Need new headset

[vhx]

Well its about time for some new headphones. My current ones are very fuzzy not only through the headphones but also through the mic.

Basically its this except blue earpiece:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16826106932

However I find the fitting over the ears very uncomfortable for longterm use. I need a good headset that is comfortable for longterm use as well as no static in the background. I need a really good mic on the headset because I work over VoIP, so it's pretty much required. Those bluetooth earpieces seem really awesome for work, however the 1 ear thing isn't going to work for gaming and listening to music. I want really great audio quality as well in the headphones.

I don't know if something like this fits for the specifics of what I am looking for

UPDATE: Well these headphones are good, but my onboard audio isn't that good for handling any sort of bass. Anyone got a great suggestion on a sound card that doesnt cost a fortune?

 

[PurdueRy]

Sennheiser PC150 or PC165

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Sennheiser PC150 or PC165

Seconded. Probably the best choice for a budget headset.

 

[vhx]

Thanks, ordered a PC150. Had free shipping on newegg too.

 

[vhx]

Well got them today and meh they are ok. The biggest gripe I have is they have real trouble with bass and gets noticably staticy, kind of disappointing.

Though if I turn off equalizing its a lot better but that's probably because I lose virtually all bass.

 

[Baked]

I would have recommended Audio-Technica A500 + separate Logitech Desktop Mic.

 

[vhx]

On second thought it could be my onboard sound card, however I don't really notice the problem on my crappy speakers.. I don't realy want to spend $100 on a new sound card. Not sure what audio this uses but it says Realtek HD audio, which I thought would be decent.

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: vhx
On second thought it could be my onboard sound card, however I don't really notice the problem on my crappy speakers.. I don't realy want to spend $100 on a new sound card. Not sure what audio this uses but it says Realtek HD audio, which I thought would be decent.

Try plugging the headphones into a mp3 player or something and see if the bass is acceptable. Generally, the amp+DAC on a portable player will be at least slightly better than on-board sound.

 

[vhx]

Wow, just tried it on my cd player and its simply amazing, misjudged it because of my comp onboard audio I guess. I never thought I could really notice audio quality before but I guess it takes some decent speakers to do that. Any suggestions on a really good sound card that doesnt cost a ton? Would like something that comes close to (or better) a cd players quality.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: vhx
Wow, just tried it on my cd player and its simply amazing, misjudged it because of my comp onboard audio I guess. I never thought I could really notice audio quality before but I guess it takes some decent speakers to do that. Any suggestions on a really good sound card that doesnt cost a ton?

Pick up a Audigy 2 ZS off ebay for $40ish

 

[vhx]

How do sound cards perform in relation to cd player quality or greater?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: vhx
How do sound cards perform in relation to cd player quality or greater?

I would imagine that the DAC on the SB audigy 2 ZS is likely better than that in most any portable player.

 

[vhx]

Thanks for all your help, one last question. What's the difference between an audigy 2 zs with THX and theres another with EAX?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: vhx
Thanks for all your help, one last question. What's the difference between an audigy 2 zs with THX and theres another with EAX?

There is only one version. However, the retail version has a bit fancier connectors vs. the OEM.

They both have THX and EAX

 

[vhx]

I would like to get that but unfortunately I just realized I need my front audio ports to work. And it looks like you can't do that with the audigy 2 zs without spending 4x more for the platinum version which has the I/O panel.

Any other way to hook up front panel audio with this card? It seems to have every input BUT f_audio.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: vhx
Hmm I just realized I need my front audio ports to work, and it looks like you can't do that with the audigy 2 zs without spending 4x more for the platinum version which has the I/O panel.

Any other way to hook up front panel audio with this card? It seems to have every input BUT f_audio.

There is, you should be able to find people making the cables to do this on ebay

 

[vhx]

What is the cable called?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: vhx
What is the cable called?

hm I can't seem to find any now. Perhaps someone else can at least link to the article that tells how to make them

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: vhx
What is the cable called?

hm I can't seem to find any now. Perhaps someone else can at least link to the article that tells how to make them

Not sure if this is the one you're thinking of, but
http://audigy2zshowto.blogspot.com/

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: vhx
What is the cable called?

hm I can't seem to find any now. Perhaps someone else can at least link to the article that tells how to make them

Not sure if this is the one you're thinking of, but
http://audigy2zshowto.blogspot.com/

yes that is it. A person was selling those cables he made on ebay...I don't see any know but the OP can make one if he likes.

 

[vhx]

So I picked up an OEM Audigy 2 ZS that had no CD's and such. My friend bought a Audigy 2 ZS Platinum and it came with 3 CD's with lots of different stuff. He returned it because it didn't work with USB, but besides that I downloaded the Audigy 2 ZS drivers off of Creative's site and it only installed a console type thing.

What can I install that has more options and features I can mess with? I read about a THX and EAX console but I can't find anything but 'audio console.' Or rather stuff that can get me more out of this sound card, like equilizer settings or something?