1/8/2024 0 Comments Gamer headset test 2013The 7.1-channel decoding and headphone drivers can produce decent left, right, and center directionality with the PLYR 1, but you won't get a sense of anything "behind" you beyond some clever mixing to give that impression. (Opens in a new window) Read Our Razer Kraken Pro ReviewĮven for headsets that have discrete drivers for each surround channel, there simply isn't enough room in the earcups for surround sound to acoustically function, so you're left with a simulated version of surround regardless of what surround-equipped headset you use. While this can produce a decent general sense of imaging and make the sound seem bigger and wider than the headphones appear to allow, they can't produce a true sense of directionality provided by a dedicated surround system. It also uses Dolby Pro Logic IIx audio processing for non-digital sound (through the 3.5mm connection) to produce a similar surround-like impression, albeit from a stereo source. Like nearly all headphones that claim to offer surround sound, the PLYR 1 uses clever signal routing with its two drivers (one in each ear) to produce the impression of surround based on Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound. The optical audio connections are some of the biggest upgrades over the PLYR 2, since they allow a much higher fidelity audio connection to your computer or game system through one cable, can pass the audio through to your speakers so you don't have to juggle audio connections, and lets the receiver decode Dolby Digital 7.1-channel surround sound. The stand is very handy, since you can hang the headset against the receiver while it's charging and not in use. In addition to a mini-USB port for connecting to a computer, a USB port for connecting to the headset (it comes with two USB-to-mini-USB cables of different lengths for connecting both), and a 3.5mm audio port, the receiver features optical audio input and output so you can pass audio through to a soundbar or another device. Instead, it is a full headset stand with much more connectivity built into the neck and base. ![]() The wireless receiver is no longer a simple plastic puck with only a few ports. The headset feels very comfortable, fitting my large head well and covering my ears without crushing them. A four-direction switch that can adjust volume and balance between game and voice audio with a round power button next to it sit on the right earcup, and a small switch for choosing between Bass Mode (bass emphasis), Supreme Mode (flat balance), and Precision Mode (mid-high emphasis) sit on the edge of the cup. A flip-down boom mic that can bend left or right sits on the left earcup. Instead of the glossy, smooth plastic covering the earcups and headband, the PLYR 1 ($60.99 at Amazon) (Opens in a new window) uses a sturdier-feeling matte plastic that doesn't feel quite as cheap. The PLYR 1 headset itself is nearly identical to the PLYR 2's headset, but made with seemingly better materials. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. ( See how we test everything we review (Opens in a new window).) Astro Gaming and Skullcandy are the same company, and while the Skullcandy PLYR headsets don't quite have the same brand recognition among dedicated gamers, the PLYR 2 proves that Skullcandy is heading in the right direction while balancing affordability. At $179.99 (direct) it costs as much as the Tiamat 7.1, but is completely wireless with a handful of tricks and design elements from the $300 Editors' Choice Astro Gaming A50. While the surround effect can't be seen as "genuine," it comes close enough to make it compare favorably to the Razer Tiamat 7.1 ( at Amazon) (Opens in a new window), last year's Editors' Choice wired headset. The Skullcandy PLYR 1 is the high-end upgrade to the mediocre PLYR 2 ($149.99 at ThinkGeek) (Opens in a new window) headset, sharing its design but adding 7.1-channel surround sound processing, optical passthrough, and a very handy charging base and receiver that doubles as a stand. Fortunately, while true surround sound isn't possible in a headset, you can get a passable facsimile with stereo drivers and sophisticated audio processing. This makes designing gaming headsets tricky, when directionality can offer an edge. You can't get true surround sound in headphones. ![]()
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