Should I buy a Computer Speaker or a Headphone?

[jblovekim]

I'm gonna use it for gaming and game development. I'm torn between choosing from a speaker and headphone as both of them have their ups and downs.

Speaker
1. I don't have to wear them (I wear glasses so this is really great)

Headset
1. Portable
2. Can cancel out noise
3. Can make me hear sounds when at night (since I turn off my speakers due to my roommate sleeping)
4. Can have a microphone

I currently have around $100 to spend for a headphone and I could push it to $150 for a speaker. I'm really confused as people are saying "depends on which type of sound do you like" I don't know much about audio hardware and I don't know what "specs" to look for if there are any and all those stuff about bass and whatnot.

For headphones I have my eyes on a HyperX Cloud. People are claiming that the Cloud 2s have problems and their $20 difference from Cloud 1 isn't worth it BUT my retailer is selling the Cloud 2s for $10 more compared to a Cloud 1 and I think it's a good deal since I have an integrated sound card PLUS the mic is clearly better than the Cloud 1.

For speakers I don't know yet I've read that I have to choose between a 2.0 and 2.1 which I have no idea what it's about but they say 2.1 is better but a cheap 2.1 is less effective than a good 2.0. Can anyone recommend a 2.1 Computer Speaker that's around $100-$150?

 

[alexoiu]

Here's an option: http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA25V2TV1179&cm_re=speakers_logitech-_-36-121-044-_-Product
A cheap one, but I'd say that it's ok.
If microphone is a need, then I'd go for Cloud 1.

 

[anonymousdude]

Not a big fan of the sound quality on headsets. I'm more of a fan of a good pair of headphones and a boom mic that attaches to the headphones. But headsets do tend to be more comfortable for long periods of time. How good do you need your mic to be? For speakers 2.0 is just two speakers. 2.1 is two speakers and a subwoofer. 2.1 is "better" to most people because of the sub and a sub means more bass so people find it "better". If you're interested in good quality audio then don' t worry about it. Stick with buying something that is good quality.
Klipsch promedia 2.1 is a good set.
if you want surround sound ie 5.1 then the z506 is good and cheap.