Surround Sound Headphones

Joined
Sep 13, 2015
Messages
89
Reaction score
2
Points
8
Location
Dundee, Scotland
Your Mac's Specs
MacMini M4, iMac M4 24", iPhone 16 Pro Max
Can anyone suggest Surround Sound (5.1 / 7.1) headphones that are compatible with a Mac, obviously having to connect by USB to get the multiple channels? Most of the ones I've looked at online are for Windows and a variety of games consoles. I have no interest in games but in watching movies with Dolby surround sound.
 

Raz0rEdge

Well-known member
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Jul 17, 2009
Messages
16,037
Reaction score
2,444
Points
113
Location
MA
Your Mac's Specs
2022 Mac Studio M1 Max, 2023 M2 MBA
I'm no audiophile..but 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound headphones?? That just seems like total marketing BS to me..where is the ".1" subwoofer coming from? The whole idea of surround sound is to have speakers physically located around you to give you the immersive experience. Even soundbars work by bouncing the sound off the various walls to make it seem like the sound is coming from those locations..but I don't see how this would work in headphones and if it's worth the money..

I think buying a good pair of headphones that can balance the sound (not too bass or treble), are light enough for long term wear and comfortable should be the better criteria..
 
Joined
Feb 14, 2004
Messages
4,781
Reaction score
166
Points
63
Location
Groves, Texas
I used to have a pair of Radio Shack Quadraphonic headphones (2 drivers per ear, 2 jacks) but have never heard of 5.1, unless they use some kind of sound spacial processing to widen the soundstage.
 
Joined
Feb 24, 2017
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Your Mac's Specs
11" 2012 MacBook Air iPhone 5s , iPod (80GB), Blue Apple iMac G3 (For sh!ts and giggles ;o)
What's next, video headphones??? :*
 

Raz0rEdge

Well-known member
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Jul 17, 2009
Messages
16,037
Reaction score
2,444
Points
113
Location
MA
Your Mac's Specs
2022 Mac Studio M1 Max, 2023 M2 MBA
No SmelloVision!
 
OP
m.g.mcc
Joined
Sep 13, 2015
Messages
89
Reaction score
2
Points
8
Location
Dundee, Scotland
Your Mac's Specs
MacMini M4, iMac M4 24", iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apologies for posting a question which clearly only merited derisory replies. I will ask my questions elsewhere in future. A quick look on Amazon would show that there are surround sound headphones and I was just looking for some that were compatible with a Mac.
 

Raz0rEdge

Well-known member
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Jul 17, 2009
Messages
16,037
Reaction score
2,444
Points
113
Location
MA
Your Mac's Specs
2022 Mac Studio M1 Max, 2023 M2 MBA
Apologies for posting a question which clearly only merited derisory replies. I will ask my questions elsewhere in future. A quick look on Amazon would show that there are surround sound headphones and I was just looking for some that were compatible with a Mac.

No need to apologize, it's all in good fun. I think some of those headphones are making claims without any merit or basis on science..at least that's my opinion. If the headphones is using the standard 3.5 mm audio jack, then there is no compatibility issues with a Mac. If they are using the USB port, and conform to standard USB audio transmission, then it's still likely no problem. The only time you'll need to be careful is if the headphones comes with some software for extra features in which case you'll have to make sure that there is software for the Mac as well.
 
Joined
Jan 20, 2012
Messages
5,192
Reaction score
552
Points
113
Location
North Carolina
Your Mac's Specs
Air M2 ('22) OS 15.3; M3 iMac ('23) OS 15.3; iPad Pro; iPhone 14
Apologies for posting a question which clearly only merited derisory replies. I will ask my questions elsewhere in future. A quick look on Amazon would show that there are surround sound headphones and I was just looking for some that were compatible with a Mac.

Well, no need to leave the forum - my sound needs are simple, some 40 y/o EV re-built speakers, BT headphones, and wireless Sennheiser headphones (which I love, as does my wife!) - just looking on Amazon and indeed there are 'surround sound' headphones advertised (first hit shown below) - not sure 'how' they work over the ears (different directions, multiple drivers, delays, etc.)? Also, you need to determine if your computer can put out the 5.1 or 7.1 audio signal - don't know?

Finally, you might want to join a more specific AV forum - I'm a member of Audioholics but rarely visit - got flamed for my mediocre equipment and also owning 6K CDs that I haven't ripped to NAS - ;) Bunch of young 'whipper snappers' in their membership, so probably are quite up on the headphones and computer needs you want - good luck. Dave :)
.
Screen Shot 2017-03-16 at 12.07.39 PM.png
.
Screen Shot 2017-03-16 at 12.08.34 PM.png
 

Shop Amazon


Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Top