As roastpuff said, decent headphones will out-do a 5.1 gaming pair.
Here is a quick rule of thumb whether the headphones are any good.
I'd it is a head set with a built in mic, stay far far away.
Also, a shameless plug, since you guys are taking about good sound cards, I've got am auzentech x-fi prelude I'm looking to sell off. Bout it new for close to $200, make me reasonable offer, I'm not really using it much anymore.
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