Looking for Suggestions

Im currently looking for a new gaming headset. My Razer Carcharias crapped out on me. Im looking to stay in the $150 range. Any suggestions, maybe with links would be awesome. BTW the Razer was nice but just wasnt loud enough.
Thnx in advance to anyone who helps.

 

I recommend these new Steelseries Siberia V2 headset. Improvements over the first version are (new vs old):
Better sound frequency response range (10Hz-28KHz vs 18Hz-28KHz)
Better mic frequencey response range (50Hz-16KHz vs 80Hz-15KHz)
Better input impedence (32ohm vs 40ohm)
Extremely simplified cable design (no more clip on mic, it is integrated/retractable into headset)
Faux leather ear cups instead of cloth (no more dust or lint buildup!)
50mm speakers vs 40mm speaker on the old version (should produce more sound overall)

available in white (no usb soundcard) and black (with usb soundcard)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826249036

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826249035

reviews:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie9IDSaRh_I

http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews.php?reviewid=871

 

Woot, im really diggin the white pair. Ive always been a little uneasy about going with a usb set, theres so much more to go wrong and theres nothin worse than raiding and your mic starts actin up and u have to keep alt+tab'n to fix the issue. . Have u had the oppurtunity to hear this set? Curious about the volume lvl. Thnx for the links.

 

lol!

"...it will not give you a sore head..."

i like the changes made... especially the built in mic that hides...

 

you can use it with or without the USB soundcard. The bare cord splits into a dedicated mic and headphone jack. if you use the USB soundcard the jacks go into it. The USB sound card is there only if you want "virtualized" 7.1 surround sound.

yeah I'm uneasy about USB also... For my desktop rig, I'm thinking about getting the roccat kaves because they used all analogue jacks to connect to a dedicated soundcard (or onboard sound). They produce true 5.1 surround sound.

With laptops, you are limited to Stereo (2.0-2.1) headsets because good soundcards aren't integrated into many laptops (this includes gaming laptops). Unless you don't mind clutter (which will defeat the purpose of having a laptop), you can always get an external laptop sound card (but then again it will probly connect via usb, so lose-lose really). However there are decent 5.1-7.1 headsets like the Logitech G15 and Razer Meglodon.. but again they are virtualized.

I haven't heard these in person, as they just released a few days ago on newegg, but I would assume volume level well above average as they tweaked everything from the original (which was a really big seller and had great review).

 

The Sennheiser PC 350 can be had from $130. It's kind of the benchmark and I can see why. Usable isolation, excellent wear comfort, decent mic, etc. The sound is typical higher-end Sennheiser: accurate, rather diffuse (i.e. not an 'exciting' sound) and well extended in both treble and bass without being over-emphasised. It's a very good music-phone, but at the same time I'm not actually 100% convinced it is the best sonic character for gaming. But nevertheless as a do-it all it's an excellent choice.

The 7.1 mode on the G15 does, surprisingly, actually work in an abstract sense - that is, it is possible to actually tell the 7.1 effect, but it's still too in your head to be truly useful for gaming IMO. My G15 - which Logi is replacing - has a deal-killer issue, a faint whine on the right-hand side. I would be happy reporting it as a one-off, but Googling it reveals quite a lot of incidents (so I'm not that hopeful of the replacement). I'll update my thread which I started if the whine goes away with the replacement, but basically apart from the while it is actually far more awesome than I expected for an effort from a 'non-audio-core' company. The sound is punchy and accurate, very good for gaming as well as most music. The mic pickup is on a par with the PC350, and the isolation is superior (which may help volume issues). The wear comfort is decent although the headset is heavy, and I find the earcup-mounted controls very good in use.

Re: USB soundcard issues - I use the Beyerdynamic MMX 300's for gaming with the USB attachment and I've never had sound issues while gaming.

 

I went ahead and got the Steel Series without the usb as i already have a Creative XFi Go for my lappy. I overnighted and i am super happy with them. The sound quality is great both for music as well as gaming. The explosions r not over emphasized, which i found to be an issue with the Razer set. They are 100% more comfy than my Razer, super lightweight, and the ventilation seems to be an added plus. After raiding for a good 4hrs. my ears became very warm and started to bother me with my previous set. The volume lvl is great, Kings of Leon sounds awesome. I would like to thank everyone who responded, thats why this forum is the best. You guys rock. This set seems to be the best value not only in price but also in quality, for me that is. Ty

 

If you ever want the 7.1 steelsries usb sound card, they sell it separate on newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829114003&Tpk=steelseries soundcard

I believe the X-fi go is only 2.1 3D surround sound.. so if you are looking for more, check it out.

 

Yes the XFi is only 2.1 with 3D surround, but the Steel Series is only a 7.1 virtulization wasnt sure if there would be a huge difference. Ive had the XFi for awhile since we all know how horrible the jacks are on laptops. Mine is especially statiky

 

I have the SteelSeries 5H v2 and its great cos you can take it apart for easy and safe transportation. Pretty comfortable with long sessions as well