Headset and sound card

[Shiverwarp]

I'm looking into getting a headset and a soundcard for my PC. I use Windows XP.

I've looked at this headset: Steel sound 5H v2

And I'm not sure about a soundcard. I don't want to go overboard, probably max 100 bucks for the soundcard. Maybe a little more.

Any suggestions? And also where would be the best place to get what you suggest? I'm living in the rural midwest of Canada

[Patriote]

Hi!

I use the Zalman Home Theater 5.1 + Mic Surround Head-set along with an X-FI Xtrememusic sound card. I get extremely good sounds for either my Black\Death\Gothic Metal music or when i play CS:S.

IMO, it's really important to have surround sounds when playing games such as CS:S. I can literally ear the guy walking around, under and over me. And that, my friend, is something you definitely want because it up your chances of getting the guy first.

You can have a look here for different sound cards. http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?minorcatid=1007

And here for the Zalman Headset. http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...=ZALMAN%20TECH

PS: That Zalman Headset has 6 speakers. 3 on each sides for true surround sound :)

[cdn_Madrach]

I would also recomend that setup ....especially for gaming. I also use the zalmans and mic+ xfi soundcard. If I was gonna chose a headset other than zalman it would be turtle beach ear force hpa2's. I wanna try these...8 speakers Ear Force HPA2

[jdrom17]

Whatever you do, don't buy the X-Fi XtremeAudio. It is not a "real" X-Fi chip, it's more of an Audigy chip.

If you can find the XtremeMusic, get that, otherwise get the XtremeGamer.

However, Creative's Vista support isn't all that great, so just beware of that.

[Supergrover]

Originally Posted by jdrom17

Whatever you do, don't buy the X-Fi XtremeAudio. It is not a "real" X-Fi chip, it's more of an Audigy chip.

If you can find the XtremeMusic, get that, otherwise get the XtremeGamer.

However, Creative's Vista support isn't all that great, so just beware of that.

Tell me about it, I bought one just because it was a good price, ended up putting my audigy mp3 back in as the sound was way better in both games ( BF2/BF2142) and music.

[sswilson]

Yeah, if a person is looking for a decent "cheap" creative product they're probably just as well off to find an Audigy2 Value or if they can find one an Audigy4.

I'm not sure how those stack up against other brands in the same price range though.

[Patriote]

Originally Posted by cdn_Madrach

I would also recomend that setup ....especially for gaming. I also use the zalmans and mic+ xfi soundcard. If I was gonna chose a headset other than zalman it would be turtle beach ear force hpa2's. I wanna try these...8 speakers Ear Force HPA2

O...M...F...G! That Head-set is the shit man! I'm getting one!

Thanks a tone!

[CMetaphor]

Whats the bass like in those zalman 5.1's? I always wondered about that since for music purposes i use Studio-quality audio technica headphones with huge ass speakers in em. So yeah, bass is very important to me (im a metalhead bassist btw) so lemme know... also.... OMFG for the turtle beaches too, lol.

[Patriote]

Originally Posted by CMetaphor

Whats the bass like in those zalman 5.1's? I always wondered about that since for music purposes i use Studio-quality audio technica headphones with huge ass speakers in em. So yeah, bass is very important to me (im a metalhead bassist btw) so lemme know... also.... OMFG for the turtle beaches too, lol.

They are Ok. Not th best out there, but the bass is there. Some will whine that there isn't enough but for me, a true Metalhead as well, there is just enough if you tweak it.

[Robscix]

Are 5.1's needed? Have you considered a quality set of stereo headphones?
such as Grado SR 80's are Sennheisers? -Alot of newer soundcards come with surround imaging for stereo headphones such as Dolby Headphone or CMSS3D for Headphones. Just a suggestion.