Unrivalled quality fantastic features why haven’t you brought them yet?
About:
No controller adapters, no cables, just completely wireless DTS Headphone: X 7.1 Channel Surround Sound that puts you in the centre of the action. Designed for Xbox One, the powerful Ear Force Stealth 500X delivers incredible interference-free wireless audio and chat through a comfortable, functional headset design. The Stealth 500X also includes a mobile cable for making calls, mobile gaming or for connecting a phone to get text or call notifications while gaming.
Build quality:
Quality is very often determined by weight, well Turtle beach have re-written the rule book here, I was amazed at how lightweight the headphones were, weighing just 305g (compared to the most recent Xbox One headset the XO7’s at 394g) these headphones really are a pleasure to wear. The headband is well padded and the cups also offer a pleasing amount of protection and sound deadening. The fabric is comfortable and does not make you sweat like leather ones do.
I love the Turtle Beach headphones as I can slot them into my gaming drawer due to the cups rotating 90 degrees allowing for a flat pack into the drawer. Some previous joints have felt like they could fail here or they start squeaking but no such signs with the Stealth 500X.
All the jacks and ports are standard so no issues here, buttons are simple and effective with no chrome or highly polished areas to get marked easily.
All in all the headphones themselves are fantastic and I foresee no issues in the long-term.
The transmitter is a simple and small plastic case and which given its minute size could cause no problems.
Features:
Where do I start? Wireless, yes Wireless, ill say it again Wireless. Finally it’s here, a full wireless headset that doesn’t require boxers neck muscles to wear and does everything from the headset itself. Use the player and game volume controls with precision as it has old-fashioned volume rollers, but his for me just adds better control over your sound. Simple pre-set sound set-ups available to customise with the readily accessible audio hub (downloadable here) Choose from games, movies, add to that the amazing DTS 7.1 surround sound and each and every game is truly brought to life. The Stealth 500X offer unrivalled quality and options for the Xbox One.
Full features and specs below.
Value for money:
Ouch £199, but is it really that expensive? Previous headsets offering 7.1 sound and that where mostly wireless were upwards of £200 so the Stealth 500X coming in under £200 is great value for money, and considering the £129 price tag for the XO7’s that came out earlier this year there is every reason to cough up the additional £70 for DTS sound, full wireless, and they are nearly 25% lighter.
For what’s on offer the Stealth 500X are a pound for pound the best value headset available and gamers wanting the freedom of wireless will have no objections to the price tag.
Performance:
Setup can be an issue with some headphones but 2 wires (optical and USB) into the back of the Xbox, 1 notification on my screen and I was connected and ready.
I threw on the Stealth 500X with FIFA and having used the XO7’s for better part of a year now I have become accustomed to high quality sound, however I have never stopped myself in my tracks and listened to the FIFA intro before. The sound accuracy and details picked up by the Stealth 500x that are missing from the XO7’s is amazing.
The sound modes really offer a difference in quality, playing the first half in sports game mode really picked up on the details, rain patter on the ground, slides along the grass and shouts across the pitch were clear yet unobtrusive the game play. However in the second half I aimed to ruin my experience by using the shooter game setting. There was a noticeable difference with higher tones being picked up and feet to ground were clearer. There is no doubt Turtle beach have yet again outdone themselves with their pre-set programs and empowered the gamer to really choose their style of sound either preferred or required for each game.
After a good kicking on FIFA I turned to my beloved Forza to get the tyres screeching and engines revving up and again WOW, you just cant explain how immersed you are in your surroundings, tearing down the highway and past other cars even the whoosh of the close calls were being picked up in racing game mode and the engines were sublime.
COD was my ultimate test though, gunfire a plenty, running, sneak attacks to name but a few things going on in my ears but all truly tuned to make the experience manageable and aiding your gameplay. I’ll get stabbed more times than many of you in shooters but unless you have the feet of a cat you’re not creeping up on stealth 500X owners anymore!
I tried all the voice settings as well and I can truly say that I hate the sound of my own voice, however I was clear and not too loud to the others in my party. The option to hear your voice is good though as some gamers do shout a little too much and at least with this feature you can check yourself before deafening your friends.
To add to this you get a bare minimum of 15 hours before having to recharge the headset, I was playing 2 to 3 hours per night for 5 days without having to recharge which is great for the hardcore gamers who like a good session.
Conclusion:
The Turtle Beach Stealth 500X might be out of some peoples budget, however if you yearn for the wireless experience and appreciate quality sound details then the Stealth 500X are made for you. Immersive sound experience and superb build quality make this an obvious buy. Ensure you get the PC app to get the best updates and additional sounds preset options to enhance an already brilliant product from what we know to be the top headset maker in the world.
Stealth 500X Owners! Make sure you are running the most up-to-date firmware by connecting to the Ear Force Audio Hub.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments!