Sorry another surround headphone thread

[MagicalTrevor]

I'd like some help, I don't quite understand the various options/technologies available with gaming headphones.

I'm after some headphones for gaming. Ideally one with a boom mic but I'm open to other options.

Does 5.1 or 7.1 Dolby Headphone based surround sound offer anything over decent stereo headphones?
Is Dolby Headphone surround a type of virtual surround or is it 'proper' surround? i.e. is it a seemless soundstage?

With the same budget of £120 or thereabouts am I best buying:

• 5.1/7.1 Surround headphones such as Logitech G35 ('proper' Dolby Headphone surround) bypassing my Asus Xonar DS soundcard
• High quality 'headset' type headphones such as Sennheiser PC360 using my Asus Xonar DS card
• High quality hifi headphones using the same soundcard and then buy some sort of microphone

I'm confused!

[CypherP]

Having had numerous pairs of Sennheiser headphones, and used the PC350s before, and currently own a pair of RS180s, I would highly recommend them for the money.

Bit biased considering I haven't really moved from the brand for about ten years, but they are well made, sound quality is brilliant and have never had a problem with comfort, even with long-term wear.

[MagicalTrevor]

Thank you, I'll check out the Senn 360s. Would you look to get a processor like the 'mixamp' or would my Xonar sound card suffice do you think?

[CypherP]

MagicalTrevor said:

Thank you, I'll check out the Senn 360s. Would you look to get a processor like the 'mixamp' or would my Xonar sound card suffice do you think?

I'd reckon the sound card alone would be enough if it supports 5.1 or 7.1, but double check the specs for the Senns and see whether it mentions anything specific, or do a search and see whether anyone else has commented on the same things on some of the headphone reviews.

[MagicalTrevor]

CypherP said:

I'd reckon the sound card alone would be enough if it supports 5.1 or 7.1, but double check the specs for the Senns and see whether it mentions anything specific, or do a search and see whether anyone else has commented on the same things on some of the headphone reviews.

Cheers again.

I'm erring towards something like the Senns and then add a mixamp to add the surround functionality if the soundcard doesn't do the surround that well