If you are dead set on a headset rather than going for a pair of headphones and a microphone, I would recommend the Plantronics GameCom 780 Headset. They should last you quite some time and are very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

These are amazing. They're not much to look at but they're really good sound and mic quality.

I'm just going to upvote you and paste my comment here

I've had Plantronic's Gamecom 780 headphones for over a year now (purchased April 2013) and they're still going strong. When they break, I'm getting another pair.

It's a usb headset, with mic, and costs £45.

Purchase link (UK): http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0079G2Y52

4/5 over 92 reviews on Newegg link

4.1/5 over 791 reviews on Amazon UK link

4.2/5 over 2309 reviews on Amazon US link

In-depth review on Engadget link

The inevitable unboxing and review youtube link

Alternatively, get yourself a decent pair of headphones (several linked in this thread) and a clip-on mic like the Speedlink Spes Clip-On Microphone (£7)

Also, ITT: headphones and headsets massively over OP's £45-50 price range

Just got a Gamecom 780 and I love it: http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Surround-Headset/dp/B00B1KJK22

I've been using these for close to a year now and I'm loving them.

EDIT: Whoops, I see they're not so cheap now. I remember when I bought them they were around $50. I see the price has gone up since then.

Hey, I think this $40 deal is a lot more common than you realize.


http://camelcamelcamel.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Surround-Headset/product/B00B1KJK22

Its been at/near $50 on amazon a handful of times before... so do not let pressure on this shell shocker Newegg deal expiring pressure you into purchasing.

For checking amazon price history... http://camelcamelcamel.com

Been using the Plantronics 780 for about six months now, no complaints. 5.1 sound. Comfortable, sounds great.

This has to be the best bang for the buck. Has a very solid construction and surround sound.

$40 hardly seems overpriced.

I have these.

I got them mostly because they're over the ear (earbuds hurt after 30 minutes or so) and USB (only one plug). I typically have the game's main audio through the speakers and VoIP through the headset.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1KJK22?redirect=true&ref_=s9_cartx_gw_g147_i1_r

One of the best headsets I have had, if you can find it in your country.

Here's my suggestion, the Plantronics Gamescom 780, It's what I own and I loooove it. It's last me about 2 years now. My previous headset was a Turtle Beach and it last about 6 months.

well then glad I copied the post before I deleted it, here it is:

http://imgur.com/eGoM2TW

well shit...i've copied since then
ok then right now i've got the Plantronics Gamescom 307. It's lasted me a year, much longer than any other headset. I am about to invest in the Plantronics Gamescom 780. I have several friends who have got the 780 and they all love it, they say the sound is great, they sound great, they say it's sturdy as hell and it definitely looks sturdy as hell. It's cheapest through Amazon and Walmarts website, I'll link it at the end of this post.

I gave up on Turtle Beach headsets because they seemed to break so easily with me. I had one earpiece randomly break off of the headband while the headset was on my head, I was just sitting at my PC! Not worth the money in my opinion/experience.

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Surround-Headset/dp/B00B1KJK22/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1369710514&sr=1-1&keywords=gamescom+780

Platronics gaming headset. It only requires a usb to connect, sounds great and the mic works awesome.

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Surround-Headset/dp/B00B1KJK22/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381515537&sr=8-1&keywords=plantronics+gaming+headset

I've got glasses and have been comfortable with my Gamescom 780 for the last 4 months.

Plantronics GameCom 780 Gaming Headset with Surround Sound - USB Compatible with PC
http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22
I love this headset, it's super comfy and the mic registers really well.

I've been using these for almost 3 years and for that price they're fantastic http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1454183184&sr=8-17&keywords=plantronics+headset

Its only $71 on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22

This is the headset the guys over at /r/headphones will suggest. It often goes on sale for a out $30.

Personally I recommend getting a solid set of cans and tossing an antlion modmic on the side of them.

Plantronics GameCom 780 They are really nice, unless you stretch the cable too much and snap the head-band. These are basically a much stronger headset compared to the shittier 777 which i would not suggest getting the 777.

EDIT: forgot to say since mine are broken i am now looking to get a Audio Technica 2020 Microphone with Sennheiser HD 518

really good for the price
http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22

If you're in the market for a gaming headset I only have good things to say about this one

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Surround-Headset/dp/B00B1KJK22

I have owned it for several months and the sound is crisp and the virtual surround sound is dope.

Plantronics headsets are pretty good, and this one's on sale for 40 if you're willing to spend that much.

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Surround-Headset/dp/B00B1KJK22

I've been using the GamesCom 780 for a few years now. I actually bought 3 more sets just to ensure I'll have more if mine breaks (and after 2 years, it still hasn't). The microphone is fantastic, the sound is great, and it's relatively cheap.

1. Preference. I'd much rather get a nice stereo headset over a virtual surround one.
   
   
2. True is always going to be better, and depending on your preference to the previous question it might not be required at all over stereo.
   
   
3. See 1. I think that it's a really personal preference. It might be useful for FPS games where that directional sound is useful, so if you don't play a lot of that then it's not worth it.
   
   IMO, if you have the chance try to find some to try out. See if you like surround over stereo.
   
   For reference, right now I have a set of Plantronics 780s and AT M50Xs. The Plantronics have virtual surround which some people seem to really like but I think it's gimmicky. It sounds good during the action, but then sounds terrible during cut-scenes. Most of the time I just leave it off. Then as far as stereo sound goes my M50s sound so much better overall, but a little light on the bass for action games.
   
   If you want an all in one solution, the 780s are excellent if all you do is game. If you want a stereo set and don't mind not having an attached mic and listen to a lot of music or movies along with gaming then I think the M50s are the better choice. (Note: I own the M50x linked above, which is the exact same as the M50 (no X) but the X's have a detachable cord and come with a coiled cord and both a long and short straight cord...so they're a bit more expensive.

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-keyboard-sgk4000gkcl1us

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B1KJK22/ref=asc_df_B00B1KJK223293674?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=pg-523-94-20&linkCode=df0&creative=395097&creativeASIN=B00B1KJK22

Based on the research I have done I would say that there are 3 top contenders:

Plantronics GameCom 780

SteelSeries Siberia V2 Full-Size

HyperX Cloud


There are a lot of people that would be unhappy to see that list without at least honorable mention to the Corsair Vengeance 1500 and the Logitech G430 so there is plenty to choose from

There really isn't a specific "best" headset for you. In the end it all comes down to personal preference on comfort, sound, etc. But that all comes with having multiple headsets of different brands.

I've been through a decent amount and currently have the GameCom 780. I've had it for a good while and have been enjoying it with very little quips about it.

If you don't mind me asking, how rough are you with your headsets? Because I still have my Gold Wireless headset (been almost a year now) and despite one of the hinges popping (my fault, I knocked them off the table, fixed with some duct-tape and zip-ties and has been fine since) they have been great to me. I haven't noticed any deterioration or build failure and I'm not exactly kind to them.


edit: To actually answer your question, I've used the following headsets on my PS4 with no issues:
http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22 (works in stereo only)
http://www.amazon.com/AudioMX-Headset-Surround-Over-Ear-Headphones/dp/B01C81OQEY

I love my Plantronics GameCom 780.

• Budget - Under $100 preferably, but if you find something that fits my requirements under $200 please post it.<br />

• Source - Desktop (no sound card) and Macbook Pro
  
• Requirements for Isolation - none
  
• Preferred Type of Headphone - Full-sized
  
• Preferred tonal balance - balanced or bass-heavy
  
• Past headphones - I've been using a Plantronics Gamecom 780 for three years, and they have been fantastic. I can hear where people are coming from in games and all the music/shows/movies I listen to sound incredible.
  
• Preferred Music - Nightcore. That's all I've been listening to lately, the fast tempo keeps me pumped while studying.
  Example
  
  The two biggest things I want are for it to be wireless and have a mic. I currently have my sights set on Corsair's H2100; all the reviews I've read say it is incredible for Battlefield 4 (which I have over 400 hours in) and reasonably comfortable. Their software appears to allow a high level of customization as well. Many customers have had problems with it, though, so if I purchase it I will go through Newegg since I have had a 100% success rate at returning defective products with a full refund and free shipping.

It's not marketed for just gaming and it seems cheap at first, but I have a Plantronics brand headset that's and I don't have any issues. No white noise or echo, my voice seems to go through clear.

Edit: mine http://amzn.com/B001J30FZM

Edit2: not mine but would probably be a lot better than mine http://amzn.com/B00B1KJK22

Budget - Up to $200, but less is better

Source - USB or 3.5mm jack. I'm okay with either, but 3.5mm would save me a USB port and allow me to connect it to my phone.

Requirements for Isolation - Some is nice, but I'm okay with very little to none.

Preferred tonal balance - I got to try my friend's Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones and I absolutely loved how clear everything sounded. I assume that is what "balanced" sounds like, so I guess that is what I prefer.

Preferred Type/Build - It needs to be around-the-ear (I have big ears), lightweight, and have a cushion on the headband. I can not stress the last two enough. I have screws in my head and any kind of pressure on them is excruciating. Normal headphones suck because of this; they're either too heavy and put pressure on the screws or have no cushion so the headband rubs up against the screws. Not fun.

My current headset is the Plantronics GameCom 780. They weigh less than a pound, have that huge cushion on top, and have the big around-the-ear cushions; they're the single most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. I don't like my friend's 280s because they press into my ears, which hurts.

If you guys know of any that are like those, I'd love to hear about them (don't worry about a mic). My current ones are starting to fall apart.

Interesting, I currently have one of these for my PC. I don't suppose there's some way to get it to work on the PS3?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1KJK22/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

What do you need the headphones for? music, gaming, both? If it's just music, I'd go with some sennheisers. If its gaming, Plantronics GameCom 780 are a popular choice.

http://en-us.sennheiser.com/over-ear-headphones

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1KJK22/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=heaprcom05-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creativeASIN=B00B1KJK22

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1KJK22/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1KJK22/ref=gno_cart_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
try this pair of headphones instead

I got these headphones about a year ago that aren't too expensive and have served me well: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1KJK22/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They aren't top of the line, but they're pretty nice for $60.

I need an all purpose headset. USB and it will mostly be used for gaming.

Thanks in advance.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003VANOFY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1408396512&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B1KJK22/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?qid=1408396554&sr=8-17&pi=SY200_QL40

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008LT5MFA/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1408396594&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40

I wish I could add something more useful than a 7.1 headset but I really can't. I need an entire new PC fairly soon and can't just pick up something by itself (just my personal thing).

Awesome contest /u/KeiroD and I will go with the Plantronics GameCom 780 surround sound headset

Hello, Goodbye~

You say stop and I say go, go, goooo....

This or this.

What are praying mantis' even praying for? I hope it's something useful like world peace or marriage equality or me opening this pickle jar.

These would sure tickle my pickle.

Thanks for the contest!

Plantronics 780. It's an over the ear headset. Very comfortable. Though I do need to pull it off at least one ear every other hour or so. The 7.1 emulated surround sound sounds great for games like BF3 and for playing music. This thing can get loud too.

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1425325707&sr=8-5&keywords=7.1+headset

Look at the customer pics before you buy:

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22

I used to use the G35s, and I absolutely loved them. The whole "surround sound" thing is just a gimmick, but the mute button on the headset and just the overall design on the headset made it worthwhile. They lasted a long time, till they fell out of my bag and fell down the stairs (They're not the most durable. The headband is sorta rubbery and feels like it only has a little strip of metal supporting it.) and I used them every day. I must have had thousands of hours on those things. The matte finish on the cups are nice, and the volume control is even nicer, as is the red mute button that appears on the microphone when it's down and muted. The sound quality was decent, but I never got to compare them side-by-side with my audio technicas. Overall, they were (for me and my friends who use them) a supurb headset and I will be choosing either them or the Plantronics GameCom 780 as my next headset.

I use this mouse which has everything I need for gaming and I use this headset which is great for its price. I have heard much about the mouse but I'm happy with it.

Gamecom 780 is what I use. They're bulky but they work well.

I just got this plantronics and I am very happy with it for the price.

1. Wet shaving Edwin Jagger razor blade, because Edwin Jagger is a company in England that produces products for wet shaving, which normally wouldn't be used unless you're either 1. A hobbyist, or 2. A old school 70+ fellow. default wishlist
   
   
2. Hello Kitty wheel cover, because it's a product primarily made for young teenage women. <20 list
   
   
3. Phallic item I'm... not jealous....of its length...not at all.. default wishlist
   
   
4. Geekiest gaming headset, my list is primarily composed of geeky items, but this is probably the geekiest. default wl
   
   
5. Bath scale , it has a body fat % option as well, which is what I'm more focused on rather than weight. default wl
   
   
6. Search and rescue knife would be best for a deserted island. default WL

Sorry, so I've gone with these 2 options.

Which would you recommend? The Plantronics GameCon 780 http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B1KJK22/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?keywords=gamecon%20780%20headset&qid=1365471378&redirect=true&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2&tag=vglnk-c1001-20

Or the Steelseries Siberia v2? http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-Siberia-Full-Size-Gaming-Headset/dp/B005B1BE08/ref=sr_1_1?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1375546779&sr=1-1&keywords=steelseries+siberia+v2

In my opinion this is amazing for its price. I much prefer headsets with earcups that sit around my ear, I can wear these for hours on end without even realizing that i have them on. http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449111508&sr=8-1&keywords=plantronics+gamecom+788

Gamecom 780 go on sale sometimes. Oh shit, like now. Not as good as the usual ModMic + Audiophile Headphone recommendation, but this was a very comfortable headset for me.

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22

Build quality was iffy, only lasted me a year and a half, but you don't get many options with $50.

I've never been an audio guy, so I don't know what is good and what isn't, but I have found these to be way way better than I expected them to be for the price: http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1450142585&sr=8-10&keywords=plantronics+headset

Pretty comfy too. Like I say though, I'm not an audio guy so someone else will probably be able to say if these are any good or not, or if there is a better headset in that price range.

If you're on a budget i like the gamecom 780 best bang for the buck

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Surround-Headset/dp/B00B1KJK22

For your FPS situation - mess with the gfx settings more. It may sound a bit strange but a setting or two on medium/high might increase your FPS. This is because the lower your graphics are, the more stress that gets put on your CPU (which isn't designed for graphics.)

As for peripherals -

Mouse: Steelseries Rival. Hands down. Literally perfect sensor, has RGB and (in my opinion) has the best ergonomic grip of most of the gaming mice.
http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-Rival-Optical-Gaming-Mouse/dp/B00G6IJ5QK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418914929&sr=8-1&keywords=steelseries+rival

Mousepad: XTRAC Ripper XL. It's smooth as hell and only $20. Same size as the QCK+/QCK Heavy, just a bit thinner.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817114182

Headphones - this is a really complicated one to suggest. Some people will tell you to get a dedicated pair of headphones and a dedicated mic, some people will swear by Steelseries/Razer etc. I am currently using Plantronics Gamecom 780 and I'm quite satisfied with them. They were $39.99 when I got them which was the deciding factor between the 780s and their stereo counterpart. I'm unsure if the Gamecom 380 has the same sound as the 780s but at $15 cheaper you couldn't go wrong.

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1418915092&sr=1-1&keywords=plantronics+gamecom+780

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-380-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00B1KJWE8/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1418915190&sr=1-4&keywords=plantronics+gamecom+780

Hope I was able to assist you.

EDIT - I forgot to add into the headphones area that I've used Sennheiser HD 280 pros, Sennheiser HD419s, KRK headphones and AKG headphones. The 780s are all around much better than all of these if you ask me.

Hi guys,

I am looking for a decent headphone with a built-in mic under $100. I did some research and several headphones are little bit mre interesting than others like the

• Creative Aurvana Live! Headphones
  
  
• Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
  
  
• Ultrasone HFI-15G S-Logic
  
  I have been using a Plantronic Gamescon 780 with 2 notebooks for almost 2 years. This was my first "real" headset, can't complain much about it except for a very delicate part near the ear portion swivels. I play dota2 and Battlefield games quite often so a built-in mic is a must. I prefer similar designs to the Gamecom 780.
  
  Your replies are much appreciated, thank you.
  

[I've used these for the last year and they are great. even better, their successor was recently released but I couldn't find store link] (http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418594279&sr=8-1&keywords=plantronic+gamecom+788)

However, I do reccomend paying the extra 20$ and getting the 780 http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419805018&sr=8-1&keywords=gamecom+780

I like the Plantronics Gamcom 780.

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Surround-Headset/dp/B00B1KJK22

hihly recommend these

Bought them 4 months ago when they were 80. They are now 40 and i'm suprised. Has great sound quality and the microphone great.

Amazon has it for the same price.

So comfortable, amazing audio and noise canceling microphone. http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1457257756&sr=8-2&keywords=plantronics+780

Plantronics Gamescom 780 - Not the best available but good value for money, unless if you want to tweak stuff.

The Plantronics Gamescom 780's are what I'm using right now. I believe they are highly durable, as I drop them all over the place and they're fine. They take a while to get used to, since the volume control makes a beeping noise whenever you lower or increase the volume so that you can tell how loud it is. I didn't like it at first but it's not a bad headset to me. It's also only $39.99 at the moment, originally $79.99.

Yup. I would recommend the Gamecom 780 for a gaming headset. It's cheap and amazing sound quality (for gaming), also 7.1 surround sound. For studio headphones, I would recommend Sennheiser HD 25-SP II. They're compact, but have outstanding quality, and they're what my father uses (he works as a producer/sound engineer) for all his work. They're also very durable, you can easily replace the wire if it ever breaks.

I'm confused??

maybe this headset might do?

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Surround-Headset/dp/B00B1KJK22/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409658805&sr=8-1&keywords=GameCom

The first question would be "can you afford them"? That's quite a bit to drop on headphones you're not sure about. Looks like the ones they've replaced are nearly half the price, and they look the same.

I would say check out /r/headphones, but I think they're snooty audiophiles, so they wouldn't be much help...

As for an actual suggestion I've had these for three years and I've beaten the hell out of them, no complaints.

Maybe someone in one of the CS:GO subs could offer suggestions?

Plantronics 780 7.1 usb headset http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Surround-Headset/dp/B00B1KJK22 its an 80$ headset that sounds wonderful, and its on sale all the time its down to 60$ right now. also best mic that i've used for this 80$ or even 100$ :3 i love it to death.

Girlsplaywow is a jerk! An incredibly generous jerk! This headset coupled with a USB hub would be awesome! I play a lot of games with my friends and I never get to talk with them on vent or skype because my headset broke, and then my USB ports wouldn't work. ;w; And maybe then I can actually skype with people from RAoA! Anyway, thank you for the contest and good luck on your 10k!

And if I win, you can gift the rest to someone else! ^w^ MEOW!

Roughly $6000.

The biggest ticket item was the GTX690 ($999), and the three monitors ($324 each). We have about $1600 into the rest of the PC (512g SSD, 3.9ghz Intel Core i7-3770K, 16gb 1600mhz RAM).

The Saitek components are pretty reasonable, the FIP displays add up though. Here is a table of my spreadsheet, it doesn't include the cost of the GTX690, or the PC, or a few misc things like the keyboard.

| Item | Qty | Cost | Total |
|:-------|:------:|-------:|--------:|
| Saitek CES432100002/02/1 Pro Flight Cessna Yoke System | 1 | $165.78 | $165.78
|Saitek X52 Pro Flight System Controller | 1 | $138.99 | $138.99
|Saitek Pro Flight Cessna Rudder Pedals | 1 |$177.23 |$177.23
|Saitek CES432110002/06/1 Pro Flight Cessna Trim Wheel|1|$44.99|$44.99
|Pro Flight Instrument Panel| 6 | $123.38 | $740.28
|Saitek PRO Flight Radio Panel |1 | $120.52 |$120.52
|Saitek PRO Flight Switch Panel| 1 | $79.52 | $79.52
|TrackIr 5 Premium Head Tracking for Gaming |1 | $145.00| $145.00
|Logitech Wireless Gaming Mouse G700 |1 | $69.15| $69.15
|Plantronics GameCom 780 Surround Sound Stereo PC Gaming Headset |1| $57.24 | $57.24
|Playseat Flight Seat |1 | $499.00| $499.00
|ASUS PA248Q 24-Inch LED-Lit Super-IPS Professional Graphics Monitor| 3| $323.82 | $971.46
|Saitek PRO Flight TPM System |1 | $129.92 | $129.92
|Total | | |$3,339.08

If you truly want good sound though, you will be more than happy with those pairs of headphones. It's an investment because they're not super cheap, but it's worth it. Then invest in just a mic and I think you'd be happier.

But if you must go cheaper, this set isn't bad for the price. The sound quality is nowhere near the ones listed above, but it has a decent mic, and the sound quality is better than average cheap headphones.

The card you are looking at is the same as mine, the DX 7.1. The odd listing name seems the fault of Amazon (they listed it not Asus).

>do you still think soundcards are a valuable component of a PC?

We've come a long way since the 90s. Most games and applications do not require an outboard audio card, and 99.8% of games do not support hardware audio acceleration. That does not mean that a soundcard is not a good component - if you want to upmix the channels, upmix the bit/sample rate, or mix and match any other plethora of audio options that are not found natively within your favorite games/apps they can be very beneficial as they will lessen the strain on the CPU while allowing you more customization. I don't blame anyone for buying and audio card, nor do I blame anyone for not buying one. I only recommend that if you do want one, get one with an dedicated onboard processor - there is no point in spending money on something like this, which is nothing more than a cheap pair of headphones that comes with a set of driver and no dedicated processor.

>"So when playing stuff that is native 5.1, you'd change the Channel to 6...

The control panel has two audio options, one is labeled Audio Channels, the other is labeled Analog Out. Audio channels corresponds to the number of channels that your media natively uses (e.g. a cd has 2, a dvd may offer 5.1). The Analog Out corresponds to the number of speakers you have (headphones/2.1/5.1/7.1). 5.1 channels = 6, 7.1 = 8 (5 speakers plus a sub = 6, 7 speakers plus a sub = 8). So you put a CD in and select "2" under Audio Channels since a CD only has two channels (left and right) and since you have a 5.1 system you will have "5.1" selected under Analog Out. Having those selected will allow the soundcard to upmix and enable other options to allow you to use all your speakers. If you selected "2.1" under Analog Out it will only play through your two speakers and the sub and not all.

I hope that makes sense.

>So does this mean I have to open my audio settings and change it manually...

The control panel has a few preset buttons that correspond to various setups (games/movies/music). Depending on how you like to listen to your audio, you may have to switch the "Audio Channels" option when changing between a CD/mp3 and a game, the soundcard cannot detect and automatically configure your channels for you. I just leave my Audio Channels set at 8 by default and the Analog Out to 7.1. This means that 2 channel tracks (mp3s) will only play through the left and right front speakers and the sub. If I change the Audio Channels to 2 then it will upmix.

I am not sure what you have to do with your current card, my last Creative card required the same thing and I don't believe there are any outboard cards that have the ability to detect and configure both your internal sound channels and external speaker config without some human intervention. It's not a big deal, I am betting the same features are found in your Creative CP and you didn't even realize it.

Either way, good luck with whatever you get. Be sure to shop around.

This is my most wanted item on my wishlist however more realisticly these!

My username is a mispronunciation of my last name that a substitute teacher once called me by mistake and it stuck with my friends for the rest of high school (it doesn't sound anything like my last name in reality haha).

must have and thank you!

A few friends in my online group have this. It sounded surprisingly good. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B1KJK22/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3NHAKV31DTDCP&coliid=I3W17BMOHJLR7V&psc=1

I just picked up a Plantronics 780 and so far it's really good.

Oh and should I get this siberia headset or this plantronics? Thanks

I have Plantronics 780, but holyshit, I bought it for $50, and now it's $200. That's crazy.

However, I like it so much that when I sat on my previous one and broke it (only slightly, my friend is still using the broken one) I purchased another of the exact same model. Fuzzy earmuffs ftw.

I use this headset. It has 7.1 surround sound, is super comfortable and has a very high quality mic for the price

I just ordered a pair of these: http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=1359155660R&vpn=86051-03&manufacture=PLANTRONICS . I can't say for sure how good they are because I haven't recieved them yet, but from what I hear, the sound quality is amazing (7.1 surround sound!), and the mic is quite good aswell. Also, even though they're a tiny bit over $50, everywhere else I looked they're about $80, so getting them for only $64 is a pretty good deal. If you want you can check out some reviews here: http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Surround-Headset/dp/B00B1KJK22 .

Here you go

The audio will work the way you describe. This is actually pretty old tech. I was doing positional audio in Half Life with a Quad speaker setup, obviously no TrackIR back then, but how you move your position in game, be it TrackIR or your mouse of something else won't affect how the directionality of the audio works, they're different systems.

IMO unless you need headphones due to your living arrangement you're far better off getting a small surround system. Virtually all 5.1 or 7.1 headphones won't sound as good as actual physical speakers in a room. Most don't actually use multiple drivers to localize the sound, they use psychoacoustic tricks using a third party piece of software to make you believe you're hearing sound coming from different directions. If you've ever seen one of those audio demos on your soundchip's control panel where they simulate a bee or something moving from left to right and behind you seemingly and back to your left, its just like that.

Some of them do have multiple drivers but even they still use software tricks as help the simulation along. As to whether the software tricks, or multiple drivers, or some combination of the two work best is a matter of debate.

Personally I'm ok with it as software-only, (though again it'll never sound as good as actual speakers in a room) if done well, humans hear far better than 7.1 with only two ears. Headphones with fewer drivers in them for positioning sound better overall since they can utilize larger drivers in the earcups. (This isn't like the old woofer and tweeter and mid-range drivers from the days of yore, the drivers in surround sound headphones aren't there to split the frequencies so much but more for the positioning.)

A decent (audiophiles with $500 wooden knobs on their $10K vacuum tube amps can stop reading now) 5.1 speaker setup can be got for not too much cash, and the physical speakers, even the cheaper ones, will sound a thousand times better for positioning, at least. Price varies wildly, so your budget is of concern. The headphone I link to below is less than $100 and the solution provided by a comment earlier would cost you almost $1000. At some point diminishing returns set in, and you have to keep in mind your own personal experience; I've found you can give a person who is used to cheap earbuds and multimedia speakers a $100 item and a $1000 item and a $10000 item and they can't tell the difference. Hell half the audiophiles out there can't tell the difference.

If yo want to go with the headphones, I'm a fan of Plantronics due to the build quality, a big problem with these headsets in general is the cups break or the wires detach due to wear and tear.

EDIT: attempts at clarification. attempts.

I'm currently wearing these

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22

No complaints.

I already had a usb headset, Gamecom 780's, for PC gaming and they work great on PS4. Chatted to my brother with both the 780's and the mic that came with the PS4 and he said the 780's are way clearer.
Bit pricey but still an option if you don't mind full headsets.


Amazon

I have the Plantronics GameCom 780 and it's great. The surround sound works great and the mic is pretty decent, though you may have to use some noise reduction. They used to be around $80 but I don't know if they are still being manufactured or not cause the price is now easily over a hundred.

Someone recommended the Plantronics Gamecom 780. I wanted a headset with 7.1 ch. tech to play Battlefield 4. I bought it slightly used on ebay for $50.

It's my first headset, the sound is good and the mic picks up my voice very well. The only problem I have with it is that it squeezes my head so I had to stretch them out when I first got them.

great keyboard right?! And the headphones are plantronics gamecom 780: https://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-780-Headset-Surround/dp/B00B1KJK22

I use a Gamecom 780 and it sounds amazing, comfortable as hell since it completely goes over my ears, and the mic sounds great as well and the reason I havent upgraded to an expensive mic yet and ive had this for years. Best Headset ive ever used. Id personally use it over any of the ones you have listed.