Mail Call

It's like reading someone else's diary, but different.

How would you say that these headphones compare to the Zalman surround headphones? I already own a set of the Zalmans and use them on my pc, but I believe that I can get some kind of adapter to use it with my console gaming setup. The Thrustmasters are set at a much higher price point; are they worth it? Do they totally eclipse the Zalmans?

-- Steve

Well, the two headphone sets are different. First, the Zalman headphones are just that: headphones. The Thrustmaster T510 is a package with a set of headphones and a Dolby Digital decoder. The decoder is what makes the two entirely different.

In order to use the Zalman phones with real 5.1 audio (read: a digital connection) you'd need to use a receiver with 6-channel line-out and Zalman's surround amp. There might be other boxes or such you could use to do the same thing, but the headphones themselves won't take a digital signal.

However, the Thrustmaster T510 set is made to do just this. The decoder box will take an optical cable and then translate it into a Dolby Headphone signal.

So, as far as pure one-on-one purchases go, the Thrustmaster T510 will do more for you.

-- Chris

So I'm all set to purchase a shiny new 40Gig iPod right, and I figure I'm gonna need some serious cans for my aural pleasure. As with any life altering decision I make, I consult the good folks at IGN before I act. For awhile now I've been really diggin the Grado SR80 that your site reviewed awhile back, but after having read about the new Dolby Thrustmaster blah blah blahs I'm not sure which set of phones to pick up. I need help! Of course you could just send me which ever ones you think are best, I'd be glad to provide you an address.
Thanks in advance for any wisdom you can impart to me.

-- Pete

From what I've heard of the Grado phones (that was before my time on Gear so it hasn't been entirely extensive) they're the better set. The Thrustmaster set is great because its focus is actually the Dolby Digital decoder, but if you're strictly comparing headphones, the Grado's are the better buy, especially if you're buying them for music.

-- Chris

How have you been? I have very exciting news!
We FINALLY were able to save an extra $450 a month
We refinanced our mortgage with a 3.75% lower rate, and closing was fast!
The application was free and we got several low rate quotes within days
CIick on this link and check it out!
Hope you do good with money over the coming year

-- Noel

Thanks, Noel! I can't wait to refinance the mortgage on my apartment! I'm going to spend the $450 on the way home since I trust you so much! Thanks again!

-- Chris

I just wantedn to know if you guys knew what was going on over at ATI with all the delays they have involving the x800 cards,in particular the all in wonder x800 xt card.I really want to get this card but nobody has it available.Can you guys get to the bottom of this and shed some light on when these cards will become available? Thanks alot!

-- Fred

The word that we got from ATI is that they had a bit of a delay getting them out the door. We're told they're getting pretty close to release though, so check back over the next few weeks or so. We'll let you know as soon as they're shipping.

-- Chris

Well, I have very slim computer. A Dell Dimension 4600C in fact. Works great and quite powerfull. That is everything but my integrated video card. Im thinking of an upgrade and wondering if there are any "good" low profile cards out there. I know their arn't a lot, and none of them are great, but i just thought i would ask you guys, because i know you know what your talking about and your reliable.

Thanks for your help!

-- Jordan

From what I can see online, it looks like your 4600C needs not only a low profile video card but also one with a half-height backplate. If that's true, then I honestly have no idea of what to tell you. You can get a low profile GeForce FX 5700 or something of that nature, but they all seem to have a full-height backplate, which I don't think will do.

You could in theory shave (or cut) off the extra bit of backplate, but obviously this will void all kinds of warranties. Even your scissors, so use your mom's.

-- Chris

I was reading your article about pc building and I was wondering where I can finda pci express board.Is that the name of the board of something. Maybe you could send me a link to where I can buy one. Please help.

-- Peter

PCI Express is the name of the graphics bus technology, just like AGP. All sorts of manufacturers make PCI Express boards, like ASUS, NVIDIA, ABIT...

Why is it that PC parts manufacturers feel the need to capitalize their entire names?

-- CHRIS

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