On paper, the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is what we can call the front runner among headphones for gamers. At around 280 dollars, it must also have sacred arguments, while the competition in the field is particularly tough.
These Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT In a way, it follows the Virtuoso SE Wireless that Corsair launched in 2019. Two years after this already extraordinary headset, the American wants to bring home some new features, first and foremost, of course, Bluetooth. While the Virtuoso SE Wireless was content with Slipstream Wireless, the connection should be more open … without compromising on quality: The Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is in fact one of the rare models of this type that are perfectly compatible with Qualcomm aptX HD audio Rendering.
Beautiful, refined, of rare elegance
The Virtuoso SE Wireless already impressed us in its day with the impression of sophistication that it leaves behind at first glance. In this “sequel” Corsair has clearly not made fun of the world and if he carefully avoids the aggressive side of certain models dedicated to video games, we immediately feel like we are standing in front of an extraordinary product. . As soon as you have the box in your hand, the whole thing looks tight … stupid, but at the same time calming compared to an “empty-looking” model.
Upon opening, we inevitably fall under the spell of this remarkable design, on which there is no false note. Sure, fans of bright colors will be a little disappointed, but Corsair has nicely avoided the all-black dress and the metallic side of the aluminum elements is absolutely stunning. In addition, contrary to what one might assume at first glance, the helmet doesn’t score that much. Of course, it is also constructed around a metal base, which gives the central arch a good robustness without being too hard in use.
Latest comfort?
It is obviously covered with a thick foam, which is itself wrapped in a leather cover of the most beautiful effect. The atriums are of course adjustable in height, but also like the previous one virtuoso, they are orientable. In fact, there are very pleasant rotating hinges: stiff enough not to move after recognizing the correct position, but still flexible enough to be able to easily adapt the helmet to the shape of the head. At this level we are almost perfect.
Unfortunately, little regret at the level of the atria themselves. In fact, they are perfectly round, slightly small in diameter for larger ears, and in some users the atria may partially rest on the outer auricle. Unpleasant. Fortunately, this is the only flaw we find in their design because on the foam side and coating used by Corsair, it’s just perfect. One regret, however: Corsair does not offer everyone an earphone set with fabric instead of leather.
However, there is nothing to complain about with the rest of the accessories. In the sound box virtuoso, it provides a super padded carrying case, a flexible boom microphone and of course a USB dongle as well as a USB cable and a 3.5 mm jack cable with a small remote control. As you can imagine, the USB dongle allows the beast to operate in 2.4GHz RF Slipstream, Corsair’s proprietary technology, while the cables keep the product wired to make it as versatile as possible.
The remote control on the 3.5 mm jack cable is practical, although most of the desired controls are on the ear cups. On the right side we see a small button to switch to wireless / wired, a volume control and an LED as well as a multifunction slider to activate Bluetooth, to carry out pairings and to use some multimedia functions (play, pause …) . On the left auricle we have the charging connection, an LED for the battery level, the 3.5 mm jack connection and a mute but ton on the underside of the microphone rod.
A wonder for gamers … but not only
Before we get into the quality of the sound reproduction, let’s finish the design by mentioning the presence of two very subtle LEDs on the ear cups. With the brand’s logo they bring a little touch of elegance, but of course we expected that on the restitution page Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT… whose name leaves little room for guesswork. Fortunately, as with the previous one Turn around, did not miss out on Corsair and counts its helmet among the best we have ever tested.
Basically, however, we have to recognize a small surprise in the fact that we may have expected something more neutral. Nothing catastrophic, but the mid-bass drivers on one side and the mid-range drivers on the other suffer a bit, as if they were easily crushed by the other tones. Some users will also find that the highs might be a bit muffled and instruments like cymbals aren’t as crisp as one might expect. Be careful, remember that this is where we are looking for the little beast.
Ecstasy in the ears
Indeed, the first few moments with that Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT are above all an opportunity to rave about an excellent reproduction that handles the bass wonderfully and gives the voices a nice warmth. Also, a passage on the equalization side – well done and very handy – should erase the remarks we made earlier. A balance that also makes it possible to find the more impactful side that some players appreciate, and with most current titles the result is then remarkable.
Note that, as with the previous Virtuoso, Slipstream Wireless is free of criticism: the connection is well made and remains stable over time without having to complain about the slightest latency. One of the main novelties of this model, however, is Bluetooth, which has the good taste not to be limited to SBC / AAC and thus – thanks to aptX HD – to appreciate the fine qualities of this headset. Note that you must of course have a compatible smartphone in order to be able to use this audio standard … as you know that it is still possible to play via a wired 3.5 mm jack.
This option is also chosen by Switch and Xbox players, for example, as wireless unfortunately only works on PC and PlayStation. Pity. Another regret, this time more relative, is not the strength of the autonomy Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT
We’re probably not the best audience for these type of options, and you have to admit that you feel an honest “placement” of the sound, but it actually doesn’t add much and can even introduce some “blurring” during the quality of rendering loses. In conclusion, nothing to say about the microphone recording: The result is brilliant under all circumstances with an absolutely clear, warm voice and, above all, understandable, absolutely free of interference. His only complaint? Corsair didn’t feel it was appropriate to add a windshield, and it tends to pick up the ambient noise.
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IN SUMMARY | ||||
SMALL PRINT SUMMARY THAT SUMMARIES EVERYTHING IN UPPERCASE Obviously, Corsair will cut itself off from a large part of the player population at around 280 dollars, especially since it is a headset virtuoso is only wireless on PC and PlayStation. To be completely honest, even at this price it doesn’t offer the best rendering quality on the market and Audeze with its Mobius does it even better … but for even more of your precious euro. |
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