Decent PC headset for gaming / skype?

[Participant]

I want a headset for Live for Speed, BF2 etc, with a built-in microphone. Surround would be good though I have no idea what surround headphones are like and whether I'd have to swap round loads of cables etc. to move between it and my 5.1 speakers. It will also be used for Skype.

Recommendations please? Thanks

 

[Dr.EM]

Surround headsets are generally regarded as poor (search this forum if you like), they fall apart, create a poor surround effect at best and have lower sound quality than is expected. The Sennheiser PC150 is reccomended as a headset

To use at the same time as speakers should be simple. Buy a 3.5mm splitter, as seen in this thread:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17656506

Only concern is the front speakers will probably be quieter with the headphones connected at the same time (I get this with mine and my Audigy 2, it happens because of the load presented by the phones).

 

[WolfR1der]

I'd also recommend the PC150's, very nice headset. Many on here would also recommend a desktop mike and some 'normal' stereo headphones like the Sennheiser 5xx series.

 

[starkweather]

I bought a Creative H5-600 yesterday for just £15 and it is great for both gaming and Skype as far as I can tell. I got it from Currys (please don't hate me) and would certainly recommend it for a budget headset.

If you've got the cash then you should probably go for a more well known brand though, but I just thought I would inform you about my purchase. They are half price at the moment btw.