Gaming headset/headset for Skype and podcasting advice needed

Ok, I've read through a bunch of threads, and I think I know what is going to be the best solution here, but just wanted some opinions.  

Current equipment:

Denon 2000 headphones

Xbox 360

PS3

Wii

Macintosh

Turtle Beach PX21 (currently still in the box, unopened)

Intents: 

Surround sound gaming on PS3 and 360

Voice chat when playing some PS3 and 360 multiplayer

Skype chat/podcast

I think buying the Astro Mixamp would be my first step in getting to headset surround sound, and then throw in my Denon headphones for use with it.  Then get a lapel mic for chat, using this setup?

I bought the PX21 thinking I would use it for Skype and podcasting, but maybe it's overkill. I may just go by a Blue Snowball mic.

I guess I'm wondering if there is any purpose in keeping the PX21, if I'm going to order a Mixamp...

Implying that I may enjoy gaming with the PX21 over the Denons?  

What I was getting at was, if I'm going to spend the $130 on the Mixamp, and it'll sound real nice with my Denons (which are $250 headphones) then I can return the unopened PX21 and save $80.  Then a mic is cheap to use in conjunction with the Denons and Mixamp for when I'm doing voice chat while playing.  

Ok, so last few clarifications before I spring for the Mixamp unit:

I can use the Mixamp with my PS3, 360, and Mac, with any headphones I own (Denon 2000s, Head-Direct RE0, Grado 60s, etc.) and if I'm using coax or optical hookups it will simulate 5.1? 

What options do I have when using the Mixamp and Denons or RE0 to voice chat? I guess theoretically I could just put the 360 headset around my neck, but that's kind of annoying...what mic options do I have that would work well?

Finally, what cables should I order so that I can get this setup hooked up right away? I use the VGA output on my 360 for video, and the HDMI output on my PS3 for video. What audio cables will I want to be running to the Mixamp from the consoles, and what cable will I need from my Macbook Pro to the Mixamp?

Thanks so much for all of the feedback so far!

It downmixes because the phones are stereo, but it's still simulating surround, right? I mean, that's the whole point of buying something like the Mixamp, isn't it? I want to put on my headphones, load up AC: Brotherhood, and feel like I'm in Rome. 

And yeah, I have a 24' monitor (a Gateway) that I have my Mac output to (DVI), 360 (VGA, the new black model from this year), PS3 (HDMI), and also my cable box (HDMI). Then the A5s on either side, with a usb DAC from the Mac, to a Firestone Cute Beyond amp out to the speakers. I love the setup.  

Thanks for all the suggestions!
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric_C 

Hello fellow Mac, 360 and PS3 user! Heck, I see you've even got A5s too--same as me. I don't have the MixAmp but I have read up on it some, so I can answer some queries.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbf1138 

I can use the Mixamp with my PS3, 360, and Mac, with any headphones I own (Denon 2000s, Head-Direct RE0, Grado 60s, etc.) and if I'm using coax or optical hookups it will simulate 5.1? 

 

 

MixAmp will work with any headphones. What I understand is that if you feed it a 5.1/7.1/surround.1 signal, via coax or optical as you mention, the MixAmp "downmixes" it for stereo (2.0) usage. Even Astro's own headphones--the A40--are stereo.

 

Quote:

Finally, what cables should I order so that I can get this setup hooked up right away? I use the VGA output on my 360 for video, and the HDMI output on my PS3 for video. What audio cables will I want to be running to the Mixamp from the consoles, and what cable will I need from my Macbook Pro to the Mixamp?

 

VGA output for 360? So you hook it up to a computer monitor? You could theoretically use just one optical TOSLINK cable for both 360 and PS3, and Mac (with an adaptor).

So get one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FMXKC8/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=1278548962&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0002MQGRM&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0N8QA2R69MYY9JWABR1R

 

And for the Mac you'll need this:

http://www.amazon.com/Toslink-To-Optical-Mini-Adapter/dp/B0002MQGRM

 

Be sure to measure the necessary cable length accurately, taking slack into account. It's better to have excess cable length.

Slightly controversial: regarding choices of optical cables, just go for something that's well-built, i.e.: physically sturdy/tough. This is a digital medium of data transfer, so AFAIK that means it either works or it doesn't--no such thing as better or worse cables in terms of pure function.

I'm not getting the wireless Mixamp, I'm getting the regular one...

Quote:

Originally Posted by VulgarDisplay 

I just found out what a pile of garbage the mixamp 5.8 is so don't bother getting it.  You can't hardwire it.  It only does wireless audio which is stupid for something that claims to be about high end audio for gamers.  I don't care what their marketing says.  Wireless can't possibly have the same fidelity as wired.  Also, the mixamp 5.8 will not work in a LAN environment because of interference.  Since you can't hardwire it then you're really out of luck.  The mixamp 5.8 is a joke because of this lack of what should be a basic feature for the unit.  The ability to be hardwired.