I've got a $200 budget for headphones and a USB sound card.
I've been looking at the Creative X-Fi that supports 5.1 so I can use my cheapo Logitech 5.1 with it when the mood strikes. Also has a headphone port. The built in audio card on my upcoming laptop purchase is junk. Anyone use one of these?
http://us.store.creative.com/Creative-Sound-Blaster-XFi-Surround-5.1/M/B0044DEDCA.htm
As far as headphones, I don't know a ton about them. That car costs ~$50 so that leaves $150 for headphones. I've tried many pairs of in ear and ear buds but I've never liked any of them. On-ear would be ok, but I think over-ear would be more comfortable and provide better isolation right? Closed would probably be best.
I plan on mostly using them at my desk for gaming (and pretty much every kind of music), but they'll also be used for bus rides, walking around campus, the occasional plane ride, etc so I'd like to have good noise isolation. I like good bass, but not over kill Beats style. I don't intend to listen super loud since I value my hearing, but clarity throughout the ranges would be a plus. On top of that though, they have to be comfortable. Not going to be able to wear them if they aren't comfortable. If they were foldable and come with a case, I'd like that, as well as removable cord.
Read a few threads that suggest that most headphones with powered noise cancelation are garbage. Do you guys agree?
