The Sennheiser GSP 600 is a closed-back gaming headset with definition and readability. Its chunky body is precisely what you may count on from the audio firm recognised the world over: well-built, distinctive, and premium. It’s near-identical to the well-reviewed open-back GSP 500, too. But for all their shared successes, the closed-back mannequin can not justify its place because the costlier of the distinctive pair.
The core sound of the GSP 600 is rock-solid. The headset presents a well-rounded steadiness between Sennheiser’s historically sharp highs and bass plentiful sufficient to make you wish to ‘drop that thun thun’ (See: Finatticz). Imaging is without doubt one of the GSP 600’s biggest strengths, and, whereas it could not provide onboard digital encompass, this headset has a ton of depth the place it counts.
Sennheiser payments this headset as a noise-cancelling gaming headset, and in that regard its advertising is spot on. From the clamp pressure round your ears to the impenetrable leatherette/suede-like mix ear cups, this headset retains exterior noise out. If you’re overly conscious of what’s going round you along with your present pair of gaming cans, then the Senny’s may be extra your pace.
But that noise isolation has its drawbacks. That encapsulating design retains audio resolutely throughout the ear cup as properly – having an antagonistic impact on aural consolation over time. The closed-back design of the GSP 600 generates a sharper sound than the open-back GSP 500, bordering on harsh at occasions. During lengthy play periods this sharp edge wears on the ear extra so than with its ethereal sibling.
GSP 600 | GSP 500 | |
Design | Closed-back | Open-back |
Connector | 2x 3.5mm, 1.35mm | 2x 3.5mm, 1.35mm |
Cable | 2.5m PC / 1.5m console | 2.5m PC / 1.5m console |
Frequency Response | 10 – 30,000Hz | 10 – 30,000Hz |
Microphone | Bi-directional flip to mute | Bi-directional flip to mute |
Microphone response | 10 – 18,000Hz | 10 – 18,000Hz |
Weight | 395g | 358g |
Price | $250 (£220) | $230 (£199) |
It’s not simply sound profile, both. The GSP 600 falls behind its cheaper sibling on numerous different counts, too.
First and foremost, consolation. Both headsets provide a ton of flexibility within the ergonomics division. Sennheiser has applied a number of adjustment sliders to maintain each headsets’ appreciable weight from gaining sufficient inertia to slide fully off your dome. But, at 395g, the GSP 600 is the weightier of the 2.
And whereas distinctive at noise isolation, the leatherette ear cups of the GSP 600 are additionally the stuffier of the 2 designs. The GSP 500 favours a breathable, but leakier, material. Sennheiser has rightfully opted for the material that provides probably the most noise isolation for the closed-back design, nevertheless, the GSP 500’s breathable mesh material is by far probably the most comfy over time.
Price, too, falls in favour of the open-back. At £220 the GSP 600 loses the pricing battle with the GSP 500, and I can’t say I’m certain 100% assured as to why that’s. The construct high quality, the model, the drivers, it’s all the identical between the 2. Leatherette should be briefly provide.
On the plus aspect, the microphone stays the identical as properly. The flip-to-mute mic arm could also be non-removable, however it’s clear and suitably noise-cancelling. The arm has simply sufficient flexibility to maneuver it out of popping distance and your good friend/nemesis shouldn’t have any difficulty listening to your cries of elation/vitriol.
CLOSED-BACK OR OPEN-BACK?
The distinction between the 2 designs, whereas easy in concept, makes for a noticeable distinction in how a headset sounds.
The GSP 600 actually has its place within the Sennheiser line-up. Noise isolation can fall excessive on the record of priorities for a lot of avid gamers on the market. Neither exterior noise nor inner audio will get by the chunky GSP 600, and there are few headsets in the marketplace able to getting that carried out with such finesse and with out exuding an excessive amount of pressure in your skull.
But if that isn’t precedence numero uno for you, then the GSP 500 is a much better wager. It’s equally succesful and presents a extra pure timbre. And, if the lower cost tag alone wasn’t sufficient, it’s additionally comfier for longer. But there’s no denying even the cheaper set is dear at finest. If Sennheiser’s signature profile is price that a lot to you, then look no additional than the GSP 500. If you want that and noise isolation match for a fighter pilot, then the GSP 600 is the best way to go.
Sennheiser GSP 600
Sennheiser has industry-leading audio locked down, however isn’t afraid to cost a fairly penny for its years of expertise and experience. If you need all that, and don’t thoughts paying a bit of additional for excellent sound isolation, the GSP 600 headset is prime of the pile. Otherwise, there are higher, or better-value, gaming headsets on the market.
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