Steel Series Arctis Pro Wireless Gaming Headset White $459 + Delivery @ Umart

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Nicksta on 26/01/2021 - 10:25 umart.com.au (247 clicks)
Last edited 26/01/2021 - 14:23 by 1 other user

Up until recently I have been using a pair of Audeze Penrose but due to a raft of issues, I am returning them. In searching for a replacement, I wanted a more robust solution that offered simultaneous BT and 2.4Ghz wireless, better range, better comfort and overall better build quality and was prepared to drop a little sound quality in exchange if needs be. After a bit of research I found these on sale at Umart. Yes they are only at that price in white (normally $549 umart or $599 at JB when not on sale). Seeing as I only wear these in my study on PC, I am not phased by the colour but I actually do like the white for something a bit different. Hope others might find this post useful:)

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  carbonmeister on 26/01/2021 - 10:37

  What were the issues with the Audeze Penrose?

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    rysith on 26/01/2021 - 10:39

    Also interested as was looking at the Penrose X's

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  Nicksta on 26/01/2021 - 10:44

  +2

  There's a massive thread over on Head-fi.org for detailed user experiences but in summary this is some of the issues either I have experienced or others have reported; Poor BT and Wireless range, huge volume jumps when switching between the two types, comfort issues for both head and ears (user variable), hissing and background 'wind noise', out of balance output levels between ears for a few users (not me personally) and the issue that put the last nail in the coffin for me is a crinkling sound when you move your head which appears to be torn silver material inside the cups which I suspect may have been caused by the volume jumps but could also just be a poor material choice.

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    jasswolf on 26/01/2021 - 13:12

    I have heard about range issues, but people local to Audeze have been unable to repeat the behaviour on their test bench so that may be local interference.

    Volume levels being markedly different when switching makes sense, but seems like a slight oversight in the firmware. Also keep in mind that the Penrose does support simultaneous wireless and BT connections, though your deal post seemed to suggest otherwise.

    The woosh noise was another oversight in the firmware which was corrected before most people got their headphone in the form of an update.

    The crinkling noise you're describing is almost certainly 'planar crinkle' and is a normal consequence of such a thin driver dealing with sharp movements or changes in air pressure, which is why - for example - you don't squeeze the pads when putting planars on (or for electrostatic headphones). You may also hear the movement of coarse hair - usually beard hair - on the pads resonate quite audibly if you move your jaw a great deal during use. That's just the technology involved, not an outright fault.

    Seems like the key long term issue for you was the comfort and weight balance of the headset, which is unfortunate, but I hope you gave that due time as the other remaining issues would likely have disappeared over time with updates or warranty replacements.

    FYI these are normally on sale for $390-$430, but yours seems to be the cheapest current price: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/product/steelseries-arctis-pro

    Remember to add the product tag so people can compare!

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    [Deactivated] on 26/01/2021 - 13:59

    I've had these for about a year now and haven't run into any problems you have described. The only issue I have noticed is the mic quality isn't as good as I thought it would be at that price point

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      jasswolf on 26/01/2021 - 15:39

      You've had a Penrose for a year? Or did you mean the Mobius (or one of its HyperX variants)?

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  fraid knot on 26/01/2021 - 11:05

  Plenty of posts around on the Arctis Pro and 9's breaking at the ear cups after a few months. Apparently they used a different plastic to the Arctis 7's and lower range headsets which don't have this issue.

  Steelseries after sales support is pretty bad also so buyer beware…DYOR

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    BigBrickBoy on 26/01/2021 - 11:30

    Pretty disappointing to hear that, I have a pair of the Arctic 7 and I think they’re pretty decent. Sucks that the manufacturing for the upper models is worse than the lower ones. I’ve never had any issue with mine except for sometimes on full power, the low battery indicator will stay red. But it doesn’t effect usage.

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    Nicksta on 26/01/2021 - 11:38

    Yeah I had read of the hinge issue, the general advice is to hold the headband when putting them on, not the cups. Hopefully my set will have been improved…but I suspect that is wishful thinking on my part :O

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      fraid knot on 26/01/2021 - 19:47

      Yeah I'm looking for a gaming headset with bluetooth for answering calls and its come down to these, Penrose, GSP670s or JBL Quantum 800s.

      For $300 I'd take the risk on these but for $450 it's a bit much. I've read the Penrose thread and figure those are still in beta testing but sound promising if they can fix all the issues. GSP670's also have connection issues on PC and the Quantum 800s have poor battery and sound apparently.

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        aragornelessar on 27/01/2021 - 19:08

        For what it's worth, that's my use case as well. I use it connected to my PC for gaming, and bluetooth to my laptop/phone for work calls. I grabbed the black ones for $390 or so from Amazon when they were on sale and haven't missed a beat.

        I can see how people say the clamping might be too much, but I figured the only way I'd see how they felt was trying them out (which Amazon would be happy to take a return of, if needed). Haven't had them long enough to comment on their longetivity though.. hope Amazon would help out there too if there were issues.

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  lostwasgood481516 on 26/01/2021 - 11:45

  Microphone aside, how would these compare with Sony XM4?

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    botchie on 26/01/2021 - 12:36

    These are for gaming, they don't compare id say

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      lostwasgood481516 on 26/01/2021 - 15:15

      I was referring to sound quality. I use XM4 for gaming when the fam is asleep. Gaming functions obviously better with the Arctis, but for sound quality i just wanted to know if they are in the same league.

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        fuwa on 26/01/2021 - 15:40

        I've got the XM3 (near identical I believe) and in terms of sound quality it is leagues above the Wireless Pro imo.

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          ONEMariachi on 26/01/2021 - 17:55

          @fuwa: I have the XM3 and wireless Pro as well. Genuinely confused as to how you are saying they’re leagues ahead? Slightly better maybe, but leagues ahead?

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            fuwa on 26/01/2021 - 17:59

            @ONEMariachi: Perhaps it's just the fit, but no matter how much I mess with the equalizer I can at best get the Pro to sound decent. The XM3s sound much fuller and clearer to me. Just my personal opinion.

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        botchie on 26/01/2021 - 17:14

        I have Arctis + DAC so they are wired, not sure if they compare to these and I have MX3s - I prefer the Arctis for sound quality and comfort but not sure how they go vs wireless version sorry

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        strikeout119 on 26/01/2021 - 21:34

        The XM3's sound better for the music I listen to with a more emphasis on the bass and better at passive noise cancelling. Although the comfort of the Pro Wireless is more important to me with the 'airweave' ear cups and elastic headband for longer wear without worrying about damaging the PU leather. I personally wouldn't wear my XM3's for gaming as they make my ears hot after prolonged use.

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    vihand on 26/01/2021 - 14:44

    They are in diiferent area, this one is for gaming or PC.