- Aug 9, 2004
- 4,458
- 4
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Hello,
So I'm looking at my computer, specifically my gaming setup, and I think my audio experience could be improved. Right now I'm using a USB/Headset combo from Plantronics (was $50 at Bestbuy), which basically was an audio jack headset that plugged into a USB adapter. The USB adapter went on the fritz about a month ago, and I've since just been using the headset plugged into the audio ports on my computer, using the onboard sound (Realtek chip I believe). In either case, the audio was decent, but I'm sure it could be better. I'm looking at enhancing the experience, specifically the quality (clarity, bass) and immersion (ambient sound production, etc.).
I was thinking of switching to an actual sound card and a decent headset to go with it (is this the way to go). I don't need anything extreme ($200 sound card with a $300 professional-grade headset), and judging from what I've read in threads and from google, I'm hoping I can get away with a $50-75 sound card and a <$100 headset. My parameters are the following:
- Needs to be a headset (I use Vent when I game)
- I prefer wired (I haven't seen a wireless set yet that I liked, I always detect the lag)
- Price ranges are ballparks, I'll pay more (or less) depending on value
- Sound card needs to be PCI (not PCI-e, my TV-tuner takes up my PCI-e slot)
I'm going to keep researching and reading, but thanks for any help/suggestions/advice you can throw my way.
Cheers,
Mr. K6
So I'm looking at my computer, specifically my gaming setup, and I think my audio experience could be improved. Right now I'm using a USB/Headset combo from Plantronics (was $50 at Bestbuy), which basically was an audio jack headset that plugged into a USB adapter. The USB adapter went on the fritz about a month ago, and I've since just been using the headset plugged into the audio ports on my computer, using the onboard sound (Realtek chip I believe). In either case, the audio was decent, but I'm sure it could be better. I'm looking at enhancing the experience, specifically the quality (clarity, bass) and immersion (ambient sound production, etc.).
I was thinking of switching to an actual sound card and a decent headset to go with it (is this the way to go). I don't need anything extreme ($200 sound card with a $300 professional-grade headset), and judging from what I've read in threads and from google, I'm hoping I can get away with a $50-75 sound card and a <$100 headset. My parameters are the following:
- Needs to be a headset (I use Vent when I game)
- I prefer wired (I haven't seen a wireless set yet that I liked, I always detect the lag)
- Price ranges are ballparks, I'll pay more (or less) depending on value
- Sound card needs to be PCI (not PCI-e, my TV-tuner takes up my PCI-e slot)
I'm going to keep researching and reading, but thanks for any help/suggestions/advice you can throw my way.
Cheers,
Mr. K6