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Audeze Penrose X Wireless Headset $399 Delivered @ Addicted To Audio

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Audeze Penrose X Wireless Headset $399 Delivered @ Addicted To Audio
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jasswolf on 22/10/2021 - 03:44 addictedtoaudio.com.au (250 clicks)
Last edited 22/10/2021 - 03:50

Sale price is back for this model, which differs from the regular Penrose by offering additional XBox compatibility via toggle switch on the dongle.

Note that this model does support Playstation consoles, all you have to do is toggle the switch on the dongle.

This is the unquestioned wireless gaming headset for audio quality and detail level, and it's in its own tier as far as that niche goes.

  • Successor to Audeze Mobius (sans USB wired mode and headtracking)
  • Low-latency wireless & bluetooth (simultaneously)
  • Closed back planar driver (updated from the Mobius)
  • 15 hour battery life (planar driver uses a lot of power)
  • Multiple DSP presets (default & 'music' preferred by most)

Tonality is Harman neutral with a touch of warmth in the bass and a bit of extra treble in the air frequencies.

There's been some user complaints over the journey so I might cover some in this post:

  • Any wireless connectivity issues should be resolvable via checking local interference, or improving line of sight (front USB ports or a USB extension cable)
  • Mic is professional grade in wired mode, not in wireless mode (duh); may get firmware update in future due to upcoming wireless codec tech
  • Comfort issues should be resolved by adjusting headband and correctly aligning pads, or lightly stretching the headband as needed… like most headphones

Be aware of A2A's return policy and consult with them before sale if you're concerned about fitment issues and the like, so you have a good basis for return without paying for re-stocking.

Reviews a plenty out there for it and the Mobius, but I'll let everyone else post their favourites and I'll pick them apart in the comments. :P

Enjoy!

Electrical & Electronics Audeze Bluetooth Headset Wireless Headset

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closed Comments

  • Doge420 on 22/10/2021 - 06:01

    PS version also on sale? Whats diff

    https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/audeze-penrose-wirel…

    • charliecereal on 22/10/2021 - 07:44

      The only difference is that the xbox one works on xbox, ps5, and pc. Whereas the PS version only works on Ps5 and pc

      • jasswolf on 22/10/2021 - 08:21

        And the colour scheme.

  • DanasaurusRAWR on 22/10/2021 - 07:50

    The battery life on these are terrible and nowhere near the claimed 15 hours. I only get 7-8 hours out of mine and the notifications are poor - 50% battery tells you low battery, then around 25% again, then it'll just die.

    Sound is great once you get over the constant static buzz in the background, even at low levels, but the jump from low volume has an unbalanced jump going up. Overall, I wish I'd gotten the Steelseries Pro Wireless.

    • gabos on 22/10/2021 - 08:19

      Yep, I preordered these and ended up returning them for a refund disappointed primarily with the battery life. I was getting sub 7 hours. Amazing sound quality though..

    • jasswolf on 22/10/2021 - 08:25

      Was this with firmware updates, and was this with both Bluetooth and wireless connected, or just wireless?

      What did Audeze support have to say?

      An audible noise floor is a staple of current wireless tech, unfortunately, though I'd imagine they could do more to dampen it.

      • Diji1 on 22/10/2021 - 10:03
        +1

        An audible noise floor is a staple of current wireless tech

        Noise floor is on all audio equipment.

        "Removing it" (it doesn't actually get removed, the volume of all frequencies is lowered when you cannot hear it) involves removing some audio detail which is why Audeze and other low noise floor equipment sounds more detailed with an audible noise floor.

        The static is there still during audio play it just gets drowned out by signal.

        • jasswolf on 22/10/2021 - 12:20

          Hence why I've written 'audible noise floor'.

          There are ways to remove noise floors while reintroducing removed detail, but that will come down to the DSP capability of the hardware they have in place.

    • ONEMariachi on 22/10/2021 - 09:50
      +1

      Can recommend the pro wireless, hige fan myself. The hot swap battery is a feature i’m genuinely surprised doesn’t exist elsewhere.

      However be aware it won’t work fully with the xbox. It doesn’t recognise the usb hub and you’ll need to connect it to the optical on your tv to get sound. No mic usage in wireless mode. Has to be wired to the controller to get that.

      • Diji1 on 22/10/2021 - 10:04

        Yeah unfortunately the Mobius have some firmware issues leading to strange behavior as well.

    • apok00 on 22/10/2021 - 10:09
      +1

      I have these don't recommend them at all.

      Wireless range is awful compared to my other Alienware wireless. Cant go around 1 wall while the Alienware reaches the other side of the house.

      The planar magnetic foil/film is so fragile both earcups now have a aluminium foil crinkle that is very annoying and its not covered by warranty apparently. I have been very gentle with the headsets and the crinkling was within the first few weeks in the left earcup.

      Battery isn't the best either as started above.

      Mic is good and the sound is amazing but not worth it with the issues they have.

      • jasswolf on 22/10/2021 - 12:15

        Planar crinkle is normal and shouldn't be impacting you during audio playback unless you're moving wildly. It's a consequence of air pressure on such a thin driver.

        If it's happening while you're fairly still with audio playing, contact Audeze support to start a return process.

  • Diji1 on 22/10/2021 - 10:14

    Mic is professional grade in wired mode, not in wireless mode (duh); may get firmware update in future due to upcoming wireless codec tech

    JFC Audeze … WHY?

    Comfort issues should be resolved by adjusting headband and correctly aligning pads, or lightly stretching the headband as needed… like most headphones

    IME with the Audeze Mobius, this is much more salient advice than with normal headphones. They are comfortable but you have to be careful with placement and stretch them briefly before putting them on.

    Unfortunately the Waves NX 3D processing on the Audeze Mobius is pretty bad. While it's effective for positioning it messes up the sound EQ IMO. On PC this can be mitigated by mixing to other virtual surround algos using Equalizer EPO and you can use Astro or other hardware mixer for console.

    Other than having a lot of issues they are brilliant headphones though. Sound quality is mindblowing

    • jasswolf on 22/10/2021 - 12:13

      JFC Audeze … WHY?

      Same problem as all wireless codecs: not enough bandwidth.

      LC3 and LC3Plus should fix this, but backwards compatibility will be down to the manufacturer, but you'd imagine Audeze would be keen if the hardware is capable.

  • dunnoz on 22/10/2021 - 12:17

    Pre-ordered and returned.

    Like most have said.. sound quality is really good for wireless headphones.

    But that's about it… battery sucks, wireless connection and range sucks, clamp force is pretty high, mic quality isnt as good as samples and its 400 bucks.

    • jasswolf on 22/10/2021 - 12:18

      There were samples for both wired and wireless… I mentioned this in the OP

      • dunnoz on 22/10/2021 - 12:27

        are we talking about the samples audeze released? cause I recall they only release 1 set… which they only later confirmed it was wired samples with everyone thinking it was wireless…

        and why would anyone buy a wireless headphone to plug it in…

        • jasswolf on 22/10/2021 - 13:02

          https://soundcloud.com/audeze/sets/penrose-microphone-sample…

          I think the better question is why would anyone expect the portion of such limited bandwidth be applied enough that the wireless mic quality matches a wired sample.

          If you want to record at broadcast quality, the option is there, which is frankly very impressive. The headphone aspect operates well in wired mode thanks the the onboard amp, DAC and DSP still being engaged.

          If it gets LC3/LC3Plus support in the future (this is still being rolled out as a standard, apparently), this will improve mic quality and help free up more bandwidth. It should be possible, and Audeze would have a vested interest in using the Penrose and Mobius for that R&D.

  • seerious on 22/10/2021 - 12:26

    Don't recommend this headset if:

    1) you have medium to large ears
    (the cups are shallow and there's no padding over the baffle)

    2) you're susceptible to sore spots on top of head
    (they're quite heavy and the headband concentrates pressure on the top/middle more than most

    3) you don't like a loud noise floor (static) when sound/music isn't playing
    (of all the wireless headsets I've owned, this one is the worst)

    On the plus side, they do sound quite good and allows for custom EQ's to he saved to the headset.
    However I'd argue that these simply give up too much. At least visit A2A to try them on first.

    If you can run wired, just grab a MH752 or PC38X instead. They're both far superior.

    • jasswolf on 22/10/2021 - 12:51

      1) you have medium to large ears
      (the cups are shallow and there's no padding over the baffle)

      Ahhh, no, no this headphone was not made to be unsuitable for most ears in this way. At all.

      Most people's ears barely stick out at all and the pads angle out at the back, so this is a ridiculous comment before you again complain about a baffle touching your ear… it's a grille, and you definitely want it there.

      2) you're susceptible to sore spots on top of head
      (they're quite heavy and the headband concentrates pressure on the top/middle more than most

      Thanks for the general warning about headbands, feel free to appropriately adjust the headband so the clamp of the pads actually relieves pressure from the top of your head.

      You literally created this problem for yourself.

      3) you don't like a loud noise floor (static) when sound/music isn't playing
      (of all the wireless headsets I've owned, this one is the worst)

      Imagine having present treble.

      Imagine removing the headphone and placing it on your neck when you're not using it.

      At least visit A2A to try them on first.

      Sure.

      If you can run wired, just grab a MH752 or PC38X instead. They're both far superior.

      No, but if you absolutely must have a headset, the MH751, not the MH752, is fantastic value when sub-$80.

      I can't recommend another headset on some combination of price, sound quality and imaging capability (where the PC38X falls horribly short).

      I strongly recommend getting a desk mic setup for around $50 for comms, then getting a nice wired headphone and using that for 10 years, replacing the pads every 2-3.

      Until right to repair and fairly standardised low latency tech is here, that's the cost effective way to set your audio up, and it's certainly tends to be the same or cheaper than those who roll through headsets when the pads fail to chase a meager quality upgrade.

      • seerious on 22/10/2021 - 16:24

        Ahhh, no, no this headphone was not made to be unsuitable for most ears in this way. At all.
        Most people's ears barely stick out at all and the pads angle out at the back, so this is a ridiculous comment

        Oh good, you have smallish ears. However the head-fi and hifiguides owner threads are rife with complaints on how uncomfortable they are.
        I personally don't mind when my ears touch the inner grille, as long as there is a foam cover, ala Hyper X Cloud II Wireless.

        before you again complain about a baffle touching your > ear… it's a grille, and you definitely want it there.

        You're quite right. I have an exploded headphone image I refer to which led me astray.

        Thanks for the general warning about headbands, feel free to appropriately adjust the headband so the clamp of the pads actually relieves pressure from the top of your head.
        You literally created this problem for yourself.

        https://www.theverge.com/22262114/audeze-penrose-gaming-head…
        https://www.headphonecheck.com/test/audeze-penrose/
        https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/aude…
        https://forum.hifiguides.com/t/found-the-rabbit-hole-entranc…

        Bit snarky. Again, it's great that you obviously found them comfortable - assuming you've tried them? But the Penrose (and Mobius/Cloud Orbit) is quite divisive due to its weight and flat padded headband. You can't just universally recommend them as comfortable like a pair of Bose or Sennheisers. You might think $400 is cheap due to your time in the audiophile world, but the average consumer is going to expect these to be incredible at this price.

        Imagine having present treble.
        Imagine removing the headphone and placing it on your neck when you're not using it.

        What is this response? Your solution for higher-than-normal static hissing is to constantly take the headset off when out of game?

        No, but if you absolutely must have a headset, the MH751, not the MH752, is fantastic value when sub-$80.

        The MH751 has a worse cable which is highly microphonic. I know as I actually own both. I recommend paying the extra $10 for the improved cable as it's very difficult sourcing an aftermarket one due to the twisting mechanism.

        I can't recommend another headset on some combination of price, sound quality and imaging capability (where the PC38X falls horribly short).

        I'm just going to disagree with this. Crinacle is the only reviewer I've seen who said this, and while I highly respect his opinions, it does not match with my own impressions in-game. I find them to have small soundstage but nicely accurate imaging.

        I strongly recommend getting a desk mic setup for around $50 for comms, then getting a nice wired headphone and using that for 10 years, replacing the pads every 2-3.

        For a PC user with a solid desk setup? Yeah, sure. But for the average user who wants to play their console on the couch?

        • jasswolf on 22/10/2021 - 16:52

          Oh good, you have smallish ears. However the head-fi and hifiguides owner threads are rife with complaints on how uncomfortable they are.
          I personally don't mind when my ears touch the inner grille, as long as there is a foam cover, ala Hyper X Cloud II Wireless.

          No I don't, my ears touch the cups, baffles and grilles of headphones all the time. I just don't give a shit, because the fresh material on the pads and inside the enclosure settles in after a day or two.

          https://www.theverge.com/22262114/audeze-penrose-gaming-head…
          https://www.headphonecheck.com/test/audeze-penrose/
          https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/aude…
          https://forum.hifiguides.com/t/found-the-rabbit-hole-entranc…

          3 of those reviews mention that they have large heads. That's where headband stretching comes once you're confident on earcup placement.

          What is this response? Your solution for higher-than-normal static hissing is to constantly take the headset off when out of game?

          It's a caveat of the technology, even bluetooth, the difference there being it will just cut the audio entirely. Having a more present treble means it's more audible. You can't get high fidelity audio via this method without this compromise.

          And yeah, if you're not using your headphones for anything other than earmuffs, of course should take them off if it's irritating you, and they'll eventually go on standby too without any audio for a stretch (which people complain about as a popping noise on various wireless and bluetooth headsets).

          The MH751 has a worse cable which is highly microphonic. I know as I actually own both. I recommend paying the extra $10 for the improved cable as it's very difficult sourcing an aftermarket one due to the twisting mechanism.

          How much are you moving your head that this actually matters? So long as the cable provided with the MH752 can bypass its USB dongle when you start to upgrade your chain, I'm not going to argue this point further.

          I'm just going to disagree with this. Crinacle is the only reviewer I've seen who said this, and while I highly respect his opinions, it does not match with my own impressions in-game. I find them to have small soundstage but nicely accurate imaging.

          Andrew from Headphones.com feels the same way, and I basically stopped checking reviews shortly after because they all mentioned this alongside the lack of resolution.

          For a PC user with a solid desk setup? Yeah, sure. But for the average user who wants to play their console on the couch?

          I'd still be looking at lapel mics or 3rd-party boom solutions. Life's too short to cop the bullshit gaming and PC hardware companies are spitting out.

          • seerious on 22/10/2021 - 17:19
            +1

            @jasswolf:

            No I don't, my ears touch the cups, baffles and grilles of headphones all the time. I just don't give a shit, because the fresh material on the pads and inside the enclosure settles in after a day or two.

            Look, that's fair enough. But there's a reason everyone wears Bose QC35ii's and Airpod Pro's.

            3 of those reviews mention that they have large heads. That's where headband stretching comes once you're confident on earcup placement.

            That only helps with clamp (something I'm personally not sensitive to). I take it you don't suffer from sore spots on top/middle of head? It's why I can wear my HD560s or HD6XX all day, but my HD599 piss me off after 15 minutes. Lucky it isn't the other way around though.

            It's a caveat of the technology, even bluetooth, the difference there being it will just cut the audio entirely. Having a more present treble means it's more audible. You can't get high fidelity audio via this method without this compromise.

            Regardless, it appears Audeze has improved it.
            https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/jwwh5j/audeze_p…

            How much are you moving your head that this actually matters? So long as the cable provided with the MH752 can bypass its USB dongle when you start to upgrade your chain, I'm not going to argue this point further.

            The MH752 comes with a shitty USB dongle and a standalone 3.5mm cable.
            The MH751 just comes with a 3.5mm cable with in-line controls. This one is much more microphonic.
            On top of that, the MH751 is extremely fragile. Mine broke, and my shit usually never breaks as I'm pretty careful with it.
            Not an uncommon problem:
            https://www.reddit.com/r/coolermaster/comments/oitdtb/mh751_…
            https://www.reddit.com/r/coolermaster/comments/imqk3s/mh751_…

            Andrew from Headphones.com feels the same way, and I basically stopped checking reviews shortly after because they all mentioned this alongside the lack of resolution.

            Fair enough. Max Settings said the same IIRC.
            Crinacle also said this though: https://youtu.be/nDxr_7_JJYk?t=1033
            Really can't agree more, which is why the PC38X is still a solid recommendation. It's fine for gaming, has a nice FR for music and the mic is useful if you need one,
            I personally only pull mine out on the rare occasion I have time for the PS5, but I have a lot more gear than the average person.

            I'd still be looking at lapel mics or 3rd-party boom solutions. Life's too short to cop the bullshit gaming and PC hardware companies are spitting out.

            Yeah look, I agree. Wouldn't include the Takstars or Sennheisers in that group though. Certainly wouldn't recommend anyone buy Razer/Logi etc.

  • m0usju1c3 on 22/10/2021 - 15:02

    I pre-ordered also, I'm on my 2nd pair now. I returned the first pair due to the bad range and the crackle/pop sounds that occur now and then. As others have mentioned, range is a bit disappointing. I'm only 2m or so from the PS5 with dongle in front USB port. For some reason when leaning on the left I get the worst reception, but I think that might be due to the router being on the left side of the PS5, albeit in the next cupboard with divider between.

    2nd pair has some of the crackling too but not as much, not sure what to do because I just love the sound quality and am afraid if I switch to SS Pro Wireless that quality may not be as good.

    • jasswolf on 22/10/2021 - 15:07

      I would look deeper into seeing if you can separate out the wifi and Penrose channels more, and potentially repositioning one of the console or the router, as it seems you've got significant interference issues.

      Ideally you want your router in an elevated position fairly central to the grouping of rooms you intend to use it in, but that's of course subject to interference (double brick, double glass, metal in the walls/ceiling, local radio traffic in the 2.4GHz spectrum), and practicality (NBN connection point, wiring, etc).

      • m0usju1c3 on 22/10/2021 - 15:16

        Is there a way to change the 2.4ghz channel? Otherwise I guess I could force change the 2.4ghz network on router.

        • jasswolf on 22/10/2021 - 15:20

          Router channel scan would be the easiest move, but that's subject to local wifi if you're in an apartment block or a dense area of housing. The Penrose should also be scanning when it's paired.

          If you have an Android device, I recommend getting the app 'Wifi Analyzer' to scan your local wifi interference, then adjust your router accordingly or run a channel scan. Re-scan the local area again, then re-pair the Penrose and scan again.

  • salarweb on 01/11/2021 - 19:31

    Terrible build quality, both of my original and replacement broke from different places

    • brentobox on 04/11/2021 - 09:40

      Second this. Yesterday I noticed the right side of my headphones kept sliding down and was loose, and then I noticed that the plastic on the right inside the headband had popped out. Tried to pop it back in but the inside clip has snapped so it doesn't stay in.

      I've had mine for less than a year and I'm very careful with them (especially given that they're $400) but the build quality does not match this price point.

      Have reached out the A2A so will see what they say.

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