I’ve reviewed a lot of surround-soundheadphones in my years writing for Kotaku. When I’m testing out a new one, I have a stable of good-sounding games I go through to see how everything sounds. The First Five PC Games I Use To Test A New Graphics CardFirst, you spend too much on a new graphics card. Then, you fire up your chewiest, toughest PC… Read more ReadThe majority of modern video games are mixed for 5.1 or 7.1 surround in addition to stereo, but the actual quality of the surround sound is only as good as the game’s audio team can make it. Some games definitely make for better testing than others. Here are the first five games I use to test a new surround-sound headset, as of January 2017. Advertisement OverwatchA surround-sound gaming headset can make for a more immersive singleplayer experience, but it can also give an edge in competitive play. Blizzard’s sound design for Overwatch is remarkably consistent, particularly the way that footsteps echo around the battlefield. The game makes it easy to locate and differentiate the pitter-pat of an enemy Tracer or the heavy clomps of a hostile D.Va. A good set of headphones should have no trouble making it clear where everything is happening at any given moment. Advertisement Battlefield 1Battlefield games have long had impressive sound design, and the folks at DICE have got this stuff down to a science. While Battlefield 1’s explosive audio hellscape isn’t always that useful in a practical sense for testing positional isolation, it’s good for seeing just how much a headset can handle. It’s also useful for testing out how well a headset mixes voice chat with game audio. Planes drone overhead, mortars explode off to your right, bullets snap off the rocks next to you, and soldiers scream in the trenches ahead. With all that going on, it’s important to also keep track of what everyone on your team is saying. Usually some variation of “Oh shit, there’s a tank on Butter!” Advertisement Grand Theft Auto VGTA V is a couple of years old but it still has some of the best audio engineering of any game I own. Not only is there an absurd amount of aural information in any given scene, it’s all mixed well, which makes it possible to pick out individual sounds over the din of traffic or the noise of combat. First-person mode makes the surround sound stage even more immersive and complex. If I want to see how much sonic information a pair of headphones can handle, I hop on a motorcycle, crank up the radio and get into a high-speed chase. Advertisement DestinyPart of the reason I use Destiny to test a new headset is because I’m so familiar with it. I know every sound by heart, from the charged snap of a Queenbreaker’s Bow to the springy thwop of a Nightstalker’s quiver shot. The positional audio in Destiny PvP can actually get a little bit funky in my experience, and there are times when players will sound closer or farther away than I was expecting. But Destiny’s overall sound design is fantastic, I’ve played so much that it makes for a solid frame of reference. Advertisement DoomI don’t think of Doom as having a particularly complex sound-stage, mainly because its battles tend to take place within enclosed arenas and the sound effects and music are so purposefully overstimulating. But it does make for a good stress test for the bottom end of a pair of headphones, as well as for any possible distortion as demon screams, chaingun fire and dank heavy metal all fight for prominence. Plus, I’ll always take the opportunity to play more Doom. There you have ‘em—the first five games I play when testing out a new pair of headphones. Anytime I set up a new audio system, it’s fun to see how it can handle the best-sounding games I’ve got. That’s just me, though—what are your go-tos when trying out new speakers or headphones?
HomeCool Gadgets10 Best 7.1 Surround Sound Headsets You Can Buy
Gaming headsets, especially the ones with surround sound functionality, have always been considered as a marketing gimmick by several users ever since it came into existence. If you ask me, I would both agree and disagree to those claims. The surround sound gaming headsets that used to come out in the beginning, like a few years ago, were definitely the worst headsets you could possibly buy for gaming. Some of them were termed as “True” surround sound headsets crammed with 7 dedicated drivers for your two ears. These headsets barely did anything in terms of delivering “real” surround sound experience. as the drivers were too close to each other in the headset. Top 300 video games of all time. The previous page showcases the list of the top 300 games of all time according to our readers, but the total number of potential games submitted was 880. Here are some of the standout patterns. Final Fantasy was the most well-represented franchise with 16 games cracking the top 300, but there were 20 on the larger list. However, in the recent years, virtual surround sound headsets are gradually becoming the real deal, which makes use of dedicated software to emulate a surround sound experience that actually helps quite a lot in fast-paced competitive multiplayer games. Yes, you can pinpoint the exact location of your enemies with most of these headsets and kill them before they even know it. Well, we’re talking about the big guns in the headset market that are actually worth the price if you’re looking for a surround sound experience on a headset. So, if you’re looking forward to buy one in the near future, here are the 10 best 7.1 surround sound headsets for gaming you can buy: 1. SteelSeries Siberia 800 Wireless Gaming HeadsetThe Siberia 800 is by far, the best gaming headset you can buy, if the price point is within your reach. An enthusiast-grade headset that looks more professional rather than being gamer-esque, is targeted towards the adult gamers, who don’t prefer the flashing red and blue lights on their gaming accessories. The Siberia 800 comes with a stylish transmitter featuring an OLED display, which will always be requiredif you want to connect to any device, as the headset directly connects only to the transmitter. This transmitter has a compartment for charging your battery and since the company provides two batteries along with the headset, you can quickly swap between the two batteries once you run of juice, without having to wait for the headset to charge. The Siberia 800 features Dolby Virtual 7.1 surround system, which precisely gives you the location of your enemies in multiplayer games. However, an additional DTS Heaphone X option for surround sound would have made it better. The headset packs a decent built-in retractable mic, but for the price point, it could have been much better. If you’re a multi-platform gamer you’ll enjoy using the Siberia 800, as the headset offers surround sound experience across PC and consoles. Addition of Bluetooth functionality would have made this “the one headset to rule them all”, but the Siberia 840 can offer that for a whopping 130 bucks more. The wireless range is rated at 12m and the battery life is rated at 20 hours for each battery that the headset ships with, which is way higher than most of the competition. That being said, if you can shell out over 200 bucks on a gaming headset, what are you waiting for? Buy from Amazon: ($234.99) 2. Sennheiser PC 373D USB Gaming HeadsetSennheiser is one of the most popular brands in the audio industry. Audiophiles mostly prefer their headphones for studio monitoring purposes. The company makes the world’s most expensive headphones, priced at nearly $65000 and although they might not have the same stature in the gaming headset segment, the company still makes some of the best surround headsets in the market. Meet Sennheiser’s flagship gaming headset, the PC 373D. This headset features an in-line control to active Dolby 7.1 virtual surround sound with the company’s Transducer technology, which lets you hear even the finest details in the game. The headset makes use of the Sennheiser Surround Dongle Software for the 7.1 profile. The plush velvet ear cups make this one of the most comfortable headsets to wear, as your ears wont start sweating or experience discomfort even after hours of gaming. As much as we love and enjoy the impeccable audio quality of this headset, it has it’s fair share of downsides as well. First of all, it’s a wired headset. Being the most expensive one in the list, it’s unacceptable that Sennheiser didn’t add a wireless mode. Apart from this, the boom microphone’shuge size and non-removable aspect is a major downside, because the competition does it much better. However, the sound quality of the noise-cancelling microphone is crystal clear and outshines almost all other gaming headsets in the market. Other than that, the PC 373D, just like all other Sennheiser products doesn’t disappoint in terms of build quality. The price tag of nearly 240 bucks nearly manages to make our jaws drop, especially considering this is a wired headset. That being said, if you have the cash and if you’re a loyal fan of the Sennheiser brand, nobody should stop you from purchasing this headset. Buy from Amazon: ($239.99) 3. Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum Wireless HeadsetThis is pretty much considered as the “bang for the buck” gaming headset for a life-like surround sound experience, that gives the higher end competition like the Siberia 800, a run for its money. It boasts DTS Headphone X, which the Siberia 800 lacks, as well as the Dolby Virtual surround at a much more affordable price. Certain games like Battlefield 1 have exclusive sound profiles for the Logitech surround sound headsets that you can take full advantage of. The plastic build might disappoint some of you, but this was probably done in order to keep the headset as light as possible. The RGB lighting on the back on the headset is neatly done, which might appeal to the younger gamers out there. The memory foam on the inside will be good enough for long, comfortable gaming sessions. The battery on the Logitech G933 should be good enough to last you for up to 12 hours on a single charge, with the lighting turned off or 8 hours with the lighting turned on. The headset features a retractable boom microphone that sounds better than most of the other headsets in the price range. With a punchy bass that you can feel through your bones, this is the best gaming headset you can buy if you’re bass-hungry. The Logitech G933 is primarily for PCs, but you can use it on your consoles as well, at the cost of surround sound, as the headset requires the Logitech Gaming software to emulate that. It was initially launched with a $199 price tag, but the prices have dropped over the last few months and it’s currently available on Amazon for just over $130. Buy from Amazon: ($132.99) 4. HyperX Cloud II 7.1 Gaming HeadsetThis is the best headset you can possibly buy, for under hundred bucks. The HyperX Cloud II is rightly named, as it “feels like a cloud” once you’re wearing it. Without doubt, it’s the most comfortable headset featured in this list, and if you’re used to long gaming sessions, this might very well be your obvious choice for comfort. The Cloud II is made out of solid, durable aluminium frame, making it one of the best built gaming headsets out there. Unlike the other headsets that we previously discussed, this one’s a wired headset, so you don’t have to deal with waiting for your headset to charge up or replacing your batteries. The HyperX Cloud II boasts 7.1 virtual surround sound, which is made possible with the help of USB audio control box that’s provided along with the headset. It can be used across a variety of devices from PC and consoles, to even smartphones. The removable microphone with a pop filter is definitely an added bonus, so you can listen to music on your smartphone without looking awkward in public, once you remove the mic. However, the mic quality is just average like most other gaming headsets. For an asking price of under hundred dollars, you just cannot go wrong, if you decide to purchase this headset. Buy from Amazon: ($96.79) 5. SteelSeries Arctis 5 RGB Gaming HeadsetIf you’re on a budget, but you don’t want to miss out on RGB lighting or surround sound features, Arctis 5 is without doubt, the best headset you can go for. The RGB lighting cannot be done any better, and we’re pretty sure this headset can turn some heads if you’re going to take it to the eSports arena. Coming from the makers of the current best 7.1 gaming headset, the Arctis 5 certainly does not disappoint, boasting DTS Headphone X surround sound experience for enhanced gaming sessions. The headset makes use of Steelseries Engine 3 for the surround sound configurations. The Steelseries Arctis 5 is a wired headset, which means there’s no need to worry about battery life. The sound quality of the retractable mic is impressive and better than most of the competitors, especially considering its price tag. It comes along with a detachable USB sound card that lets the user easily balance the in-game as well as chat volume, without interrupting the gameplay. The matte black finish on the headset definitely gives the headset, a more premium look and the build quality isn’t any disappointing either. The price has dropped since its original launch and it can be currently purchased for just over 70 bucks on Amazon. Buy from Amazon: ($71.99) 6. Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma V2 Wired Gaming HeadsetWhen it comes to build quality and design, it’s hard to match the level of Razer, and the Kraken 7.1 Chroma V2 headset is no exception. Built out of durable unibody aluminiumframe, it replaces the original Kraken 7.1 Chroma that launched well over 2 years ago. Compared to its predecessor, the V2 packs larger 50mm audio drivers for a much more balanced in-game audio. It features RGB lighting, but only on the Razer logo that should be good enough to satisfy the hardcore fans of the company. Surround sound on this headphones is quite impressive, to say the least, as you can easily pinpoint where you’re hearing the sound from. You will be making use of Razer’s Synapse software for customizing your surround sound configurations. The Kraken 7.1 Chroma V2 features a retractable microphone with active noise cancellation to eliminate the background noise while communicating with your friends over VOIP services like Discord and TeamSpeak. Razer lets you choose between round or oval ear cushion before purchasing it on their website. This is a wired headset as well, so there’s no wasting time around with batteries. That being said, there’s a major downside regarding its compatibility, as it works only on PC or Mac, because of the necessity of Razer’s Synapse software. This headset can be currently purchased on Amazon for under hundred bucks. Buy from Amazon: ($71.99) 7. Corsair VOID RGB 7.1 Gaming HeadsetThe wired version of Corsair VOID 7.1 gaming headset is the most affordable one featured in this list and well worth the asking price. For this price, you might be expecting mediocre build quality and inferior design, but you cannot be more wrong here. Corsair has nailed it in both the departments. The VOID features fancy RGB lighting that illuminates the Corsair logo and Dolby 7.1 surround sound support, which is impressive to say the least. Pinpoint accuracy while spotting enemies is easily possible with the help of Corsair Utility Engine software’s surround sound emulation, which this headset utilizes. You might like the angular ear cups used by Corsair on this headset, as the company claims the “true form” shape will give you a snug fit, without irritating your ears after long gaming sessions. Just like the Kraken V2, the VOID packs 50mm audio drivers for immersive sound quality. On the flip side, it’s pretty disappointing that Corsair offers a non-retractable microphone, which cannot even be detached, like the one on the HyperX Cloud II headset. However, the microphone has decent sound quality and features noise cancellation to eliminate the background noise, to make sure that only you’re in the spotlight. For an asking price of under 50 bucks, there isn’t any better option from a reputed manufacturer. So, the Corsair VOID takes the crown on that regard. If you want the wireless version of this headset, it’s available for 30 bucks more. Buy from Amazon: ($49.99) 8. Asus ROG Strix WirelessAsus might not have the majority of the share in gaming headset market, but this ROG Strix Wireless headset checks most of the boxes for the gaming enthusiast. It packs a completely unique design that stands out from the rest of the competition, thanks to the ear cups which look like raging eyes. The orange accents on this headset give it a nice touch, but the build quality is pretty average, as it’s made out of plastic. The Strix Wireless boasts 7.1 virtual surround sound by making use of the company’s Sonic Studio software. Wireless transmission is made possible via a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, rather than Bluetooth, to avoid interference and lag. The headset is powered by a 900 mAh battery which promises battery life of up to 10 hours, which is decent considering its price. The microphone on the ROG Strix Wireless is detachable if you want it away from your face. Just like the Corsair VOID, the Strix Wireless adopts angular design for the ear cups Premiere pro intro templates. instead of circular or oval, which should be good enough to cover your whole ear. The memory foam used on these ear cups make it one of the most comfortable headsets for long gaming sessions. The Strix wireless headset can connect to your PC and PS4 wirelessly, and it comes with 3.5 mm adapter to connect to Xbox One, smartphones and other older consoles. For an asking price of nearly 120 bucks, there are better options you can go for, but if you’re a loyal fan of ROG peripherals, we won’t stop you from buying it, as it’s still a great surround sound headset. Buy from Amazon: ($119.99) 9. Sony PlayStation Platinum Wireless HeadsetFocusing on gaming headsets for PCs was not our intention and we also want to show some love for all the console fans out there. That’s why we’ve added some dedicated virtual surround sound headsets just for our console gamers. Coming from Sony, this is undoubtedly the best gaming headset you can buy for the company’s greatest console. It promises an immersive virtual 7.1 surround sound experience, but that’s not the only thing that the headset boasts about. The most important aspect of this headset is 3D Audio, which takes surround sound to the next level, providing positional audio for the top and bottom in addition to all the sides, which we can never experience on other surround sound headsets. So, while playing fast paced shooters, enemies above you can be accurately detected. However, you can only experience 3D Audio on supported devices. Sony never disappoints when it comes to design and build quality, and the PlayStation Platinum Wireless Headset is no exception in that regard. The ear pads are oval-shaped, in order to properly fit your ear without causing irritation during long sessions of gaming. The headset packs an integrated pinhole microphone instead of a boom mic, but it has noise cancellation to remove all the background noise. Although you can connect to multiple devices like PC, smartphones and tablets, you will be missing out on the surround sound and 3D audio features. As far as battery life is concerned, you can expect approximately 12 hours out of the headset after a full charge. The headset doesn’t come for cheap, as it costs approximately 170 bucks, making it one of the most expensive headsets featured in this list. However, if you want a dedicated PS4 headset for gaming on your favorite console with outstanding 3D Audio capabilities, no other headset can come close. Buy from Amazon: ($169.85) 10. Turtle Beach Ear Force Elite 800X Wireless HeadsetNow that we’ve discussed about a dedicated high-end headset for PS4, it’s time to show some love to all our Xbox fans. When it comes down to dedicated Xbox One gaming headsets, the options boil down to only a few, and the Turtle Beach Ear Force Elite 800X sits right at the top. Turtle Beach headsets are well known for their stellar build quality and adequate comfort for long hours of usage and the Elite 800X is no different. Only a very few can match this headset in terms of sound quality. The virtual surround sound experience is made possible with the help of DTS Headphone X, which lets you spot the enemies’ location accurately at the blink of an eye. The oval-shapedear cups are made of synthetic leather and memory foam, so you can keep playing for hours and hours without any irritation to your ear. As far as connectivity is concerned, it offers wireless connectivity for the Xbox one and you can make use of Bluetooth on this headset to connect across multiple devices. If you’re a multi-platform gamer, this might be a headset that you might find really hard to choose, because of lack of surround sound compatibility on PC and PS4. The 10-hour battery life offered by the headset is mediocre to say the least, as it looks pale in comparison to the similarly priced Siberia 800’s 20 hour battery life, For an asking price of over 200 dollars, this one’s hard to recommend, but if you’re a loyal Xbox fan, who doesn’t have a PC or PS4 to play games on, the Turtle Beach Elite 800X should definitely be part of your plans. Buy from Amazon: ($209.97) SEE ALSO: 11 Cool Headphones That Sound Great The Best Surround Sound Gaming Headsets You Can BuyWell, if you want the best 7.1 surround sound experience while gaming, you cannot go wrong with any of these headsets that we’ve discussed. Keep in mind that sound quality of these headsets are highly subjective, as it varies from person to person. Some of you might prefer punchy bass, whereas others might hate it, but when it comes to surround sound, positional audio is the top priority and all of these virtual surround sound headsets manage to do a great job at emulating it. 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How to Confirm 7.1 Sound to Headphones from PC?Hi, I wanted to confirm my setup was correctly setup for 7.1 surround on my speaker headphones based on the following: -Sennheiser HD 598 -Astro Mixamp 2014 Edition -My PC with Mobo-Onboard Optical Port I have my HD 598 headphones plugged into the mixamp. Mixamp is plugged into the PC via optical TOSlink cable (into mobo port for Optical). Note that it is also plugged in with a USB Cable for Power to the PC. I have selected Digital Audio (S/PDIF) in Win10 for the default sound (not the 'Speakers' option that is available from the USB connection, if I am understand this correctly) Now couple of questions: -How can I test for 7.1 surround? The mixamp is supposed to provide virtual 7.1 after receiving digital signal from computer and ultimately produce 7.1 for my HD 598s. I can't test via youtube because no videos properly output surround from youtube. Is there a go-to testing file/site? -Is there anything wrong in my configuration? I thought I read something about needing a certain signal/encoding format sent from my computer to the mixamp in order for it to do it's 7.1 processing correctly to the headphones, an I'm unsure if my onboard audio from the MOBO is outputting the correct type of Dolby signal or w/e is required? (Does this mean I need a soundcard in addition to the mixamp?) Thanks
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Our Top PicksBest for Gaming: Logitech Z906 Surround Sound Speaker System
3.6
When it comes to dedicated gaming, sound can make all the difference. Whether it’s a nostalgia play with Doom or today’s console gaming, surround sound can take your gaming experience from just average to out-of-this-world. And the Logitech Z906 Surround Sound Speaker System is our choice if you truly want a gaming experience that is immersive. The only model on this list to receive THX 5.1 certification (think Star Wars) offers an all-in-one system that can connect up to six separate devices. Out of the box, you’ll receive five compact satellite speakers and one 500-watt powered subwoofer, hardly something to smirk at when you consider how the Z906 is a compact system. The front and rear satellite speakers are identical sporting a bland design with a meshed grille that offers more of a tech-centric look than your more traditional dedicated television surround sound system. However, build quality is superb and, while their overall design faces them slightly upward when laid flat, there are screw holes on the rear for wall mounting. Three digital inputs on the subwoofer allow for simultaneous connection between a DVD player, cable box and games console, as well as direct input for PCs or 3.5mm input if you still utilize a dedicated MP3 player. We’re a little disappointed there’s no HDMI input for a Blu-ray player, but as we’re eyeing this model specifically for gaming, it’s a tradeoff we’re willing to take. One additional appeal of the Z906 is the control console, a desktop-sized unit connecting to the subwoofer that allows volume control, selecting between various sound modes and adjustment levels for each channel. This might be of greater use when connected to a PC as the supplied remote has the same functionality, so it’s a win-win regardless of use-case. When it comes to delivering distortion-free performance, loud levels, and hard-hitting bass, the Z906 delivers. The single satellite drivers do struggle a little with musical highs, but unless you’re a dedicated audiophile who can sense these anomalies, you won’t notice. There’s more than enough detail coming through on the Z906 so you’ll never look at your TV speakers the same way again. That alone can justify the price. Best Value: Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System
3.7
The 7.1-channel Onkyo SKS-HT540 speaker system makes a luxurious addition to your existing home theater. At under $350, this system could also fall into the budget category, but given the remarkable sound quality, it offers tremendous value. Note that you’ll have to purchase a separate A/V receiver, but even without it included, the price is a steal. Off the bat, you’ll notice that the speakers and subwoofer are much bulkier than most systems. Still, many people are happy to sacrifice space for sound quality. Its two-way bass reflex front, center and surround speakers produce a 130-watt total output, and a 230-watt subwoofer includes a 10-inch cone driver. While its spring-clip wire connectors instead of higher-quality binding posts will remind you that some consider this a budget system, you’ll forget it the second you’ll hear its clear bass, mids, and highs. Take a look at other product reviews and shop for the best home theater starter kits available online. Best for Audiophiles: Onkyo HT-7800 5.1-ChannelThe Onkyo HT-7800 5.1-channel system is powered by seven surround sound speakers and one subwoofer and it even comes with a receiver. With built-in support for Chromecast, AirPlay, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a slew of streaming music services, there’s never a shortage of ways to enjoy sound on the HT-7800 system. The two-way bass reflex front left and right speaker cabinets add Dolby Atmos technology for bouncing sound effects off ceilings. It also has support for 4K video playback and DTS:X technology for customizing dynamic range. Whether it’s a small or medium-sized room, the Onkyo is set up in under an hour, allowing you to focus solely on its outstanding sound. Best Budget: Vizio SB3851-C0When we consider a surround sound home theater system, a soundbar isn’t the first piece of audio equipment that comes to mind. However, Vizio’s SB3851-C0 is a superb budget-friendly option, and its included wireless subwoofer and satellite speakers is an early look at future surround sound system design. The 5.1-channel system offers crystal-clear audio quality up to 100 dB with less than one percent total harmonic distortion. The inclusion of DTS circle, digital and studio sound enhances the price-to-performance ratio and with Dolby Digital to top it off, there are few features missing at this price point. The soundbar itself measures 38.2 inches long and three inches high, with a weight of 6.6 pounds. The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity lets you stream music from any Bluetooth-enabled device, even when the TV is off, and the included LCD remote allows for easy audio setting changes. Setup is quick and easy, thanks to the lack of wires to both the subwoofer and satellite speakers. Wall mounts are included, but Vizio does not provide the appropriate fasteners (they're dependent on the type of wall in your home). Additionally, the wireless nature of the system may make it prone to minor interference every now and then from other wireless equipment. Vizio also encourages tabletop and built-in placement of the soundbar beyond the typical wall-mounted option. The sound bar itself is best utilized with TVs that are at least 42 inches or larger. The 3' x 5.9' x 3” satellite speakers and 8.3' x 9.1' x 8.3' subwoofer are capable of placement anywhere in an average-sized room or up to 60 feet in the line of sight from the sound bar. Sure, it’s not your typical surround sound system, but it offers the same feature set and arguably better sound with less setup hassle. Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best overall stereo speakers under $1,000. Best Wireless: Enclave Audio CineHome 5.1 Wireless Home Theater SystemCombining outstanding value and wireless setup, the Enclave Audio CineHome 5.1 is an excellent option that eliminates the need for cables connecting each separate speaker. The other six independent speakers work together for a total of 14 speaker drivers, delivering 360 degrees of HD wireless audio. The Enclave’s two Bipole surround speakers include two full-range drivers on opposite sides of the enclosed speaker, perfectly designed to spread sound throughout an entire room. While wireless audio may be the highlight of the Enclave system, there’s a bevy of additional features to maximize value. Three HDMI inputs enable owners to connect a gaming console, Blu-ray player and a streaming device (Apple TV, Roku, etc.). Just download the Enclave Audio app onto your phone and stream music from any of your favorite services. Bluetooth connectivity is built in along with Googlecast, which connects to Google’s Chromecast hardware for an additional audio streaming option. Best Splurge: Definitive Technology Pro Cinema 800At less than $1,000, there’s undoubtedly more expensive surround sound speaker options, all of which would be deemed a “splurge”. If money is no object, there’s no shortage of options that can range into the thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars. However, for the sake of practicality, we’re focusing on “splurge” options for the everyman. Our top choice, the Definitive Technology Pro Cinema 800, is a top performer that punches well above its pay grade. The design catches your eye right off the bat, even if at first glance it appears to be just another speaker set available in black. Both movie dialogue and the respective soundtracks produced a deep bass that was definitively better than other options around the $1,000 price point. Unfortunately, the Definitive subwoofer won’t rattle your bones like some higher-end Bose or Klipsch models, but the experience is still immersive and wildly enjoyable. On a similar note, Definitive’s speakers won’t take you to full volume without distortion kicking in but there’s a handful of cinematic moments we just want to hear as loud as possible. Definitive’s best described as detail-rich, preserving the fidelity of a soundtrack while allowing for all the simultaneous effects to be heard and enjoyed. The 300-watt subwoofer paired with the center speaker and satellites are all well regarded on their own but together they create an incredible value in high-performance audio. There’s little question you’ll end up feeling like the ProCinema 800 offers both value and a high-end experience that belies its price tag. Best for Large Rooms: Onkyo SKS-HTC993THX 7.1 Home Theater Speaker SystemIf it’s big sound you’re after, look no further than Onkyo’s SKS-HT993THX surround sound speaker system. You’ll immediately fall for the immersive audio of this THX-certified system. Film soundtracks will sound rich and detailed, not unlike what you would expect when you’re are the theater. And you can take the volume all the way up — each individual speaker is wrapped in a solid MDF cabinet to prevent vibration. Everything centers around the subwoofer that’s pumping out 125 watts of power through its 12-inch front-firing cone. Supporting the subwoofer are seven additional speakers, including three center speakers and four satellite speakers. The satellite speakers will fill a large room with sound thanks to their 5.1-inch woofers and one-inch tweeters. Each satellite speaker arrives with wall mounts that won’t sacrifice any aspect of audio clarity. The front and center speakers offer nearly the same dimensions with five-inch woofers and one-inch soft-dome tweeters for 360 degrees of sound. Best Compact: Monoprice 5.1When it comes to a compact surround sound speaker system, the assumption is that size matters. But our choice, the Monoprice 5.1 Home Theater System proves that theory very wrong. Included in the system are four 5.1-channel satellite speakers, a single center speaker, and one 8” 200-watt subwoofer. The compact-sized satellite speakers with their 3” polypropylene mid-range driver are wall mountable providing 100 watts of power for your movie and music-listening pleasure. Setup is simple and requires just a few cable connections after wall mounting and you’re off to the races without breaking the bank. The subwoofer provides a deep bass and the speakers perform admirably with room-filling sound and dynamic feel. Unfortunately, not everything is shiny as dialogue can sometimes feel hollow which might prompt some tinkering with the center channel to try and find a sweet spot. Overall, while there’s no question you can spend hundreds, if not thousands, more for a top-of-the-line system, the Monoprice provides incredible value for the everyday user just looking for something “more.' It is an easy choice for our favorite compact system. Best Design: Klipsch Reference Theater PackThe Klipsch brand is well known for its premium audio hardware, and their Reference Theater Pack delivers a pre-matched 5.1 surround sound experience that’s truly stunning, both visually and acoustically. The pieces are compact, with a minimal footprint that fits nicely in a small- or medium-sized room. But while the set can blend in size-wise, especially with the grills on, you can also opt to leave them off and let Klipsch’s signature spun-copper woofers catch the eye. The center channel and four satellite speakers all feature this unique construction, which, along with the horn-loaded tweeters, minimizes distortion and produces clean, detailed sound. Delivering the low end is a down-firing eight-inch subwoofer with surprisingly powerful bass output for its size. Its frequency response ranges from 38 to 120 Hz and the amplifier is rated for 50-watt RMS (continuous power) and 150-watt peak power. The best part is that it’s wireless, giving you the flexibility to place it wherever it fits and sounds best in your room. For our other top picks from this brand, check out our guide to the best Klipsch speakers. Best for Small Rooms: JBL Cinema 610 5.1 Home Theater SystemThe JBL name can easily be characterized as a manufacturer of unmatched sound, and that’s exactly the case with the Cinema 610 surround sound system. With five voice-matching satellite speakers, each of which includes a three-inch driver and one-inch tweeter, the dialogue is crystal clear. The dedicated center speaker adds near-cinematic power and exceptional clarity for dialogue and sound effects. The eight-inch subwoofer only adds to the overall excellent performance, especially when you consider it’s only putting out 60-watts. Bass feels deep and punchy without any vibrations. In fact, the whole system can withstand max volume without breaking a sweat. There are almost no hiccups or interference. These speakers can be wall mounted (brackets are included) or placed on shelves. For the best possible sound, you’ll find maximum value with these speakers in small to medium-sized rooms. Tested byHow We TestedWe bought two top-rated surround sound speakers that our reviewers tested for 16 hours. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these speakers, from their sound quality to their design. We’ve outlined the key takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping. What to Look for in a Surround Sound SpeakerRoom size -Before you look at the power output of a set of speakers, consider the size of your room. If it’s on the small side, you might not need too much power and you can save a bit of money by buying a compact system. If, however, you have an expansive room to fill, don’t hold back. Go for a full-size, full-range system with an amplifier instead of a receiver. 5.1 vs 7.1 -A 5.1 channel setup consists of five small speakers and a subwoofer, while a 7.1 channel setup includes two additional speakers -- obviously. The additional speakers provide richer sound, but can get pricier. In most cases, a 5.1 channel setup is more than enough, but if you’re looking to splurge, a 7.1 channel setup can be very impressive. Wired vs. wireless -A wired setup will have an edge when it comes to sound quality, but if you don’t mind sacrificing sound in the name of design, go for a wireless setup. (For tips on hiding those unsightly wires, read this.) Test Results: Logitech Z906 Surround Sound Speaker System (Best for Gaming)
3.6
What We Don't Like
If all you’re looking for is quality sound in your speaker system, our testers agreed this product hits the mark. “The sound quality is great,” reported one of our reviewers, “however the system visually is not attractive.” One of our testers was also disappointed that it didn’t come with the audio cables she needed, but did note that the overall setup was pretty straightforward. The bottom line: You’ll get a “robust sound quality” with this system, according to one of our reviewers, but the design feels “outdated.” Test Results: Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System (Best Value)
3.7
What We Don't Like
One of our testers described this system as “powerful, effective, [and] user-friendly.” However, the overall design and the fact that it’s not Bluetooth enabled will bother those looking for visual appeal, cautioned our reviewers. Our testers did note setup was simple. The takeaway? “The system is effective, it sounds great — but it has way too many cables,” declared one of our reviewers. 7.1 surround sound is the common name for an eight-channel surround audio system commonly used in home theatre configurations. It adds two additional speakers to the more conventional six-channel (5.1) audio configuration. As with 5.1 surround sound, 7.1 surround sound positional audio uses the standard front, center, and LFE (subwoofer) speaker configuration. However, whereas a 5.1 surround sound system combines both surround and rear channel effects into two channels (commonly configured in home theatre set-ups as two rear surround speakers), a 7.1 surround system splits the surround and rear channel information into four distinct channels, in which sound effects are directed to left and right surround channels, plus two rear surround channels. In a 7.1 surround sound home theatre set-up, the surround speakers are placed to the side of the listener's position and the rear speakers are placed behind the listener.[1] In addition, with the advent of Dolby Pro Logic IIz and DTS Neo:X, 7.1 surround sound can also refer to 7.1 surround sound configurations with the addition of two front height channels positioned above the front channels or two front wide channels positioned between the front and surround channels.[2]
Label for 7.1 extended surround sound
History[edit]Home Entertainment[edit]The Blu-ray Disc and the HD DVD home video formats provide up to eight channels of losslessDTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD or uncompressed LPCM audio at 96/48 kHz 24/16-bit. The Sony PlayStation 3 video-game console can output up to 7.1 LPCM through HDMI for both Blu-ray movies and games. Cinema[edit]While some movies have been remixed to 7.1 audio tracks on Blu-ray Discs for home cinema,[3] the first discrete theatrical 7.1 soundtrack was Toy Story 3 in 2010,[4] followed by Step Up 3D. Disney announced that they will use 7.1 surround for their future 3D releases.[citation needed] Recent titles include Megamind, Tangled, Tron: Legacy, Gnomeo and Juliet, Mars Needs Moms', Gulliver's Travels and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.[5] In 2011, additional movies were released with theatrical 7.1 audio, including Thor, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Kung Fu Panda 2, Super 8, Green Lantern, Cars 2, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Captain America: The First Avenger. All these titles are exhibited in the Dolby Surround 7.1 theatrical format.[6]7-1-surround-sound Music[edit]The history of electronic music includes the evolution of multi-channel playback in concert (arguably the real roots of 'surround sound' for cinema) and for a considerable time the 8-channel format was a de facto standard. This standardisation was fostered, in great measure, by the development of professional and semi-professional 8-track tape recorders—originally analog, but later manifesting in proprietary cassette formats by Alesis and Tascam. The speaker configuration, however, is much less traditional, and unlike cinematic reproduction systems, there is no hard-and-fast 'standard'. In fact, composers took (and to some extent still take) considerable interest in experimenting with speaker layouts. In these experiments, the goal is not limited to creating 'realistic' playback of believably natural sonic environments. Rather, the goals are often simply to experience and understand the psychoacoustics effect created by variations on source and imaging. Some of the first live concerts to appear were Chris Botti in Boston in 2009 and Satchurated in 2012. References[edit]
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