Here’s something that some of you may be interested in taking advantage of, while it’s still available for free. It allows ANY pair of stereo headphones to simulate 7.1 surround sound. After the end of the year, it will cost US$19.99. In order to obtain this software, registration on the Razer website is required. Try out the online demo to get an idea of what it can do. By the way, once installed, there is the option to use it in offline mode. However, by doing so, you won’t be automatically alerted that an updated version is available.
https://www.razerzone.com/ca-en/surround
I’m using this and quite like the “surround” effect that it provides. There are a number of options available to tweak it to your liking. BMS sounds better than ever. Also, don’t worry that come the new year you won’t be able to continue using it without paying US$19.99. Provided you use the software at least once during this free offer period, it’ll continue to remain free to you, even after the new year. Here’s a link to Razer’s FAQ page, should you have any concerns or questions. https://www.razersupport.com/software/surround/
Finally (whew), here’s a link to a video comparing the Razer 7.1 Surround to Creative’s CMSS-3D Surround, that’s provided with their higher-end standalone soundcards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdT9XVZlEGk. If you don’t own a Creative soundcard with CMSS-3D, or even if you do, you may want to take advantage of this Razer Surround software. You might prefer it over Creative’s CMSS-3D, like the maker of the video.
And for those of you wondering, no, I don’t have any affiliation with Razer Inc. (although I should get some sort of commission for doing this).
There, my good deed for the day is done.
PS. I’m not responsible if your computer goes boom, as a result of using this software. Mine didn’t. 