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Headphones or 5.1 speakers for gaming?
Title says it all. I mainly play FPS ( Doom, ArmA 3) so are speakers worth it for the directional stuff? or do headphones do the job?
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keyboard_arrow_downmbw1
29
Jun 5, 2022
Headphones for gaming. 5.1 for movies, and stereo for music, unless it's the 5.1 mix of marillion, fugazi, which is the only album I have ever heard that sounds better in 5.1. Than stereo. Done.
Jay_F
90
Jan 17, 2021
There is the option of running Spatial headphones... While still a fairly "new" tech, it is showing promise by offer speaker like directional audio but for headphones. So as you turn your head the audio is anchored to the "front". The audio experience is pretty good, plus it allows you to reduce noise pollution in the environment you live in. Since many situations speakers are not a viable option (disturbing neighbors/family members). Just figured I'd offer my two cents, on the topic at hand.
Jay_F
90
Jan 17, 2021
Jay_FAn article that covers the topic I posted above:
https://www.engadget.com/dirac-spatial-audio-headphone-bluetooth-chips-130017379.html
cheapbutgreat
104
Dec 22, 2016
The fundamental difference between speakers and headphones is the way in which the soundfield is presented. With speakers, if you turn your head to one side, look behind you, etc., then the soundfield will change because the position of your ears has changed. With headphones, the soundfield is consistent, even if you turn your head etc. Heck, with wireless headphones (or a long enough cord) you can go to the kitchen ( or the bathroom) but the soundfield will still place you in the thick of things.
One secondary consideration is that, for the same amount of money, you can get much better sound quality from a pair of headphones than you can from speakers, because for the latter you will need at least 5 speakers plus a subwoofer. For example, $500 will get you a much better quality headphone than speakers.
Headphones will certainly give you a 3 dimensional immersive soundfield though so you do not need speakers "for the directional stuff" because you will get that in the headphones. So for the question you asked, yes, headphones will do the job you want them to do when it comes to playing FPS.
One secondary consideration is that, for the same amount of money, you can get much better sound quality from a pair of headphones than you can from speakers, because for the latter you will need at least 5 speakers plus a subwoofer. For example, $500 will get you a much better quality headphone than speakers.
Headphones will certainly give you a 3 dimensional immersive soundfield though so you do not need speakers "for the directional stuff" because you will get that in the headphones. So for the question you asked, yes, headphones will do the job you want them to do when it comes to playing FPS.
JayJayGolden
3
Aug 12, 2016
This answer isn't very audiophile of me i know and i'lll probably get some h8 but. Headphones with dolby virtual surround has given me great results in games.
b0oMeR
1
Aug 12, 2016
Think were talking about two different products. I'm referring to the B&O H80s which retails for like ~$500.
JayJayGolden
3
Aug 12, 2016
b0oMeRI wasn't talking about any specific products. I was saying any desired pair of headphones + (preferably dolby) virtual surround gives good results in games from my experience. Not neccesarily realistic, but easy to recognise where the sound is coming from.
pauliunas
84
Aug 12, 2016
Well, I really don't want to annoy my family with game sounds. Also I can't afford 6 good speakers, receiver and all... Not to mention a whole room worth of space just dor gaming :) so 100% headphones.
jjnist
131
Aug 8, 2016
Nothing compares to speakers......I never reached for any pair of headphones I owned while gaming. If you have the ability to use speakers, use speakers.
ElectronicVices
2940
Aug 5, 2016
This is one arena where a console/HTPC comes in handy as I get to use them with my full rig. I would have to say that a full 5.1 ( or 5.2 in my case) does a slightly better job than any headphone I've got (28 pairs and counting...). Still love headphones for gaming but can't beat 6 or more separate speakers for accurate positional cues.
Will
8470
Chief Product Officer
Aug 5, 2016
Audio-Technica AD 700 (AD700x now I guess, looks like they discontinued the OG).
pauliunas
84
Aug 12, 2016
WillAFAIK AD700x is slightly different than AD700. Why would they change the name for no reason :)
AlexPk
7198
Community
Aug 5, 2016
I think it completely depends on your situation as far as room size and roommates/neighbors, but a good pair of headphones has been great for me. They've been really good about recreating a 3d space as far as sound goes.
AlexPk
7198
Community
Aug 5, 2016
I am by no means an audio expert, but I really like them. Super light so I barely notice them. No ear squish discomfort. Band is strong enough to keep secure but not give me the usual pressure point fatigue. Sound is great for what I listen to and gaming. When are yours expected? Always like seeing people first impressions
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