Gaming Headsets

[Paragon Fury]

I've been considering getting a new gaming headset to replace my TB X31's, but I can't decide what to get.

I've been looking at Tritton's or Astro's since they seem to have what want for an upgrade, but very few sites have reviews, or reviews that are helpful.

A figure a few people here must experience with gaming headsets, so here's what I'm looking for:

Priorites:

- Work (with chat) for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3
- Surrond Sound
- Durability

Things that would be nice, but not priorities:

- Doesn't need batteries
- Less than $250

 

[shadow skill]

I have the Astro Gaming A40 headset. I can tell you that it does work with voice chat on PS3 and PC. I don't have Xbox Live so I haven't tested voice chat with the headset but I don't see why it would not work as the headset is advertised as working with all three platforms. The one real drawback to the A40 is that there are lots of wires to contend with depending on how your setup is. I have the long cables for audio and USB that came with my headset connected to my 360 and desktop respectively. The USB connection serves as the power source for the amplifier and sends sound from my PC to the headset. The component cable that goes to my 360 lets me get audio from the 360.

I have my optical cable connected to the amplifier and my PS3 basically the way I have things setup right now I can receive audio from my PC and either my PS3 or Xbox 360 at the same time. (The amplifier can only handle two input sources at the same time and since my PC is what is powering the amplifier normally the PC is usually one of the input sources.) You can see part of my setup here. [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/9.240153-Post-a-picture-of-your-gaming-area#8681957]

The headset is very comfortable and can be worn for hours as the earpieces are open to the ear. Because of that sound will leak out, the headset is not sound isolating. As for durability I have not had these for very long but I did have a small problem with the right ear-piece losing a screw which caused it to become loose. Sent it in for repair and haven't had a problem since. If you do get this headset it may be a good idea to hang it on something as I think turning the earpieces to lay the headset flat may have loosened the screw.

The A40 does support surround sound with the use of the amplifier and depending on the audio source. As an aside one neat trick I like to use is to play music on my PC while using one of my consoles The second dial on the amplifier ends up controlling which audio source I hear more of so I can lower the volume of my music when an important cutscene happens. All without bothering with converting my music over so that the console can handle it. A real boon for when I use my PS3 which doesn't have the kind of support for custom soundtracks that it should. I think when I got mine I paid 230USD. I want to say there was a sale though. I don't think it will cost more than 250USD for the headset and amplifier combo though.