What PC Gaming Headset should I get?

[Tbone]

Oddly enough, both my mouse and my headset have started acting up at the same time. I loved my Logitech VX Nano mouse, but now that it double-clicks on its own, I have purchased the Logitech G9!

My standard headset has started creating feedback. I've had problems with it for a while, actually (let's put it this way...it's held together by duct tape currently). I switched to my wireless headset, but the quality is inferior AND I cannot listen through the wireless headset AND my speakers at the same time (basically, switching back and forth between sources becomes a pain).

So since I upgraded to a gaming mouse, I figured I should upgrade to a gaming headset as well. My research so far tells me they can be a bit pricey. So I need some good recommendations. I've never had a headset with surround sound and cool stuff like that, so I'd really like to get one if it makes so much of a difference. I need cheaper versions of headsets like these:

MLG Astro A40 Headset: http://www.astrogaming.com/products/detail/12/MLG-Edition-A40-System/?KEYWORD=gaming%20headset&jkId=8a8ae4cc1a932aa9011acae744d027cc&jt=1&jadid=1217619982&js=1&jk=gaming%20headset&jsid=9156&jmt=1&&gclid=CKawrNqYxqECFUI65QodQGt0_Q

Razer Megalodon: http://reviews.cnet.com/headsets/razer-megalodon-headset/4505-13831_7-33719300.html?tag=also

It'd be nice for it to have

1. Virtual 5.1 surround sound
2. No USB required (plugs directly into sound card, hence working with speakers at same time)
3. Well-received/good reviews
3. Be under $100

[Tbone]

Getting closer to my price range...a little cheaper would be excellent, or this a little cheaper:

Tritton AX51 Pro: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16826235007

[Tbone]

Doing more research, does the connection need to be USB (digital) in order to get the best quality? If so, is there no work around to have a USB headset and speakers work simultaneously?

Edit: I'm getting mixed signals. Saw one place where they said "plug it in via USB for enhanced sound" but then also found a discussion where gamers said analog was superior. *Confused*...

[Ash]

Try these:

http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/home_en.nsf/root/private_headsets_pc_pro-gaming_500926?Open&row=2

I've had mine for a couple of years and have never had any problems.  The sound quality is excellent, they did not break the bank, and they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.  Also Sennheiser is well known in the audio industry for their quality.  the PC151 is cheaper and equally good.

[Anamodiel]

http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/computer/gaming-headsets/gamecom-777

I have an older design of these, and, my god, they are the most comfortable headphones in the world. I can literally wear them all day and not feel any discomfort whatsoever because the headphones envelope your ear, so your ears don't really receive much contact from the headphones. The cushion is also very, very comfy.

Amazon link to get them for $55 bucks: http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-GameCom-777-Surround-Technology/dp/B001KURYAS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1273467129&sr=1-2

[Tbone]

Very good choice Ana. Just ordered mine from that Amazon link! With this and the mouse, I should be enhancing my gaming experience quite a bit!

[Tecknik]

http://www.turtlebeach.com/products/efhpx/home.aspx

[Jeyk]

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Labs-Blaster-Surround-Headset/dp/B002J9HCV0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1273519267&sr=8-1

I snatched one of these up on Black Friday for $49.99.  Some very nice choices in this thread - I need to pick up a new set of headphones for my entertainment center (gaming and movies) in the near future...I assume some of these non-USB choices work given that I have a 6.5mm adapter?

[Tbone]

Let's hope the Gamecom 777 does well. I read a few more reviews, and some people were disappointed that the "virtual" surround sound 5.1 wasn't actually surround sound.

[Lithium]

I've had good luck with Plantronics headsets over the past several years.

[likwidtek]

So Jess and I are looking for some good comfy and nice sounding headsets.  This thread is a year old, so any new recommendations?

[Lithium]

Um, ^^ Plantronics. The headset brand used for the Apollo missions to the moon!

[JP]

Calmbomb just bought a new set of Astro A40's... he's used quite a few headsets out there and claims their the best headset ovah

http://www.astrogaming.com/audio-systems/a40-audio-systems

[eeth]

I was unimpressed with my Plantronics headset. Not too comfortable and died on me in less than 9 months.

[Tbone]

My Gamescom777 has been doing pretty well. The sound is nice. Downsides are that it looks RIDICULOUS wearing (it's big and bulky) and can mess up your hair pretty easily...haha. It does a good job of giving you a nice sound without completely muting your surroundings.

I will say that my headband broke from trying to pick it up too quickly and not realizing the cord was caught. I currently have it duct taped together. I'm trying to make that last as long as I can, but it's such a big break that it keeps coming loose.

I know Razer is coming out with a new 7.1 headset that looks pretty sweet. But I believe it's going to be pricey.

http://www.razerzone.com/tiamat/en/features