Reddit mentions of Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 USB Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp and Integrated Beam Forming Microphone

Sure.

From Aus : https://www.storedj.com.au/beyerdynamic-dt880-pro-semi-open-studio-headphones-250ohms , I got the 880 pro's but the only difference is the cable and clamping, and looks.

They come in three different resistances, for computer gaming just get 32 ohms, it'll sound like 2% worse than the 250 ohm but go loud off phones and computer gaming soundcards. That said I got the 250's cheap secondhand (like half price cheap) and they go loud enough.

Then there's this, a veeeery high quality mic that sticks on to the headphones. https://www.pccasegear.com/products/37546


Lastly https://www.amazon.com.au/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4 , which allows for surround sound processing and acts as a headphone amp, albeit relatively low power. Again I got this about 50% off secondhand.


Total price retail, $530. I paid $300. Keep in mind this is Aussie, all this is far cheaper in America.

Well... To be honest you did get a audio interface designed to work with guitars and singer style microphones... When what you needed was an external soundcard.

There are major audio interfaces by the music industry. And your cool USB soundcard has some of the more popular ones... Yay! But it does not have what you want. Booo!

Your soundcard/interface is not designed for 3.5mm jacks. so you will need adapters to make it work.

On the front you have two XLR inputs or you can use them as TRS inputs. Pre sonus calls them "2 combo XLR/¼” mic/instrument inputs"

TRS inputs are big headphone jacks... 1/4 inch type. They would go in the middle of the inputs on the front. You would feed your mic in there. How? You can get an adapter that will allow your 3.5mm headphone jack to fit 1/4 headphones to fit the front area. Something like this... Can get them at Radio Shack pretty cheap. Make sure they are stereo and not mono though.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/400307-REG/Sony_PC234S_PC_234S_Mini_Stereo_3_5mm.html

You would need two of them, one for the headphones (labeled "phones") port in the back of the interface, and one for the mic part in the front of the interface.

If you are going to make music you got the right interface. If you are only using it as a really good soundcard, there are others that would fit you better. Like this...

http://www.amazon.com/Syba-SD-CM-UAUD-Adapter-C-Media-Chipset/dp/B001MSS6CS/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1410104831&sr=8-15&keywords=audio+interface

Or if you got monies... this

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Blaster-Surround-External-SB1560/dp/B00EZT7RE4/ref=dp_ob_title_ce


At the beginning I called one an audio interface and the other a sound card. Audio interfaces are a card that focus on the interface part, meaning the recording/band aspect of music and their connectors.. Sound cards are just making sound like the audio interfaces, but they don't include the band interfaces/ports/jacks and usually go to 3.5mm jacks like your headphones want.

Hope this helps.

Your best bet is to buy a DAC.

I snagged, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZT7RE4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For $35 used awhile back.

1. ssd https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OAJ412U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
2. Hard drive https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IEKG2HM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
3. Graphics card https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814126109
   
4. CPU https://www.amazon.com/Intel-I7-6700-FC-LGA14C-Processor-BX80662I76700/dp/B0136JONG8/ref=sr_1_5?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1525461083&sr=1-5&keywords=i7+6700k&dpID=411v0MvpCaL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
   
5. Desk https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19006323/
   
6. Monitor 1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VRCLHYS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
7. Monitor 2 https://www.amazon.com/Acer-R240HY-bidx-23-8-Inch-Widescreen/dp/B0148NNKTC/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1525460691&sr=1-1&keywords=acer+monitor
   
8. Desk mount https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AI2YGK4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
9. Speakers, they sound fantastic! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1ZTJJK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
10. Speakers mounting brackets https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X9O8SI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
11. External audio card for headphones: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZT7RE4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
12. Headphones, If you're into the bass this are the best. https://www.skullcandy.com/shop/headphones/bluetooth-headphones/crusher-wireless
    
13. Headphone stand https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MUB8RJ5/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
14. Phone stand https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QF1KDR8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
15. Mic https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0170NWLWY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
16. mic mount https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0170NWLWY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
17. Shock mount https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FQB3DD8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
18. pop filter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008AOH1O6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
19. Camera https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXCDPPK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
20. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXCDPPK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
21. Keyboard https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016MAK38U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
22. Mouse pad https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FVPPE0E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
23. Ps4 stand https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015KJAQX6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
    
24. XOne stand https://www.amazon.com/PowerA-Charging-Stand-Xbox-One-Black/dp/B013JLB1IQ/ref=pd_sbs_63_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B013JLB1IQ&pd_rd_r=BD1B7QRYQ42ESY3F8MS2&pd_rd_w=uGnIp&pd_rd_wg=V2OJ4&refRID=BD1B7QRYQ42ESY3F8MS2&th=1
    
25. Plant https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90207685/
    
26. Chair https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MQKKS73/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    
27. battle station more angles https://imgur.com/a/Ae2xEKl

I have used this for about 6 years, very happy with it

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD USB Audio System with Phono Preamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004275EO4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_50GjxbGPCQFDN


Here is the newer version of it:

Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 USB Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp and Integrated Beam Forming Microphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EZT7RE4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_a2GjxbYXRZF08

Hey, 1500+ hours in-game. I've played a thousand hours with a cheap $30 headset from Amazon, both with surround sound on and off. I've also played with Audio Technica M50x's and several other mid-range headphones. Currently I play with a set of semi-open back headphones.

Some tips:

1. Whether or not you should use surround sound depends on the specific option you're using. My headphone's built-in "surround sound" sucked. Razer Surround software was OK but I didn't like it. I now play with semi-open back headphones with no surround sound.
   
   
2. I've tried all the game's audio settings for long periods of time each, and I honestly don't notice a big difference between them. I personally use Hi-Fi but I've been good with all of them.
   
   
3. You won't be able to soundwhore without having it at high volume. Perceived volume is different for everyone, but in general I have the volume just a little under where I feel it's "too loud". If I had it any higher then a lot of gunfire might hurt my ears. When I watch videos of people playing, I watch with the volume lower and I can't hear the footsteps and sounds they can hear. Loud volume is more important than any setting.
   
   
4. KingGeorge plays with a simple pair of earbuds. It really doesn't matter what you use. It's all preference.
   
   Those are my soundwhoring tips. My current setup is a pair of AKG M220 semi-open back headphones and the Creative SoundBlaster Omni amp. I always play with Windows volume at 50 and in-game master volume at 80. Pretty loud, but it gets the job done and I don't find it uncomfortable unless it's for very long periods of time (5+ hours).

Item|Price

--|:--
CORSAIR Vengeance Blue LED 2X8GB 3000MHz | $150
Corsair Vengeance LPX 4GB 2400MHz~~ | $25
Skynex 4GB 2400MHz | $20
Two RGB strips and controller | $10
24 pin extention | $5
Sound Blaster Omni | $50
[Aigo c5 x 8(1 new) and controller (only have 1 controller)] (https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAE866X91681) | $8 each
(New)Aigo Rainbow Ring | $5
(New never used, pulled from case)Fractal fans x 2 | $8 each

here you go

An entire generation of Soundblaster internal and external sound cards support Dolby Digital Live decoding. Here's a super cheap example: https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Blaster-Surround-System-SB1095/dp/B0044DEDCA

The black and yellow jacks are "Rear" and "Center/Sub" connections, respecitvely. Sound Blaster has two external USB sound cards that have these connections:

http://us.creative.com/p/sound-blaster/sound-blaster-x-fi-surround-5-1-pro

http://us.creative.com/p/sound-blaster/sound-blaster-omni-surround-5-1

Amazon links:

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Blaster-Surround-System-SB1095/dp/B0044DEDCA

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4

As for differences, you just have to take a closer look at features/specs and see what you want/need/future proof vs. prices. Good luck!

Got the headphones. Love them! I just bought https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZT7RE4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 so that it's even better hopefully. Thanks for the advice.

Thanks, it was quite the experience. I hope you're excited for it.

There's also Mobo's that have 5.1 or 7.1 capabilities, like this one, or external sound 'cards' like this one. Consider those while part hunting too.

There's a wide range of options, from the "$10-15, decent, it works": https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IRVQ0F8/

https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-External-Adapter-Headphone-Microphone/dp/B01HPMHOY0/

https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-External-Converter-Headphone-Microphone/dp/B01M7QQQC7/

There's fancier stuff:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044DEDCA/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018JUPY3A/

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4/

Or for the wealthy audiophile: https://www.amazon.com/Creative-X7-High-Resolution-Headphone-Connectivity/dp/B00Q3XLGLU/

should probably check our /r/headphones

It depends what your onboard is and how terrible it is. I use this creative usb as the input for my modmic 4. I use a yulong u100 as my output dac/amp to my Senn HD598s for gaming, but use a Bifrost Uber and Lyr 2 to drive my hifiman HE500s.

I just tested my mod mic with onboard, my portable xonar U3, and the creative usb. Onboard without mic boost was inaudible, with mic boost it's ok, but not great. The U3 has no mic boost and fell half way between onboard without boost and with, but sounded much better. The creative USB with boost off was about the same as the U3, but with boost I have to turn the gain down to about 70% or it is overbearingly loud. I position the mic about 1" from the side of my mouth as it's supposed to be placed.

output impedance is pretty high on the STX, the usual 10Ω found in soundcards. The DAC in it is decent, but the output stage is pretty blah. You're better off with a real headphone amp.



If you're getting ready to piss $200 on an STX, skip it and buy a Magni 2/Modi 2 stack or O2+ODAC for the headphones, then a something like an X-fi go for mic input.

I never could get my audio working out of that board. I tried all the solutions I could find and none of them worked for me.

I ended up getting a Creative Soundblaster Omni USB. It works great in both macOS and windows. Could I have gotten sound to work? Maybe but I was at the end of my tweaking rope. It was worth the $70 to solve the problem.

No worries! If you are plugging in that cable that came with the headset into your PC's speaker out you will only get audio out to the headset and no mic. You want to get a 3.5mm female to 2-port male splitter, one into your speaker out and other into your mic in on your PC onboard audio IO. Then you can utilize the mic on the headset as well with the connection. Sorry I assumed you knew about this required cable for that kind of setup :) https://www.amazon.com/Y-Splitter-Separate-Headphone-Earphone-Microphone/dp/B01LXT0YGT/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=3.5mm+splitter+female+to+2+male&qid=1557688359&s=gateway&sr=8-9

If in the future you are interested in more power / wider range of freq response i'd get a cheap external DAC for your PC. DAC will give you more power / isolate interference from the inside of your PC, but DAC is optional. This is one of the popular ones for a good price: https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=external+dac&qid=1557687805&s=gateway&sr=8-6

I think it will save you some hassle if you’ve already got a stereo setup you can use for the surround channels. Or a set of “computer speakers” as the post below suggests. Not sure what kind of connectivity you’ve got now but one option is this USB “card”:

Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 USB Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp and Integrated Beam Forming Microphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EZT7RE4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lBZ-BbBMSVZNP

As far as movies vs video games go, yeah, the same system should work for both. It’s up to whatever software you’re using to provide a surround signal for your card to use.

Well damn. Sorry you have to deal with that stuff! That is really frustrating!

My last suggestion, if you are willing, is to get a cheap USB Sound Card and completely bypass your internal jack. As that could be the issue as well.

It is a really cheap test and it would let you know if it is the headset or the jack or the adapter.

Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Aluminum-External-Adapter-AU-EMAC/dp/B00OJ5AV8I/

Or this:
https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-External-Adapter-Windows-AU-MMSA/dp/B00IRVQ0F8/

Anyway, good luck on solving that issue man. And if they USB Sound Card works you could try some different headsets/headphones. Just remember that those USB Sound Cards are very basic and offer little to no amping. So you wont be getting the best sound quality. But it would definitely be equivalent to the onboard sound of laptops. And let you test your situation.

If you want to do a serious upgrade in sound quality, get the Sound Blaster Omni 5.1.

I have it and it amps all my headphones perfectly and has so many features and options and is rock solid. It does have an integrated mic into the unit and does noise cancel quite well but I wouldn't recommend it if you can use one on a headset as that would probably be clearer.

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4/

Just letting you know of the options, and sorry about all the info.

The reason I thought it could be the adapter or port is because I have the Game One and the SHP 9500's which are VERY open and leak sound substantially and I never get the mic picking up the audio from the headphones when using voice activated on PC or even on PS4 which is only voice activated.

Also, I just noticed something from your wording and just want to clarify something.

You are saying that when you are on a voice chat program with someone, they hear coming through your mic what is playing on your headphones right? It's not that you are hearing your mic in your headphones right? Just being sure. Because if you hear your mic in your headphones that is a completely different issue and can be disabled by going into your speaker settings and muting the mic playback which plays back to your headphones for closed headphones so you can hear yourself without having to yell it's called sidetone. Anyway, this is probably definitely not the issue but I just want to clarify so we can rule out everything else.

how low is low ?

https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-SD793-II-PCM1793-DIR9001-Amplifier/dp/B00A2QLPJM/

no usb but should take optical or coaxial from the motherboard well.

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4/

usb

Also, I haven't used it personally, but I've heard good things about this unit:

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4/

It may be closer to what you are looking for.

I use these to drive my transducers w/simvibe. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZT7RE4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4/ref=pd_sim_pc_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1GWH4JRG8RRNJEP9C5AJ for my dt990 250ohm ?

It's not a PCI card but I got a Sound Blaster OMNI External USB 5.1Ch Surround Sound Card Link. It uses only a single microUSB cable for power/connection. Used in excellent condition with all original accessories in OG box for only $45 shipped. Has a great amplifier as well as dual beam-forming microphones and of course the dedicated volume knob which is surprisingly handy. Time stamp Link. Lemme know!

How are you listening? Headphones or speakers? I've been curious about the Creative Soundblaster Omni. Would work best with headphones or a receiver and speakers.

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4

Budget - <$400ish

Source - PC, Phone

Isolation - don't care too much about isolation, just want some new closed cans that would offer a bit more intimacy than open ones

Preferred Type of Headphone - Full sized closed headphones

Preferred tonal balance - Warm, bit of bass. Neutral also acceptable

Past headphones - Sennheiser HD280s and Fidelio X2. HD280s were my first and only closed headphones and they were great but the highs were too sharp for my taste. I much prefer the sound of my X2s but the open design lets too much sound in a lot of the time unless im in a totally quiet room.

Preferred Music- Punk, Pop punk, electronic, rock, alternative.

What would you like to improve on from your set-up - I want a pair of high level closed headphones. I love my X2s to death but want something with a similar sound but more intimacy if that makes sense. I want to feel closer and feel like im in a different world where as the fidelios keep me in the present room but still provide great sound.

Suggest any additional equipment to power these things (if necessary). the only thing I have currently is my soundblaster omni external soundcard. It supposedly has a built in 600ohm amp. If necessary kindly suggest an amp that will meet the suggested headphones needs.

I think I want some headphones with a microphone attached. That's usually how I talk to my friends. Also, I found another usb dac that has some better reviews. Will this work the same?

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1452188463&sr=1-1&keywords=usb+dac&refinements=p_72%3A1248879011

Here is a link to the Sound Blaster Omni

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1454049614&sr=8-5&keywords=sound+blaster

>Im using software to switch between but don't like the constant unplugging

New sound card. internal if you have a desktop or external if you have a laptop.

[https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1481605774&sr=8-6&keywords=creative+sound+blaster] Last night this was for around 54$ now its 70+ i'd get that refurb on amazon or somewhere else. it has a build in amp that drives up to 600ohm headphones.

What are your thoughts on this?
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4

I don't want to use an internal soundcard because it would sit centimeters below my gfx card and restrict airflow. I also don't care too much about "audiophile" quality. I just want something that will deliver good positional sound quality through headphones while gaming and to a lesser extent watching movies. I'm also using audio technica air ath-ad700 heaphones if that makes any difference. I've been told these headphones have some of the best soundstage.

I realized I needed better positional audio when playing Dying Light and heard a loud zombie moan right on me. I immediately panned around an saw nothing except a few zombies that were way too far to sound that close and loud.

Got my pair of SHP9500S today with a VMODA BoomPro mic.

Plugged everything in and it seems that my board's audio codec (ALC892) doesn't have enough power to drive these. Wasn't aware of that before purchasing.

Looking into either getting the FiiO E10K with a TRRS extension cable for the mic to plug into the back of my computer.

I was also looking at this Creative USB Sound Card too. Not sure which is the better option here for better quality and to future proof myself.

Any suggestions/guidance?

Ah yeah, with a laptop you would likely just have a single stereo out.

I didn't think of USB sound cards when thinking of converters, you could always get something like this.

Yeah man, I'm shopping around for a new DAC / Amp combo right now. A dude is offering me this (used) for $60, but I've never heard of the brand so I'm a bit wary... and it's from 2014

And I'll look further into the XL pads. Seem like a nice improvement for $20

This $8 one or this $60 one if you want better audio quality. I have both, and they both work great in Yosemite. As an aside, the Soundblaster Omni at $59 is an all-time low. Normally it's $75+.

Budget is around $100.

Any opinions on https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4/?tag=akshatblog198-20 ?

• External gives easy access to volume/headphone jack
  
• Doubles as a microphone (might be an upgrade over the webcam microphone I've been using?)
  
• Cheaper than the one you linked and probably indistinguishable for my amateur ears?

Interested in one of these? Don't remember a whole lot about audio but might be along the lines of the two things you listed.

My laptop only has one possible speaker connection (Green line). I am utilizing the Logitech Z-5500 and wanted to utilize it to its fullest potential. I am thinking that an external soundcard will do the trick.

What are your thoughts on the below? Should I also optical cable to connect my speakers?

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=

I have one and I really like it.

Someone suggested a dac...I think they meant to say AMP because they are very hard to drive from a motherboard.

I used to use a Sound Blaster Omni. It's cheap and drives them well.

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4

edit: although this is what i use now, i will just be plugging into the vive when i get it. Not gonna run an extra cable just to use my own amp/soundcard

You think these would work? from my understanding it need to be connected to a pc to use the drivers that are on the pc.
https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Blaster-Surround-System-SB1095/dp/B0044DEDCA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1491587374&sr=8-3&keywords=external+sound+card+5.1

https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1491587374&sr=8-7&keywords=external+sound+card+5.1

I'm not a hundred percent sure. It's a built in amp in this usb soundboard. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EZT7RE4?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I live in a dorm-like setting and I have a laptop that is connected to a PC, which is then connected to a 5.1 system. I use my laptop for gaming and movies via an external blu-ray drive.

Unfortunately my laptop does not output in 5.1.

What do you recommend so that I can get surround sound when playing games and watching movies?

I was thinking [this might work] (https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Performance-Headphone-Integrated-Microphone/dp/B00EZT7RE4/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1511048507&sr=8-9&keywords=creative+sound+card)?

Any alternatives or anything you recommend? My system has an HDMI ARC input and an optical audio cable. Originally I used the optical input for audio but I'm going to use ARC for the TV and the optical for my PC.

EDIT: Also, how would you compare it to the [older model] (https://us.creative.com/p/sound-blaster/sound-blaster-x-fi-surround-5-1-pro#buy-menu) or [this one] (https://us.creative.com/p/sound-blaster/sound-blaster-digital-music-premium-hd)?

I recommend a usb sound card. It's an upgrade over onboard audio and it would give you the i/o options you are looking for. Here's a decent one under $100.

Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 USB Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp and Integrated Beam Forming Microphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EZT7RE4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5emzDbB3XS0BK

Short question:
I have this headset and would like to use this with it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZT7RE4/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza Can I use it without my Headset beeing 5.1? Also can I just plug the two 3.5mm cords for speakers and headset in the front?

Budget:$100-$150
Desired:Logitech Z-5500( i wish) Looking for a good surround sound or a good 2.1 system
Use:Movies, anime, netflix, etc. I watch alot on my pc
What i own now: I have an onkyo stereo with polk surround, sadly its been cutting and i cant find the problem. its pretty old so its expected to finally be going
Source of audio: I run from my pc, But i have an external soundcard this
Why: Mostly watching things like streams of most of the things i watch and live sports etc
Buy used?:No


I would go with soundbar but i dont have the room on my desk for the long unit. i have 2 polk audio on the desk now. about 2 feet tall so i have the room for those but a sound bar would stretch across and it would interfere with my monitors and some other stuffs. Im looking For good sound.. so it doesnt need to be surround sound but i would like a powered set. so with a powered sup and speakers is preffered.. Im very interested in these although i dont know if that is what im want..

I realize also that with my sound card im unsure if i can connect whatever i want via RCA to the speakers or whatever it is im going to use. Two volume knobs is also my concern, will they be assigned to one volume or one controls pc voluime and one for the speakers themselves since its on the powered speakers.

Im pretty knowledgeable when it comes to computers but in audio... well i can put it all together with my eyes closed but if you were to ask me what specs mean i would probably drool. Just looking for general knowledge of what i could go for i have looked at the Logitech Z506 and just wasnt impressed.. Seem very flimsy and cheaply made.. Although i hear many people tell me that logitech sound is great. Im used to having a serious set up.. since i was a kid i would just put my own stereo together but unfortunatly i dont have the room for 3 foot speakers any more.. or 600 bucks to spend.. if i can go with monitors like the HiVi's i linked that would be idealy the size im interested in. I hope this is enough info that you guys need to answer what im looking for and appreciate anyone who gives some advice! Thanks audiophiles!