Hi guys
So I sat down and reviewed the Sennheiser RS 170 Surround Sound option along with Dolby Headphone of my Asus Essence STX sound card.
MOVIES
In order of decreasing/(better to worse) surround sound effect:
RS 170 Surround + Dolby Headphone (both enabled)
is much better than
Just Dolby Headphone
is much better than
Just Sennheiser RS 170 surround
All the above three are noticeable and distinct compared to regular stereo settings, at least at the right time. However, the Sennheiser RS 170 surround isn't always noticeable except in moments when it is really powerful (not too powerful either though). Also, even with Dolby headphone enabled, enabling Senn RS170 surround has a huge difference and is easily noticeable in most situations.
Needless to say, the sound quality is the cleanest and sharpest in stereo mode. However, I seldom watch my TV serials, movies or play games without having both enabled, when using my headphones. The difference is BIG.
Both play a nice role, neither is a perfect home theater. But when combined together, they easily come close to a entry level Sony or Philips home theater as an overall experience with much better sound, and badly positioned speakers give worse surround sound that these headphones when the right software/RS170 settings are used.
RATING
RS170 7
Dolby 8
Both together 10/10 assuming that as reference point. Of course in absolute terms it will be more like a 8 instead of 10.
MUSIC
In order of decreasing/(better to worse) surround sound effect:
RS 170 Surround + Dolby Headphone (both enabled)
is much better than
Just Dolby Headphone
is much better than
Just Sennheiser RS 170 surround
The most noticeable option is just enabling the latter, however, that isn't clear and too overwhelming without absolute clarity. However, just enabling Dolby Headphone along with it takes it to a whole new level which you would really miss if you only had Dolby Headphone without the Sennheiser surround option. Both together work like a tank, but if you have to choose only one alone then Dolby headphone is a better option. Though, I see no reason why you can't have both if you are going for surround headphones.
The Sennheiser surround is a bit more wholesome sound without having the impact and power or Dolby headphone. However, this definitely has its advantages. To those who have never tried Dolby headphone, Senn RS170 surround is a big deal. And to those who only listen to Dolby headphone, enabling Senn RS170 surround takes it to a whole new level. However, neither of the two alone is as good as when they work as a team.
Honestly, Dolby headphone is good, but Sennheiser RS170 is better in some ways while worse in several others, but both have their merits. Both are good for their purpose and when used together they are indeed awesome.
Bottomline:
Surround sound is not a marketing gimmick. No matter which of the two products we are talking about! It ain't perfect but far from a gimmick.
So I sat down and reviewed the Sennheiser RS 170 Surround Sound option along with Dolby Headphone of my Asus Essence STX sound card.
MOVIES
In order of decreasing/(better to worse) surround sound effect:
RS 170 Surround + Dolby Headphone (both enabled)
is much better than
Just Dolby Headphone
is much better than
Just Sennheiser RS 170 surround
All the above three are noticeable and distinct compared to regular stereo settings, at least at the right time. However, the Sennheiser RS 170 surround isn't always noticeable except in moments when it is really powerful (not too powerful either though). Also, even with Dolby headphone enabled, enabling Senn RS170 surround has a huge difference and is easily noticeable in most situations.
Needless to say, the sound quality is the cleanest and sharpest in stereo mode. However, I seldom watch my TV serials, movies or play games without having both enabled, when using my headphones. The difference is BIG.
Both play a nice role, neither is a perfect home theater. But when combined together, they easily come close to a entry level Sony or Philips home theater as an overall experience with much better sound, and badly positioned speakers give worse surround sound that these headphones when the right software/RS170 settings are used.
RATING
RS170 7
Dolby 8
Both together 10/10 assuming that as reference point. Of course in absolute terms it will be more like a 8 instead of 10.
MUSIC
In order of decreasing/(better to worse) surround sound effect:
RS 170 Surround + Dolby Headphone (both enabled)
is much better than
Just Dolby Headphone
is much better than
Just Sennheiser RS 170 surround
The most noticeable option is just enabling the latter, however, that isn't clear and too overwhelming without absolute clarity. However, just enabling Dolby Headphone along with it takes it to a whole new level which you would really miss if you only had Dolby Headphone without the Sennheiser surround option. Both together work like a tank, but if you have to choose only one alone then Dolby headphone is a better option. Though, I see no reason why you can't have both if you are going for surround headphones.
The Sennheiser surround is a bit more wholesome sound without having the impact and power or Dolby headphone. However, this definitely has its advantages. To those who have never tried Dolby headphone, Senn RS170 surround is a big deal. And to those who only listen to Dolby headphone, enabling Senn RS170 surround takes it to a whole new level. However, neither of the two alone is as good as when they work as a team.
Honestly, Dolby headphone is good, but Sennheiser RS170 is better in some ways while worse in several others, but both have their merits. Both are good for their purpose and when used together they are indeed awesome.
Bottomline:
Surround sound is not a marketing gimmick. No matter which of the two products we are talking about! It ain't perfect but far from a gimmick.
1 comment:
Nice Review ...really useful and to the point.
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