5.1 speaker / 5.1 Headset switch, is there such a thing?

[frenetic26]

Greetings all, I was wondering if anyone knows if there is such a thing as a speaker headset switch to switch between speakers or headphones for pc, but for 5.1 sound.

Let me explain. I want to buy Zalman ZM-RS6F 5.1 surround sound headphones, but I dont see myself unhooking-rehooking my 5.1 speaker set everytime I want to use the headphones.

http://www.3dvelocity.com/reviews/zalman_hp/zalmanphones_1.htm

I know there are swicthes for normal speaker/headsets :

http://www.headsetwholesalers.com/audpcspeakhe.html

but i need one that supports 5.1 sound


Is there such a thing?

thanks in advance.

[computer01]

I was considering the Zalman set myself but opted for a Plantronics headset instead. (Needed the mic).

If I had gone with the Zalman, I'd have probably made or bought 3 DAs. (Distribution amps). A DA is essentially what you linked to in your post. One channel in, two or more channels out with no impedence change. (Because it's buffered).

If you got 3 of those, you could connect one to each of the 3 connections needed for the 5.1. It'd be messy... I'd probably take them apart and mount them into a project box or something. You'd be surprised how easy it is to customize something like that.

I don't know of any off-the-shelf products that will do what you want.

Good luck

[GreenWeenie]

I did a quick google search. Couldn't find a product.

Looks like you should have bought these (http://www.genius-kye.com/deta_prod_in.asp?id_producto=275&id_tipoprod=2). Audio Switching Box
Controls: Power, Mute, Headphone/Speaker
G9 Jack Output Jack, 6 RCA Output, Power In, Stereo In, 5.1 Inputhttp://www.genius-kye.com/images/productos/hp51v.jpg

[frenetic26]

I did a quick google search. Couldn't find a product.

Looks like you should have bought these (http://www.genius-kye.com/deta_prod_in.asp?id_producto=275&id_tipoprod=2). http://www.genius-kye.com/images/productos/hp51v.jpg

Wow that looks neat! I didnt buy the Zalman yet, still shopping! Its to bad this doesnt say how the switchbox connects to the soundcard...

;-)

[Barton03]

I have a used zalman, but since i already have a 5.1 speaker setup for Christmas, I can sell you my zalman. PM your best price.

[chdude3]

I have a 5.1 headset. I've found its surround better than the Zalmans. It also has a mic. It also comes with a headphone amp that has passthrough connections for 5.1 speakers, so that you don't have to disconnect/reconnect anything. I've mentioned them before, because they're also the most comfortable headset I've ever used with my computer.

SpeedLink Medusa 5.1 Headset. Go get one.

[frenetic26]

I have a 5.1 headset. I've found its surround better than the Zalmans. It also has a mic. It also comes with a headphone amp that has passthrough connections for 5.1 speakers, so that you don't have to disconnect/reconnect anything. I've mentioned them before, because they're also the most comfortable headset I've ever used with my computer.

SpeedLink Medusa 5.1 Headset. Go get one.

Awesome! that is just what I am looking for!
where did you get yours? and how much did you pay for them?

an <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=78 target=_blank>ebay</a> store has them for 65$ us +14$ shipping (probably will end up costing me 100$ canadian or so)

worth it?

[computer01]

The price blows but <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> has them:

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13359&vpn=SL-8790&manufacture=After%20Hours%20Computers

Reading the reviews of these, and chdude3's comments, I may have to go get a set and try them out.

Post back if you find anywhere else in Canada that has these at a reasonable price.

[frenetic26]

This guys has a whole bunch for sale on <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=78 target=_blank>ebay</a>, brand new in the box.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=5756760540&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

With conversion and shipping it comes to 105$ canadian.

I think I just may order a pair!

woot!

[computer01]

Did some searching and came up with this:

Good review:
http://www.walibe.com/reviews-47-page1.html

Looks like you can buy a second headset only for £15 and the main unit supports 2 headsets. I wouldn't use that feature but neat nonetheless. (Or you can buy a dual kit for £40)

Other good information:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-164583.html

This company is selling them in England for £28.00. ($67.00 CAD)
http://www.core-digital.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=223

Hmmm.... I'm going to England in a week....

[chdude3]

At the time I bought, there was nobody in North America selling these AT ALL. I imported several from the UK, went in with friends for the deal. After taxes and duties, it worked out to about $110CAD - much cheaper than <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a>.

I'd go with the <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=78 target=_blank>eBay</a> sellers. Find out if they come with a north american power adapter - since we imported ours, I had to pick one up. You'd think SpeedLink would have done a universal input, but they didn't.