Sharkoon X-Tatic True 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound Gaming Headset Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This headset rocks! I definitely took a chance on these despite not having seen any previous reviews or ratings, but it was worth it. I wanted to test it out for a few weeks before writing a review. Also, this is my first Sharkoon product.
Along with the headset itself, it includes
- optical cable
- "sound control unit" (your little magic black box where all cables run to)
- adapters for PC (comes with 5.1 analog for those w/o pc optical), 360, ps3
- detachable boom mic (it does flex to your preference)
- power supply (single cord which splits off to power your SCU and headset separately) Ex.) you can still disconnect the power to the SCU and still have power running to the headset by itself. The power supply comes with swappable heads. I guess this is if you go out of the country and want to use their foreign outlets.
It took me a little bit of time to figure out all these adapters, settings, and wires (there are a lot of wires.)
The Sound Control Unit (SCU) is where your optical, power supply and 9-pin headset connector come together. You can also adjust the general volume here, but I usually just use the volume adjust attached the the headset cord. There is a 5.1 analog output as another option for those PC users without an optical option. With two 9-pin headset jacks, a second person with the same headset may also listen in. Two Dolby options include Dolby Digital and Pro Logic. There are two included settings called Time-Delay and Dynamic Range Control located on the SCU.
Both of these passages taken directly from the manual. Either setting can be turned on or off.
"Time-Delay - The Time-Delay function allows to define a time delay for the sound reproduction for each speaker. Thus a spacious playback of the audio signal can be achieved. Note that increasing the delay too much may cause unnatural results."

"Dynamic Range Control - Dynamic Range control limits the dynamic, decreasing the level differences between loud and quiet passages in the Dolby Digital 5.1 signal thus balancing the effect of loudness."Other nice features include a volume adjuster which is attached the headset cord. The X-tatic logo on the headset AND also the attached volume adjuster light up. Looks good to me! The volume is indicated by the different colors lighted up on the volume adjuster - ranging from green (very low) to red (very high). The sound volume from each speaker can also be adjusted individually. So say you're sniping and you want to hear even more of the sounds behind you. You can "up" the volume on the rear speakers to do just that. Or you might be looking to get more "boom" from your sounds. You can increase the bass volume while keeping the other speakers at their current volume.
There is a switch to turn off your voice. You can't hear your own voice while speaking, but I prefer it that way. Voice volume from other people can also be adjusted independently from game volume. So when I hear a lobby full of annoying kids, I lower the voice volume and just "up" my awesome game volume. Bliss.
Comfort 5/5 - Took a night of gameplay to "break-in", so now it fits comfortably. Good padding so it sits well on your head. The ear cups can be tilted and also swivel to match your unique head shape (a BIG plus for me.) I can wear these 4-5 hours easy.
Sound 5/5 - Amazing! Playing MW2 and GOW2 is a whole new experience now! Sounds I never knew existed in these games gave me a whole new appreciation! Distant gunfire, rustling of bushes and grass around me, and even slight downpour can be heard. With that said, the 5.1 directionality will add a whole new dimension to your gameplay. For me, there is a clear distinction between if gunfire is coming from front, rear, front left, rear right, etc. Footsteps come in loud and clear. This keeps me more aware of my surroundings. Hurray for situational awareness!
Price 4/5 - It is quite the steep investment for me at $159.99, even with the free shipping from Amazon (love ya for that Amazon!) I did have to think twice before my purchase solely because the price. Now that I look back on it, it was the right move.
Overall, this headset definitely meets my expectations. It looks good and has some surprisingly cool features. Maybe if they could fix the amount of wires, but I guess that what it takes to work on the pc, 360, and ps3.
Good Hunting!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sharkoon X-Tatic True 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound Gaming Headset

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about Sharkoon X-Tatic True 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound Gaming Headset

Read More...

Tritton TRIAX-180 AX 180 Universal Gaming Headset Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I did this video review to help anyone out there with the same issues I had.
Hopefully this will help gain the insight you'll need to make a decision.
Please leave feedback, did I miss anything?

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tritton TRIAX-180 AX 180 Universal Gaming Headset

Tritton Technologies, known for designing and building the best gaming headsets on earth, delivers an affordable precision audio headset - the AX 180. Designed specifically for the XBOX and PS3, the balanced speakers provide rich, full stereo audio while the removable microphone ensures superior voice communication. The convenient inline audio controller features independent voice and game volume controls so you can clearly hear your teammates during those crucial gaming moments. Analog connectivity allows the AX 180 to be used with the popular Wii system and the breakaway cable design has options for MP3 and iPhone connectivity. Get your head into the game with the new AX 180.

Get 14% OFF

Click here for more information about Tritton TRIAX-180 AX 180 Universal Gaming Headset

Read More...

Logitech G35 7.1-Channel Surround Sound Headset Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)These headphones are a lot of fun.
I'm not a gamer - can't play many games because I get dizzy, but I am sort of a collector of headphones. Frankly, I expected these to be awful and was more than pleasantly surprised to find that they are really quite good.
OK, so they look like some kind of boy toy science fiction gizmo. For me, I could do without all the buttons. But having a volume button on the headphone and a mute for the mic is very useful.
Most headphones depend upon the right combination of source and headphone to get a good sound. If you plug most high end headphones directly into your ipod or computer soundcard the sound quality is atrocious. The right mate of source and sound can mean that the right $20 headphone in your ipod can give surprisingly good sound if it is a good match.
The good (and the bad) of a USB headset is that it bypasses the amp in your computer soundcard. Instead, the digital to audio processing occurs through USB. This approach can allow very high quality sound, and in the case of this headset, it succeeds.
As to sound quality. I am impressed with the surround sound where normally I find surround unbearably processed and artificial, the software does a good job. With the surround sound turned off, and these headphones are in pure stereo mode, forget it, it's awful. But that isn't what these headphones are for. Bass is excellent with good low extension and not even the slightest touch of boominess. Artifical bass enhancement is one of the things I hate about most processed sound, and I was delighted to find that none was present. Logitech is to be commended for making that choice in the design because most people equate sloppy boomy bass with high quality (think car stereo woofer).
The mid range is outstanding. That's where the sound really excels. I have a few very high end headphones where the midrange is weak. With these headphones subtleties of tone and shading in human voices are easy to hear.
The high end of the sound spectrum is the weakness of the sound signature. Lost highs are the big price for processed sound. Imagine a bell ringing. After the bell rings the sound hangs in the air and slowly fades. When the highest highs are lost, and the sound is processed, the sound gets artifically cut off and the "air" is gone from the sound. At the present state of technology this seems to be unavoidable in all processed sound. The good news with this headset is that this loss of highs is not too horribly bad. I could listen to music (which is not what these are for) and it was not too distracting. The offset was the beautiful mids and the realistic sound stage.
Listening to movies, other than gaming, is where this headset excels. This is where location of sound can make a huge difference, and the ambiant sounds contribute to the experience. Watching a movie with these headset while sitting right in front of my computer screen is immersive and exciting. I can imagine that in games, where location of sounds is critical, that these would greatly enhance the experience and give the player an extra edge.
Finally, they are pretty comfortable. The choice of cushioning is very appreciated.
My partner and I both want to use them. I was given these to review but I might have to buy another set. The price, when you consider that it includes the digital audio converter and amplification, is very reasonable for a headset of this quality.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech G35 7.1-Channel Surround Sound Headset

The Logitech G35 headset. Game-changing immersion with 7.1 surround sound powered by Dolby technology for a detailed soundfield. Featuring three swappable headband pads; three customizable G keys; on-ear audio controls; and an adjustable, noise-canceling microphone.

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about Logitech G35 7.1-Channel Surround Sound Headset

Read More...

Tritton TRIAX-720 AX 720 Dolby Digital Surround Sound Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I did this video review to help anyone out there with the same issues I had.
Hopefully this will help gain the insight you'll need to make a decision.
Please leave feedback, did I miss anything?

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tritton TRIAX-720 AX 720 Dolby Digital Surround Sound

Introducing the Tritton AX 720 high performance gaming audio system. Specifically designed for the XBox and PS3 systems, the AX 720 delivers superior voice communication while creating an immersive 3D surround sound environment utilizing Dolby Digital and Dolby Headphone technology. The convenient inline audio controller features independent voice and game volume controls so that you can clearly hear your teammates during those crucial gaming moments. From the casual gamer to the hardcore gamer, the AX 720 is sure to improve your game.

Click here for more information about Tritton TRIAX-720 AX 720 Dolby Digital Surround Sound

Read More...

Monster THXIMINI8 THX Certified 1/8 Stereo to Stereo RCA Cable Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Do you really need this kind of product just for analog-type connections? The answer is you do especiallly need this product for analog connections.
1. Dual-balanced conductors means your left and right connections are receiving equal audio signals. Is this important? Well if you want louder left or right signal reaching to your audio equipment due to faulty construction, then it may not be important. This may be an exaggeration, but if you care for sonic quality this product is for you.
2. Protective shielding. Analog signals are very much susceptible to interference. This interference can and will enter the cables and onto your audio where it is amplified and introduced as distortion. Worse, poor cables will introduce audio loops where buzz and hum are heard.
Any audio engineer will know never to cross audio cables with one another. Worse, no audio cables should be crossed with electrical plugs. Why? all these signals against one another produce electrical resistance and audio contamination in the analog signals. But no average Joe/Jane will know this.
So what's important to know is that this product meets THX-certified guidelines, which means you won't have to worry so much about audio distortion and poor quality and performance when buying something like this. And at this price, compare it with other audio cables and they can even be more expensive with cheaper and thinner construction and NO THX-certification.
For example you can compare this with Monster Cables iCable for the iPod, which is more than twice the price than this produce. I admit it has an even better construction and excellent build, but it isn't THX-certified. Well, I can bet that product does surpass THX-certifications but with half the price of the product you can be assured of excellent sonic quality. For your iPod, these cables will suite you more than fine.
Another example is Sony's RK-N215PM, which is the same price as this Monster cable. It's very flimsy and the cables are very thin. If you're asking for electrical interference, then this is the product your looking for. Worse, at the same price this Sony isn't THX-certified. I had to buy three of these Sony cables because the Monster THX i-mini cables are so thick that my Logitech Z-680 THX speakers can't accommodate three of the connectors side by side. It's a shame I had to get non-THX cables for the THX speaker set.
Believe me, this product is a steal. Get it while they still offer free shipping.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Monster THXIMINI8 THX Certified 1/8 Stereo to Stereo RCA Cable Adapter

Home Theatre Picture and Sound Keeps Getting Better DVD and Satellite Receivers use high performance connections like S-Video, Component Video, and Dolby Digital Surround Audio. Using high quality connections is more important than ever, to get the most out of these technologies. That's why THX, the industry leader in sound quality certification for movie theatres (you've probably seen the famous THX logo in movie theatres and on DVDs), collaborated together with Monster Cable, to create connection standards specifically for home theatre. Today's Home Theatre Components Need Higher Quality Connections The cables that come in the box don't meet Monster THX standards. Some of the connections you need don't even come in the box, including S-Video, Component Video, and Digital Audio for Surround Sound. Introducing the Monster Standard Line of Monster THX-Certified Cables Although Monster Standard THX cable doesn't feature many of the advanced technologies found in our higher performance product lines, it still packs plenty of Monsterous features: higher quality gold tip connections, user-friendly features like color-coded connectors & ID labels for easy, error-free hookup, plus increased power handling of speaker cables to deliver the full dynamic range of explosions and crashes found in today's movies. And dig the stylish, futuristic connector design inspired by Lucasfilm's Star Wars epics.

Get 23% OFF

Click here for more information about Monster THXIMINI8 THX Certified 1/8 Stereo to Stereo RCA Cable Adapter

Read More...

HDMI M / M Cable, 50 FT / 15 M Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Pros: cheap price, long length, works up to 1080i
Cons: does not work with 1080p
I am using this cable to connect my computer to a 47" LCD. It works perfectly up to 1080i. With 1080p (both 50 and 60 Hz), there is much extra green and some blue band distortion, indicating the cable cannot deliver the bandwidth necessary for these resolutions.
For my use, since I'm not willing to pay for a more expensive cable at this time, I will be using 1080i. In the future, I'll be upgrading the cable to one that can do 1080p 60Hz.
If all you need a long cable up to 1080i, this cable is an excellent deal. If you need 1080p, this cable will not be usable.

Click Here to see more reviews about: HDMI M / M Cable, 50 FT / 15 M

Get 84% OFF

Click here for more information about HDMI M / M Cable, 50 FT / 15 M

Read More...

Killzone 2 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I play a lot of Resistance 2 and COD4 & COD:WAW. Resistance for its massive battles & COD for the great graphics and super tight play. Killzone 2 is a great blend of each.
There are a lot of complaints about the controls, but none from me. The guns are weighted and recoil as you would expect. The characters move like heavily armored soldiers carrying heavy artillary might. I could see it as an issue if it wasn't equal, but everyone is playing at the same speed and after a very short amount of time, I can say without fail that I am pretty quick with the M82 and plenty of online players that are far superior to me will light you up as quick as any game of Halo or COD.
As far as the graphics, online there is no dropoff compared to the single player. This is the best looking game I can remember playing. I had a difficult time going back to Resistance because it looked terrible after KZ2.
The single player game is ...about like every other signle player FPS that I can remember. Follow a line shoot guys, etc. I only played for a couple of hours to get familiar with the controls before playing online so I can't really speak as an authority on the single player.
The online game has all of the usual suspects as far as game modes go. The new exception is being able to string any of the five together that plays as single game. If you have a squad that you enjoy playing with, this is great. If you jump into a 25 minute game and get stuck with a team of half-tards, prepare to be frustrated that you have to wait 25 minutes to get credited with your experience. It's also worth noting that KZ2 has a similiar level up / xp system that unlocks various items like COD 4. It's about what you'd expect.The battles are awesome and where KZ2 really takes the cake for me is the whole package with 30 people at a time. My biggest complaint with COD4 is 12 player battles on medium sized maps. It is too easy for people to camp and the middle of the screen remain empty for extended periods - especially in hardcore modes where you are playing 1 shot kills.
Killzone 2 doesn't reinvent the wheel and doesn't really offer anything new in terms of gameplay. A similiar thing has happened with the fighter genre. You can only "play guns" in so many different ways, so the next logical step is perfecting the genre, and right now, Killzone 2 is at the top of the heap.
UPDATED:
I purchased the downloadable map packs, Titanium & Steel. One takes place on a moving train, the other in the cruiser shown at the opening of the game. The train is a sight to behold and a snipers dream come true as the action funnels to visible choke points and the map is very narrow. The Vekta cruiser is multi-leveled and circular in shape. It's a stark contrast to the rest of Killzone with bright lighting and vibrant colors. The pack cost $6.00 and both are fun to play. The only problem is not many people appear to have purchased. It is common to find lobbies with the new map pack OR the originals. They're great to see in motion, espcially the train, but not a mandatory purchase at all.
I have such a problem with connection, that I've found myself going back to COD4 & WAW despite preferring Killzone 2's gameplay. Not only am I frequently disconnected, but it logs the PS3 offline and occassionaly locks up the system and requires a hard restart. I've even found myself having to restart my router becuase it locks everything up and I have to reboot my connection. It is exceptionally frustrating to play partial matches and get kicked (especially the longer games) and pop in COD or Resistance and have no issues.
Finally - Clan battles. Ugh. Oddly enough, COD felt like you had to be in a clan to enjoy the game. In fact, it's almost mandatory (log into a match with just a bunch of guys versus a party and get ready to die...a lot, no level balancing). KZ seems to be the opposite. Clan battles have rampant cheating and cheapness you just don't see in the big open matches. I played in a couple clan matches and virtually every negative I'd heard about them was evident(not respawning in deathmatch, hiding the the radio in your base, etc.). I've had a much better time just going from game to game until I find a group that is competitive on both sides. The good rooms are typically set to automatically balance, so a room with a few good players on both sides can be as much fun as any clan battle.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Killzone 2

Get ready to take on the full strength of the Helghast war machine from a dramatic first-person perspective with Killzone 2 for PS3. From Guerilla Games, this much anticipated follow-up to Killzone for PS2 and Killzone: Liberation for PSP drops you right into the boots of battle hardened special forces soldier Sev. Set two years after the aborted Helghast assault on Vekta, the action opens with your ISA Legion squad deployed behind enemy lines on the Helghan's unforgiving home turf.
Combat Lifelike AI and Inhospitable Terrain Despite the smooth character animations and swift-thinking AI behind each individual Helghan, their planet itself may be the most deceptive opponent that you face. Unlike other game environments that serve as nothing more than a visual backdrop, the devastating Helghan climate takes a notable toll. And, worst of all, the Helghans know exactly how to use the planet against you.
The in-your-face perspective comes to life as you take aim with exotic new weapons and mainstays from the previous games, including the M82-G assault rifle. And you can now drive an array of rugged, sometimes strange, vehicles that expand the gruesome possibilities of war.
Guerilla Technology in a Terrifying, Realistic World Guerrilla's unique visuals and deferred rendering technology ensure that even the ugliest situations on Helghan are beautifully lit. Ambient occlusion and accurate shadow casting from a variety of light sources combine with gritty textures, detailed environments, and studio-grade special effects to help complete the realistic, Hollywood experience of this first-person shooter.
Real-time cutscenes, full-screen anti-aliasing, motion blurs, and internal lens reflections all bring you into the fold and work to maximize the hardware capabilities of the PS3. And the audio experience is no less impressive. 7.1 surround sound capability lend a truly dynamic sound element to your experience, while audio occlusion with wave tracing means that you can hear the difference between indoor and outdoor firefights.
Chaotic Multiplayer Drama Online While single-player mode lets you take on the unique challenges of 11 fully developed levels, online play lets you engage with up to 32 players at a time, bringing the gritty, realistic chaos of war to a whole new level.
Other multi-player friendly enhancements in Killzone 2 include in-game clan management, a match wagering system, and the ability to integrate new information and track friends and enemies with the community at Killzone.com.

Get 17% OFF

Click here for more information about Killzone 2

Read More...

Ear Force PBT Bluetooth Communicator for PS3 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Enjoyed playing XBOX360 with my X31 headset ,but then wanted the same enjoyment with PS3.
Not possible till ear force PBT was brought to my notice,now i get the best out of both game consules
Thank you Turtle Beach.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ear Force PBT Bluetooth Communicator for PS3

The Turtle Beach Ear Force PBT is a Bluetooth communicator device for the PlayStation 3. It allows wireless connectivity to the PS3 for live chat with others over the PlayStation Network. The PBT is unique because unlike other Bluetooth communicators, in addition to pairing with your PS3, it can simultaneously pair with your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone too. The PBT's dual-pairing feature maximizes convenience when gaming because you can instantly switch from in-game chatting to take a phone call - with just a single press of a button. With the PBT's 2.5mm mic jack you can even use the wireless Ear Force X31 or X41 headsets on the PlayStation 3. All the innovative features that make Turtle Beach's X31 and X41 excellent XBOX 360 headsets can now be enjoyed on the PS3.

Get 52% OFF

Click here for more information about Ear Force PBT Bluetooth Communicator for PS3

Read More...

Ear Force DPX21 PS3 Headset and 5.1/7.1 Channel Dolby Surround Sound Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This pair of headphones has a truly spectacular frequency response range. Despite the fact these are headphones, you will FEEL the bass reverberating between your ears! The fact that these work with pretty much any audio source you'll run across from stereo analog input to digital fiber optic is pretty sweet.
I've owned many headphones. Be it from cheap stereo to "pseudo-surround", such as the Plantronics Gamecom (pseudo-surround) and I even have a pair of the mid-line SHURE headphones (they have reasonable bass response), this pair will blow them away.
Sound is crisp in the mid/high range as well. For the price, you certainly won't be dissappointed! If you're a SHURE headphone fan, these will really impress you.
The only downside to these are the MASSIVE amount of cables that accompany them. It's not that there's many, it's just that they're really LONG (which is GREAT in most cases!)... Just remember you're going to have to bundle them if you're going to use them on your PC (as I do) so they aren't strewn across your entire desk.
Overall, best headphone purchase I've made to date. Turtle Beach really knows their audio!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ear Force DPX21 PS3 Headset and 5.1/7.1 Channel Dolby Surround Sound

Get 9% OFF

Click here for more information about Ear Force DPX21 PS3 Headset and 5.1/7.1 Channel Dolby Surround Sound

Read More...