The SteelSeries usb soundcard wasn't designed to be a main card for your sound. It was meant for gamers that travel alot. It doesnt really make you sound that much better but it gives you the option of customizing and keeping the same sound all the time no matter which pc you are at.

Performance between the neckband and the normal siberia is the same. They use the same speaker. Only the design varies.

I too was contemplating between the neckband and the normal siberia. In the end I got myself the Siberia with USB and I'd say it was very worth it. =D

lol i agree. steelseries isnt a sound company, but have to give them credit for doing a rather good job with it

If you are buying the bundle i recommend you to get it. I got the bundle for 380. If you buy separately the soundcard will cost 180 by itself. It's all up to your own preference actually =D

I've seen countless Ikari optical users using coloured mousepads. Doesn't seem to be giving problems from what I can see

lol. I better not get the Fnatic series when i get my ikari then

The main difference is the engine. As you can already know, one is using a laser engine, another an optical engine.
The laser version can read and scan surfaces better and also at a higher rate. The exterior of the mouse is also different with the laser having a rubbery like finish on the middle. There is also a tiny lcd screen under the mouse to display your profile and settings. The optical has a lower rate and the exterior is made of shiny-ish plastic.

According to most people, the optical is best optimized for fps games and sorts and the laser is best for rts and rpgs. But I guess anything works. All up to personal preference as I myself am using a laser mouse for fps

maybe i should retire my g9 and opt for an ikari laser instead

This post has been edited by RMaliff: Mar 17 2009, 01:17 PM

Have to keep in mind that these headsets a first and foremost gaming spec. They are best tuned for gaming frequencies. The only headset that gives compromise for both music and gaming is the siberia. Though most audiophiles will certainly say that the siberia is not up to par with most music headsets.

I want a neckband too! T_T

Music, movies, games all have different set of frequencies set to them. Headphones like the siberia and 5h are focused on gaming frequencies.

the sound improvement is very ok-ish for the SS sound card. but for me, the thumbs up for it is the ease of use. especially when u go to CC. the usb card will automatically take over as the main sound profile on the pc.
because sometimes when you plug in straight to the jack, the computer doesn't recognize that you plugged something in. for me, having the usb card eliminated this problem

hehe. luckily SS soundcard just plug and play

as it seems now. if u want better sound go fo xifi. if u want ease SS i guess.

This has always been the neckband's problem. It will slide and it won't be comfy for long hours. I think i read somewhere last time saying you can make it better by adjusting the tensioners. Not sure how though.

dun la kutuk my usb T_T damn sad hahaha

I'm not sure about xi-fi but though the SS card can plug and play. but for customization of course you still need to install the software. For me I just plug and play at CCs. Too lazy to install the 7.1 surround software everytime

This post has been edited by RMaliff: Apr 1 2009, 02:32 PM

I guess. but I'm not very particular about sound. As long as its clear, crispy and solid. I'm good to go =D

yea. but for me, the siberia can give quite solid footstep positions

siberia neckband huhu

im loving it. =D thanks bro!