So my g/f finally snapped last night afer a couple hours of me gaming on my Logitech z-5500s. It's now between me buying a 5.1 headset or looking over my shoulder in constant fear of a flying shoe.

I've done some investigation and found reviews of 5.1 headsets ranging widely from very positive to a nightmare to configure and support - very confused which one to go with. Money isn't really an object; I'm looking for the best, most accurate 5.1 sound. The most popular seem to be:

Speedlink Medusa 5.1: http://www.medusa-usa.com/medusa-5 [...] -876.html?osCsid=4397844792049391f70308e49b385c0f

Razer Barracuda HP-1: http://www.razerzone.com/index.php [...] ucts_id=38

LTB Magnum: http://www.xoxide.com/ltb-magnum-51-ac97.html

My other question is whether I need to upgrade my Soundcard. I currently have a SB Audigy 4.

The medusa is substantially cheaper than the Barracuda, so the quality isn't as good. However you can get a version of the Speedlink with a 5.1 spliter so u don't have to rewire everytime you wish to change from speakers to Headphones.

Dont know about hte LTB Magnum I'm afraid

If your not bothered about the sound quality ATM then i doubt u'll need to change unless u want to up the quality.

Actually, looks like the Medusa is a bit more expensive than the Barracuda. That spliter is a good idea...

Now I'm wondering if I should just go with a good circumaural headphones set like a Seinheiser D550 or Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7, and get a standup mic. I'm pretty versed in audiophile stuff, but am a total noob with headphones. Any advice or suggestions for what would be the best gaming experience would be helpful.

Im of the belief that all this 5.1 headset stuff is a crock the only way you are going to get great surround sound is with a setup like you currently have. Z-5500's are awesome...

I would instead of looking at 5.1 sets... look at an awesome pair of normal headsets. I own the HD555 from Sennheiser and they are AWESOME, but they also have others higher up in price that perform better and some nice closed sets. These closed sets would provide further relief for you girlfriend and also... you wont be able to hear her... THIS CAN COME IN HANDY!

Try these for positional audio in a headset. Turtle Beach Ear Force HPA2. If your just gaming and not an audiophile, they work very very well. Bioshock was just awesome with these.

Thanks for the advice. Coming from a home-theater background, I kinda figured the 5.1 headsets were a gimmick. Kind of seems akin to the crappy "one-speaker surround" systems that are prevelant now. I'd still like to be able to distinguish things from behind in multiplayer.

I chose to go with both options. Got a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 for music and traveling (I travel alot) a the LTB Magnum 5.1's for a moderately priced 5.1 solution. The LTB's have the same guts as the Zalman 5.1s, and the blook-red muffs look cool.

Also looking forward to the noice-cancelling on the Audio-Technica's for those times the g/f is droning on

For those of you that think 5.1 is a joke you need to shut up and stop. If you have ever used regular headphones(not 5.1) and then used a true 5.1 headset you would know there is a huge difference. Comming from competative game playing, I use the Medusa 5.1's. They are true 5.1 and the quality is excellent. It is worth the money you pay for them. probably the best 5.1 headset. Do not get the Barracudas, they have issues and you may get stuck with a bad pair.

How are the HP-1s from Barracuda. I just got them a few days ago and they sound good. However the surround isn't working properly and sometimes the voices crack... I'm blaming my sound card for this. I'm running a creative zs 2. I just bought a new sound card the auzentech prelude. Will let you know how the headsets sound after this upgrade.

Very interested in hearing your xp on the Prelude: have heard good things. Also considering upgrading to a Xi-Fi. Will also repost once I try out the LTB Magnums (can't seem to find any good reviews of this one)

I was going to go for the Seinheiser DH555, but read that the sound bleed is very bad (i.e. others can hear what you're listening).

I've actually been looking around for one for myself. I didn't even bother asking here though. Toms hardware doesn't have many gurus in certain electronic segments. I was planning to buy Sennhesier HD555 or 595's...But I was heavily recommended the Audiotechnics ATH-A900's..

http://www.audiocubes.com/product/ [...] hones.html

The numerous audiophiles recommended it as one of the best for gaming, they stated if offers great directional sound as well as a higher note of trebel/bass then the clean sounding hd555/595's. This will help in gaming as well, considering in FPS such as Counter Strike/source, listening for footsteps is really a must.

I don't have it yet...But I will be buying it for sure. Here's the thread if you want to check it out.

http://www.overclock.net/sound-car [...] tions.html

If you want some more advice, ask there...

i would look at 5.1 headsets. it kind of work but really all they do good compared to normal headphones is positioning(even then...).

i was in the same situation you are in except it was my mother and i bought the medusa 5.1 and everything was fine until i put my hands on some "real headphones". i just could nt justify using my medusa anymore. for the little i lost in positioning i gained it 10 times in sound quality, comfort, immersion, etc and it cost me less. to me there just isnt any comparison to be made.

i d consider the ath-a900, sennheiser 555 or 595, beyerdynamic dt770(makes sure they are 80 ohm or 32 ohm)

I like those ATH-A900's. I think I'm going to try and get a pair for the holidays.

^_^. I'm going to be picking up a pair of those for a new rig in Feburary/March. I've been using Sennheiser PC155's for the past 6 years or so. This is my second sennheiser set. Considering I spent 120 on my first pair, I don't mind putting in as much as 300 on a headset =P. If I have spare funds that is ^_^..

Hope you enjoy, tell me how they work out for you..I've heard MANY great things, can't wait to get my hands on'em >_<.

Im a veteran online gamer and an audiophile. Every advantage that is there I will take. I currently use the Zalman 5.1 headphones. My game is Counterstrike and I often get accused of wall hacking because I know when people are around corners or breaking glass through a few walls. The sound placement is very good and they are COMFORTABLE!! I can game for hours without me ears hurting nor the top of my head from the strap. I would recommend using these with a X Fi extremegamer sound card. The only con is that the included zalman microphone isnt very good quality. But that can be combatted with a desktop mic.
If not the zalman then I would recommend the Barracudas. Ive tried these and the vibration kinda puts you in the game a little more. but theyre not as comfortable.

Thats because they are a OPEN headset. If you dont want anyone to hear you or you hear them youd have to look at CLOSED sets. Which are generally used as monitors

Yeah, you'll usually see them listed as "Open Air" or "Closed Back". Open Air is good if your gaming / listening environment is relatively quiet (outside your headphones of course). Closed is a bit better if you're worried about others eavesdropping on your listenings or if you just don't want to hear the wife / gf whining at you.

I hear you there Phoenix. I use and love my Zalmans, and I have been kicked & banned for that exact same reason. Just because we can hear and pinpoint where people are they think we're wallin'

Love them.