The 2.0 and 2.1 desktop speaker setups like the one you mentioned you've used in the past are the most common, but if you're after directional accuracy, then you definitely want a true 7.1 sound setup, and not a headset.
You can add a headset with this strategy, but you will use it only for voice/Discord communication with teammates, and not environmental game sound. In this case you definitely want an "open-backed" headset if you go big with a circumaural pair of headphones (that go all the way around your ear) so the headset doesn't block out the sound coming from the speakers. I think many prefer the cheaper foam supra-aural headsets for this purpose, similar in design to the default headsets Microsoft or Sony sells for their consoles, because they're so easy to hear through. They're also cheap. Money goes to the speakers.
An alternative is to buy a desktop mic, but the better ones that don't pick up all the ambient sound tend to cost a bit more.
An actual, physical 7.1 setup still just crushes any headset in existence for this purpose. The pros would definitely use 7.1 if they didn't have an arena of cheering fans, so instead they must adapt to headset environments. Of course, with a 5.1 or 7.1 sound setup, you need to have physical space to put speaks to your sides and behind you, or you're not doing it the way the sound is intended to be heard.
I am a lifelong Klipsch fan, and recommend them. However, Logitech also makes some great speaker packages aimed at this market, and they tend to target more economical price points that are reachable for most of us. They have worked to maintain relevance with gamers by adding things like Bluetooth support where others often do not. Harman Kardon and Polk Audio are two other really strong American brands, and Yamaha is a still a leading Japanese competitor, here. Meanwhile, the Koreans (Samsung & LG) have gotten into the game, and are powerful new players in Home Theater; arguably the leading players, actually, I'm not sure, I haven't checked market figures. They bullied their way into this market as adroitly they did our kitchen appliance sector. In fact, Harman Kardon is now a subsidiary of Samsung.
I must say that I appreciate the guide built by these guys:
Top 13 Speakers for PC and Console Gaming of 2018
In addition, here are some relevant Amazon bestseller lists you can browse:
- https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers...ectronics/281056/ref=zg_bs_nav_e_3_9977442011
- https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers...ctronics/12097481011/ref=zg_bs_nav_e_4_281056
- https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers...tronics/3025451/ref=zg_bs_nav_e_4_12097481011
If you do look at headsets I would consult with
@nhbbear who has become our resident headset expert:
Gaming headsets