Best virtual surround sound?

iShad · August 13, 2016

So I saw the Kickstarter for these: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1959366850/realiser-a16-real-3d-audio-headphone-processor

Apparently they have released the Realiser A8 for a few years now, and is highly regard on headfi but a bit out of reach priced at $3.2k. How it works is you insert little microphone in your ears and do calibration from elaborate speakers setup, and the processor mimics it along with the head tracking module to determine your head position in the virtual room. There will also be profiles available for download but it wouldn't be as precise since it's not specifically tailored to your ears.

Video of the calibration if anyone interested:

The A16 should be an improvement in all aspects for 1/3 of the price, but I'm still uncertain to back a grand without a chance to try it out first and my fear of Kickstarter in general. Just wondering if anyone ever tried these and if it is superior to other virtual surround methods? I've tried mostly software methods like Razer Surround and Dolby Atmos on Overwatch but those always distort the audio in a strange way that I'd rather turn it off. Also it limits to just games, since there's no way to get head position while watching movie or listening to music. The Realizer A16 is definitely not cheap, but if it can turn my th900 into a full 16 speakers setup without making it sounds like ass then I might have to bite.

BrightCandle · August 13, 2016

Its interesting but it needs to be much cheaper.

iShad · August 13, 2016

4 hours ago, BrightCandle said:

Its interesting but it needs to be much cheaper.

True, the sweet spot for me is under $500. Doing more research about it, the Realizer is also a professional tool allowing you to mimic any listening environment so it might not be aimed at consumers just yet. There's also the problem of getting yourself in front of a high-end speakers setup to get your personalized HRTF data.