Quote:   Yeah, that's the soundcard I have.   Not sure if I could set it up so both the speakers and headphones use jacks on the soundcard, but I now have plugged the headphones into the sound card, and the speakers onto the case audio jack.  I'm satisfied with it like that.  I do...

No, the manual is referring to the jack on the sound card.  The "front" part is referring to where you'd plug the front speakers on a 2.1, 5.1, 7.1 setup etc, which is also where you'd plug in headphones.   I guess I understand that you're always going to lose some quality when you introduce...

      According to my Xonar DX manual:   “The Front Out jack has a built-in high-quality amplifier to drive headphones.  Connect your stereo headphones directly to this jack.”   So my question….. I have the front audio jack on my PC case connected to my sound card via an HD audio...

Quote: How do you guys typically use a microphone for online games.  I mean, is it constantly on, or do you push a button when you need to talk to turn it on?  I don't think I'd have a free second to be hitting a button to talk when I'm driving a F1 car, so I think constantly on is best...

Quote:   True..... would I find that inconvenient though?  Any good separate mic recommendations?

Quote: I've read through that a couple of times, but it doesn't quite help me - most are out of my price range, are wireless, aren't closed etc.  

  Ugh, just when I thought my many hours spent researching headphones had reached its conclusion with my decision to buy a set of JVC HA-RX700, I get stupidly addicted to F1 2010 (and soon to be F1 2011 which I plan to play online), and I learn that it has VOIP, so now I need a headset instead...

Hmmm, thanks for the reply - I've been reading about them for a couple of hours now, and it sounds like they may well be what I need!

  It’s time for a new thread as my requirements have changed a little.  Namely, my budget for a headphone/headset has dropped from $100 to around $50 after I realized I need an upgrade for my onboard sound (as well as Dolby Headphone) so an ASUS Xonar DX shall soon be on its way.   Other...

So now it seems I need a Xonar DX, so I'm gonna have to cut my headphone budget to $50.  Beyerdynamic DT235?

Which Xonar model should I go for?  The DG model is the only one with a built in amp as far as I can tell - do I need that?

These do Dolby Headphone?

Most motherboard reviews state there's little difference between onboard sound and soundcards these days.  Either way though, I don't really want that additional expense.  Can't dolby headphones simulate surround with that sound chip?  I don't think the AD700's will work as I have to have a...

Quote:   That audio chipset page states:   The ALC889 supports host audio from the Intel chipsets, and also from any other HDA compatible audio controller. With various software utilities like environment sound emulation, multiple-band and independent software equalizer, dynamic range...

Quote:   I really prefer closed headphones for comfort, and to keep the sound from disturbing my girlfriend..... and to block out whatever she's doing (probably talking haha)