Introduction

As hardware online magazine we want to go this time relatively strange terrain, where the boundaries between PC and Home Entertainment merge more and more. Therefore, we have brought us current wired headphones and some headsets from AKG, Sennheiser, creative, TerraTec, and SPEEDLink in the test lab and checked for practicality, ergonomics, and sound. The result is evident.

Headset or headphones, everyone for themselves must make this decision. Headphones provide generally better sound and comfort; Headsets the better functionality. For games on the network, VoiceChat, or speech recognition, you need a microphone, which is then so appropriate in combination with a set of headphones – for ergonomic reasons as headset – inevitably. For the demanding music lover, which places great emphasis on sound and comfort, remains only the handle to the headphones, because the technical characteristics of combined devices by far offer a full-blown headphone level.

There are basically two different versions of headphones. On the one hand the closed variant, which shielded the sound to the ear to the outside, and the open version which can also make the sound, thus avoid resonances and convince with airy and transparent sound by perforations or openings on the auricle.

Next, it is important to distinguish whether a supraaural (supraaural) headphones or dear an ear umschließendes (circumaural) counterpart is the favorite. Both systems are neck and neck of the comfort her, so that there are hardly any differences. We want to be the in-ear Variant (intraaural) not take into account in our review, since they are designed exclusively for Outdoorzwecke and of the comfort, if you can say here are extremely getting used to.

Test participants

The questions to our editorial team, to test higher-priced headphones, accumulated so, that we us no further could close the and to get also receiver over the magical 100,-Euro border in the laboratory. The main criterion in the selection was a price limit of 250,-euro. To ensure a colourful diversity among thirteen test participants, we have both entry-level, headsets, handset compete Surroundkopfhörer and representatives from the high-fidelity segment can be.

So that the whole is not too much explode, we have focused on AKG and Sennheiser, who made her name in this segment all honor, and the specific hardware vendors TerraTec, creative, and SPEEDLink. The transition is again continuous – as in so many things; What is fidelity and what is typical for PC? Now, this question want to and we can not answer. Everyone should know themselves what is itself most important for him and above all, what the budget allows.

For example, the headset guide from Sennheiser offers a little help to choose.

The vast area of application that you want to fill the device is crucial when buying a headset. We are mainly introduce handsets for stationary use on the PC, although some are also excellently suitable for outdoor use.

AKG K 101

The half-open, ear aufliegende AKG 101 was first presented at the radio exhibition in the autumn of 2003 and is designed for portable use, both for the local PC. With his self justierenden, padded tape, the delicate yet robust headset offers everything the basic beginner’s heart.

AKG K 171 Studio

The closed, ear aufliegende AKG 171 Studio, for the first time presented at the Musikmesse ProLight & sound in the spring of 2003, is the classic DJ Headphones par excellence and by its robust and external shielding design for all home-audio very applications very well can be used.

AKG K 271 Studio

The closed, ear-encapsulating AKG 271 Studio, presented also at the ProLight & sound 2003, is the successor of the legendary K 270. equipped with a single and off automatic, high-quality technology, robust and well shielded headset is ideal for all applications.

AKG K 301 xtra

The bleeding, semi-open, ear-encapsulating AKG 301 xtra with ironing band automatic and iron strap is a real lightweight despite his great appearance and provides the access to the HiFi class along with the trendy, attractive design.

Sennheiser PC 150 headsets

Sennheiser has closed, ear aufliegenden PC 150 headsets among others also the 300 PCs at the qualification of the World Cyber Games (WCG) at CeBIT 2004 equipped. The lightweight with microphone muting, volume control and padded hangers is compatible with all popular sound cards.

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The WCG is the world’s largest and pre-eminent competition in computer games and video games. Last year over 600,000 players in the games participated.

Sennheiser PX 200

The bleeding PX 200 from the street goods collection of Sennheiser is a closed, supraaural, foldable headphones for portable playback devices. Small folded and the approx. 14 x 8 x 3 cm (W x H x D) large carrier stuck, he is an ideal companion for all those users who like no ear Variant.

Sennheiser HD 212 Pro

The closed, ear aufliegende Sennheiser HD 212 Pro has been designed for the budget-minded DJ designed and has a very good insulation against noise. With its low weight, good upholstery, removable cables and the moderate price, he is also a real candidate for the native PC environment.

Sennheiser HD 497

The open ear aufliegende headphones Sennheiser HD 497 with very appealing design Pro is a robust representative of its class such as the almost identical, but closed HD 212. This versatile headset promises long life replaceable cable and ear cushions.

Sennheiser HD 600 avant-garde

So that the audiophile music lovers under the PC users not too short, we have taken with avant-garde the open, ear umschließenden Sennheiser HD 600 in the boat. This legendary headphones with his dignified processing and the robust metal covers promises by the appearance of her much good.

Creative HQ-1300

The closed, ear aufliegende Creative HQ-1300 with self einstellendem headband and volume control on the cable is published in the first member of its genus in the creative and more recently on the market. Robust, with changeable cover of velvet on the earpads and fresh design, he makes a good impression at first.

Creative HS-300 headset

The closed, ear aufliegende creative is equipped with foam ear cushions and volume control on the cable with microphone muting HS-300 a blow-dry friendly neckband design. It is a low-cost and lightweight kit designed for online chats, multiplayer games, and video conferencing.

SPEEDLink Medusa 5.1 headset

The half-open, ear-encapsulating SPEEDLink published recently on the market, Medusa 5.1 headset is a very special and was us of Caseking.de made available. With four speakers in each ear, microphone and an external preamplifier with additional volume control it is to be possible according to the manufacturer, to provide perfect 5.1 surround sound through headphones.

TerraTec mystify headset

In the closed, ear aufliegenden TerraTec mystify headset, which was developed in cooperation with Sennheiser, the microphone by one can be about 340° take possible adjustability both right and left. The 110 g heavy lightweight has the same volume control and mute switch on the cable as the 150 PC headset from Sennheiser.

Technical data

In our view the following information play a minor role rather, because usually the subjective experience of hearing is the decisive criterion to purchase a headphones or headsets. It is important to mention that just with headphones used also on the PC, the impedance is essential because headphones with impedances higher than 64 ohms will need better sources than a soundcard. Low level can be achieved through high impedance. The headphone amplifier for the popular sound cards are not equipped for high-impedance headphones – here already demanded HiFi components should deliver the good notes.

Frequency details of the manufacturer are certainly an indication of the quality of the listener. But about the actual sound quality, very little say from such information; Since the human ear is required, because sometimes values showing up there, which is anyway not to carry out the hearing.

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Hearing beyond 20 kHz
For several decades the science assumes that the upper limit of human Hörfrequenz area at best kHz is about 20, in many older adult individuals the “cut-off frequency” is only 16 kHz or even less.

Nevertheless, differences were found between signals, which were 20 kHz limited by the chain of transmission, and those that were played back on a chain of transmission with further comprehensive frequency range hearing tests with musical material, carried out in the recent past in the framework of the 96 / 192 kHz discussion.

In this context the two scientists Kaoru Ashihara and Kiryu Shogo from the Japanese Institute of ETL carried out various experiments and hearing tests, the results of which were presented to AES Convention (paper No. 5401) experts on the 7th.

After this, the existence of actually unhörbarer frequencies is perceived among others when they are rendered with more complex, not sinusoidal signals on a non-linear transmission system. By this non-linear transmission characteristics are demodulates deliver signals to the Hörfrequenz area. Transfer members of the audio chain, where the non-linear behavior of transmission is relatively strong, are e.g. the speakers on the music signal is rendered.

The above facts were occupied on the basis of the following experiment:

At a distance of approx. 220 cm by the subject (normal listening), two speakers are mounted directly one above the other so that they have identical transfer functions at the monitoring site. In the first part of the trial, only one of the two speakers is used: about this a harmonic spectrum is rendered, which is kHz limited upwards to 35 and whose basic shaft was filtered out. This range was expanded then kHz to its sound with the frequency of 31.5, which in addition is pulsed with a frequency of 2 Hz, to stand out better from the other signal.

All respondents heard the difference between the two signals, although the frequency of pulsed tone was far beyond their Hörfrequenz range. In a subsequent FFT analysis of acoustic signal to the listener an additional component in 3.5 has been identified in the second test signal (with pulse 31.5 kHz tone) kHz: there is a (clearly audible) inter modulation distortion, caused by nonlinear behavior of the speaker.

In the second part of the trial, now both speakers are used: the one of the test range (without 31.5 kHz tone) returns, while the second kHz tones (pulsed again with 2 Hz) is used exclusively for the 31.5. This, the non-linear properties of speaker in the test sound are turned off. In this case none of the subjects could even make a difference in the performance when on or off 31.5 kHz sound, if his sound pressure level over 80 was dB. The Spectra measured at the monitoring site later differed only by the existence of 31.5 kHz sound, there was found no component at 3.5 kHz.

Conclusion: differences in listening tests of transmission chains with different upper cutoff frequencies (> 20 kHz) certainly be detected, can be to additional low frequency interest intermodulation products among others the speaker back to that then occur when they are stimulated with deliver (commercial) signals.
The high-frequency signals part of the original performance are meanwhile the people not fulfilled by!

Source: KLEIN + HUMMEL

The cabling of each handset and headsets is different. Some models are connected to an earpiece firmly (on one side fixed), others on two earpieces (double-fixed). The variant on one side or both sides plugin means that the cable by means of a connector with the receiver is connected and is therefore interchangeable. Not quite unimportant, as we believe, for a PC quickly times is possible, that the user with the cable hangs and same this can damage.

As always, are all manufacturer’s specifications and can sometimes significantly differ from market prices.

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Ergonomics and comfort

The comfort is essential criterion of the headphones or headsets. Especially the pressure on the ears, the weight and the requirements of the earpiece play the decisive role here. The pressure of the headphones should be not too big, but not too low may fail, because slippage can be annoying. So, it’s a very narrow ridge on which manufacturers need to move. A fast and convenient adaptation to any head shape should be easily possible. All in the test headphones and headsets are well suited for spectacle wearers.

The evaluation of comfort is of course subjective and what the one a pleasant feel, is more troublesome for others. Therefore, we have performed this test with two people.

The headphones and headsets worn at least three hours continuously on convenience and comfort. After this time, no major deformation or red ears should be to see. What good is the most beautiful design and the supposedly best sound if the headphones after 30 minutes the inevitable urge feel the user, as soon as possible again remove same from discomfort? Most of our candidates are already quite appealing from the comfort and can still convince even after hours.

The most beautiful compliment regarding comfort is certainly: man can feel him hardly.Succeeded but very few copies.

Very practically marking proves the right/left-Hörmuschel of Sennheiser; stable, small plastic knobs in the form of small, good tactile button on the left side with all headphones.

AKG K 101 The self-adjusting, padded tape of small AKG K 101 very well adapts to the shape of the head and ensures secure fit. The movable earpieces with soft art leather upholstery Nestle to design by the temple well, are however sometimes intrusive. Minimum pressure at the ear is formed after two hours of gestation. However, convinces the AKG K 101 by good comfort in this price range.

AKG K 171 Studio
Something stronger is the AKG 171 Studio to works, for whose application is mainly the disco or the Studio. Robust metal ironing paired with soft ear pads provide very good comfort and shield the hermetically sealed from the outside world handset. Who several hours at a time would like to listen to music with this headphone should put themselves exactly the earpieces on the outer ear, because slight imbalance or inaccurate position can cause bruising relatively early. But once properly set up, thanks K 171 Studio by extremely secure fit and very good comfort.

AKG K 271 Studio
Ergonomically, sits the AKG K 271 Studio very well on the head and gives the listener a cozy, warm atmosphere, without however perspiration. The stable metal bar and very comfortable, ear umschließenden upholstery of the earpiece are the measure of all things and convince with very long Tragezeiten. This tube provides everything the heart desires regarding comfort.You can feel him hardly.

AKG K 301 xtra
Light and airy the AKG is because K 301 xtra and despite its size, boasts a very good comfort. The self-adjusting ironing band attendant works perfectly and allows a fast and convenient adaptation to any head shape. The leatherette earpads feels even after prolonged listening session still pleasant and does not lead to the sweat. A headset, you can carry more than three hours without problems.You can feel him hardly.

Sennheiser PC 150 headsets
The PC 150 is a truly mature, it offers almost the comfort of a proper headset, and that is to say something. The adjustment options are good, the bias not too tightly and the Velvet-ear cushions are very comfortable to wear. Also jerky movements with the head can not move the headset. All in all a really very convincing appearance for a headset.

Sennheiser PX 200
The lightest 60 g headphones in the test is the Sennheiser PX 200. Despite the small earpieces the robust set is excellent on the ear and convinces with a very good ergonomics. Small, kunstlederbezogende padding on the metal upper guard give much comfort and allow the earpieces precisely fit on the ear, without beengen the listener. By an ingenious folding mechanism, can be stored away the PX 200 in the smallest space in the provided design box and thus is ideal for outdoor use.

Sennheiser HD 212 Pro
The ultra light design of HD 212 Pro keeps what it promises at least visually: comfortable wear over hour period. The height-adjustable earpieces make move laterally and adapt very well the head shape, without however perspiration. A good, consistent position of the headphones without disturbing pressure from the temple provides unobstructed listening.

Sennheiser HD 497
From design her absolutely identical with regard to the wearing comfort with the Sennheiser HD 212 Pro.

Sennheiser HD 600
The most expensive headphones in this test makes a by design very good impression. Solid, majestic and still not too heavy, he convinced a large audience for years. The massive earpieces with the Velvet-earpads gently wrapping the ears and provide a very pleasant to listen to the listener. The mechanically gradually adjustable headband can adjust themselves well and provides safe grip. The nubs in the Interior of the temple for the top of the head relieve the ears and provide excellent comfort in addition to the easily swiveling earpieces.You can feel him hardly.

Creative HQ-1300
The Velvet-earpieces of creative HQ-1300 are comfortable to wear, convey some pressure on the ears, without however perspiration. The user has the feeling after longer wearing life as if only the earpieces wear the entire headphones. The iron band automatic is not optimally matched with the bias of the outer Temple. This changes after a certain gestation period. The Creative HQ-1300 offers good comfort in this price range.

Creative HS-300 headset
Main thing is that the hair be. Under this motto, creative has a taped version on offer. The headset with interchangeable foam cushions sits right off the bat, and provides enough grip by the bias of our holding company, without however intrusive. The microphone can be simply align itself to the needs of the user. To speak with neckband constructions of comfort is somewhat risky. But the creative HS-300 offers much comfort for less money.

SPEEDLink Medusa 5.1 headset
The Medusa headset is a real heavyweight, but by his sophisticated Bügelkunstruktion, 345 g similar pleasant to wear the Sennheiser HD 600. The Velvet-earpieces sit comfortably on the head and give a good, comfortable fit without sweat. The bias of the Temple could have slightly larger, because the Medusa headset during rapid head wobbles. Also the inner pad of upper bracket could be somewhat thicker, as with smaller sensors, the earpiece sticks out at the bottom. Here is some more fine-tuning needed.

TerraTec mystify headset
The Mystify headset, in close cooperation with Sennheiser developed, is specially designed with the extra light design for the gamers. The microphone is to wear both right and left and is easy to adjust. We would have liked a little padding in the upper, Inner Temple, because after about two hours the headset by gentle pressure on the skull is noticeable. Rapid head movement maintained the Mystify headset on the ear and wobbles a bit. Heated tempers wait in vain for a sweaty effect of ear cushions.

Sound characteristics and conclusion

The quality of the tested headphones and headsets moves overall at a fairly high level. The manufacturer must probably have noticed at the sales figures that sell only once can be ill-fitting and quäkende headphones, and the customer next time buys something sensible. The renowned manufacturer offered a mature performance and showed little Blößen. In the era of online games, VoiceChat, Internet telephony and speech recognition have also the user very quickly noticed that ultimately quality counts and not only the price. Sophisticated mechanisms, mobile ears, well padded carrying handle and high-quality materials are now state of the art with regard to the wearing comfort – at least with renowned manufacturers who have already earned a name in the Hi-Fi industry. We have therefore deliberately tested the relevant manufacturers in the industry and are on the whole satisfied with the result. There were no glaring weaknesses where the recommendation also here be sure with regard to comfort and sound quality: set up yourself and listen to sample.

It was fun once more correctly us anyway. Who doesn’t know that? You can hear his favorite songs once again and suddenly the close set up, a warm, beautiful feeling is spreading in the body, and one wallows only so then. If then the correct playback devices in use are, Yes, then all is simply! It is one of those wonderful moments in life that can make life liveable and forget the small concerns of grey everyday life for hours. True to the motto: today already lived?

If you would like to enjoy beautiful music, should not necessarily peering on the price, but make sure that sound and comfort determine the choice.

The headphones and headsets have been tested with the following PC system. When reference was a STAX SR lambda Pro electrostatic headphones are often used for direct comparison. PRA 1500 pre amp, ONKYO CP 1057F record-Twister and the DENON CD player 2560 provided as sound source a DENON also excellent services.

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Test system:

• Processor
  • Intel P4C 2.8 GHz (FSB800) active HyperThreading
• Motherboard
  • ASUSP4C 800 Deluxe
• Memory
  • 2 x 512 MB OCZ EL DDR PC4000 Gold Edition
• Sound cards
  • Creative Audigy 2 ZS Platinum Pro
• Graphics card
  • inno3d FX 5900 staff cinema
• Peripherals
  • Pioneer DVD 120 SlotIn
  • Yamaha CRW F 1 CD burner
  • LG GSA-4040B DVD burner
  • 2 x Seagate ST380023AS SATA as StripeSet 0-RAID, 1 x Maxtor 6Y160M0 160 GB SATA
• Housing
  • Chieftec 601 soundproofed
  • Chieftec360Watt power supply 2 fan
• Driver versions
  • nVidia detonator 56.72
  • Intel chipset driver 5.0.2.1003
  • Creative Audigy2 ZS
• Software
  • Windows XP Professional SP 1
  • Creative MediaSourcePlayer 2

Following audio CDs, LPs and DVDs were used:

• Mana – sueños liquids / audio DVD
• Creative DVD sampler disc / audio-DVD
• Yello – motion picture / audio CD
• Randy Newman – land of dreams / audio CD
• Van Morrison – A night in San Francisco / audio CD
• The cure – greatest hits / audio CD
• The Stranglers – aural sculpture / audio CD
• CHESKYRecords – the collection / audio CD
• CLEARAUDIO-bestseller (limited reference Edition 1.0) / audio CD
• AUDIO-staccato (hearing test CD) / audio CD
• Guitar Crusher – live at the Quasimodo, Berlin (Audio STAX) / audio CD
• Mannheim steamroller – fresh Aire (American Grammaphone) / audio CD
• AUDIO’s audiophile vol.. 12 – live tracks / ZOUNDS 24-carat real gold-CD / audio CD
• AUDIO’s audiophile vol.. 11 – power beats / ZOUNDS 24 K real gold-CD / audio CD
• Steve Winwood – well all right / ZOUNDS audio CD
• Neil Young – are you passionate (mp3 320 Kbps)
• Pink Floyd – the wall (vinyl LP)
• Peter Frampton – comes alive (vinyl LP)

Following games have been used:

• Tomb Raider / the Angel of darkness
• Enter the matrix
• Unreal Tournament 2004 (demo)
• Call of duty

AKG K 101

The small of AKG makes powerful steam and heats the listener a tremendously. The bass is below around a little thin but sufficient. Highs and MIDs come quite precisely. A warm, balanced sound and a good comfort make the trendy AKG K 101 to the ideal entry-level headphones for outdoor and indoor. At the presentation on the Funkausstellung 2003, AKG described the K 101 as a receiver, which could fall under the rubric of first love. We believe, AKG has promised not too much, and has placed a good headset with excellent price-performance ratio on the market with the K 101.

AKG K 171 Studio

As the name suggests, is extremely robust AKG K 171 Studio headphones for professionals, or those who want to be there. Hermetic sealing off to the outside and the very good comfort make this headset to the real insider tip for DJs and users who do not want to be disturbed by external ambient noise. Crunchy basses, very natural, powerful playback and brilliant heights are the strengths of AKG 171 K Studio. At high volume can rightly Crow of the 171 Studio and convinces with a very accurate reproduction. The clean processing and high-quality materials 171 Studio make an acoustic treat of first the K. Unfortunately, the gewöhnunsbedürftige comfort prevents an award for this product from the House of AKG.

AKG K 271 Studio

A headphone, the correct steam makes, which is very good against environmental noise shielded AKG K 271 Studio. Warm, very open sound, an excellent balance of sound and sound precision, you can experience only with very expensive headphones, are just some of the positive qualities of AKG 271 Studio. The genuine sound, the excellent wearability and the lightpin switches off automatically when the issue of the listener positive round off the overall picture and make the 271 of choice, which also times correctly dive the music lovers. AKG with the K 271 Studio a very good, high-quality receiver, has produced the both to to HiFi, fully plays its strengths in PC sound cards but also on portable players.

It is our hardware hammer for design, processing, and value for money!

AKG K 301 xtra

Fun without end. Exactly what he looks like, so he comes quite also. Quick lebendiger sound, brilliant, differentiated highs and strong crisp bass, characteristic of AKG are 301 xtra, with xtra, the gateway to the Hi-Fi to open class, because the AKG 301 equipped with AKGs XXL-Varimotion technology, which are reserved for otherwise only the more expensive models of AKG can Crow xtra really. The sound precision and the warm atmosphere that is capable of the 301 to connect, make fun correctly and invite to fatigue-free listening sessions. With 245 g it is although not the helmets in the test. But to those who skillfully hide their weight and a very good comfort offer.

There are our price hammer for the excellent value for money.

Sennheiser PC 150 headsets

First of all to say: the PC 150 headsets has really all need a good headset: Super comfort, high-quality micro and a sound, which can hold it well with larger headphones. The comfortable, padded headband is the finger after hours and hours online games at most and opponents sweat – but not the ears. The speech is clear and without disturbing noise. With microphone muting and volume control in the cable, thick padded, Velvet-ear cushions and the high-quality microphone can Crow 150 PC properly and leaves no major gap in the purse. The PC 150 rocks and who sets value on high quality and a fair price, not get around to this headset.

It is our hardware hammer for design, processing, and value for money!

Sennheiser PX 200

The real surprise of the test is the small, inconspicuous Sennheiser PX 200. The high quality of the portable handset in the stands immediately when unpacking from the DesignBox. The small skin properly on the timpani and impresses with its powerful sound and brilliant, impulsive joy of playing. With discreet heights, dry, crunchy bass and fresh musicality, the PX 200 is the ideal partner for all portable players, without thereby harass the alleged eavesdropper as the PX 200 is very well protected. It is interesting that the PX has a relatively high level and so the or can help other schmalbrüstigen player on the jumps. The stationary use on the PC or on the stereo system makes the PX 200 an adult impression and can absorb it well with many a great. The excellent wearing comfort and the excellent sound characteristics make the PX 200 to the ultimate insider tip for the mobile music lovers. Small downside is the missing Jack 6, 3 mm for the home plant and a volume control on the cable.

For design, processing, and value for money, there is our power hammer!

Sennheiser HD 212 Pro

Excellent sound insulation on the outside, bass without end and good comfort are the indicators of Sennheiser HD 212 Pro. Originally designed for the DJ, he is however often used due to its favourable price by beginners and PC users. The bass is very strong, but not too brash – as mentioned. Highs and MIDs are quite balanced but sometimes slightly pointed. Correctly to the point’s is in the rather noisy HD 212 Pro rhythm-music, because there he is in his element. Pieces such as Para Los Rumberos of Carlos Santana drive closed HD 212 to true excellence.

Sennheiser HD 497

Externally almost identical with the HD 212 Pro is the HD 497 and still considerably different in rendering technology. The open headset has high-quality neodymium magnets and extremely light diaphragm material in the earpiece, which itself is greatly noticeable compared to the sound of HD 212 Pro. A warm, balanced sound, beautiful, unobtrusive but crisp basses, expressive heights, highly detailed playback and a good comfort make the Sennheiser HD 497 to the ideal entry-level headphones for the upper right. The rugged, lightweight design allows both the use of stationary as also mobile devices.

Sennheiser HD 600

The HD 600 is almost too a pity for the PC since headphones with impedances higher than 64 ohms need better sources than a soundcard. The headphone amplifier for the popular sound cards are not equipped for high-quality sets. Here, already higher quality HiFi components should deliver the good notes. So some notes and details on the PC were the HD 600, which only the Denon preamplifier brought to days. A beautiful, rich and powerful bass, heart of clear, transparent heights, extreme naturalness and detail richness without frequency holes are the indicators of this high quality handset of the absolute top class, playing with his overall outstanding sound characteristics in a totally different League.

Testing nothing introduced have we products this headset deliberately, to show the limits of what on the PC, which clearly exceeded with the HD 600. Who is looking for a very good headphones but largely to the hi-fi system and only every now and then wants to operate on the PC, which is very well equipped with HD 600.

There is our hardware hammer for design and processing of sound quality.

Creative HQ-1300

Creative enters new territory with the production of headphones and headsets. The HQ-1300 was introduced only recently and has been available since February on the market. The Velvet-earpieces of HQ-1300 are comfortable to wear for a short while, the comfort leaves something to be desired however after prolonged period of wearing. Acoustically, the HQ-1300 by a good and balanced sound can convince with the heights are sometimes slightly pointed. The good price-performance ratio, the sound and high efficiency, as well as very good, creative common processing, make the bargain for the budget for higher classes to narrow the HQ-1300.

Creative HS-300 headset

The neck-bracket construction of creative is the cheapest set in the test. Who makes no great demands and can make price no big jumps, or wants to, which is well served with the HS-300. Offer clear voice through the noise cancelling microphone, a neutral playback and volume control with mute everything necessary for online chat, or simply to a little music to hear. Originally designed for instant messaging the creative can convince comfortable way of carrying and affordable Headset HS-300.

SPEEDLink Medusa 5.1 headset

Rarely went different opinions as to the presentation, as headset was the case with the Medusa 5.1. In the relevant fora, the set is crushed either acclaimed or total. We can confirm the one or the other and stick to the own experience. The set convinced by good to very good comfort, can but lead to difficulties with smaller sensors, because the lower end of the earpiece then sticks out from the head. We recommend therefore to take the set sample. Tonally the Medusa can keep up well with listeners in this price range, but the actual target group, namely the gamer, be fully at your expense. The 5.1 surround effect works perfectly and surprised the gamer by pleasant soundscape. The audiophile angetouchte user is in the slightly overwrought heights and the somewhat thin bass a little wrinkle the nose. Ultimately, the Medusa is a good partner to the gaming and can be the actual target group by stunning effects and velvet-related earpieces fully satisfy. Who be a 7.1 system own called, must swap his speaker configuration of listening to real 7.1 sound because the 5.1 amplifier – technically conditioned by encoding the 3, 5 mm plug – is not compatible.

TerraTec mystify headset

The TerraTec mystify headset we met a literally at the last minute. The lightweight yet robust headset makes a good impression at the first attempt and convinces with high-quality and comfort. After prolonged use makes the headset but by gentle pressure on the skull felt what is caused by the missing padding in the top bracket. Here, a review would be appropriate. The aural aspect of her good cooperation with Sennheiser is immediately noticeable; an excellent microphone, microphone muting and volume control (same as with the 150 PC), and earpieces in best quality. Very good voice reproduction, taut bass, high efficiency and a sound very balanced for this price range leave hardly wishes and convince all along the line. TerraTec stays true to his line and has dealt with the Mystify headset to another product at an affordable price of the Mystify series.

Perhaps a small note on the edge. The Mietze cat seemed to be excited, because the perceptible in turn volume significantly quieter failed, as was the case with previous reviews.