Which of these 5.1 headsets for gaming ~£35?

[sharingan_sasuk]

Hi, I'm looking for a 5.1 headset, used mainly for playing my games at night when my 4.1 speakers are a no-no. I only play WoW, RF Online, CS:S and CoD2. I'm not too fussed with music because I do that on my iPod and I don't watch DVD movies, although I do watch US dramas and anime from time to time Also, it has to be USB if preferable and easy to setup. It will be hooked to the onboard nVidia SoundStorm sound in my Shuttle.

Atm, I'm looking at these 3:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_SpeedLink.html
- SpeedLink Medusa SL-8790 5.1 Surround Headset (SP-000-RA) £35.19 inc VAT
- SpeedLink Medusa SL-8794 5.1 Surround Headset USB (SP-024-SL) £35.19 inc VAT
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/zalman_headsets.html
- Zalman ZM-RS6F+M Real Surround Sound Headphones "Theatre 6" (SP-000-ZA) £29.32 inc VAT

Anyone have these themselves and what are your opinions? If you have any other recommendations, not just those available from OcUK but in general, then please feel free to offer me your advice

 

[Retorted]

Never tried the Zalmans but I have a pair of Medusas myself after seeing many online recommendations.

Havent used them much for watching films. Don't expect to hear astounding quality of music through them, its not what they're designed for.

They're pretty effective with CS:S. One concern I had about them was that the rear speakers sound different to the front which was a little offputting at first. But after getting used to them, I found them to be a godsend for CS:S - and my frag count will tell you that!

All in all great for gaming, especially considering the price.

 

[fish99]

The Medusas are comfortably better than the Zalmans, IMO, as someone who has owned both. Neither of them are that great though, so don't get them thinking they'll double as music headphones, they're just not that sort of quality. The Medusas are good enough for gaming though. Also don't expect the surround sound to be anything like as convincing as 5.1 speakers.

Another benefit the Medusas have is you can have speakers and headphones plugged in together and switch between the two in seconds. Can't with Zalmans.

 

[Aidoscuz]

Another recommendation for the Medusas here. I was surprised by how good the surround sound was, obviously it can't match a surround speaker setup but it's pretty damn good for headphones.

I thought sound quality was good was well, I don't use them for music, just games. They're more than good enough for this.

If possible you should steer clear of the USB version though. I've heard lots of people say that they don't sound as good as the normal version.

 

[Pinkeyes]

Agreed - go for the Medusas (not the USB ones)

The Surround sound may not be up to speaker standard, but it is impressive, and in FPS games, you will be able to hear people behind you (or behind left / behind right etc) - can give you those much needed early warning signs when playing online games...