Surround sound headphone solution for iMac in Bootcamp/Windows 7

[imalrightjack]

Hi all
 
I have a 27" iMac which, unfortunately, in Windows, outputs only in stereo (I have NO idea why).  It has no PCI option that I aware of.
 
I like to game in Windows 7 (dual booted) and have in my possession:
 
Creative X-Fi USB 5.1 soundcard (http://us.store.creative.com/Sound-Blaster-XFi-Surround-5.1/M/B0017QQQAE.htm);
 
Turtle Beach Earforce DSS;
 
AKG K271 Studio headphones.
 
I am using the CMSS-3D software with the X-Fi and getting okay results.  I have also tried plugging in the Earforce DSS via the optical out on the X-Fi (with CMSS-3D off) and have two different results: 
 
Movies/DVDs, etc. the Earforce clicks into Dolby Digital mode;
 
Games (Dead Space, Metro 2033, etc.), I get only the Pro Logic light coming on.
 
I can't tell much difference between CMSS-3D and the Pro Logic on the Earforce so am debating getting rid of them both (not the headphones, I use them for music) and going for another solution, as I don't think I can really get a very good performance from these.  I previously owned Astro Mixamp and A40 headset and thought they sounded fantastic on 360, really helped on Battlefield Bad Company 2, etc.  What I am using now just doesn't seem to measure up.
 
So, any thoughts?  Logitech G35?  One of the Sennheiser ones?
 
Cheers!

Steve

 

[DougofTheAbaci]

Personally, I like the Sennheiser headphones over Logitech. They run for a bit more but from what I hear they sound better. Then, it's Sennheiser so what do you expect?
 
Astro is still another choice as they make PC versions of their headsets. In act, I thought the one you're referring to also worked with the PC so if you still have that you could give it a try. Double-checked and yes, Astro headsets are fully PC and Mac compatible so if you're like me and slowly transitioning some of your gaming into OS X you can still get the surround-sound. Finding that out I'm very interested to hear your thoughts on the A40's, as they're not too bad on the price for headphone and amp. I do a hefty but of FPS gaming and knowing that someone's sneaking up behind you is awesome.
 
There's always Razer's but, to be honest, Razer always strikes me as the kind of company who makes a good product then charges you a bit more because it's made by Razer.

 

[imalrightjack]

Quote:

I'm very interested to hear your thoughts on the A40's, as they're not too bad on the price for headphone and amp. I do a hefty but of FPS gaming and knowing that someone's sneaking up behind you is awesome.

My AKG headphones are great but I genuinely thought the A40s were a far better partner for the Astro Mixamp.  I was genuinely very sad to see them go and, to be honest, wish I had kept them.  I can't afford to spend that much again right now though.

 

[DougofTheAbaci]

Same here. However, they've now been added to my list of upcoming purchases. However, I don't NEED them. I do game a lot but I don't actually need them as my current headphones do work rather well. I just imagine having surround sound would be pretty awesome.