Looking at upgrading my audio setup

[Mr. K6]

Hello,

So I'm looking at my computer, specifically my gaming setup, and I think my audio experience could be improved. Right now I'm using a USB/Headset combo from Plantronics (was $50 at Bestbuy), which basically was an audio jack headset that plugged into a USB adapter. The USB adapter went on the fritz about a month ago, and I've since just been using the headset plugged into the audio ports on my computer, using the onboard sound (Realtek chip I believe). In either case, the audio was decent, but I'm sure it could be better. I'm looking at enhancing the experience, specifically the quality (clarity, bass) and immersion (ambient sound production, etc.).

I was thinking of switching to an actual sound card and a decent headset to go with it (is this the way to go). I don't need anything extreme ($200 sound card with a $300 professional-grade headset), and judging from what I've read in threads and from google, I'm hoping I can get away with a $50-75 sound card and a <$100 headset. My parameters are the following:

- Needs to be a headset (I use Vent when I game)
- I prefer wired (I haven't seen a wireless set yet that I liked, I always detect the lag)
- Price ranges are ballparks, I'll pay more (or less) depending on value
- Sound card needs to be PCI (not PCI-e, my TV-tuner takes up my PCI-e slot)

I'm going to keep researching and reading, but thanks for any help/suggestions/advice you can throw my way.

Cheers,
Mr. K6

 

[Tosicc]

I'm sure you can score a XFI or Audigy soundcard on the forums or craigslist for less than $50... Any soundcard is going to increase the performance from onboard slightly.

I use a XFI Xtrememusic myself, its PCI and I got it for $30 shipped in 'for sale'.

For extended gaming use I'd say just get a Logitech G35's... Only because the braided cable will prolong the life of the headset greatly and they perform decently.