Introduction

Since all the good things we know are three and a round dozen always nice to look at, we want to conclude our series of articles about headsets with an another Quartet. Anyone who has closely followed the last two parts, which will be noticed that there were only ten headsets provided for in the original design. On popular demand from our readers, we have loaded but still ever a subjects from SPEEDLink and Roccat. In addition to the well-known and controversial discussed, in any case but successful SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1 is also the Roccat Kave solid 5.1 in the local article a place. Here, the two test candidates complete the row the real 5.1 headsets, which also comprises products from Tritton and Saitek.

TRITTON will be a rather unknown name here in this country, because the products of the manufacturer predominantly Nestle overseas to the heads of the player. There they enjoy a very good reputation, but what is enough reason for us to feel even a representative of this manufacturer once on the tooth. At any rate, on paper, the Tritton AX Pro makes an excellent figure. More than any competitor of that now very extensive test box Californians offer a tool that has not only many connection possibilities, but also small Control Center for more audio devices can serve as the Tritton AX Pro. -You must these curious are here still, what qualities.

High quality will be necessary in this part of the series of articles to prevail against the competition. This assesses not only the direct competition – each of the here tested headsets is facing three related products. A final overview of all devices of the test box to clarify how it is to the qualities of the tested headsets in the edge of the plate cross-comparison. So different that perform their tasks they, whether as a “real” or “false” Mehrkanalheadset or as a pure flowering-stereo fighter, each of twelve tested headsets will serve ultimately the more or less homogeneous mass of the community. Not always, that fits well. Sometimes there are strengths which sexy affect also other customers and sometimes you miss also any concept. At the end of this article, we want to separate the chaff from the wheat in miniature for the four subjects of this article and in the large for all of the three parts of the series.

Test system

The headsets are – if possible – on mini jack or jack plug connected with a creative X-Fi Platinum or but connected to the PC via USB connector. The particularities arising each is noted in the relevant section to the device description. In most cases is not any sound affecting measure in the test. In particular creatives CMSS functions or equalizer settings are disabled, unless otherwise described. The connected device as a headset is declared in the device setting of the creative console.

Various PC games as well as music and movie DVDs are used for the test of the stereo and surround capabilities of headsets. The DVD playback software is PowerDVD Ultra.

Technical data

Some key points of the tested headsets are available in the following table. She has been sorted according to the order of the article so that there is a better overview of the products at the same time given comparability. At the bottom of the table, the new entrants are in the form of SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1 and the Roccat Kave solid 5.1.

The headsets of that part of the series of articles is “real” Mehrkanalheadsets. That is, all four subjects of the third part of multiple chassis in the earcups to produce the impression of direction and so that in fact more than two channels play could, without, that these are mixed to a stereo cocktail. Because this is a kind of Surrounderzeugung: with each stereo headset and corresponding filters you can create Surroundeindrücke. The underlying principle was explained in the last part of the series. Also the “multi-channel” headsets from SteelSeries, Razer, eDimensional, and Logitech to simulate the surround sound in a similar way.

However, you must differentiate in this test. During the Roccat Kave solid 5.1, the SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1 and the Tritton AX pro analog four mini jack plug to be connected with the PC sets Saitek entirely to digital connection for transferring six discrete channels. Here comes the USB connection used, which can carry more than two channels over a single cable. At the Saitek Cyborg 5.1 stand next to the USB connection also two Jack – one for the sound and the other for the microphone language transfer – ready. This plug-in only stereo sound is possible, which is described by the manufacturer but also otherwise. So if you have a multi-channel capable sound card, it deals with the Saitek product. However the Tritton headset on an optical digital input with the PC can be connected, and a sound card would also superfluous in theory. The decoder work can take over the Tritton AX Pro itself. A multi-channel capable sound card is necessary for the products of Roccat and SPEEDLink.

Detail viewing

Saitek Cyborg 5.1

The Saitek Cyborg 5.1 is located with a street price of about 55 euro in the temperate, price range if also not overly competitive. At first glance of the earcups covered in black piano lacquer, the headset series commemorating the eDimensional AudioFX Pro 5.1 from the first part. On further inspection but no such inferior feeling adjusts this such as in the eDimensional headset. So, the transitions from the plastic of the earcups are very clean and for padding. The fabric upholstery without additional cover in leather look or comparable seems how it can be the case for excessive use of materials while simply, but also not cheap. Sound is also the headband of the head temple, which has a clean seam and perfectly was connected with the side parts of the temple.

≪ div > Photo Gallery “Saitek Cyborg 5.1″ (8 images)

In addition to these quite usable haptic and optical impressions, there are also points of criticism: the forks, where the earcups are suspended, are made visible only from shallow which is open on one side. This does not satisfies the sense of quality, although these places are not really at risk of breakage. Specifically work also the microphone’s capsule, rather simple. It can probably serve his purpose, Saiteks cyborg 5.1 effect overall but more moderately than high-quality processed. However, there are a gimmick, which will probably appeal the young computer player again: a cyborg logo in any of the earcups is lit in the operation. Whether this is necessary or pretty, was even up to each. It serves well as a distraction from the overall impression of rather sobering. The headset is for this but also relatively easy. It is also positively emphasize that the earcups rotate just let 90 °, so that the headset is flat and fits in the included headset bag. This property makes it easy to transport – a potential advantage for business-minded PC gamers the headphones.

SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1

With a street price of about 55 euros is SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1 roughly just as expensive as the competitor from Saitek. Differently than the previously described headset that delivers SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1 However in a something higher quality look and feel on. The results from the ausladenderen appearance. Both the ears as the headband, as well as the connections are all thick and therefore more robust. Also waived SPEEDLink at the Medusa NX 5.1 on piano lacquer surfaces and relies instead on insensitive acting Matt black paint. The headband is richly upholstered and any joint looks solid. Only, the forks, which keep the earcups, are again unilaterally hollow, which is less noticeable in the SPEEDLink headset as the Saitek product.

≪ div > Photo Gallery “SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1″ (9 images)

Also the connection lines fall out differently than at Saitek. The SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1 is four mini jack plug (three for each of two channels and one for the microphone) connected. Six analog channels to the Mehrkanalheadset can be transferred in this way. In addition to the phone cables but also a USB cable exists, which is intended not for signal transmission. To create an additional power supply for the headset with it. The USB cable is doing either connect to a PC or an also supplied USB power plug. The additional power will remain in the TestField not alone, but leaves a thread smacks in the face of the competition, which needs only, without.

The legacy of the microphone arm as well as the earcups is entirely positive. While the microphone is firmly connected to the headphones and you can neither remove nor come – both solutions that are already positive that set out in the test box. It is very flexible and can be thus very well the facial contour. The earcups are rotated in turn so, that they together with the headband quite plan a body form. Similarly as in the Saitek headset, the SPEEDLink can be more easily transport Medusa NX 5.1 thus.

Roccat Kave solid 5.1

The Roccat Kave solid 5.1 surpasses the two headsets from Saitek and SPEEDLink price easily. It costs at least 69 euros according to our price. The Visual and tactile impression turns out therefore but also a notch better than its competitors. Above all the solid construction, which again advantage makes a mix of thick headband and wide ears, order to suggest security provides for an Sorgenfrei experience in hands-on. The arching and excellently fitted padding, as well as the reliable and noiseless working joints contribute to the good overall impression. The construction works but also somewhat bulky, because the ears turn can be not very far to the outside and is necessary for setting up as a bending of the head temple. This also ensures a good pressure, but ultimately causes that of the three pads of head temple only one rests, because the others are bent upwards too far away. The better.

Also the Roccat Kave solid 5.1 has an additional USB port, which serves as power supply. As well as with the SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1 is the one disadvantage that is however to be at all tested 5.1 headsets. Only the Saitek Cyborg 5.1 uses the USB port also as data bus for the audio data.

≪ div > Photo Gallery “Roccat Kave solid 5.1″ (11 images)

Perfectly 5.1 also works with the Roccat Kave solid construction of the microphone. The arm can be more or less freely rotate or turn, so that also here several degrees of freedom ensures optimum adaptation to the anatomy of the head between microphone capsule and attach to the auricle. In addition the microphone can be either of the auricle solved, what is also positive. The cable connection of headsets is however again, so that the entire headset must be exchanged in the event of a cable breakage. In this point, but yet not considered product convinced.

TRITTON AX Pro

The Tritton AX Pro is to get such in this country (yet?) not really. But probably it would be the most expensive headset in the third part of our series of articles. This is also good reasons. Differently than other headsets can be connected not only via manigfaltiger Mini Jack cable to the PC or a console. There is also a fully digital connection path available enclosed decoder unit. In addition, the additional box offers also multiple channel outputs at the same time the to player to connect not only the headset, but also more multiple-channel device such as a speaker system.

On the part of the headset much is also offered, at least terms of dimensions. The headset itself turns out even quite sure what lies above all on the large-sized ears, as well as the thick headband. This – again – ensures a solid tactile impression. The earcups are doing almost rectangular shaped and enclose the entire ear. The cushions are clean, have however slightly irregular distances to the ears. The reason is that the padding can remove and replace. It is this principle not securely connected to the headset.

≪ div > Photo Gallery “Tritton AX Pro” (10 pictures)

Also not firmly with the headphones, the microphone is connected. It can be plug at the bottom of the left auricle and also rotate in the same opening. This is also desperately needed, because the microphone boom is itself immovable, which is a significant disadvantage compared to the competition. The hard-wired lead of the headset, is also on the left auricle.

The overall design of the headset has a to something especial. The earcups are only minimally an angle and form a relatively stiff “U” with the head cushion. The earcups are facing are more or less parallel, which leaves little room to press them in setting up. Even more: the headset should be set to a rather narrow head, could be missing even on contact pressure, while strongly increasing resistance in larger tip-styles can be uncomfortable. The headband itself is indeed relatively stiff and has therefore clearly on the ears and the lateral head when to set up the Tritton headset. This is variable and more comfortable.

The design of the Kabelei associated with the Tritton AX Pro is truly frightening. Is the headset is digitally connected with one to player, the headset itself as well as the additional decoder box need an own energy supply in the form of a power adapter. For this purpose two this adapter included in the kit, a USB solution is not provided for. The Tritton headset with a socket must be connected even with analog connection mode. Roundabout way pushes himself doing the conjecture on that it is necessary above all due to the lighting of the Tritton logo in the earcups. Even if is not the case, one must wonder why an extra power supply is necessary. Some – unfortunately not all – competitors make it without. Two power supplies are definitely too much!

Comfort

The wearing comfort of headsets is a fundamental issue when it comes to the overall quality of the product. Because even with a good microphone, an excellent representation of sound, and a reasonable price you can not score, when the headphones presses already after a short time and the use is uncomfortable. At this point, therefore the main impressions are presented during the trial period should be recorded. As so often, can the personal experience differ but from the ones described here. This is inevitable alone due to the different Anatomy of each people. The following sections should be seen only as a benchmark.

Roccat Kave solid 5.1
The Roccat Kave solid 5.1 has very large ears, which are in fact circular for themselves. The cut-out for the ears is however oval, which is why the left and right of the outer ear more padding rests as above and below the Hörorgangs. The pressure of the headset is relatively high, which is distributed over a large area but still good. Glasses should interfere with the big and tight padding however and also in the long run, the comfort could be higher. This is in particular to the high weight of the headset, which with over 400 grams heavy on the head is located. Thus, it can also happen that the headset is easily slip.

Saitek Cyborg 5.1
The Saitek Cyborg 5.1 has relatively small ears, but not so designed that they will be displayed only on the ear. The padding of the earcups is thus typically at least in part on the ear. From acoustic point of view no optimal shielding is given, to the outside as an ausladendere padding can filter more external noise. Saitek attempting here also by a cocktail of interesting material to achieve a similar damping; the plastic of the earlobe, hardly any noise from the ear to keep away. Nevertheless, the pressure falls on not immediately have a negative. By the relatively light overall design a still good impression adjusts when wearing, which however is diluted in the weaning of the headset, because the outer contours of the ear under the pressure of cushion were excessively claimed.

SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1
The SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1 has relatively large ears, which enclose the ear well and areas are usually only on the head and not to parts of the ear. A low weight and a moderate pressure, moreover the headset is a total comfortable to wear. Also the headband well adapts to the shape of the head and is located on not only at a point on the forelock. The headphones is to feel when wearing a little.

Tritton AX Pro
A shared impression when worn in the Tritton AX Pro. The initially criticized, acting very rectangular earcups disturbing not so, as expected. Although this is not a plus, but in combination with a still good contact pressure and a soft padding of the head is a satisfactory impression when worn. He is thwarted however again by the peculiar microphone. This is completely rigid, and hangs in a right angle to the headband at the bottom of the left auricle. There, it can be rotated around the axis of the phone loop in which it is. It is adjustable in height, length, or form and acts like a foreign body in front of the face. Better, it is almost always.

Sound impressions

Saitek Cyborg 5.1

The Saitek Cyborg 5.1 attention already without an adjacent signal to itself, if you add it. The relatively cheap plastic construction creaks namely clearly, what is striking in movements of the jaw. When the sound that is sometimes not so much the. Who wants to dive but fully in the worlds of sound, has a problem here. This, the acoustic features of the headset are quite pronounced. It has a rather detailed not very pronounced playback if in the bass and midrange. The overall picture is relatively homogeneous, works but restrained. The virtual sound stage dissolves very little from the ears, which is unfortunate for a Mehrkanalheadset. The high frequency range is not too intrusive and dissolves well, especially in Central and low passages a comparatively dull sound involves a but. This inhibits even the Surroundeindruck something. Here, only a moderate appreciation can be experienced when playing 5.1 sources, which has to do much with real surround sound. The sound stage is very confused and details are hard to locate in the area. Also the placement of six channels to the phone around is not very convincing. The performance is in the light of the price range but still okay. She like even pretty good, if about the very analytical game a Sennheiser headset not liked is.

The microphone of the Saitek Cyborg 5.1 performs its service, however, very exemplary. It reduces perceptible background noise and authentically depicts the voice.

SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1

The SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1 impression at first listen a quite homogeneous. No frequency range is clearly above or under-emphasized. At a closer listen, but also light weaknesses affecting above all the detail and the character reveal. So, the SPEEDLink headset not on the resolving power of admittedly masses many times more expensive bundle extends up QH-1339. A simple example already shows this impression: while one State any small Windows sound with the QPAD headset even when listening to music, this goes under completely SPEEDLink. This may seem irrelevant, can be also in the game of importance when it comes to details. Similarly when the timbres, which provides the SPEEDLink headphones. These are assigned a slightly nasal and slightly muffled sound. As Marit Larsen hears in somewhat peevishly “If a Song could get me to You”, if one listens with the Medusa. A part of can be pushed to a more desirable central emphasis. After all, the SPEEDLink headset sounds so not irritating. In games such as Counterstrike, you can get anyway with little of this slight discoloration.

The bass range of the SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1 is quite strong and is supported by a vibration function that can be customized in their intensity. It structure and potential for deep bass to high quality, however, lack. A roar not adjusts fortunately and given the price is quite good the visited. The Surroundeindruck of the headset is mediocre to good. The speakers appear in front of the mind’s eye but not necessarily where they belong. The Center additional compared to stereo sound, as well as the rear speakers are more in the head as before or behind the listener. The microphone carries out its service stopped.

Roccat Kave solid 5.1

The Roccat Kave solid 5.1 falls on directly in setting up by a good damping of external noise. This is not a sound property in the true sense, contributes but but to improving the acoustic impression. Unfortunately falls to directly so that the headset has a quiet but clearly perceptible background noise. This noise is this relatively sharp and falls on greater than would be necessary on the basis of the level. When listening to music, movies or games, then is the background noise in the background, fixed it themselves but, is still out to hear. This is particularly unfortunate, because is the Roccat Kave solid 5.1 otherwise hardly blame catches. The vote is homogeneous on all frequency ranges, although the play is relatively Center-weighted. The headset drifts off in the high frequency range not in the mahonia, points at the bottom of the Frequenzskala but not with ultra deep bass. They remain only clean, but could tolerate more Knackigkeit and structure. Given the price, this is still can.

The Surroundeindruck of Roccat Kave solid 5.1 is only moderate. It more is offered compared to pure stereo sound, whether this is 5.1 sound then but really, can you doubt. For the virtual five channels can be there to easily locate, where they ideally do not stand. The rears are primarily side – something backwards transferred – in addition to the ears. Although actually a are the imaginary front speakers, the Center is being built but right in the head. It is a kind space distribution, one can find good so overall – a multi-channel system is superior to but.

Well, the microphone of the Roccat Kave solid truncates 5.1. It works very low noise and allows an authentic record of the own voice.

TRITTON AX Pro

The Tritton AX Pro has some interesting approaches to connectivity. It can be both digitally via Optical SPDIF and analog with the PC. Digital also Dolby-digital signals on the external decoder box may be sent. DTS streams can not through be ground however. The little box allows also to extrapolate stereo signals with Dolby ProLogic to all six channels. In our test, we have reviewed all of these features. These can be considered quite positive, if one considers only the features that offers the headset. The decoding of AC3 (Dolby Digital) bitstreams worked perfectly. A Surroundeindruck accordance with the possibilities of the headset, described below also more precisely was it here. DTS features are what however is missing. You connect the headset to a DTS and DD-capable sound card, it is often more practical to seek the decoder to the sound card. When playing DTS bitstreams – you as well as Dolby Digital for many films to choose from are – nothing happens with the Tritton headset namely.

Also the upmix feature using Dolby ProLogic works well, listens to himself but – apart from the additional space – not necessarily better. So the stage is torn and placed especial in the region and the entire playback is reverberant. Details in the high frequency range will be lost. This will go through the resulting mitten Drin feeling compensated, satisfy music lovers but not. In movies and games should instead, if possible, always directly a multi channel source access.

What remains is the connection of the analog connector. Here, the Tritton headset makes no serious shortcomings. When playing, no exuberant joy impression provides a but. So, the Tritton AX Pro has a rather muted sound character. The detailed work could be better and the bass to tolerate more structure. The homogeneity is but good. The Surroundeindruck of the headset is mediocre by the chosen type of the feed – independently. Felt the Rearspeaker directly behind the ears sit while the fronts virtually arise before the head. Has of course little to do with round to sound, more than a pure stereo image arises however. In terms of the means by which had the Tritton headset, no pots are won on Sonic page.

Conclusion

To draw a conclusion to the four treated multi-channel headsets, is not easy. Firstly, because none of the products tested through the use of multiple chassis per pinna could create a credible Surroundeindruck, on the other hand, because it was not absolutely necessary, in order to offer a good headset. As a spatial impression could certify all subjects, which goes beyond a pure stereo impression, audible, even if this has not much to do with 5.1. Some buyers would be however completely satisfied so, so that he would have gladly taken the channel feature as a bonus. Also on this premise, there is still criticism of the subjects.

&Lt; div > SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1 < div > positive properties

• good workmanship
• flexible microphone
• homogeneous sound
• comparatively cheap

Relatively well which is SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1 away. The headset provides a solid build quality and an appealing design, a sophisticated mechanics and a homogeneous sound for a purchase price of about 55 euros. The somewhat nasal and covered impact may be accepted in this price range. Additional USB connection, which is intended not for data exchange, but acts as a power supply has a rather annoying. Who wants to try it with a real 5.1 headset, can the popular SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1 buy. Everyone else can save the however clutter and find easily phonetically equivalent alternatives in the same price range.

&Lt; div > Saitek Cyborg 5.1 < div > positive properties

• Detachable microphone
• good high-frequency range

The aforementioned alternatives include Haptically price also the Saitek Cyborg 5.1 it plays but three leagues using the SPEEDLink product. The plastic making itself felt at every turn lifts the headset construction namely not just in impressive spheres of manufacturing quality. The material of these headsets also creaks when to set up the headphones, disturbing as well. However, the danger of disintegration is not and it although exactly this impression sets, the headset is strictly speaking not so bad. In addition, it has a detachable microphone and a relatively good sound in turn with the SPEEDLink, Medusa NX 5.1 is comparable. For a price of more than 50 euros that but not enough.

&Lt; div > Roccat Kave solid 5.1 < div > positive properties

• good build quality
• flexible microphone
• good damping of external noise
• homogeneous sound image

For 70 euro one can the Roccat Kave solid 5.1 call his own. This headset is not with a moderate processing; on the contrary, it makes even a very good haptic impression, which need not hide even from more expensive models. However, this first thought is sold by the noise. Not everyone may disturb the silent noise, but it is one of the few cases in the test field and therefore absolutely unnecessary. Also the high weight of the headset is a disadvantage which not everyone must disturb although, but certainly not pleasant effect on the carrier. Having once said, good attenuation of ambient noise, as well as a flexible microphone, and a relatively homogeneous sound stand out positively. The Roccat headset is, knowing full well to his weaknesses, but a good product, the little from the SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1 can’t place.

&Lt; div > Tritton AX Pro < div > positive properties

• most comprehensive facilities in the TestField
• Decoder box for Dolby Digital and ProLogic
• detachable microphone

Much good we have hoped for us also of the gamer headset from overseas. The Tritton AX Pro features also on paper. It offers an additional decoder box for the power supply of digital signals and a possible Stereotons on multichannel upmix. As also a 5.1 output for the port as a sound system is available, the product seemed to be really well thought out. Unfortunately just on the headset not applies to itself. An imposition is that you should show namely two sockets for a headset. That then the sound also only mediocre, the decoder station in the absence of DTS decoding capabilities rather be and also the comfort are not very good, tugs to the former opportunities of Tritton headsets. You should have very specific requirements, to bring a real added value from the headset, which is not given for other products.

A tabular view of all previously tested headsets is carried out on the next page.

• Everyday prices of headsets:
  • SPEEDLink Medusa NX 5.1
  • Roccat Kave solid 5.1
  • Saitek Cyborg 5.1
  • TRITTON AX Pro (in Germany not yet available)

Comment

We are fully aware, that no absolutely objective, metrologically optimized testing can be done without high-quality measurement technology and sound-optimised spaces, as they possess the major audio magazines laboratories, to form a us but, to have a reasonably trained ear, to also meaningful test. Our sound check is to help the angled PC-audio-freak, to find a headset that is suitable for him and to invite him to take a small trip in the world of the audiophile pleasures. No more and no less.

Overview

After a total a dozen headsets in three tests were compared, the overview not easy across the article. Therefore the advantages and disadvantages of the subjects to be called following once again. Thereby, and that can safely be considered as the overall conclusion that the most compelling products need to offer not always the most features or but much cost. Who wants to play on the PC, can do more or less fully with almost every the here tested headsets. The differences lie in the detail or are relevant only for individual target groups. Particularly notable from the perspective of the author (negative as positive) features are highlighted in different colors.