Product ReviewsSteelsound 5H V.2 Headset W/ Microphone
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52%
39%
10%
0%
0%
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 Rating: Review Date: 09/09/12  |
Cons: Not durable.
Pros: Reasonable price, good sound. |
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Rating: Review Date: 02/08/11 |
Cons: Lack bassUncomfortableHorrible shirt clip
Pros: DurableDecent sound qualityMic rolls up Comment:
I've had my share of headsets - I seem to break them frequently because they are all built on the cheap. The 5hV2 is one of the better headsets I've owned, and probably the best in its price range.Honestly they all sound pretty much the same: ok for watching video, gaming, and voip, but lacking anything resembling bass. I'm not asking for a subwoofer on my head, but explosions having some low end would be nice. But like I said, this lack of bass is universal with gaming headphones. Maybe $500 headphones get it right, but I'd rather not spend $500 on something I knock to the floor every other day.Speaking of falling off my desk, this is one of the tougher headsets I've had. It looks flimsy, but apparently it's not. My last headset (Razer) was retired when I lost audio in the left speaker after something came loose inside. I can't count the number of headphones I've had literally break apart for no reason, but the 5hv2 looks as good as the day I bought it. I doubt it will last another year, but even 10 months is better than the Razer did. Of course I realize 1 experience isn't representative of the whole brand, but the 5hv2 is better in almost every respect (price, looks, quality, design) than the Razer.The real reason you buy a headset is for the attached mic, and the 5hv2 doesn't disappoint. The mic is on a stiff, retractable cord that you can roll back into the speaker when you're not using it. It stays where you bend it, which is such an improvement over the plastic swing-down design. Recording quality is average. They all advertise noise cancellation, but you're better off letting your sound card/chip handle that. Unlike my Razer headset, this one doesn't have a 16+khz hum in the background when noise cancellation is enabled. I was worried about the durability/longevity of the roll up mic, but it's been solid for almost a year.Unfortunately, there are some downsides to this headset compared with its competitors (Corsair, Razer, low end Senns, etc.). First, it's really uncomfortable for me. Other reviewers say it's comfortable, so maybe it's my head.:P When I first got the 5hv2, my head would start hurting after wearing these for ~20 minutes. I guess they've broken in now, because they don't bother me as much, but this isn't one of those headsets you forget you're wearing. After really long gaming sessions (like 2 or 3 hours), I can definitely tell I've had headphones on for too long. The 5hv2 also causes really bad headphone hair (indent where the band goes), which is something I've never previously had a problem with. Misc stuff:Shirt clip is garbage. It's just a metal clip with no spring, so you have to slide the edge of your shirt under. Even my thinnest shirts take patience to get clipped. Every other headset I've owned had a spring-loaded clip, making it easy to clip onto anything. You need the clip too, because the inline volume control and adapter are heavy (pulling the left side speaker down) and the cord gets in your way otherwise.Overall, another solid product from Steelseries. I'd say it's the best gaming headset I've owned, and I'm considering buying Steelseries again when this pair dies eventually. |
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Rating: Review Date: 04/08/10 |
Cons: None that I can see
Pros: ComfortableGood sound Comment:
I bought these when they were on sale for something like $50, they were worth it.I don't use the mic so can't comment on that, but the sound on these is fine for whatever I use them for. I play some games, have these hooked up to my digital piano (handles the low notes flawlessly), and also use them for music sometimes. It works well for all of these.The over the ear style of these I find to be very comfortable. The padding is nice, and has not worn out. And the padding on top of the head is also very spongy and nice feeling. I have somewhat large ears and they fit without me needing to cram my ear in there or anything. |
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Rating: Review Date: 02/01/10 |
Cons: Cable is split in two
Pros: ComfortableEasy to installNice 3D positionning Comment:
Best Headset I had in a while, doing well it it. It's verry solid. The only bad thing about it is that the cable is split in 2 and I had to find the "problem"... basicaly I tought that my sound card was defect and all till I saw my 2 unconnected cables. |
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Rating: Review Date: 11/07/09 |
Cons: Low mic, not ideal for music
Pros: Comfort, decently priced Comment:
Biggest problem I find with this is the low mic, I set db boost to max, and max mic volume and it still seems to be quite unclear and quiet. Just got it today so haven't really had it long enough to give a sustainability review, but it seems decently made, should last if you're careful with it. |
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Rating: Review Date: 09/09/09 |
Cons: - Broke AFter 4 month- Fragile- Very poor quality build
Pros: +perfect for FPS Comment:
1/5 DONT BUYBroke After 4 month i manage to repair it but always the same problem huh ,only have sound in 1 ear :P Don't buy this headset |
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Rating: Review Date: 12/30/08 |
Cons: -Fragile -Microphone is so-so (quality)-Expensive
Pros: -Really comfortable overtime-Handy 'modular' feature-Good sound Comment:
This is the most comfortable headset I ever had. The circumaural design really is bearable for the day long. The sound quality for music is alright but it is much better in games. Don't fall for cheap 5.1 headphones. The retractable microphone is handy as well as the modular design of the headphones. However, that modular feature weakens the headset. My brother broke his when he dropped them on the floor. Also, while expensive, they are the best headphones there is for under 80$ |
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Rating: Review Date: 06/21/08 |
Cons: the music isnt great without a kickass soundcard
Pros: best for fps gameslooks greatretractable micportable Comment:
iv had this headset for a while now, and they work great in counter strike source and command and conquer 3, i would buy them again if these broke probably because they are so cool! |
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Rating: Review Date: 06/09/08 |
Cons: -Somewhat pricey-Average sound quality
Pros: -Comfortable-Adjustable Microphone-Solid appearance Comment:
This is a fairly good headset which is very good for computer gaming, the retractable/flexible microphone is quite nice. However the sound quality is not that great and doesn't really justify the price tag. |
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Rating: Review Date: 04/13/08 |
Cons: Microphone picks up background noise. Average sound for music.
Pros: Long Wire, VERY Comfortable, Great sound for gaming Comment:
These headsets are more comfortable than my old AudioFX PRO, but when playing a variety of music it is not that good. The area where the 5H shines is when you are gaming, the sounds are just perfect and it amplifies stronger sounds to better project the location of the enemy. The microphone is average, but as long as its not too noisy around your gaming area you will be fine. |
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Rating: Review Date: 04/10/08 |
Cons: Perhaps more bass.
Pros: Excellent for Gaming. Very comfortable and very durable. Comment:
These headsets are the best for gaming so far. The music was not as bad as I expected it to be but it can have more bass added to it. I had already dropped these a couple of times but they still work fine. |
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Rating: Review Date: 02/11/08 |
Cons: Not the best for music.
Pros: Comfort, Excellent gaming sound, great mic. Comment:
I got these when they were on sale (40-50$ I think) and they are definitely my favorite headset so far (I have 4-5 headsets including the Razer barracuda). I can keep them on all day and I barely feel them, the sound in games is awesome and it also sounds good in movie/TV shows. The retractable mic is also a great feature. It's not the best headset when listening to music (it's not bad either, just so-so) but if you're planning to do a lot of gaming it's an excellent buy. |
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Rating: Review Date: 02/03/08 |
Cons: No weaknesses
Pros: I'm very impressed with these headphones. They're very comfortable and the sound is amazing. The Mic is also crystal clear and is engineered well. Definitely a gaming headset. Music seems to sound pretty good on them too, but to capture the 5H's true essence load up you favorite game and enjoy. Comment:
I'm very impressed with these headphones. They're very comfortable and the sound is amazing. The Mic is also crystal clear and is engineered well. Definitely a gaming headset. Music seems to sound pretty good on them too, but to capture the 5H's true essence load up you favorite game and enjoy. |
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Rating: Review Date: 11/14/07 |
Cons: Nothing i can find...
Pros: Tuck in micoverear headphonesblack is a nice touchsounsd amazing in cs1.6 Comment:
i use these to play Counter-strike 1.6, boy these are fantasic! i can hear everywhere all around the maps every footstep! would buy again if these everbroke unlike my PC151's |
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Rating: Review Date: 10/19/07 |
Cons: none. i thought there were broken at first, but i had them plugged into my front panel audio, so it didnt go through my sound card, and it gave me this background buzzing and wierd noises.
Pros: StrongUnique 3 piece quick deasembly for transportingextension cable Comment:
I got these on sale for $50, normaly 90, cant go wrong with these headphones. great for gaming, not so much music. the music is missing some mid tones. The icemats were my other choice, but there overrated and these ones are acualy better. like the idea of the extension cable thing. i have it routed under my keyboard, then when a friend comes over, i just unplug it where the keyboard is and its still pluged into the back of the pc. ive droped these many times(im hard on headphones 4th pair lol) and nothing has broken.all in all a great pair for the money. |
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Rating: Review Date: 10/19/07 |
Cons: Side-arm sdjustment extensions too loose.
Pros: High quality construction. Great sound imaging. Comment:
The mic is extremely high quality, cutting out background noise while at the same time transmitting my voice clearer than any other mic I've owned. The extension feature for the mic is very handy. I found no lack of bass in these headphones. I don't expect a 10" floor subwoofer out of headphones, neither do I want mindblowing bass strapped to my head, so I find the overall sound quality of these phones just wonderful.They aren't too tight, either. So extended gameplay doesn't result in a sore head from the headphones sqeezing too hard.The cord is also ingenious. Covered by fabric, it is very flexible. Partway down the line from the head unit, the cord has intermediate plugs (one for the speakers, and one for the mic) that plug into the rest of the long cord which then goes to the PCs 1/8" audio jacks. This makes for a safety feature allowing quick disconnection preventing you from ruining the cord should you trip on it.The only improvement I can wish for is for the side-extention arms (which allow each headphone to be raised or lowered, depending on the size of your head) to be stiffened. The incremental "ratcheting" action is a little loose. I haven't had them adjust themselves while on my head, but it has happened while i'm putting on or taking off the headphones. Only a slight annoyance, but nothing that makes me regret owning them. |
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Rating: Review Date: 10/17/07 |
Cons: *Music listening (although not as bad as some people claim)
Pros: *Sound quality*Comfortable*Flexible microphone*Clear transmission (on the mic)*Volume control Comment:
Seeing various reviews telling about this headset as an FPS gear, I’ve decided to hook these up with Counterstrike Source. The fidelity is amazing; you can hear the detail of the surface and footsteps coming from various directions. High frequency registers (treble) is precise and complements the bass quite well. As for sound, I’m using a Creative SB X-Fi XtremeMusic with this set up.This headset lacks a much needed mid-range frequency to become a worthwhile audio headphone while bass and treble are keeping their ‘hmph’. Although the audio in FPS gaming is exceptional, it is deficient in overall music quality. This review was modfied by poster @ 10-17-07 10:12 PM |
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Rating: Review Date: 10/13/07 |
Cons: Itchy on my beard ;D (kind of my weakness I suppose)
Pros: Great quality Comment:
These work great not just for CS:S but just about any FPS game I have. Easily picks up on sounds from far away. |
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Rating: Review Date: 10/13/07 |
Cons: -Sound quality
Pros: +COMFORTABLE+Mic retracts+Looks+Long extension for mic/line+Can be taken apart Comment:
These are a decent pair of headphones. Like everyone else has said, they are not made for music, only for gaming. There's very little low-end. I just boosted the bass with my X-Fi Platinum for the headphones though, and that evens it out a bit. Even so, with too much bass they just start to crackle easily. I use vent for gaming too, and they even make the voices sound "ting-y" with the lack of bass.Overall, decent headphones. Definitely better than the $40 pair I replaced (got these for $50). I gamed with them for 5/6 hours straight yesterday and my ears were fine. Very comfortable. But I had to give it a 3/5 rating since the sound quality was just not great. |
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Rating: Review Date: 09/09/07 |
Cons: not the best for music
Pros: great sound for gaming, nice mic design Comment:
great sound for any gaming, footsteps are clear and directional. Music sound is ok but you can do better for the same money. |
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Rating: Review Date: 09/06/07 |
Cons: Poor mid-range and bass performance.Disappointing in other gaming enviroments.
Pros: Good high-range sound performance.Excellent for online FPS fans. Comment:
I am on the fence with this one. It seems to be a highly specialized headset that is aimed to give extreme online FPS gamers a slight auditory advantage, while it is fairly mediocre in most other types of gaming or listening environments. It enhances the high range sounds such as footsteps, gunshots or minute noises to allow you to better locate the opponent. However, this comes at a cost of terrible mid-range and bass performance. Explosions or background music will sound mediocre at best and at some times distorted so if your main goal is not to simply hear and frag the other guy before he hears you, then this headset will not live up to its price tag. If you are planning on watching movies, listening to music and playing games non-competitively, you can definitely find a better headset then this.Another thing that I have noticed is that during voice communication, although the microphone is excellent, the headphones distort quite easily if someone is speaking loudly. Turning down treble to very low seems to help. |
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Rating: Review Date: 08/22/07 |
Cons: I find the cord just a little too short and the extension makes it too long. Not really a problem though.
Pros: Very comfortable, great sound and great sale price. Comment:
I got a pair of these after I seen the excellent deal on them. I was very impressed. I like how the mic is stored inside the unit since I will never use it.The braided cord is a nice touch also.I actually liked them so much, I ordered a second pair at sale price to have as a spare. |
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Rating: Review Date: 08/20/07 |
Cons: none
Pros: Comfortable,great built quality,very good sound quality Comment:
Bought this for 50$.These headphones changes the way I play Battlefield 2 now i hear every thing from footsteps to snipers.Music quality is better than my previous Sony headphones.Extremely satisfied. |
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Rating: Review Date: 08/16/07 |
Cons: nothing yet (maybe not the best if you listen to music as your main use but why would you buy this with a mic if that's what your looking for)
Pros: comfort,sound quality and i hope durability, and long or short cord for both the microphone and speakers Comment:
I bought this when they where on sale for $50 and started playing Counter Strike again just because they are so crystal clear sounding for footsteps and such that they make me look good!! |
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Rating: Review Date: 08/16/07 |
Cons: No surround sound, so if your last headset had it, you may need a minute to adjust. They are quite large, much larger than any previous I've owned, but this isn't a con so much as a not-pro.
Pros: The best thing about this headset is that there is no 2 week long splitting headache adjustment period, like all my other headsets. It feels good from the get go. Very comfortable and non-invasive, doesn't squish your ears onto the side of your head and cause blisters. It also seems very sturdy. I'm not afraid of snapping it in half every time I put it on my head. Comment:
Well built, good sound, definitely worth the $50. I can see this lasting much longer than the 6-12months some of my last have endured. |
I had these for about 2 years before they started falling apart, the ear cup foams fell off and the hinges were breaking.