Pros: Sound quality for a headset, build quality, comfort, software, looks and design
Cons: Recording problems, physical size, price
Build quality: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10
Overall sound quality for a headset: 9/10
Isolation: 8.5/10
Microphone quality: 2/10
Software: 10/10
Review price: £180
Value: 7.5/10 (at £180 price tag)
Overall rating: 5/10
First of all I would like to thank SteelSeries for sending me their headset for review. After having previously reviewed the Siberia Elite, I was interested to see how the newer version would compare, both in terms of sound and overall value.
I however had a problem with the recording quality of the headset, where the microphone would pick up a sort of “clipping” sound. I complained to SteelSeries and they sent me two additional pairs, one of which was from a newer non-pre sample batch. Unfortunately the issue persisted throughout my test.
After looking on Google, it was funny to see that several months ago SteelSeries also identified the issue as a known problem on Reddit.
SteelSeries explained the issue on Reddit: “The issue is 100% the soundcard and we have implemented a fix that has been in production for some time now.”
Despite their best efforts and my patience of 3 months (as I held out publishing the review, until I was sent a newer revision of the headset) – the issue is still present.
SteelSeries might have fix it after this review goes live, however for the time being all I can say is that I was sent a brand-new headset, after having 2 sets that had the problem, which came from a brand-new batch.
If my headset comes from a brand-new batch, I can’t being to think what batches resellers across the world have. Of course you can always return the headset after purchasing it, but I’m sure that’s not what you would have in mind for a gift or a headset you wish to buy – so let this introduction to the headset serve as a warning.
In terms of purchasing information, it can be bought from AmazonUK for around £180 and on AmazonUSA for around $200 (prices do fluctuate, but those are the unit prices that I had back in February and will be basing my review on).
As there’s a lot of similarities with the original Siberia Elite, there might be a few sections that are identical to the previous review.
For more information about the headset and its specifications can be found on SteelSeries’ website.
Here’s my video review:
Now let’s get into the written review!