I tried quite a few of those 5.1/7.1 headsets and frankly they all have the same issues :
1) In order to have those multiple drivers, they use small, usually low quality, drivers (compared to similarly priced stereo headphones/headsets)
2) Almost all of them (Razer Tiamat is an exception) use a usb connection which relies on the cheapest usb audio controller they could find and it's often paired with terrible software. This leads to poor sound quality and frequent sound loss, crackles & pops, random white noise, etc. when there's too much going on the USB bus.
Wireless headphones/headset also have the same issues with the added latency due to the wireless connection and there are additional sources of problems like interference and the battery dying at the worst possible time. Some people really like them because they are not tied down but the added bulk for the battery and the various issues just don't seem worth it for me, it's really hard to beat a good old copper wire
.
A good soundcard will be able to simulate surround sound with a stereo headset, I was skeptical at first but it does work well, almost as good as a real 5.1/7.1 system. But that's something that varies a bit so YMMV.
While it's true most audiophiles would recommend a seperate headphone and microphone because the headphones are usually of better quality, there are a few exceptions like the Sennheiser PCxxx series.
EDIT1 :
Just so we're clear, I'm not pushing this particular headset, it's a very personal decision, I'm just explaining my own experience. Like I say below, read reviews, try to listen to a few pairs if you have good retailers or friends with decent equipment near you.
/EDIT1
I use a PC360 headset and I really like it.
The microphone is excellent, the people I play with say that I'm really clear in vent with no background noise, the microphone has a built-in switch so when it's in its upward position, it's electrically disconnected, much easier to deal with than those obscure mute buttons I've seen on other headsets like the Razer Carcarias (no labels, you're always guessing whether the mic is on or off, but in general it's a pretty decent headset for the price).
The sound quality is also excellent, I've heard details I've never heard before with my carcarias or my logitech z-680 (9-10 years old 5.1 system). From what I've read, it compares to the HD55x series and the price difference is usually pretty small. As a comparaison, I got mine on sale for about $190, regular price is closer to $300 and the HD558 are around $280. So worst case, you're talking about a $20 extra for a great microphone, definitely something to keep in mind.
Keep in mind that if you go for a decent headphone/headset (not the 5.1/7.1 sets, wireless or simply USB based) you'll need a good soundcard. It doesn't mean you can't use it with onboard but it's not gonna be the same (limited or no surround virtualization, minimum quality DAC/amplifiers).
If you can find a local store to try them on, actually listen to them. It's even better, I'm not that lucky because I'm in the middle of nowhere so I had to rely on reviews, general logic and past experience (a few $100s worth of audio equipment sitting unused because of bad sound quality, bad build quality or compatibility/connection issues like the usb audio devices).
A good starting point is :
http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad...ted-10-16-12-ps3-bd-playback-in-dolby-digital
EDIT1 :
Decide what is important for you, figure out what you will use it for.
-Do you prefer something that is bass-heavy or more balanced?
-Open-ear (you can hear everything around you, generally gives better sound stage for positioning, better ventilation in case you tend to sweat a lot) or closed (you isolate yourself from the outside world, sound quality is sometimes a bit better because you only hear the sound produced by the headphones but positioning generally isn't as good)?
-Do you need a microphone or not?
-Are they comfortable? Do they fit my ears? (Some headphones/headsets apply some pressure on both ears to ensure a better seal, it can be uncomfortable if you are not used to it)
-Do I prefer a brand over another?
And finally the most important question:
-What is my budget for these headphones/headset (and possibly the soundcard to drive it)?
Those are only a few sample questions you have to consider while choosing a headphone/headset.
Good luck and keep us updated on your process, maybe we can help a bit more.
