Audeze Penrose BT wireless gaming headset review for PlayStation and PC users

Description

An Immersive Gaming Sound Experience: Audeze Penrose Wireless Gaming Headset

Testing the Audeze Penrose Wireless Gaming Headset for PlayStation Mac PC and Switch (Black) was an adventure I didn’t expect. I’ve used countless gaming headsets, but this one stood out in ways both good and bad. Its unique features and some small quirks make it a headset worth discussing. Using it daily for gaming, Zoom calls, and even casual music listening, I got a solid feel for what it brings to the table.

Sleek Design and Comfortable Build

The first thing I noticed was the over-ear earpiece design. The headset feels lightweight at just 4 ounces, but the plastic material gives it a slightly less premium feel than I had hoped for at its price point. That being said, the detachable cable feature is a lifesaver for anyone who dislikes tangled wires. The adjustable headband fits snugly without causing discomfort during long gaming sessions.

One minor gripe is the lack of water resistance, which makes me extra cautious when gaming with a drink nearby. However, the 11.7 x 9.9 x 4.8-inch dimensions make it easy to pack for travel or store on a desk without taking up too much space.

Performance and Sound Quality

This is where the headset truly shines. The Mobius 4” Planar Magnetic drivers, borrowed from Audeze’s $399 Mobius headset, deliver exceptional audio clarity. Every explosion, footstep, and whisper in games like Call of Duty felt incredibly immersive. The wide frequency range covered the full human audible spectrum, ensuring deep bass and crisp highs.

Another standout feature is the low-latency wireless (2.4 GHz) connection. I didn’t experience any noticeable lag in audio, which is crucial for competitive gaming. The ability to use Bluetooth 5.0 and wireless simultaneously was a game-changer. I could stay connected to my gaming console while chatting with friends over Discord on my smartphone without interruptions.

The detachable boom mic, designed in collaboration with Shure, deserves special mention. It provided clear voice communication during intense gaming sessions and Zoom meetings. However, the mic does pick up a bit of background noise, which could be distracting in quiet environments.

Battery Life That Stands Out

One of the key benefits of this headset is its 80-hour battery life. I didn’t have to worry about recharging it often, even with heavy use. The 3-hour charging time felt reasonable given how long the battery lasts. For gamers who hate interruptions, this feature alone makes it worth considering.

• Exceptional battery performance for long gaming marathons.
• Simultaneous Bluetooth and wireless functionality is a rare and highly practical feature.
• Planar Magnetic drivers provide incredible sound quality, rivaling more expensive headsets.
• Detachable boom mic ensures clear communication.

Caveats Worth Mentioning

Despite its strong points, the headset isn’t without flaws. For starters, the plastic build detracts from the premium feel, especially considering its price tag. It’s durable enough but might not hold up as well over time compared to headsets with metal reinforcements.

Another downside is the lack of water resistance, which makes it less versatile for outdoor or sweaty gaming sessions. I also noticed that the over-ear cushions can get warm during extended use, which might be uncomfortable for some users.

• Plastic material feels less premium than expected.
• No water resistance, limiting its usage in certain environments.
• Ear cushions can become warm during long sessions.

Competing Products

The Audeze Penrose faces stiff competition in the gaming headset market. Products like the SteelSeries Arctis 7+ and Logitech G Pro X offer comparable features at slightly different price points.

Compared to the SteelSeries Arctis 7+, the Penrose offers better sound clarity thanks to its Planar Magnetic drivers. However, the Arctis 7+ boasts a more comfortable headband and a slightly sturdier build. The Logitech G Pro X, on the other hand, excels in microphone quality and software customization options, but it doesn’t match the Penrose’s 80-hour battery life.

Where the Audeze Penrose truly shines is its ability to simultaneously connect via Bluetooth and wireless, something neither of its competitors offers. This makes it perfect for multitaskers who need flexibility in their audio connections.

Cost-Effectiveness

While the Penrose isn’t the cheapest headset out there, it offers a lot of value for its price. The high-quality sound and long battery life make it a worthy investment for serious gamers and audiophiles. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need the dual connectivity feature, there are other options worth exploring.

I’d say the cost-effectiveness of this headset lies in its balance of features. The audio performance, combined with its battery life and practical design, justifies the price for those who value premium sound quality. For others, the plastic build and lack of water resistance might make it a harder sell.

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