New headset

Jokke

Hi. The left speaker on my headset has now stopped working, so it's time to get a new one.

Currently looking at a few, and I think it's time to go wireless this time, since wires seem to be the source of failure every time.

Now, surround headsets, either 5.1 or 7.1, is that real? Or is it just a gimmick? Does it work and is it good? I've read good reviews, but I need a reliable source.
Are any brands better than others? I've mostly used Koss, but I'm willing to try something new.

Suggestions on specific headsets are welcome.

Ilriyas

I have a Logitech G930 myself and I'd say that the 7.1 surround sound isn't a gimmick, when I have it turned on I do feel like its coming towards my ears from all sides, in Battlefield for example the sounds of someone walking up behind me were much louder than the distant gunshots and I could clearly tell the direction from which they were coming, actually saved me a few times when I was sniping and/or on a mounted MG.

To continue I don't think I could ever go back to a standard headset, listening to music specifically I found much nicer with the surround sound on as opposed to off, and it's much better than the standard headset I had sitting around up until I purchased the G930. Some of my neighbourhood friends in particular have purchased a set as a result of testing mine out.

The only issues with the G930 that I have is that due to its wireless nature it temporarily loses connection when a microwave is turned on, but that's the only issue I've found in terms of function, beyond that on my set the led's that indicated whether my headset was on or off and the mic muted/unmuted have stopped functioning but that's really an aesthetic thing as it's easy to tell if it's on or not and right clicking on the headset profile on my taskbar will tell me whether it's muted or not.

If you're looking for a wireless set I'd suggest the G930 but that's only because it's the only surround sound wireless set I've ever owned.

EDIT: The LEDs losing function on my set is the only example of that occurring that I can find, so either it happens rarely or no one cares enough to make a stint about it.

In fact now that I think about it the original reason I got the G930 was simply because my family kept damaging my wired ones (I had 2 sets, one had a broken mic, the other earphones, so I 'frankensteined' them into full function. They've worked so well however that I've never once regretted the purchase.

Jokke

Thank you for the input, @Ilriyas. The G930 is actually on the list of headsets I'm currently looking at.

PirateNinja

+1 for wireless. I use my headset for talking on the phone just as much as I do gaming if not a heck of a lot more. Walking around while talking is awesome.

I also have a G930. I'm on my second set because I had to RMA the first to Logitech for the exact issue Ilriyas describes. The LEDs stopped working one day, but mine never came back on. My boss would call and I wouldn't know if my headset was on or not. Hitting the power button would turn it on or off, anyone's guess.
It was annoying, I RMAed and I have had no problems with the new set.

One major issue though .. constant low volume background white noise. I don't remember that from previous wired headsets. So annoying, but you only hear it if you are not playing any sound anyway.
Per the 7.1 .. I could tell right away in BF3. It was mind blowing surround sound, but it did give me a better idea of where the shots were coming from.
Also, G930 is comfortable. It doesn't hurt me to wear it for long periods of time.

I don't know anything about any other 7.1 headsets.

Ilriyas

Oh yeah I was actually thinking of asking that question in another thread, I've still got the warranty on mine do I simply contact logitech and get a replacement? I tried at Tiger Direct and they don't handle it after 30 days.

I've never noticed the background noise myself, but that said I've almost always got music playing.

mertesn

I'm a fan of the ROCCAT Kave 5.1 headset. It's a true 5.1 headset though, so if you're using a laptop you might need a USB sound card.

Thrax

Sennheiser PC-360 or 370.

Jokke

Thanks for all your suggestions. Went with the Logitech G930. @Mertesn, that headset was on my list, but I this is for my laptop, so I doubt I'd get 7.1 on it. @Thrax, good suggestion, but I couldn't find that headset from a reliable retailer here in Norway.

liquience

I also have a G930 and like it quite a bit. The software can be slightly flakey at times on Win7, but it's not too bad. I tend to hotplug the adapter which sometimes pisses it off. Sound quality is pretty solid though, as is the mic and battery life.