General sound card and headset questions

[PCJake]

I'm interested in getting a headset for gaming and movie viewing, and I need to understand a few basic things before I can buy.

First of all, I have a Creative Sounds Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 sound card, and honestly, I'm not sure which ports are for what. In the pictures, they are labeled as FlexiJack, Line Out 1 jack, Line Out 2 jack, and Line Out 3 jack. All I know is that I plug my 2.1 speakers into the green one!

I'll be using these headsets quite a lot, so I'm willing to spend up to $150. I was originally planning on getting the Razer Megalodon headset when it came out, but it's been delayed about three times. I've already waited four months, I don't want to wait another two. Now I'm looking at the Sennheiser PC 350 Headset. It's not USB, is that a problem? Will it work fine with my sound card?

I'm open to other suggestions as well.

My primary concerns are as follows:
-Clarity of sound (I cannot stand muffled sound)
-Comfort (preferably a closed circumaural design)
-Quality construction
-Emphasis on gaming and movie viewing

Thanks a lot.

 

[videogames101]

The PC350s really need a good amp to make their cost worthwhile,

these are cheaper, comfortable, well-constructed, and can be easily driven by your sound card. (and still sound great!)
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheis...&qid=1238538169&sr=1-1

(And don't use USB, go straight into your sound card with the 3.5mm jacks)

 

[PCJake]

Originally posted by: videogames101
The PC350s really need a good amp to make their cost worthwhile,

these are cheaper, comfortable, well-constructed, and can be easily driven by your sound card. (and still sound great!)
http://www.amazon.com/Sennheis...&qid=1238538169&sr=1-1

(And don't use USB, go straight into your sound card with the 3.5mm jacks)

I'd like to know a little more about this amplifier business before I completely abandon the 350's. Are you saying that they are in some way "worse" than the cheaper pair?