headphones / 5.1 / gaming

[stereo]

Hello everybody
I don't know how to ask for help, actually.
First, my sound specs : soundcard Creative SB X FI Xtreme Gamer
headphones : Sennheiser 429 HD
Logitech 5.1 X-530
When i use the 5.1 for music, i use the option 5.1 from the Creative Control Panel.
But when i start a game and there is already leaved 5.1, the sound is very very bad ( i always use the headphones for gaming )
So i have to close the game, go back into Creative Control Panel, set the headphones option, etc.
Thats very annoying, actually.
Now i have some questions about that : should i get new headphones 5.1 ?
Should i get another sound card ? Maybe another 2.1 instead 5.1 sistem ?
Or maybe is there some "switcher / hardware" which give me the option to change from the Creative Control Panel - headphones / 5.1 when i'm already into the game ?
Maybe the best way to do is to get some new headphones 5.1
What do you think, guys ? How would you advice me ?
Thank you very much.

 

[roy69]

I have a creative system, I created a shortcut to the desktop for the Creative control panel so it is easy to switch.
Or if you have the money for a good set of 5.1 headphones then get them. See if you can try a pair first from a friend, to see how they perform.

 

[stereo]

I have the shortcut on the desktop, too, but when i'm already in the game and the option 5.1 is still in the Creative Control Panel, i have to close the game, to be able to modify from " 5.1 " to " headphones"
Do you think that 5.1 headphones are better / a good choice ?
Let's say for example,i have those 5.1 headphones
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826254008
They are connected through USB port.
What happent in this case, if i use the 5.1 speakers for movies ? Do i hear the sound on the headphones, too, in the same time ?

 

[stereo]

No idea, guys ?
What about an external sound card, 7.1 ? Is there any, actually ?
All i want is to switch from headphones - 5.1 when i´m already in game, without to close the game.
Some hardware / switcher ?http://hardforum.com/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=1039784700

 

[roy69]

USB headphones have the soundcard built in.

 

[Faladu]

5.1 means 5 speakers and 1 subwoofer, if I am not mistaken, you just want headphone stereo settings (aka. 2.0) for your headphones, not 2.1 not 5.1 not 7.1.

So, yes when you want to play games you need to switch to headphones with your soundcard's software, unless you have a headphone jack in that 5.1 setup, when used should over-ride and gives you just the 2.0 when plugged in by shutting off the 5.1.

I am a 2.1 rig with the headphone jack on the main speaker, works perfect for me and I never buy a speaker setup WITHOUT that jack!