Sennheiser or Speedlink?

[hterag]

Hi all,

I'm currently looking at these:

Sennheiser: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SP-024-SN
Speedlink: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SP-026-SL

What are your opinions on sound quality vs more direction? I listen to hardly any music, I play games a lot but mainly through my Z-5500's but obviously can't take these to a few upcoming events I'm planning on attending. I'd really like to spend as little as possible but can't help but want something "good".

I may also consider these:

Alternative: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SP-030-SN

To save the extra £10 or so.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, does anyone have any experience with one or more of the above?

 

[hterag]

Yeah but, let's face it, the Zalman 5.1's are about as entry level as you can get without resorting to supermarket value brand and the HD555's are at the opposite end of the scale.

Plus I really would prefer to have the mic built in, the reviews I've read, specifically this one: http://techgage.com/article/speedlink_medusa_51_and_sennheiser_hd555/

Have pushed me towards wanting the Speedlink set for the extra speakers, but then obviously you lose some quality...

 

[hterag]

If your soundcard doesn't do bass management, forget about them.

I have the X-Fi Fatal1ty, no way would I be running Logitech Z-5500's on onboard sound, that'd be like having an 8800 Ultra powering a 15", 25ms, 200:1 TFT!

If I go with a 5.1 headset, it won't be for quality but for the directional or... "soundstage", if that's the correct term, if I can get good quality as well then all the better.

 

[hterag]

Well I find the surround effect in the medusas relatively convincing. I can tell the difference between front and rear but the soundstage still sounds wide rather than deep. They don't quite manage to make anything sound like its directly in front or behind you though.

Do you think messing with the CMSS 3D feature of the X-Fi cards would help?

 

[hterag]

Thanks for the opinions, all. Just for confirmation, the Sennheiser ones are passive and the Speedlinks are active(via USB power)?