Headset / Audio Card Qs

Le Rouge · January 27, 2012, 05:04:58 PM

This is the MB I have: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/motherboards/desktop-motherboards/desktop-board-dh67cl.html.

And this is what it says abour Audio:
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[TD]IntelÂ® High Definition Audio (IntelÂ® HD Audio) subsystem in the following configuration:

10-channel (7.1+ 2 independent multi-streaming) audio subsystem using the Realtek ALC892* audio codec
Five analog audio ports and one optical S/PDIF out port
Internal S/PDIF header and front panel audio header

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I am looking for a 5.1/7.1 headset, but need your advice:
Is there any advantage to one which would connect to the optical out?
Does this card output 7.1 or need it have an amplifier in the middle, like some headphones have?
Is a USB heasdet better?
Is a "native" surround set better, since I need no "virtual"?
Must I have an amplifier if the cars already outputs 7.1?
Can I connect 5.1 to a 7.1 card? (which I assume 5.1 should be enought for hearing someone coming to stab you from behind ;-) ) The Realtek HA sudio manager has an option for 5.1, I see, so I assume yes, but then if it already goes out as 5.1, why do I see so many sets with an amlifier to divide the sound into 5.1?

Will appreciate any insight on how these things work and what would fit best for my system. The set would be for gaming mostly.

Thanks.

kregoron · January 28, 2012, 09:20:12 AM

Your soundcard can handle up to 7.1 without problems..

By choosing a USB headset you actually eliminate the need for the soundcard, as the USB headsets has its own builtin sound processor (most are software based, so handled by the cpu tho)

Le Rouge · January 28, 2012, 09:54:27 AM

So that would put more work on the CPU?
Is it then better to purchase someting which connects to the rear colored (orange, black, blue, green, punk) slots?

kregoron · January 28, 2012, 01:16:59 PM

The load would be negible at most, id doubt anyone would notice tbh, its typically somewhat easier to setup 5.1 in with a headset as the setup is so easy..

It all comes down to which headset you like, there isnt much point in buying a headset with awsome sound if it feels like you got 2 bricks attached to your head.

Le Rouge · January 28, 2012, 03:56:43 PM

So Logitech G35 or Turtle Beach Z6A?

lionheart · January 28, 2012, 04:12:44 PM

Neither. If you want to spend that kind of money get these.
Headphones
S oundcard.

Much better solution than using the on-board sound, plus will give you much better sound when used for other stuff like music and films.

kregoron · January 28, 2012, 04:52:00 PM

Quote from: lionheart;343132Neither. If you want to spend that kind of money get these.
Headphones
S oundcard.

Much better solution than using the on-board sound, plus will give you much better sound when used for other stuff like music and films.

:withstupid: Onboards are tbh, rubbish... and Creative has become slackers, their drivers are utter thrash.

Tho Asus Xonar cards are brilliant

Le Rouge · January 28, 2012, 09:50:27 PM

Quote from: lionheart;343132Neither. If you want to spend that kind of money get these.
Headphones
S oundcard.

Much better solution than using the on-board sound, plus will give you much better sound when used for other stuff like music and films.

But those phones are stereo, and I am looking for surround gaming.

lionheart · January 28, 2012, 10:30:46 PM

You only need stereo when your sound-card users Dolby Headphone, it produces an arguably better surround effect using just two sources.

TeaLeaf · January 29, 2012, 08:44:24 AM

Quote from: lionheart;343132Neither. If you want to spend that kind of money get these.
Headphones
S oundcard.

Much better solution than using the on-board sound, plus will give you much better sound when used for other stuff like music and films.

I'd recommend the upgrade to the PC360 (which I just got and commented on here).

Also, re the sound card, there's no need for the on-board headphone amp in the soundcard unless you go for some seriously meaty headphones which higher impedence. Those PC330 are 32ohm, my PC360 re 50ohm and both work fine without the extra amp circuitry. If you went for the awesome PC350 though then you'd need the amp as it is 150ohm.

Le Rouge · January 29, 2012, 05:17:55 PM

Quote from: lionheart;343167You only need stereo when your sound-card users Dolby Headphone, it produces an arguably better surround effect using just two sources.

Can you please explain how?

lionheart · January 29, 2012, 05:24:04 PM

No I can't , clever stuff.

Try here

Le Rouge · January 29, 2012, 05:53:33 PM

This does not say anything.
I know there are "virtual" surround headphones, but those Stereo ones, are plain stereo as I read it.

TL: are yours simulating surround or are they good stereo?

TeaLeaf · January 29, 2012, 05:55:12 PM

It's the soundcard that simulates the surround, the headphones themselves are stereo. So you get surround by buying a soundcard that has Dolby Headphone (see the link to the Xonar card Lionheart provided), then using stereo headphones.

Imo the stereo headphone route is a much better route if you want surround sound as most of the 'true surround sound' headphones sound like crap.

lionheart · January 29, 2012, 06:41:27 PM

"Imo the stereo headphone route is a much better route if you want surround sound as most of the 'true surround sound' headphones sound like crap."

Indeed they do, it is much better to have 2 good size speakers in the head phones able to produce decent frequencies than 8 little ones barely able to produce bass at all.