Sennheiser G4ME ZERO + Sabertooth Z77 - Do I need a sound card or headphone amp?

[Sylin]

Looking to get a high quality gaming headset and have my eye on the Sennheiser G4ME ZERO. But I've read that high end headsets like these need a powerful sound card or headphone amp to get the most out of them.

Will the on-board audio of the Sabertooth Z77 drive this headset? I'd be using the front panel input jacks on my Corsair 600T case, which are connected to the on-board audio.

Thanks.

 

[AgentTran]

If you're looking for a high quality gaming headset, don't get something with the name "Gaming" in it.
What you want is an audiophile quality headset.

The G4ME One and Zero look alright, but you can get better quality headsets for less.
What's your budget exactly?

The G4ME ZERO prices at around $300 for me.
For $300, you can get something much better.

 

[Sylin]

If you're looking for a high quality gaming headset, don't get something with the name "Gaming" in it.
What you want is an audiophile quality headset.

The G4ME One and Zero look alright, but you can get better quality headsets for less.
What's your budget exactly?

The G4ME ZERO prices at around $300 for me.
For $300, you can get something much better.

Thanks for the fast reply and advice. My budget is around $300. I don't mind going higher, but I don't want overkill either. This PC is used only for gaming so I want a quality headset for games and voice chat.

Currently using Logitech G930 but I am not thrilled with their quality or comfort, and the wireless drops annoyingly often.

 

[AgentTran]

Do you need a microphone?
The usual thing that is recommended is to get an audiophile headphone, and then get a desktop microphone.

 

[Sylin]

Do you need a microphone?
The usual thing that is recommended is to get an audiophile headphone, and then get a desktop microphone.

Would prefer a headset with a built-in mic. Most of the games I play are online or MMO's, so being heard clearly on voice chat is important. I'm also trying to minimize the amount of wires and devices I have on my desk. Is there a good compromise (a headset that offers quality audio but has a build-in mic)?

And I guess my original question still stands: do I need a dedicated sound card to power these, or will the on-board audio suffice?

 

[AgentTran]

Do you need a microphone?
The usual thing that is recommended is to get an audiophile headphone, and then get a desktop microphone.

Would prefer a headset with a built-in mic. Most of the games I play are online or MMO's, so being heard clearly on voice chat is important. I'm also trying to minimize the amount of wires and devices I have on my desk. Is there a good compromise (a headset that offers quality audio but has a build-in mic)?

And I guess my original question still stands: do I need a dedicated sound card to power these, or will the on-board audio suffice?

Well, it will be hard to get a high quality headset with a good mic.
You can always get a cheaper desktop mic.

Here are some of my recommendations for $300 range headphones. All of these are super high quality and have audiophile grade sound.

Sennheiser Momentum Headphone
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009FHFFIG?ie=UTF8&tag=thewire06-20

V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Over-Ear Noise-Isolating Metal Headphone
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A39PPDK?ie=UTF8&tag=thewire06-20

These are both very good headphones for $300.
Here is a very good desktop mic that is relatively inexpensive.

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-iCE-Microphone/dp/B006DIA77E/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1394393639&sr=1-1&keywords=blue+snowball