neck. They are a fantastic pair of traditional style portable headphones, though, and they are priced cheap for the sound quality you get. They will not be as secure for running as the KSC-75's and they are a bit more expensive.
If you want earbuds, any cheap pair from Sennheisers should work great and they make "sport" versions with ear clips, but I've never used them and they are more expensive then typical ear buds.
I think you should try the Koss KSC-75's. You can get them for less than $20 ($16 at Amazon) and they sound fantastic. If they do not work for running, it will not be a huge monetary loss.
What's the best (cheap) solution for surround sound headphones with mic for my laptop (that never leaves my coffee table)? I have a pair of Turtle Beach X41's for my 360 and they are coming out with a headphone jack to optical adapter; but my 360 sits across the room (I could run a long optical cable), also I would need a hard wired 360 controller for the chat.
Anyone use Turtle Beach's Ear Force HPA2? They seem to fall into the right price point. Not really sure if I even need surround sound, the only games I really need the mic for are MMO's which I don't really need the spatial audio for (but I could expand my horizons some in the future).
Tritton makes the AX720, which has a Dolby amp base unit, integrated microphone, and it can be used with just about anything (A/V system, PS3, PC, 360), so it is very versatile. It uses single driver Dolby Headphone tech. It looks really promising for a wired gaming headphone option. Not very portable though. I haven't tried it, but if you do not plan on toting it around it could be something you use for years to come as you setup changes. I don't think it is USB powered though.
http://www.trittonusa.com/index.php/...
Something to consider.
Tritton makes the AX720, which has a Dolby amp base unit, integrated microphone, and it can be used with just about anything (A/V system, PS3, PC, 360), so it is very versatile. It uses single driver Dolby Headphone tech. It looks really promising for a wired gaming headphone option. Not very portable though. I haven't tried it, but if you do not plan on toting it around it could be something you use for years to come as you setup changes. I don't think it is USB powered though.
http://www.trittonusa.com/index.php/...
Something to consider.
This is a humorous response to me from you heavy, after I talked these up in your X41 thread, and then bought X41's for my 360 based on your experiences.
I'm still not sure if I'm going to build a HTPC/gaming rig with my taxes which would simplify this problem, as I could use a toslink switch or my receiver to switch between the HTPC and 360 and just use my X41's for both. I have a buddy bringing his gaming rig over this weekend to see if I like playing games on my 42 LCD TV, that will be the final decision. If I do go the HTPC/Gaming rig route would the wireless 260 controller dongle work for chat on the PC, or does it still have to be the wired 360 controller?
For the 360, the X41's are awesome and wireless, so I prefer those. They are a no brainer for dedicated 360 sound options.
Maybe I assumed you were talking about the older multi-driver Trittons (AX Pro)? I would never use those, because they always seemed like a mess of cords and having to adjust each channel seems like a recipe for constant fiddling.
The AX720's are new, single driver, simplified headset and I just found out about them!
I am considering getting a pair for the PS3, 360, and A/V receiver in the living room. I hope they sound as good as the X41's.
... If I do go the HTPC/Gaming rig route would the wireless 260 controller dongle work for chat on the PC, or does it still have to be the wired 360 controller?
I am not sure if that works now. I have never tried it. I will give it a test if I have the chance.
For the 360, the X41's are awesome and wireless, so I prefer those. They are a no brainer for dedicated 360 sound options.
Maybe I assumed you were talking about the older multi-driver Trittons (AX Pro)? I would never use those, because they always seemed like a mess of cords and having to adjust each channel seems like a recipe for constant fiddling.
The AX720's are new, single driver, simplified headset and I just found out about them!
I am considering getting a pair for the PS3, 360, and A/V receiver in the living room. I hope they sound as good as the X41's.
Tigerbill wrote:... If I do go the HTPC/Gaming rig route would the wireless 260 controller dongle work for chat on the PC, or does it still have to be the wired 360 controller?
I am not sure if that works now. I have never tried it. I will give it a test if I have the chance.
Yeah I was talking about the Pro's forgot there were two different ones, the Trittons are out of my price range I'm looking more in the 70-80 range. Which puts me with some from Creative and the HA2's from Turtle Beach. I will hold off till this weekend to see if about the HTPC thing which will simplify/complicate the issue.
I don't recommend Creative products. They are some of the worst computer components you can buy. Very high failure and bug rate, at least with their internal sound cards.
Turtle Beach makes some external laptop sound cards, some with surround capabilities. Never tried them though.
If your looking for a good headset in that price range, I would take a look at the Beyerdynamic MMX2. They are not a surround system, but they sound great, have a good mic, and they come with an external USB sound card that works great. It is very basic functionality, but a great headset for your budget.
......Beyerdynamic MMX2. They are not a surround system, but they sound great, have a good mic, and they come with an external USB sound card that works great. It is very basic functionality, but a great headset for your budget.
Done and done, ordered a pair from B&H Photo for $79 with free shipping they should be here Mon. You were right on the money with the X41's so I figure I can trust you on this; you are exponentially more of an audiophile than me. Thanks, you filthy enabler!
Since I now have my X41's in the bedroom I decided to pair my Sennheiser RS130's (wireless) with my Astro mixamp and they sound really good (source: PC via optical). So far I have only been able to test out the Pro Logic sound, but it does a great job of expanding stereo sources and opening up the soundstage in a very natural wayl. I am really happy with the pairing. Sounds great in games too (tested Mass Effect 1). I have the digital output levels and volume on the mixamp maxed out so I hear no RF hiss in the headphones, since I only have to turn the headphones up slightly to get them to a fairly loud listening volume. I also like the setup because I get good virtual surround sound and I can keep everything tucked away and just have the headphone stand on the desk. I like to keep my computer desk as uncluttered as possible. It is a bit of a Frankenstein setup, but it is working nicely.
I want to try something with an actual Dolby 5.1/6.1, but most PC games do not use Dolby codecs (often just EAX). I will have to pop in a DVD or something to take it for a test drive.
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