Virtual surround sound systems have been the new norm in the world of sound. With the coming of technologies like DTS Headphone X and Dolby Atmos, you get the theatre grade experience at the comfort of your homestead. This kind of technology sounds expensive but in reality, it is cheaper than you think.
DTS Headphone X and Dolby Atmos are just two of the many technologies but right now let us focus on these two. DTS Headphone X and Dolby Atmos have been debated across several audiophile communities and forums.
Each of these systems is unique in their own ways and yet similar enough to bring about a comparison. You will find these integrated into several speakers and TV speakers as well. So, without further ado, let us get to know more about each.
DTS Headphone X vs Dolby Atmos: The What and Why.
DTS Headphone X and Dolby Atmos enhance your sound experience to another level. It takes advantage of all your speaker’s capabilities and pushes them to their limits. Of course, it will not damage your speakers.
It will transform your sound experience and give you a decent feeling of calmness. Do you want exploding sounds all around you? You got it with either of these technologies but the real difference lies in the features and the quality of the sound each provides. Follow along to see the differences in details.
DTS Headphone X
Dolby Atmos Headphone
What is DTS Headphone X? An Overview
For the best movie or gaming experience, you need top-notch quality video and sound. You might already have that superior video quality so it is time to get on board with fantastic audio as well! And for that, you have the DTS Headphone X.
The DTS Headphone X is the 3D of audios. Using the multi-channel setup you have, it will make you feel like the sound of your game or movie is surrounding you. It smartly increases or decreases the volume of your game according to where the sound is coming from.
Once you wear the DTS Headphone X, it will make you feel like the sound is coming from all over the place, when in fact it is all in the headphones! It is almost like you are listening from a7.1 or 11.1 speaker system. Whether you are playing a game, listening to songs, or watching your favorite movie, this one got you covered!
The defining feature of the DTS Headphone X is that it does not need a multi-channel capability, the drivers and the software itself are capable of producing multidimensional sound without a height channel which is much more efficient.
Another field where you are most likely to struggle is the volume control for voices. You can change the volume of the vocals at will giving you a clearer vocal experience since most systems undermine this frequency a lot with heavy bass or other instrumentals.
Key Features of DTS Headphone X
DTS Headphone X and its capabilities go beyond one’s comprehension. The features of the DTS Headphone X are numerous and the list goes on and on. With that being said, here are some of the many features that take into account the user experience and the benefits that come with it.
Below are some of the few features that show some of the main points you might find useful.
- It recreates a real space designed and tuned for a premium home theater experience. It takes advantage of the room that the system is in and creates a spatial sound by bouncing audio efficiently towards you.
- You can enjoy a fully immersive experience, playback spatially enhanced stereo content all the way up to 7.1 surround sound. This means even if you have an existing home theater 7.1 setups, the DTS Headphone X can take its advantage completely giving you the best experience that you have been missing out on.
- Artists can bring about their imagination into light through DTS Headphone X. You can enjoy what they wanted you to experience without any filters or interruptions.
- Ability to optimize the audio quality for any headphones or earbuds. You can get the most out of your listening device with DTS Headphone X. The way it gets through is it gives you all the controls so you can edit each setting to your liking. This might appeal to an audiophile or an audio engineer greatly.
- DTS Headphone X has the compatibility of working with more than 450 models of headphones. This means listeners will be able to select and apply a custom filter designed to optimize the specific headphones they use.
What is Dolby Atmos? An Overview
Dolby Atmos is another dynamic audio experience that gives you superior sound quality. Initially built for theatres, this one quickly found its way into different sound systems. And its smart features have made it one of the top choices for home theatre enthusiasts.
With the Dolby Atmos, you do not simply hear sounds from the sides and back, but also from above! Ergo, whether you want to hear a plane landing from above or a sniper shot in the game, this one will let you do that. A truly three-dimensional event right at your home!
In addition to that, you are getting a height channel that is a simulation of overhead audio. In simple terms, when watching a movie and a plane flies overhead, you will be able to hear that sound from your speakers overhead.
This brings another level of depth to your listening experience and the whole movie seems all the more realistic because of this one unique feature.
Dolby Atmos has been a staple at movie theatres and bringing it to regular speaker setups and home theaters was a big step forward unlike the previous generations of surround sound systems.
Whether you are gaming, watching a movie, or even listening to music, the entire system works around you. When playing music, you will hear each and every beat from all around giving you are more immersive and live experience. Try firing up a live concert from YouTube and see the prowess.
Key Features of Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos is one of the greatest technological innovations you can find. Movies and music all use this to bring out the best in their system. Speaker systems that support Dolby Atmos are known to have the most immersive of sounds you can find.
When you go to a movie theater, you might find a special ticket selection where the theater is Dolby Atmos active. This means the movie experience would be the most immersive you can ever imagine.
There are other features of Dolby Atmos for regular consumers like yourself and here are some of the following.
- With Dolby Atmos, you experience an auditory atmosphere, as the name implies, and are encompassed by scenic sounds by your equipment bouncing sounds off your ceiling. The end result: an environment that more accurately represents how you experience sound.
- In Dolby Atmos, its defining feature is that it configures audio as objects. It interprets audio and recreates it as an object. Think of each sound as a floating orb in the room. It is not restricted to movement in any direction and it floats around on the plane. Audio engineers can take advantage of this and create their desired audio.
- When watching an action movie with a lot of moving objects in the air, Dolby Atmos has a height channel that adds another layer to the spatial audio field. It takes the audio objects and floats it around above you. With this, it gives you the feeling that the plane is moving right above you while you are watching a movie.
- The Dolby Atmos can be used on any speaker configuration. It maxes out at 34 speakers though but you surely will not have 34 speakers in your home theater setup would you? It is ideal for movie theaters but with your home setup, you can get the full experience of Dolby Atmos.
- Another amazing feature of Dolby Atmos is that it is compatible with VR. Virtual Reality is a sector where having a good sound system is crucial as the video is no more two-dimensional. Since Dolby Atmos uses spatial audio, it integrates the surround sound perfectly with the VR.
What is the Surround Sound System?
Surround Sound is the ultimate system to invest in if you want to make the most out of your speakers. Using speakers both in the front and back, it gives you a surreal experience of listening to almost anything! Unlike stereo, a surround sound system provides you with much higher sound quality.
A surround sound system usually comes with more than two speakers, but some of them have as much as five, seven, or even nine-speaker units! The innovation of surround sound has brought to the world an experience of a lifetime. When you go to the movies, you obviously have dreamt about having your own at least once.
Furthermore, when you watch the movies at the theatre, the feeling that soars through your skin, every vibration and sound is so accurate, it is as if you are right inside the movie. This experience is what surround sound systems brings to us. With this technology, it takes advantage of all the speaker units.
DTS Headphone X vs Dolby: In details
There are several facts that differentiate between DTS Headphone X and Dolby Atmos. For instance, DTS Headphone X does not have a height channel like the Dolby Atmos.
With Dolby Atmos, artists have the ability to take advantage of this height channel to transmit audio all around and above you. This is only one of the facts that differentiate between DTS Headphone X and Dolby Atmos. There are more so take a read.
Fact: (Height Channel)
DTS Headphone X
DTS Headphone X does not have a dedicated height channel that brings a world of difference in the sound world. With DTS Headphone X, it makes use of its traditional channels but optimizes it to shoot upwards and in all directions giving it a surrounding effect.
With that, DTS Headphone X produces sound above you and gives you the height sensation.
Dolby Atmos
With Dolby Atmos, the height channel is one of its defining features. With the height channel, Dolby Atmos creates wonders. It uses the height channel to give the overhead sound that you see in movies. It simulates that sound into packets and floats it over your head so you can feel as if the sound is right above you.
Fact: (Compatibility)
DTS Headphone X
With DTS Headphone X, the hardware you use for audio playback must be compatible and have the DTS Headphone X support. There is however the DTS Headphone X software but, without the hardware supporting the technology, the software is as good as useless. So compatibility is an issue with this sound technology even though it is supported in over 450 best headphones in the market.
Dolby Atmos
As for Dolby Atmos, it is compatible with almost any and all headphones. Since Dolby Atmos is a software solution and not a hardware technology, it can be integrated into any system and will work perfectly.
You may get some shortcomings if used with a stereo system but you can enable Dolby Atmos right now on your PC just by turning it on and subscribing to the system from windows.
Fact: (Performance)
DTS Headphone X
DTS Headphone X comparatively has a low sound signature. The sound is mid-heavy and lacks a kind of kick that gets you going. This might differ from person to person but the other sound quality sounds like it is lacking in places. There is not enough kick to the bass to bring about the actual quality of the audio that is being played.
Dolby Atmos
On the contrary, Dolby Atmos checks all the boxes for the consumer wants. It has a well-balanced bass, high clarity audio, and the pristine clearance of sound dissipation. The audio placement is accurate when playing surround sound. It brings out the quality of the audio being played into life with no distortions or lackings.
Fact: (Audio Optimization)
DTS Headphone X
DTS Headphone X uses spatial audio and takes advantage of the upward-firing speakers to create a surround sound that is real. It uses unique post-processing and a world-class codec along with a wide array of customization options.
So the audio is transmitted in waves and it is bounced from the walls towards you giving you the feeling of being inside the audio. You can accurately pinpoint the sound location due to its ultra-realistic room virtualization.
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos takes a different approach to audio optimization. The audio is interpreted and recreated as objects. Now what these objects mean is that, for instance, think of each sound as a floating orb in space that is not limited to movement in any direction.
This sound orb can float in any direction and on any plane. So having this capability, audio engineers can take advantage of this and transmit their audio in any direction and in any way they want. This concept of object is especially useful since it makes Dolby Atmos compatible with any sound systems.
Fact: (Content Compatibility)
DTS Headphone X
With DTS Headphone X, one disadvantage of using it is that the content being played must also be optimized by DTS Headphone X, otherwise, the audio might sound bland.
Even if you have a wide array of speakers whether it is five, seven, or eleven. There will be no significant difference if the audio itself does not support the DTS Headphone X optimized audio.
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos on the other hand does not require the audio to be tuned with Dolby Atmos. You can use any headphones or speakers and enable Dolby Atmos on that device to enjoy the full experience. With Dolby Atmos, the audio of any video will sound great and exhilarating.
Why should you go for DTS Headphone X?
DTS headphone X is a great technology if you are a gamer. The reason being, some game titles are compatible with DTS Headphone X so if you are playing one of those with a DTS Headphone X enabled audio device, you will be in a different world entirely. The whole gaming experience will become even more immersive than it already is.
Moreover, DTS Headphone X can support much more extensive systems too, comprising up to 32 speaker locations and up to an 11.2-channel system, and more than 450 widely famous headphones in the market.
Additionally, DTS is an open-source multidimensional audio platform so any designer or artist can easily make a compatible device out of it without any special permissions.
Points for Praise of DTS Headphone X:
- Better sound than Dolby Atmos for Headphones.
- Does not work with all types of headphone. You need to buy a headset/headphones with DTS Headphone:X technology.
- An open-source multidimensional audio platform, so no special permissions are required to integrate this technology into any sound system.
- Compatible with more than 450 tunings from the most referenced, best-loved headphones
Points for improvement by DTS Headphone X:
- Is only compatible with DTS Headphone X enabled audios and headphones.
- The sound is bland and has a low audio signature with almost no bass and heavy mids.
Why should you go for Dolby Atmos?
The main reason to go for Dolby Atmos is already there and you have experienced it; movie theaters. It delivers theater-grade optimization and quality to your sound system at a very low cost.
You get the object-based audio optimization and the increasingly accurate virtualization where engineers have the freedom to fiddle them however they want.
Another reason is that it is compatible with almost any and all audio devices. You would be surprised by the number of devices Dolby Atmos supports. And the integration is easy, just subscribe and get instant Dolby Atmos access.
All of these integrations along with uninterrupted service and quality, the rich and full audio performance, and efficient sound compression are more than enough reasons for you to choose Dolby Atmos.
Points for Praise of Dolby Atmos:
- Compatible with audio from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Vudu, and most Blu-Ray releases.
- Has a more efficient compression.
- works with any pair of headphones since it is a software-only technology.
- will up mix 7.1 / 5.1 to virtual Dolby Atmos
- Uses sound interpreted and recreated as objects for more freedom to make changes by audio engineers
Points for improvement by Dolby Atmos:
- You will need to invest in a Dolby Atmos capable speaker in order to take full advantage of the audio and the system.
- Not all TVs or media streaming device supports Dolby Atmos passthrough.
Best DTS X compatible Headphones for Gaming
For gaming, having a surround sound compatible headphone is something you would only dream about. But have you noticed that most gaming headphones come compatible with DTS:X? Well, there is a multitude of selections that you can choose from and each will give you an experience that only game developers have dreamt their users should feel.
The following is a list of the DTS:X compatible headphones best for gaming. Have a look, you never know you might have one in place.
HyperX Cloud II 7.1 Gaming Headset
This headphone, to be simply put is quite comfortable and exhilarating. It is designed to enhance your gaming experience further as it comes equipped with 53 mm drivers. You can be assured of crystal clear audio and excellent bass reproduction. The earcups are made completely of memory foam so the soft and cushiony touch is unforgettable.
Along with the addition of DTS:X, it also has a tremendous amount of passive noise canceling so there is no sound leakage of any kind. With the HyperX Cloud II, you are also getting a digitally enhanced mic that is equipped with noise and echo cancelation.
The DTS:X provides the surround sound capability and the drivers of the HyperX Cloud II work perfectly well to deliver that performance to its optimum level giving you a smooth and memorable gaming experience unlike any.
SteelSeries Arctis 5 RGB Gaming Headset
The SteelSeries Arctis 5 has been a clear leader when it comes to RGB lighting on a gaming headphone. The sound quality is impressive enough when it comes to all the competitors and with the headset being wired, there is no issue of latency or distortions.
The SteelSeries Arctis 5 is low end compared to its successor the Arctis 7 but, from a performance perspective, this headset works like a charm and checks all the boxes.
The headset comes with a detachable USB sound card which should be an excellent option for an in-game and chat volume. Aside from that, you are also getting a dedicated echo and noise-canceling mic that works well with discord and all other chat applications.
The DTS:X integrated into this headset also works like a wonder when paired with capable audio sources. The surround sound enhances tenfold and the listening experience is off the roof. Looks plus performance, it has everything.
Turtle Beach Ear Force Stealth 450
Turtle Beach Stealth 450 is a DTS enabled wireless gaming headset that will give you the feeling as if you are inside the game and that too at a price that won’t fall heavy on your wallet. It is purely wireless headphones with immersive virtual surround sound.
It has powerful 50mm over-ear speakers that deliver crisp highs and thundering lows as the DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound.
For a pair of wireless headphones, the DTS:X in the Turtle Beach Ear Force Stealth works perfectly well and gives you a pretty decent sound experience. This headphone is perfect for gamers who like to get inside the game and into the story.
These headphones also feature soft ear cushions and a whopping 15 hours long battery life while DTS:X is enabled. That makes it pretty amazing, to say the least.
Best Dolby Atmos compatible Headphones for Gaming
Similarly, with DTS:X, you also get an astounding experience with Dolby Atmos-enabled headphones as well. The gaming experience only increases and the results are amazing and immersive gaming.
Razer Tiamat 7.1 V2
An excellent and odd-looking headphone from razer which only screams power and gaming. As the razer’s tagline goes, ‘for gamers by gamers’ this headset was made with the fact in mind that people who buy this know exactly what they want and how to use it.
The Razer Tiamat features Dolby Atmos that can be enabled from the Razer control panel.
Turning Dolby Atmos on will instantly give you the isolation that is scary and exciting at the same time. The cushions do a good job in passive noise canceling keeping sound from leaking and Dolby Atmos brings about the surround sound capabilities that are on par with the real-world experience.
For gaming, any and all games will feel closer to you and who knows, you might even play better.
Sony MDR-HW700DS Surround Sound
These are not your typical gaming headset and it is odd for Sony to make a dedicated gaming headset. However, the Sony MDR-HW700DS is an exception, you can use them however you like, and is especially effective during gaming sessions.
This Dolby Atmos-enabled headphone will work like a charm and check all the boxes for surround sound.
You can also take them anywhere that you like and use them however you want. The reason this is recommended for gaming is because of how it is built. The noise-canceling and the comfort of the headset are out of this world added with the surround sound capabilities of Dolby Atmos makes it one of the best Dolby Atmos-enabled headphones for gaming.
Corsair Void Pro Gaming Headset
Another one of Corsair’s flawless designs and a powerhouse of performance, the Corsair Void Pro. The looks alone give away the gaming vibe that this headset emanates. Added with Dolby Atmos, you are getting virtualization that is unlike you will ever experience in a headset.
When gaming, the Void Pro is especially useful as it hosts custom-tuned 50 mm neodymium drivers which are known to be the best in the business.
In addition to that, the Void Pro is wireless and has one of the lowest latency wireless audios. It transmits audio wirelessly to a USB dongle and cannot be connected to a Bluetooth device.
Aside from that, the large cushions, great speaker drivers, and a stunning design added with Dolby Atmos makes this the perfect surround sound gaming headset you can buy. It does everything perfectly and some more giving you what you expected and did not expect both in one package.
Best DTS Headphone X vs Dolby-enabled Headphones
With Dolby Atmos, you can experience a movie theater grade gaming experience as if you are playing the game in a movie theater. The features are endless and here is a list of compatible headphones that you can try out.
Compatible for Exercising and listening to Music
Unlike the comprehensiveness you get for gaming, there is not much about DTS:X and Dolby Atmos when it comes to workout compatibility and listening to music. Since you will be using these headphones mostly to watch movies, having a dedicated list for use in workouts and music does not make sense as you can use the same headphones for those purposes as well.
DTS:X enabled headsets to perform well even though they eat up a good chunk of battery when used in a wireless headset but the experience is not different in any case.
For workouts, you will need a headphone that is wireless, sweatproof, and which is not big enough so as to interfere with your sessions. As for music, a headphone that can produce good virtual activity for a movie is good enough for listening to music as well. Here is a list of compatible headphones that might be to your liking.
For Dolby Atmos
- Logitech G533 Wireless Gaming Headset
- Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum
- SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless Headset with DTS
- SteelSeries Siberia 800 Lag-Free Wireless Gaming Headset
- Panasonic RP-HX350
For DTS Headphone X
- Dolby Dimension Headphones
- RIG 800LX Wireless
- JVC XP-EXT1 with Atmos and EXOFIELD
- COWIN E7 Pro – Active Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II
- Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro
Final Verdict: DTS Headphone X vs Dolby
In the end, it comes down to preference. There is no real way to understand which is better than which. DTS Headphone X may lack the audio performance unlike Dolby Atmos but when DTS is paired with a compatible audio source, the performance is on par with Dolby Atmos.
These differences make it really hard to differentiate between the two so it comes to your personal preference as each person is glued to their own preferred sound signature.
The best way to decide which one is for you is to actually try out a system at your local electronics store from the demos first hand. You will be able to tell the difference and your choice as well.
Another way to do so is to go to Windows Store and download both of the software on trial. You can test them out for 15 days after which you will have to pay.
15 days is a long time to make your decision, but whatever it is, whether you want to play games, watch movies or listen to some music, your choice will not be lacking or disappointing since both of the technologies have the same pristine quality and clarity that you might be looking for.
All you need to do is hear it out for yourself and the decision will be as clear as day.
FAQs
Here is the section for you if you still have some questions about DTS Headphone X vs Dolby.
Is DTS X for headphones a good investment?
Yes! DTS Headphone: X gives you an immersive audio experience that will make you feel like you’re in the movie. So, if you’re a movie buff, this program is well worth your money. However, as of this writing, native DTS:X movie format is only accessible on a few Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray discs.
Is DTS Headphone X superior to Dolby Atmos?
In that game, DTS Headphone:X outperforms Atmos for Headphones (less sound manipulation, more immersive placement), and either choice is preferable to both running at the same time. However, because the game is especially intended to employ DTS technology, it stands to reason that it will perform better.
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