I may never listen on speakers again.

Petrie. · **on:** April 18, 2010, 05:14:09 PM

That's a WOW comment from me. Yeah, I said it...I may never listen on speakers again.

So why am I saying this? Because I found this: http://www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_dsp_dolbyhp

Of course, what made it better was that I already use foobar2000 and because I had PowerDVD installed on my computer, I had the dll file that was needed to make it work.

Basically what the plugin does for headphone users is make the sound seem as if its in 5.1 surrounding you and not "in your head". I've tested a lot of soundtracks/orchestra stuff in the "Live" setting and it sounds really nice (like I'm in a concert hall)!!! Even monophonic material sounds like its presented over a wide-speaker system rather than some tiny chamber in the middle of your head. This is definitely one of the better headphone plugins I've ever tried or listened to.

If your system has the Dolby dll file, its something you should try if you find yourself constantly using headphones.

I'm glad I gave it a try!

LBTFan13 · **Reply #1 on:** April 18, 2010, 05:24:26 PM

Wow, that actually sounds really interesting. Maybe I'll look into it myself

Malte279 · **Reply #2 on:** April 18, 2010, 06:50:41 PM

Fascinating as this may be it is only for those who like to use headphones. Personally I avoid using headphones of any sort if I can help it as there is a significant risk of damaging your ears using headphones and I guess my hearing is poor enough as it is.

DarkHououmon · **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2010, 06:53:48 PM

While that dolby thing does sound nice, I don't think it's a good idea. Listening on headphones is a bad thing to do as you risk hearing loss. I do listen on headphones sometimes if I have to, but I hate doing it. Sorry, but having better sound isn't worth risking damaging your hearing, in my opinion.

Pikkutassu · **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2010, 09:32:18 PM

Quote from: DarkHououmon,Apr 18 2010 on 05:53 PM

While that dolby thing does sound nice, I don't think it's a good idea. Listening on headphones is a bad thing to do as you risk hearing loss. I do listen on headphones sometimes if I have to, but I hate doing it. Sorry, but having better sound isn't worth risking damaging your hearing, in my opinion.

It's certainly not worth risking. It's not the hearing loss, but the tinnitus that comes with it is a nightmare

I've had constant ringing in my ears since February now after I sold my speakers, and used heaphones (not even loudly!) for one month.

pokeplayer984 · **Reply #5 on:** April 18, 2010, 10:22:56 PM

Actually, since I got tired of the volume being set to a certain level, I had to get headphones so I wouldn't bother anyone when I watch a video or listen to music.

I used to have a pair of terrible headphones. They easily hurt my ears, not due to sound, but because of how tight they were on my head.

They looked like this.

They weren't that comfortable and they just didn't feel right. I was actually happy the day they broke.

They were then replaced with this.

And I just love them! I really haven't had problems with them.

To be honest, I feel that it's all about finding the right kind that suits you, and I sure found mine.

Petrie. · **Reply #6 on:** April 20, 2010, 06:37:07 AM

Remember, I did say "may" in there.

I don't crank my music like lots of kids do these days, plus symphonic music and soft rock don't get excessively loud in the first place, so I don't have to worry much about losing my hearing anytime soon.

I've kept playing around with the plugin some more. It works great on jazz, classical, orchestral, and chamber music. Anything with vocals is hit or miss. It will depend on the mastering. Basically its like flipping an on-off switch....turn it on when you want it on, turn it off when it doesn't work out.