Hi-fi quality gaming headphones are one of the most popular items of 2016. It would seem the gaming community and the audio community have been gradually inching closer together, with more and more gradual emphasis being placed on audio within games. In fact, we’d place it as one of the most important components of the gaming experience. After all, what’s more important to the gaming experience than immersion, and what’s more immersive than sound?
It really was only a matter of time before someone realised there was a bit of a gap in the market. After all If “normal” headphones require a headphone amplifier to improve the quality of sound, why don’t gaming headphones? Sure, a decent soundcard is part and parcel of the modern gaming set up, as with all things hi-fi, separate is always better.
And, with that in mind, I bring you…
The similar but slightly different Sennheiser GSX 1000 and GSX 1200 Gaming Headphone Amplifiers have been designed to work in perfect harmony with Sennheiser’s excellent range of gaming headphones. Designed with professional gamers in mind, they are small accessories, just: 143 x 70 x 139mm, and weighing a paltry 390g each, with the 1000 designed for general gaming use and the 1200 a slightly higher spec, for competitive use including esports.
“The GSX has been designed to be the heart of your gaming sound, with a dedicated DAC chip that requires no additional drivers. The amplifier gives precise control of both game and communication sound, allowing for separate adjustment and USB inputs for each. Besides the range of EQ settings, it is also possible to set Reverberation levels to change how the user feels in physical spaces of the game.” ~ Sennhesier
It’s worth noting that neither of the amplifiers need additional drivers, and are suitable for both MAC and PC, so there’s no need to tweak your settings. Just plug… and play. Also of note, the “groundbreaking” new digital surround sound algorithm making this one of the most sonically realistic gaming experiences available to date.
Aside from the extra edge on the sound (improving both gameplay and aptitude when used correctly) one of the best things about both the Sennhesier GSX 1000 and 1200 is its intuitive controls which, as you can see from the pictures, are very satisfying to behold and even more satisfying to use. With the beautiful red on black display dimming when not in use (if you’re easily distracted in play, this feature is a game-saver) but “wakes up” upon sensing your hand near by. That feature alone is worth every penny of the overall cost, and is a great deal of fun to play with. You can also automatically adjust the sidetone to taste, with needing to unplug anything.
Are these the next “must have” for gaming audiophiles, and competitive gamers? Click here to take a closer look and see for yourselves the difference the Sennhesier GSX can make.