Oh, and if anyone has knowledge of poorer quality headphones at a large discount, that would also be appreciated.

Superlux HD668b + mini clip-on mic from dealextreme

Or if you want faster shipping, the Neewer mics on Amazon should be the same thing

Superlux HD668B Dynamic Semi-Open Headphones

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0FU0EC9517&cm_re=ath_m_50-_-26-402-095-_-Product

I've been using these for over three years. Also "gaming" doesn't mean anything other than you're probably paying more. Also also, stay away from skullcandy and beats. They charge you for the brand name.

I'm using 13 dollar Staples brand headset. I've had them for 5 or so years now and they seem to have out lasted many friends headsets that are far more expensive. I actually got them when they were on sale for 6 bucks I think.

It would be nice if they were more comfy, basically either a bit more flexible or a tad bit wider, but people hear me very clearly and I hear everything clearly.

http://www.staples.ca/en/Staples-Stereo-Headset-with-Volume-Control/product_504385_2-CA_1_20001

They use 3.5mm analog connectors for the mic and headphones so I picked up a couple of 6foot male to female 3.5mm extensions.

So far Corsair vengeance 2100 has been a great headset for me. It has surround sound, a good mic and you can download the Corsair software for the equalizer. It's wireless to boot, if you like wireless. The only problems I have with it is that I can't go into my kitchen without it crackling, popping, or cutting out completely. Other than that it's really good. Newegg actually has it for $89.99, which is a great price for what you get.

I will say, the Dolby toggle that emulates 7.1 speakers, sound like you're in a box made of tin. After a couple days though, you'll only notice it if you have that setting turned off for a while and turn it back on. But even then you won't notice it after a minute or so. Unlike most, I like the Dolby toggle because it sounds more open, which is great with certain games, but I usually leave it off for most games. Another note; You'll want to listen to music using 2.0 source type, it just doesn't sound as great as with 7.1 speakers.

Edit: here's a Newegg link. And Tek Syndicate link for review/mic quality.

http://www.trittonaudio.com/prod/kunai_uni.asp#!prettyPhoto

Tritton Kunais come very highly recommended from a good friend for 70$

I personally use Jimmy rigged Turtle Beach X41's, I don't recommend it due to the complexity however they have lasted me 3 almost 4 years and Turtle Beach is really good about durability and are one of the only companies that sell you replacement parts instead of making you buy the whole headset over again.

Stay away from gaming headsets. They have very poor audio quality because they have very heavy middle frequencies (they have a "tin-like" sound because of that.) They lack deep bass and clear highs. They do this in order for you to "hear footsteps easier", though the real reason is that they can use cheaper headphone drivers and pretend that this is an "advantage". Actually good gaming headsets will cost you upwards of $150. They are overpriced, as is most "gaming" gear.

I instead bought the Samson SR850 headphones. They sound amazing and are cheap (somewhere about $50-$60 depending on where you find them). When I say "amazing", I really mean that. They use large, 50mm headphone drivers and games, music and movies sound absolutely excellent. The downsides of those headphones is their cheap-looking build quality, and they can be hard to find. I only found one single store in my area that had them.

Reviews from the most trustworthy source when it comes to headphones:

Site review
User review

Edit:
If you decide to get these, make sure you get the version with 32 Ohm impedance, which can be used directly with the line-out connection of your sound card. The 250 Ohm version requires an external headphone amplifier and and will sound very silent if you connect it to line-out without an amplifier.

Logitech G35 <--- I use this one
Logitech G430
or if you feel like spending a little more there's this --->
Logitech G930

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826153112&cm_re=razer_kraken_pro-_-26-153-112-_-Product
Feels great, looks great and sound is very good.

FWIW, I bought the Corsair Raptor H3 headset when I bought my gaming laptop, because it was one of the cheaper options that the site I ordered the computer from offered at the time I was buying (Around $60, IIRC). More recently though, I decided that I wanted something that is better at doing surround sound (I think the H3 kind of fakes it, giving a similar effect but not as great as headphones designed to do surround sound), so I purchased the Logitech G930 when it was on sale for about $100. I'm not a heavy gamer or music listener, but have done both with both headsets and they both seemed to handle them fine to me.

Dont know about the quality, but since you are from USA, you can get these cheap.

Kingston Technology HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset

List Price: $149.99

Price: $79.99

You Save: $70.00 (47%)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JJNQG98/ref=s9_psimh_gw_p147_d1_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0AYRGXBSYXXXK0B0V73W&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846

Not sure on the exchange rate but I have a Asus ROG Vulcan headset (http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asus-rog-vulcan-anc-gaming-headset-active-noise-cancelling-with-detatchable-microphone)
A bit pricey but they are absolutely AWESOME when combined with a Creative Soundblaster Z

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