PC Gaming Headset help please

[Cmdr Errant]

hello all,

if anyone can help that would be great…i’m building a new PC for Elite Dangerous, and I’m trying to choose the right headset.
My mobo will be Asus H97 Pro Gamer which was on-board 8channel audio via 6-off 3.5mm, and also there’s a SPDIF out.

I live in the tropics so probably need to ventilate my ears, thus i’m considering open or semi-closed.
I love bass, and reading around I heard that open cans can be a bit light on the bass, so my choice now seems to semi-closed.

I like the idea of wireless, but my head tracker will be wired and connected to my headset, so I’m thinking wired or wireless, probably doesn’t matter.

I would also like a 7.1 surround experience if poss, altho I know there’s some debate around if this is actually audible (again, given my mobo).

Budget is $300 or so, happy to spend less of course, but I want to do it right so I’m keen to get the best sound quality given the motherboard I’m using (no point getting high-end phones if the bottleneck is the sound the PC makes, right?).

I’m also aware of the built-in mic vs separate mic add-on debate (another complication!). I will be using voice attack to make verbal commands to the ship, and probably use teamspeak chat also.

Unfortunately, I can’t foresee me being able to test any headsets, so I’m asking you fine audiophiles for help...
Thanks in advance

 

[Cmdr Errant]

(further to my original post) not wanting to influence you, but i've been looking at models like Sennheiser 363D, Game One, Astro A50, SteelseriesH, Mionix Nash20

 

[VincentP]

To complicate things, if you choose a USB headset the onboard audio of your motherboard isn't used at all.

Surround sound comes in a number of different types:
Headphones with multiple small drivers for positional sound, may be USB or accept 5.1/7.1 inputs.
Headphones with a single driver but with virtual surround in the headphone software, may be USB or accept 5.1/7.1 inputs.
Stereo headset with virtual surround coming from the sound card. Requires a good sound card, headphone connect using stereo.

The last of these is probably the best if you also listen to music on the headphones but the cost is higher to get quality headphones or a stereo headset and a good sound card.

 

[hexagonn]

audio technica ath-m50 is pretty good.

 

[ewok93]

I'd take a look at the Steelseries Siberia Elite Prism. Make sure you look at the Prism, though, as it fixes a lot of issues with sound quality, durability, and comfort that the plain Elite had. There's also the Creative Sound Blaster EVO ZxR. Both headsets have surround and are very comfortable, and pretty good sound quality for what you pay. Standalone headphones and a clip on mic would give you the best sound quality, but would probably require a good sound card to reach their full potential.