From the specifications listed on the previous page, it looks as though SteelSeries have the better response on the cans and the microphone, but let’s see how it stacks up in reality.
First, I will cover the SteelSeries 5H v2 and run them through a couple of sound tests to determine overall volume, frequency range and response.
Plugging the headphones into my line-out from the back of the computer is the most logical thing to do first, despite the fact I have an amplifier to drive my speakers. Thankfully the industry has finally gotten around to agreeing on a colour code for all the 3.5mm jacks! - As it can be a nightmare if it’s dark and cramped to try and figure out which hole is line-out and which is mic.
With the headset jacked in, it’s time to pick some music. First I decide to try the response of the units by playing Rob Dougan using raw WAV files to ensure that the sound is not crippled as in the case of Mpeg layer 3 encoding. The mix of the strings and deep bass beats is a great way to find out how the driver units in the headphones can replicate the sound.
The first thing I noticed about the SteelSeries is that they are quiet, really quiet; even when fiddling with the in-line volume control to make sure it’s all the way up. So, up goes the windows volume control and I get a more respectable level, but the volume is nearly topped out and it's not super loud.
The tunes flow nicely through the units, however, and there is minimal distortion despite having the windows volume at full blast. I can detect the high pitch of the string sections and the bass is present, but it lacks any kind of kick.
To get a better idea of the bass, I turn to some good old drum and bass to get it working, and Pendulum seems the perfect pick. The phat beats begin to pump through and they have nice clarity and definition to them, but I still have the feeling that I'm missing something.
