Rosewill RNA-SYM
Price: $39.99
Website: www.rosewill.com
Why You’ll Dig It: As one of the most
compact 2.1-channel speaker systems we’ve seen, we just couldn’t pass up the
RNA-SYM from Rosewill. This cylindrical speaker set features a right and left
speaker at either end of the tapered tube, with a third driver in the center
for low frequency sounds that your monitor’s integrated speakers (if it even
has them) just can’t achieve. The speaker features support for line-in sources
for any device that has a headphone jack. A USB cable for PCs and notebooks is
included, as is a 3.5mm analog audio cable. And because it’s USB-powered, you
don’t need an external power supply to get rich sound.
Who Should Apply: Anyone looking for a
space-saving way to punch up their music, movies, and games should check out
the Rosewill RNA-SYM 2.1. It also works well with non-USB enabled devices, such
as small TVs, smartphones, and MP3 players.
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 500Hz
(subwoofer), 150Hz to 15KHz (satellites)
Total Power: 4W (1W per speaker, 2W
subwoofer)
Rosewill
RNA-SYM
Sennheiser PC 320
Price: $119.95
Website: www.sennheiserusa.com
Why You’ll Dig It: If you want to dominate
your next LAN party tournament, Sennheiser’s PC 320 is here to help. Knowing
that you could spend several hours at a time running and gunning in
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Sennheiser included its CircleFlex
technology, which adapts to the head of the wearer, delivering maximum comfort.
The Open-Aire design lets the sound waves from each hi-fi transducer expand and
contract naturally; the result is unbelievably lifelike sound reproduction.
Beyond that, the PC 320’s noise-cancelling mic displays more Sennheiser smarts.
Simply flip it up, and it automatically mutes itself. There’s a volume control
built into the earcup, so you can make quick and easy adjustments. Sennheiser
backs the headset with a two-year warranty.
Who Should Apply: Serious gamers looking
for a headset that was designed for gaming, top to bottom.
Frequency Response: 15Hz to 23kHz
Connector: Analog
Sennheiser
PC 320
Turtle Beach Ear Force Z6A
Price: $99.95
Website: www.turtlebeach.com
Why You’ll Dig It: Turtle Beach has been
hooking up gamers with high-quality headsets for some time now, and the
excellent Ear Force Z6A is more of the same. This powerhouse offers true 5.1 channel
surround sound with discrete drivers in each earcup for the front, center and
surround channels. These drivers each measure 30mm, and the earcups also have a
40mm driver that acts as a subwoofer. And Turtle Beach doesn’t just stuff these
drivers in their respective earcups and call it a day: They’re precisely angled
in order to more realistically reproduce the positional audio perception of
traditional surround sound speakers.
Who Should Apply: Gamers who want an edge
in competitive multiplayer will find that the Ear Force Z6A delivers the goods.
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (front
and surround drivers),
80Hz to 16kHz (center driver), 20Hz to
500Hz (sub driver), 50Hz to 15kHz (mic)
Connector: Analog
Turtle
Beach Ear Force Z6A
Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000
Price: $39.95
Website: www.microsoft.com
Why You’ll Dig It: Microsoft’s capable
headset is designed for all things VoIP. The LifeChat LX-3000 is
Skype-certified, so all you have to do to stay in touch with your mates is plug
it in (via USB) and fire up Skype. The headset is also compatible with
Microsoft Lync, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, and AOL Instant Messenger,
so consider those IM bases covered, as well. The headset is adjustable, and the
leatherette earcups are comfortable. Like the pricier headsets in this buyer’s
guide, the LifeChat LX-3000 has a noise-cancelling mic, so the person on the
receiving end of your chat will hear exactly what you say.
Who Should Apply: Anyone who needs a
headset for Skype or other VoIP applications. And, of course, the LifeChat
LX-3000 is perfectly good for people who are simply looking for a nice
general-purpose PC headset.
Frequency Response: Unspecified
Connector: USB
Microsoft
LifeChat LX-3000
HP Premium Digital Headset
Price: $34.99
Website: www.hp.com
Why You’ll Dig It: The HP Premium Digital
Headset is an afford-able way to get quality audio for music, VoIP, and gaming.
This headset utilizes an over-the-head design like most other headsets in this
buyer’s guide, but the padded leather earpads make the headset comfortable to
wear and help to reduce external sounds that can become a distraction. You can
also rotate the mic boom over 180 degrees for righty or lefty talkers and you
can swing it up and out of the way when watching a movie or listening to music.
The mic also supports noise-cancelling technology for crystal clear voice
performance. The headset also features side toning, which lets you hear your
own voice through the headset.
Who Should Apply: This headset puts your
comfort and audio enjoyment above all else, making it perfect for users who want
a single headset that works well for multimedia tasks, such as movies and
music, plus gaming and VoIP.
Frequency Response: 100Hz to 10kHz
Connector: USB
HP
Premium Digital Headset
Plantronics GameCom 780
Price: $79.99
Website: www.plantronics.com
Why You’ll Dig It: The GameCom 780 headset
from Plantronics utilizes a pair of large 40mm drivers to deliver stunning
stereo sound for music enjoyment. But thanks to built-in support for Dolby
Headphone and Pro Logic IIx technologies, you can enjoy up to a 7.1 surround
sound experience in games and movies. We also like the noise-canceling mic that
delivers crystal clear voice performance, the spin joints that let the earcans
lay flat for taking them to LAN parties and on the road, the earcan mounted
volume adjustment controls, and the extra-durable cords and joints that ensure
a long product life. This headset also features padded ear cushions and a
padded headband to keep you comfortable during those extended gaming sessions.
Who Should Apply: According to Plantronics,
the GameCom 780 headset is ideally suited to anyone who enjoys gaming, watching
video, listening to music, and making PC voice calls.
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz
(headphones), 100Hz to 8kHz (mic)
Connector: USB
Plantronics
GameCom 780
Creative ZiiSound T6
Price: $399.99
Website: us.creative.com
Why You’ll Dig It: It’s true, Creative’s
ZiiSound T6 is a 2.1-channel speaker system, however, you can swivel the
satellite speakers to widen the sound field for a surround sound effect and a
more visceral gaming and movie-watching experience. Better still, satellites
are wireless, which gives you the freedom to place them where they’ll sound
best. The speakers feature high-quality full-range drivers for rich audio
reproduction, and the precision-tuned SLAM (Symmetrically Loaded Acoustic
Module) subwoofer delivers window-rattling bass. The speaker system also
includes the Creative BT-D1 USB transmitter, which lets you pair it with
Bluetooth devices and stream audio right to it.
Who Should Apply: The Creative ZiiSound T6
is great for audio enthusiasts who enjoy music, movies, and games, but want to
avoid wires and the added clutter of five or more speakers.
Frequency Response: Unspecified
Total Power: Unspecified
Creative
ZiiSound T6
