Advantages of Proper Audio

Audio is probably the most overlooked feature passed by players today. Using it will give you an advantage over your opponents. Surround sound headsets are a reasonably cheap way to get you equipped. 5.1 headsets range anywhere from $50 to $300. Once you pass the $150 range, the quality per dollar diminishes dramatically, so I recommend sticking to around $60 for your first headset. 

5.1 means 5 speakers and a subwoofer. Rear speakers let you hear opponents creeping up behind you. A proper headset will give you a sort of auditory minimap in your mind. I correctly use the Turtle Beach HPA2 as my headset and Logitech X-540 as my external speakers. I recommend using headset rather than speakers.

For PC users, be sure to enable 5.1 audio in all of your games. Most games either detect 5.1 speakers by themselves or they check Window’s settings. To set Windows to 5.1, right click you sound icon on your taskbar and click “Playback Devices.” Find your speakers, right click it, and select “Configure.” Follow the on screen instructions to finish.