A decent sound system can transform your gaming. Adding high-quality sound to your computer or laptop can add depth to the game environment – making it instantly more engaging and realistic.
In many modern games, especially those with 3D environments or multiplayer components, the sound can be crucial for spatial awareness.
Get a better sound system, and you can suddenly hear footsteps, gunfire, or other in-game sounds that you didn’t notice before. It can even help you locate enemies.
Good audio quality contributes to a game’s atmosphere – and it can make you perform better by giving you better information, feedback and stimulation.
Is it worth the expense?
The trouble is that high-quality sound systems can be a big expense many of us can’t afford. If you’re on a tight budget, you may prioritize a good graphics card or a faster processor. Even a good gaming chair.
However, there are budget-friendly options that can still boost your gaming’s audio quality. Some quality headphones would be a simple improvement for many players.
What kit do you need to get?
From fully enjoying bingo sites to a multi-player role-playing adventure, everyone can benefit from improving their gaming sound. Whatever you play, think about adding some of these extras:
Gaming Headset
A high-quality headset is one of the most direct ways to enhance your gaming audio.
Look for one with good sound, comfort, and perhaps surround sound. Some top brands offer models specifically designed for gaming.
Possible buys:
HyperX Cloud Series: Known for comfort and sound quality.
SteelSeries Arctis Series: Offers a variety of models with different features.
Logitech G Pro X: Features a customizable sound profile.
Studio Headphones
If you prefer a more versatile piece of kit that can also be used for music production or general audio, studio-quality headphones with a flat frequency response can be a better choice.
It’s easy to pair them with a separate microphone if you need to add sound input.
If you’re in a noisy environment, consider headphones with active noise-cancelling technology. This helps isolate you from external sounds to improve your focus on the game.
Possible purchases:
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: A popular choice for studio and gaming use.
Sennheiser HD 660 S: High-quality headphones with excellent sound.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro: Known for its open-back design and spacious soundstage.
External Speakers
For a shared gaming experience or if you prefer the sound to fill the room, go for external speakers. Look for speakers with good frequency response and, if possible, built-in subwoofers for better bass.
Possible purchases:
Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC: offers RGB lighting and immersive sound.
Creative Pebble 2.0: Compact desktop speakers with good sound quality.
Edifier R980T Active Bookshelf Speakers: Budget-friendly option with multiple inputs.
Soundcard or DAC
A dedicated sound card or external audio interface can improve audio quality by providing better digital-to-analogue conversion and amplification. Some motherboards come with decent built-in audio, but a dedicated solution can offer better performance.
Meanwhile, a DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) can improve your audio quality by converting digital signals to analogue with greater precision.
Some higher-end headphones come with built-in DACs, but external options are available for those using regular headphones.
Possible purchases:
Creative Sound BlasterX G6: External USB soundcard with virtual 7.1 surround.
Schiit Modi 3: A popular and affordable stand-alone DAC.
ASUS Essence STX II: Internal soundcard with high-quality components.
Surround Sound Systems
If you have the space and budget, a surround-sound system can provide a more immersive gaming experience. This typically includes multiple speakers strategically placed around the room for a 3D audio effect.
Possible purchases:
Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC: Also mentioned in the external speakers section, it offers immersive sound and RGB lighting.
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker System: Known for its powerful audio output.
Bose Companion 5 Multimedia Speaker System: Delivers clear and balanced sound.
Amplifier
An amplifier can enhance the power and clarity of your audio output. This is especially relevant if you’re using high-impedance headphones that may require more power to drive effectively.
Possible purchases:
Schiit Magni 3+: A versatile and affordable headphone amplifier.
FiiO E10K: Compact USB DAC and headphone amplifier.
JDS Labs Atom Headphone Amplifier: Offers clean and powerful amplification.
Microphone
A good microphone may not be considered part of a sound system – but it can enhance the overall gaming experience, especially for multiplayer or streaming sessions. Consider a separate USB or XLR microphone for superior audio quality compared to built-in headset microphones.
All these, of course, depend on your budget, the type of games you play, and personal audio preferences. Keep reading reviews to make up-to-date, informed decisions.
Visit dealers to test products if possible and check for the latest models and releases, as the gaming audio market is dynamic with updates and new releases.
And if your budget is tight, consider using second-hand kit. Check eBay and social media sites for sound system bargains.
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