Trying to decide between 3 headsets.

[Fruhstuck]

Hello Community,

I've been a PC gamer for quite some time now and I am currently looking into buying a new headset. Now I've been researching and finding information on a number of headsets. Simply put I've limited my choices down to three different headsets representing three different tiers if you want to call them that. Each tier being basic none surround, 5.1 surround, and 7.1 surround headsets.

Currently I am using a Turtle Beach X12 headset which works just fine but I'm looking for higher quality and better sound. Bear in mind, I play a lot of games so locational sound is important to me. For example, I play Counter Strike Global Offensive and hearing footsteps, gun fire, and the like are often key to playing the game better. I also am looking for a headset that will not only work well with gaming but for listening to music as well. Of course, I am aware that if I want truly good audible headset I should be looking at high end headset dedicated to music. However, my budget is around 150$ and I would like something that will work well for both gaming and music.

So, onto the main point of this post. Here as follows, are the three headsets I've chosen.

SteelSeries Siberia V2:

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826249091

This headset was chosen because it is in the lower end of my budget and from what I've read it's acclaimed as the most comfortable. It also represents the best none 5.1 or 7.1 headset that I've read about so far.

Cooler Master Storm Sirus:

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826570013

I chose this headset because I have been reading that the only good true 7.1 headset is the Razer Tiamat which conveniently will be talked about right under this. I've also read that since 7.1 is relatively new that means there isn't a lot of games that fully utilize or do not utilize 7.1 capabilities. So generally speaking, after comparing a number of 5.1 headsets I feel that this one is one of the best as an option.

Razer Tiamat:

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826153089

Finally, the Tiamat is at the top of my budget and it is supposed to be the first true 7.1 surround headset. I've read none stop good reviews about this headset other than the Mic is a bit weak and that it to some people does not produce a high enough quality low.

To end this long post I just have a few questions.

I have an on board sound card Realtek ALC892 that's 8 Channels on an ASUS P8Z77-V LK LGA 1155 Intel Z77. I've read that all these headsets will work just fine with that. However, I was wondering how much of a difference having a nice dedicated sound card will make a difference between 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound and sound quality in general?

Is it even worth having a true 7.1 headset over a 5.1? I've read that headset can never truly produce real surround sound because in order to do that you have to have a real correctly positioned home theater system.

For last, just generally what do you guys think of these choices?

Any feedback is welcome and appreciated.

Thank you very much for reading,

Frühstück

 

[audioranger]

from my experience, I'd actually rate the v2 better than the tiamat. the tiamat was a decent headset, but the earcups were a tad too small and the build quality could be improved.

for its price, your definitely getting more bang with siberia V2s. I haven't tested the storm sirus so i really can't comment.

with regard to your onboard sound - its getting a lot better these days but a dedicated dac will almost always outperform onboard

a word on surround-sound - yeah it's not all that it's cracked up to be, nor is it often accurately reproduced. surround in headsets has always been tricky, and most people don't realize that good stereo models will outperform most 'gaming' varieties be it 5.1/7.1

"true" surround sound is a term applied loosely nowadays. most gaming models are gimmicky too and just aren't as good overall as stereo pairs like sennheiser, grado, beyerdynamic, audio-technica etc.

TLDR - I wouldn't put the tiamat at the top of your list. the ATH-M50 + zalman clipon would be a much worthier candidate

ATH-M50:

http/www.headset-ratings.com/audio-technica-ath-m50-professional-studio-headphones/

Zalman zm1:

http/www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/664437-REG/Audio_Technica_ATR3350_ATR3350_Omnidirectional_Condenser_Lavalier.html

good luck man. happy gaming

 

[Fruhstuck]

Awesome suggestion! I honestly would have probably never would have looked at these if not for you. They seem to be exactly what I'm looking for and the price range is within budget. The mic not being there is of course an issue but not a major one. I could probably just attach the mic to the headset with a clip anyway.

The only question I have is do you know if a sound card will improve the audio quality of a headset like this? Sort of a weird question but I'm not exactly sure what a sound card does for a PC since I've never owned one or have looked into it.

Thanks again