Headsets with multi-channel surround sound

Headsets suffer from the "boxed-in" effect with the sound that seemingly originates from the middle of your head. This has spurred manufacturers to create surround technology to alleviate this effect as much as possible. A cheaper way of enjoying a surround sound effect would be to purchase a pair of surround headsets instead of having to shell out for a proper multi-channel surround sound system.

That said however, a simulated surround sound effect through two channels will never fully match the precision of a pure 5.1-channel system. We take a look at what's hot today for the former.

	1.	Razer Megalodon   Razer's headset features a breakout box that contains a 7.1 channel virtual surround sound processor, called Maelstrom. It hooks up to a PC via USB and also offers independent volume adjustments for the center, front, side and rear audio channels. Switches to activate the surround sound processor and power for the headset are also built into the box. However, the sound processor does not expand stereo signals into the surround format. Audio specs: 7.1 channel, noise filtering microphone Click for larger image
	2.	Plantronics Gamecom 777   The 777 is connected to a Dolby USB sound card which employs Dolby Pro Logic II and Dolby Headphone technologies to create the surround sound effect. The sound card first processes the stereo signal from the computer and recreates a virtual environment through the headphones. The 777 can also be used with other devices that have standard 3.5mm connectors. Audio specs: Dolby 5.1 channel, noise filtering microphone Click for larger image
	3.	Logitech G35 Surround Sound Headset   Logitech's offering features three programmable buttons and integrated controls for the volume, microphone and surround sound. As a USB headset, the surround sound processing is done via software which features Dolby Headphone 7.1-channel surround. The software also enables the programmable buttons and allows users to change their voice. The microphone automatically mutes itself when rotated upward. Audio specs: Dolby 7.1 channel, noise filtering microphone Click for larger image
	4.	Cyber Snipa Sonar 5.1   The Sonar features four individual speakers per driver housing, one of which is a "subwoofer" driver to handle the low frequency sounds. Its inline control contains a USB sound card and has volume, mute, and microphone power controls. The surround sound processing as well as the individual volume controls for the virtual channel are software based. The microphone is mounted on a flexible boom mount, and the entire headset can be folded for transportation. Audio specs: 5.1 channel, noise filtering microphone Click for larger image
	5.	Victor-JVC SU-DH1   Bear with us, but this is worth mentioning because it brings surround sound to any headset. The SU-DH1 currently supports Dolby Digital decoding and Dolby Pro Logic II, the latter being capable of expanding stereo signals into surround sound. There are three selectable surround modes and an analog or digital source input. The SU-DH1 also doubles as a portable amplifier, powered by two AA batteries or a 3V DC power source. Audio specs: Dolby Headphone, Dolby Pro Logic II, optical input Click for larger image