Just looking for a good headset. I orginally was going to get the corsair void pro, but found out it will not utilize my onboard sound card because it uses a usb dongle.
 
So a couple questions. I have the z370 maximus hero x (wifi) mobo. Which boast "Industry-leading 8-channel HD audio with dual headphone amplifiers and ROG exclusive SupremeFX S1220 CODEC driven by Japanese capacitors"
 
Would it be better to go with a plug in headset that will utilize my on board sound-card/amplifier, and extra audio programs? Or just forget the on board sound-card and get the wireless headset.
 
Of course wireless is always more convenient but not a deal breaker or required. Better sound, or surround, or clarity is more desirable. Mostly going to be used for playing games.
 
And secondly, what's a good headset for around the $100 mark. (wireless or not) Its so hard to believe advertisements or company claims these days, what have you guys found to be good?
 
Most of my research seems to be pointing towards the hyperx cloud as the crowd favorite? Thoughts anyone?
 
 
 
 

Yes that was what i was thinking, better to stick with the onboard MB sound card. And yes i have used sonic studio and a couple other audio programs associated with the motherboard. And would like to continue utilizing them, I cannot with the headset type that use usb dongle.
 
Just so im clear here, if i get the cloud alpha, or any other headset that is only stereo, it's my MB sound card that provides the surround sound if wanted correct. Or would i have to buy a set that specifically states it has surround for my MB to utilize it? Im assuming if the headset states it has surround, it just means there is a built in sound card in the headset correct?
 
 
 
 

Yes i did come across some of those in my research. They seem to be a lot less abundant, and from all the reviews i've seen on top of being expensive they usually don't sound to good. They don't really put good expensive speakers in the ones that have a butt load of speakers in such a small ear cup. Im sure its do to cost of nice speakers vs what they could sell them for.
I also read, unless i have this backwards. That true 7.1, 5.1 etc. sound worse when using them for gaming like i would be doing.
 
So i guess what i was trying to verifiying is that virtual 7.1 headsets and stereo headsets are made the same way speakerwise. Its just that the virtual ones have there own tiny sound card built in that would give you surround, if your motherboard did'nt come with a sound card to do it for you.

Don't get a surround sound headset. You have two ears, two speakers is plenty. Virtual surround almost always ruins your directional perception in games, and simply just adds EQ, reverb, and makes everything seem "further" away and more muddy sounding.
My recommendation for a $100 gaming headset is the Sennheiser GSP 300. HyperX in my opinion is trash in the audio quality department - no offence to those who like it.
Also, with regards to sound cards, your onboard is good enough - but if you are interested in upgrading that as well to something more premium, get an external DAC+Headphone AMP solution rather than an internal sound card. Internal sound solutions are subjected to EMI/EMF interference which can add noise to your audio. My current recommendation for a gaming DAC+AMP solution is the Mayflower Arc

I don't think a $100 budget can get you the kind of surround sound you want. Might as well save up and get an open back planar magnetic headphones like the hifiman or just open back from sennheiser. They have excellent sound stage and have models ranging from $220-$900.

You can get a pair of senns PC37X on massdrop for $120

MSim
I have never heard of massdrop until today.  
 
 

Check it out. Sometimes there are good deals on there. Just make sure you check the price elsewhere before you buy anything. The headset ships in 2 days I believe

Whatever you do, don't pay mrsp. You can usually find a deal on just about any headset outside of lamestream, beats.

MSim
I have never heard of massdrop until today.  
 
 

It's good for getting quality products at reduced prices. You "join a drop" which is basically a pledge, and the more people that join, the price can go down further as milestones are reached. Shipping times can be abysmal though as they don't have the items in stock beforehand (an example, I joined a drop for a pair of headphones and they will not ship until June). They basically give the company a quote "We had 10,000 people pledge to buy your product" and they are manufactured after the fact. However for some people that is worth the savings.

either used sennheiser hd 280 pros or Audio-Technica M50x's with an add on mic.

I'm by no means an audiophile but I picked up a pair of HyperX cloud stinger's about 8 months ago and I love them. They are by no means super high quality, but for me it makes a great gaming headset. They are very comfortable, the sound is decent, the mic is decent, and the mic can be muted by simply raising it out of the way. The mic muting feature is one of my favorite things because I don't have to worry about weather I'm muted or not.