DOLBY HEADPHONE via pci sound X-Meridian 7.1 USERS

[Davekyn]

Hi, I was hoping there might be some HDA X-Meridian 7.1 Users out there that might have tried the Dolby Headphone feature out with some games.

I’m not interested in using headphones with this feature inbuilt, but opted to use High Quality phones such as the “Audio Technica ATH AD-700 $230.00 Au” Audio Technica: ATH-AD700
REVIEW Headphonic :: View topic - Review: Audio Technica ATH-AD700
I use Headphones all the time and find the whole thing on Dolby Headphone quite interesting.
My parts are all on order, but in the mean time was curious as to what others might be experiencing with this phenomenon. I am surprised I have not heard about it earlier and from the reviews I have been reading, it seems as if it’s becoming more popular. If Dolby Headphone is on its way out, as some would have us believe, then why are sound cards coming out with it still supported?
At the very least, if I am unhappy with it, I will end up with what seems to be a very High End Sound Card and an Awesome set of Headphones to match
Please do not even bother telling me about X-fi cards…Creative left their consumers drowning in the deep end for over one year…you only have to go look at their own forum to see the problems that prevailed that card. I could not care less if they claim to of fixed it now……I never want anything to do with that company as long as I liveCreative are no longer the only fish in the sea!

Thoughts & Questions I have come across in relation to this setup and Gaming:
1st… EAX … Is it true that Vista does not support this natively.
2nd … Would using the Front Panel Audio Jack (as supported with the Meridian) impede on sound when using my headphones. Would it be best to take the time and plug them directly into the back using the gold jack? (what’s the optional gold jack all about, anyone know?)
3rd … I note in the software setup that when using head phone you then get the option to select Dolby Headphone. Is that all is needed to use this feature in Games???
4th … What players are any of you using to utilize Dolby headphone and what was its difficulty level in setting up…Codec’s and so forth?

Last but not Least
Do you notice a big difference in Formats specifically made for Dolby Headphone as to those that are not …DVD’s ect…?
How effective is a stereo recorded file in Dolby Headphone?

Thanks

[gvblake22]

I also decided to try out the Auzentech products but went with an XPlosion instead of the X-Meridian. I came from an X-Fi XtremeMusic and am VERY pleased with the switch. The drivers are much more simple and straight forward and the sound is great. But unfortunately I don't have any experience with the X-Meridian so can only offer my thoughts on your questions based on what I've read around the web. I've also never been a big headphone user, so I can't really comment on the Dolby Headphone technology either.

As for EAX, I don't see why Vista would not support it. Seems to me EAX support depends on the sound card you are using and that the card's drivers play nice with Vista (at least enough to enable all the features such as EAX support). So it doesn't seem like a support issue of Vista, it's probably more of a question of whether or not the sound card and drivers are updated to support Vista. And for the front panel jacks, extreme audiophiles may say that every jack connection may degrade the signal, but that's hard to swallow. It's kindof like the debate between modular and traditional (non-modular) power supplies. I would say if you don't want to take any chances and absolutely want the best possible signal from the sound card, use the jack right on the card. Otherwise, you can try the front panel connection. But the best way to decide would be to just try both yourself and see if you see a difference.

[Davekyn]

Thankyou very much!
You may not of answered the dolby headphone issues I wanted to know, but I aprecieate your response all the same