http://gaming-headsets-review.toptenreviews.com/ I need a headset. Now the headset I will use will be plugged into a USB via a 3.5 converter I still have from my old Steelseries set. The reason for this is because I don't want to be forced into reaching back behind my computer to unplug my headset and then plug in my Creative 6.1 surround sound speakers every time. The main problems I have with headsets is that because of the USB connection to my keyboard it creates a lot of slack which ends up tangling the wires messing up the sound. Is there a headset I can buy that will actually last and that will be resistant to my problem or am I just going to be forced into buying $40 headsets over and over? PS. I tried some high priced Titan's ($180) but had to return them because they caused some massive overheating when plugged into the USB connection.
I dont understand this though... You are complaining about audio issues from cable being coiled, but are purposely introducing just as many issues using a $2 USB adapter? Since you already have a good computer, one thing you could think about would be to just upgrade your graphics card and be done with your hardware, then get a good setup for your audio that will last a LONG time and will sound amazing. Something like one of these: http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB12/NFB12EN.htm http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB5/NFB5EN.htm (get the 5.2) When you want to use your headphones, just power on the DAC device. When connected via USB it will automatically switch your audio output on the computer to USB and go through properly. When you want to switch back to your creative speakers you just turn the device off and Windows drops the USB connection and resumes output on your sound card. The NFB-12 wont sound that much worse and is significantly cheaper (about $180 cheaper after everything) so what is probably the way to go. As for headphones, either the Sennheiser PC-350 or 360 (depending on if you care about open design or not). Sennheiser has more of a neutral sound to them, with a slight accent in the midrange. It also takes these headphones a few weeks to properly break in and sound good. Out of the box before being broken in they sound like trash. closed: http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-PC...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1337777148&sr=1-1 open: http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-PC...2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1337777148&sr=1-2 If you want a much warmer sound and stronger bass from the PC350 headset you can always look up the "Hero Mod" for them. The audio will also be much cleaner and sound better in general because of having a much better DAC unit. And paired with a quality headset you will be good for many years. I have had my PC-350 headset for 3 years or so now and they still are in great shape (through a couple moves even). You can either drape the extra cable for the headset over the side of your desk or toss the extra behind your monitor (coming out the opposite side of where your mouse cable is). Or, if you really care about using a short enough cable, you can get these headphones: http://www.amazon.com/AKG-Signature...4OFK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337777602&sr=8-1 http://www.amazon.com/AKG-Signature...4O3W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1337777602&sr=8-2 They can use any length cable to plug into them, so you can order a shorter one from www.monoprice.com. Just remember that those are headphones, not a headset. So no mic on them. Alternatively, you could not spend any money on a GPU and go all out with your audio setup. Getting something like the SCHIIT Bifront and Valhalla: http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=7 http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=2
Ever considered not using that style and going with something that is just for voice and let your speakers deal with sound? I still use my plantronics halo2 headset. It has a short cord that doesn't get tangled and has lasted 8 years. Tbe gamecom x30 that the usb adapter came with also was quite comfortable. The sound is clear in both for voice and I have never had any complaints from others. **Both headsets work through a usb adapter.
So can anyone think of a way between easily switching between speakers and headset without having to go through a ton of trouble? I looked at the website you showed me Enigma but I didn't see a price or a way to really buy the thing you showed. So then the best headset you recommend is the PC 350 just to clarify? I really like the look of the Astro A40's but the pricetag is a bit stiff. However, I feel like with the Soundswitch program I could finally buy a headset that will last for quite some time. I was thinking something like this - Soundswitch http://www.40tech.com/2010/08/31/how-to-quickly-switch-audio-between-speakers-and-a-headset/
Edit: Think I will wait for the A50's since they release in early July and try to get them. They are better wirelessly as the mixamp is built into the headset and the Astro's look badass.