Spec me an external sound solution for positional audio

[Relentless81]

Hi,

I currently have a HyperX headset and a Sound Blaster X.

I liked this setup because it was cheap and the SBX stuff made gaming sound fantastic especially when setting the game to 5.1 the SBX did whatever magic it did and the positional audio worked well.

Unfortunately I am having issues with my Sound Blaster Z and it needs to go, I want to replace it with an external solution and it would be great if I can take the opportunity to upgrade rather than like for like depending on cost otherwise I'll just side grade to external.

I'm currently using on board sound and its no where near as good as the Z so looking to sort something soon.

My main question is do I go with a USB 5/7.1 headset to replace current 2.0 headset and let the headset deal with the positional audio or do I stay with my 2.0 headset and get an external solution that processes 5.1 to 2.0?

Its purely for PC gaming no other usage required

Thanks

 

[Relentless81]

Wow I love the look of that GSX1000 and its exactly what I'm after but I cant see myself parting with £200 especially when my headphones arent going to make the most of it

Isnt the Soundblaster X-Fi HD really old? Does it have the same SBX studio that the Z does? If so that might be an option but I would be concerened about how long its going to supported for. I thought they dropped the X-FI name. I can see something called an Omni but OCUK dont sell it for some reason

 

[Relentless81]

Yeah, I'm seriously confused with Creative's external soundcards TBH. The differences between the Omni, 5.1 Pro and HD are confusing.

The Omni and 5.1 Pro look exactly the same but the Omni doesnt seem to feature EAX, The HD doesnt do 5.1 but I dont care about that because I want 5.1 to 2.0 virtual surround using SBX. So why is the HD more expensive and what does EAX have to do with it all, is EAX required for SBX or something!

On top of that none of them have a 3.5mm output for speakers, only RCA. And the HD has a 1/4 head phone jack for some crazy reason.