Razer Carcharias
Now this is more like it. Unlike the Meglodon, the Carcharias have a much simpler design which fitted my head much better. It has yet has a few tricks up its sleeve, such as the noise filtering microphone, which did wonders for my in-game conversation over Skype. The bass response is excellent too and the higher frequencies are clear.
They are so comfortable I often forgot they were on my head when getting up from my chair – lucky the cable is nice and long. Razer, you have my heart with all that velvety ear cushion action.
The volume control is very sensitive, so I found it worth using the clip on the volume control to avoid it get accidentally tweaked after a couple of near-deaf experiences. I think these headphones gave a noticeable tighter audio response than the Roccat Kulos that are in the same price range.
Reg Rating 85%
Price £75
More info Razer
Roccat Kave
The Roccat Kave has oval-shaped, rather than circular, padded ear enclosures that fitted very well, directing the sound from its separate speakers in each earpiece to deliver an immersive 5.1 surround soundspace.
The solid aluminium hinges and the Tip’n'control desktop remote were well built, but the appearance of the three pads in the headband rather cheapened the overall look. Moreover, the Kaves are way too heavy in comparison to the Logitech G930 and Razer Meglodons.
I can’t deny the sound was great with strong, pulsating audio tones from explosions, gunfire and casting sound effects. Maybe more boost in the top end for a bit more bite. Still, the mic proved just as crisp and well-defined as some of those above its price range. If you can live with the weight, these are an excellent gaming 5.1 experience for the price.
Reg Rating 85%
Price £80
More info Roccat
Next page: Roccat Kulo
COMMENTS
Yes especially...
Yes, especially the Sennheiser ones they covered. They don't compare with Sennheiser at all.
So both of you joined today and have 1 post
Said in the voice of Zoidberg: "So both the Astro headset peeps joined the Reg forums today and each have one post. Probably the same person and probably PR for Astro."
[No one reacts.] "I don't hear any gasping."
Everyone else: "We all figured that out already."
Why yes, they ARE amazing
And so comfortable and reasonably priced too. I also recommend a cool, iced Coca Cola(TM) during your gaming session, best enjoyed with McVities(TM) Hobnobs(TM).
Available from all good retailers now! Terms and conditions may apply.
They are adequate
But bloody expensive for what they offer. You can pick up a Sennheiser PC360 headset for less than an A40, and whilst it doesn't look so shiny its a lot nicer. The PC350 is even cheaper, but I prefer the open-backed earcups of the 360.
If the Astros were about £80 cheaper, they'd be well worth it. But at £160? No thanks.
G930
I have a set and I'd say they are not that great. Wireless works, and unlike the creative ones (HS1200) they don't constantly bleep at you when the battery is low (Creative does this even thou' there might be 1hr+ battery life left).
The surround works, however, the driver software supplied is terrible. When I install that, my MIC goes to pot, where I speak there is an audible buzzing noise others can hear. In Mumble for no apparently reason will only output in either surround or the right ear, not stereo.
The supplied software is the biggest drawback, giving you options to change your voice and looking pretty seems to be more important than any real functionality. Logitech haven't updated the software, their forums are full of people complaining about issues with the headset. Buyers beware, is all I can say.
