Need help and advice "front panel/sound"

[reluttr]

My 3rd logitech usb headset conked out today. The stupid things literally have a lifetime of about 3 months before they short out and quit working in one ear... So I started looking around at my replacement choices, needless to say that my choices are severely lacking.

But here are my problems... The front sound ports have never worked on my rosewell case, its like they incorrectly wired them at the factory or something. So I cannot get a regular 3.5mm based headset, unless I want to have to pull out my rig just so I can swap around the audio plugs in the back.

I would just get another usb headset, but none of them seem to have all to great reviews. Plus the USB ports in the front of my computer appear to be wearing out "have had this case for about 5 years now".

So here is what I need advice on... what would be the best choice of action for me to take to fix my problem?

-Should I attempt to replace the defective and worn out usb and sound ports on my front panel? Where would be the best place to get parts to accomplish this?

-Should I just buy a "multi hub" type of device that simply goes in one of the optical drive bays? What would be the best brand to get if I do this? My problem with this though, is that the front hubs never seem to look that great and are usually loaded with things I cannot use like a firewire port.

-Or should I just buy a usb hub and usb based soundcard and just route them to the front from the back of my pc? If I do this, then which ones do you recommend?


Also what brand/model of headset do you guys prefer? I really want a ballance of durability and quality.

 

[Johnathan Lyman]

I'd suggest a USB headset over an analog 3.5mm one. That is just my preference, and however you need to get USB ports to the front of your computer that is most aesthetically and functionally pleasing (I suggest a multi-function unit like this one: Amazon.com: 5.25" Bay Mounted Multifunction Panel: Electronics)

I use the Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000 headset. It's probably the best you can find for the price. There are a lot of better and more comfortable ones but I needed one in a pinch and never got around to replacing it. If you want good depth, this Steelseries (Newegg.com - steelseries Siberia v2 USB Connector Circumaural Full-size Headset - Black - Bulk) goes down to 10hz and has a 112dB threshold before distortion. If that's too much, this Turtle Beach headset Newegg.com - Turtle Beach TBS-2114 Earforce HPA2 5.1 Surround Sound Headset with Amplifier and Removable Microphone will serve you well, too.

Better yet, this is all of NewEgg's headsets listed by overall rating. All USB. Newegg.com - Computer Hardware,Speakers & Headsets,Headsets & Accessories,USB