So I finally have some money and have decided to invest in a decent set of headphones for gaming (headphones are better for me than speakers before anyone suggests this). I have an xbox 360 and a laptop that I use for games so I'd prefer a set that can work with both and output in 5.1. From searching around a bit I've found a couple of pairs which seem to fit these criteria, these are the razor chimaera 5.1 headset (http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-audio/razer-chimaera-51) and the tritton pro+ 5.1 headset (http://www.trittonaudio.com/proplus). From what I can gather the razor set only have 2 drivers but can simulate a 5.1 setup whereas the tritton ones have several drivers in each ear cup which they claim is a 'true' 5.1 experience. I was wondering if anyone has used either of these products and can give a review on them? Or suggest a different pair which would work with both a laptop and an xbox in 5.1 mode?
This leads me onto my next question which is plaguing me due to my lack of understanding when it comes to audio. Essentially from what I've read it seems that only an optical connection will do if you really want to get 5.1 surround sound. While this isn't a problem for the xbox my laptop does not have an optical output. I believe this can be solved using an external sound card however on looking into these I have found them totally bewildering. Prices vary hugely and while many say 5.1 I have read reviews saying that this is only 'virtual' 5.1 or even stereo and that actually getting the cards to work properly is a nightmare. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced card which will do the job and output 'real' dolby 5.1 surround via the optical cable to a set of headphones?
A final bonus question(I'll be amazed if anyone can answer all three after getting through this huge post) is whether there is any advantage to be gained from pluging the headphones into the optical output on the xbox over my t.v. Both have optical outputs so I was wondering what people thought, is it a case of the closer to the source (i.e. the xbox) the better? Or will it pretty much not make a difference?
Thanks for any help guys, sorry for the huge post I just don't want to blow a load of money on something which won't do the job in the end.
This leads me onto my next question which is plaguing me due to my lack of understanding when it comes to audio. Essentially from what I've read it seems that only an optical connection will do if you really want to get 5.1 surround sound. While this isn't a problem for the xbox my laptop does not have an optical output. I believe this can be solved using an external sound card however on looking into these I have found them totally bewildering. Prices vary hugely and while many say 5.1 I have read reviews saying that this is only 'virtual' 5.1 or even stereo and that actually getting the cards to work properly is a nightmare. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced card which will do the job and output 'real' dolby 5.1 surround via the optical cable to a set of headphones?
A final bonus question(I'll be amazed if anyone can answer all three after getting through this huge post) is whether there is any advantage to be gained from pluging the headphones into the optical output on the xbox over my t.v. Both have optical outputs so I was wondering what people thought, is it a case of the closer to the source (i.e. the xbox) the better? Or will it pretty much not make a difference?
Thanks for any help guys, sorry for the huge post I just don't want to blow a load of money on something which won't do the job in the end.