SB X-Fi -vs- Onboard Audio -vs- USB Headset

[DarkStar]

As I said in another thread I am planning on buying a new gaming rig in mid January, although I might order earlier if I decide on all the spec before then, but I have a question that I figured I would see what others thought of them.

First some background, I always use a headset with my computer, I bought a pair of Klipsch 4.1's with my Voodoo EGAD but I hardly even used them and I've never even had a set of speakers hooked to my Voodoo Rage. So with that being the case which audio solution would be the way to go for me, a SB X-Fi card, sticking with the onboard audio or going with a USB headset?

I do listen to music on my rig occasionally but my hearing .............. well ............ it really sucks!!! I've spent FAR to much time on various weapon ranges without hearing protection, so I don't really need a top shelf audiophile setup, and instead just need something with halfway decent sound and excellent positional 3D support for gaming.

Thoughts, suggestions opinions?

[Wendel.Santos]

Well heres my opinion:

If your going to be gaming alot definitely grab your self a set of headsets ( i recommend DSP 500 Gaming Headset from Plantronics) having a potent headset really gives you the upper hand in really any game you play (Mostly First Person Shooter..) With a headset like that you can tell where your opponent is shooting from or hear his footsteps and determine where he's going to pop out from. As for Speakers you cant do that. another Plus for headsets is that you can game or listen to music or do what ever you do on the computer untill 5 in the morning and not disturb anyone ! :D

Now on the other hand, if your going to be watching alot of movies, listening to music, anything to do with multimedia really, or if your Not going to be gaming that much you should definitely grab your self a nice sound card and a set of speakers...as for onboard audio thats up to you if you feel you wont notice a difference between Sound quality with a soundcard or without one, then i say go for it !

Heres what i do:

im the kind of person who one day is jammin to some high blasting music but by night im a focused gamer who doesnt like to be disturbed lol... so what i do is i have a Audigy 2 Soundcard in my rig hooked up to a set of Logitech Z-2300 Speakers that and i have a set of Plantronics DSP 500 (CS-Edition :D ) and i simply switch between speakers and my headset when ever im in the mood for either one...

well i hope this helped you out ! if not .. sorry for the long read! hehehe

[CiN]

Yea I pretty much agree with m1nd if you are gaming go with the onboard card and some great sounding noise cancelling headphones are the way to go :lol: