SONY MDR-DS8000 Sound processor: The MDR-DS8000 transceiver not only does more than the 800C does—it looks and sounds better while doing it. It features two digital optical inputs, plus a set of analog RCA inputs. This stylish kit will decode just about any digital audio signal you can think of: DTS, DTS ES, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Surround, Dolby Pro Logic II, and MPEG-2 AAC. It can also replicate not just 5.1channel surround sound, but 6.1channel sound, too. Winner: Sony MDR-DS8000
Headphones: The DS8000 headphones have a round, open-air design that provides a cooler fit and slightly richer sound, but this does render them more susceptible to interference from background noise. The headset controls are on the interior of the right speaker pod, so the volume dial can be tricky to use without taking the headphones off. A pod above the left headphone houses Sony’s Gyrotrak headtracking system, which enables you to move your head without changing the directional effect of the audio. With Gyrotrak, you can dance around to a concert DVD without destroying the illusion of being front and center. (Not that we did this, of course—at least there aren’t any pictures.) Despite the open design, Sony’s headphones are bulkier than Pioneer’s, and they weren’t quite as comfortable for long stretches. But three features trump these drawbacks: Gyrotrak, an auto on/off feature, and a longer infrared range (33 feet). Winner: Sony MDR-DS8000
MAXIMUMPC VERDICT EPISODE IV
9
Rich music playback, more pronounced surround effects, and features aplenty. Performance: The MDR-DS8000s delivered crisper, more pronounced surround-sound effects across all categories: music, movies, and games. They were also slightly better than the 800Cs when it came to delivering conventional stereo audio. Winner: Sony MDR-DS8000
EPISODE I
Somewhat bulky design, tough-to-reach volume dial, and a bit tough to configure. $800, www.sonystyle.com
THE UPSHOT
P
ioneer failed to win a single category, but that doesn’t mean the 800Cs aren’t excellent—especially if you’re on a budget. The Sony’s are just a step ahead. There’s bad news for PC gamers hoping to quiet their lives with these headphones, however. Neither set sports 5.1 analog inputs, therefore most soundcards are incapable
of delivering a true 5.1 signal to the ‘phones. That means no positional sound in most games. The good news is that with the proper signal, both sets deliver on the promise of natural-sounding surround effects. These headphones can’t match the floor-quaking effect of a booming multichannel surround-sound system, but they’re the next best thing. n
MAY 2005
MAXIMUMPC
21