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Being a SteelSeries headset, we had high expectations of the 5XB on a performance front. And we have to say it delivered on every level. Sure it doesn’t create quite such an immersive experience as a set of surround sound speakers but it is up there with the best XBOX headsets we’ve tested. Sound panning is very effective, especially when compared to a standard TV configuration and the LiveMix function balances sound well.
Even though it may not be outwardly obvious from the box, the 5XB can also be used with a PC or MP3 player thanks to the dual 3.5mm connectors. The only incompatibility is the short length of the cable which could be complicated if your PC is under your desk. When using the 5XB for audio playback, the results are quite impressive.
We tested it with both a PC and MP3 player and experienced good results with both although we found the bass to be a little heavy for some genres of music. Movie playback was equally good considering the headphones are designed to be used for gaming. The 5XB performs equally well on PC and XBOX when gaming as the perfectly balanced sound is combined with effective panning.
So the SteelSeries Spectrum 5XB headset performs well and is a very good quality product on the whole. The only thing that lets it down is the slightly cheap looking finish which we wouldn’t usually associate with SteelSeries. But the flexibility of being able to dismantle the headset when travelling is welcomed and comfort is as good as the rest of their range.
As with all SteelSeries’ products though, the 5XB doesn’t exactly come cheap. At a shade over £60 at Lambda-tek, it is certainly in a different price bracket to other alternatives but we feel that it provides quite reasonable value for money at this price, especially considering the AudioMixer unit alone costs around £20.
KitGuru says: Another quality product from SteelSeries that will be on the Christmas lists of XBOX owners across the globe.
My friend bought one of these and it broke. not at all like Steelseries 🙁 Id like to get the reviewers feedback in a months time, how its holding up
Its a nice looking headset and ‘bass heavy’ is fine for a gaming set. Its the price that kills me. its very expensive.
Surprising this wasnt better built. the target audience are generally rougher on the products. young gamers, venting frustration etc. I would have bought this, but the fact that the reviewer already mentioned potential build quality issues and one of the comments is that one broke, ill pass.
Maybe ive missed it, but how long is the cable? I think there was mention of it being short. but just how short?
Seems pretty good, but id rather go for their siberia.
I like steelseries, but their pricing is pretty much through the roof. other makes offer good products and they dont cost as much, even logitech for instance.
Steelseries are cool name though, loved by gamers the world across. its like any name, you pay extra for the badge. I own their ikari, and I think its worth every penny.
Id like to get the reviewers feedback in a months time??
@ Mannie, I’ve been using the 5xb with my Xbox since I wrote the review about 2.5 months ago and it is still working perfectly well and hasn’t broken in any way :). The only slight annoyance I have with it is the glossy plastic which seems to mark quite easily.
I love my pair. Solid as a rock! I’ve sat on them, stood on them, and they’re still as good as new.
Terrible quality headset.
The sound may be awesome, but the wire is so fragile its impossible not to break it. My first one broke after a month or three and after having to go trough awfull long time to get a new one it broke again after about four months. In my oppinion this is unexeptable for an 80 euro headset.
The thing that bothers me most is that i treated the wires as if they were cute little puppies. Never bending them, rolling them up or anything and still they break twice in about half a year time, while my €10,- mp3 earplugs survived years of torture.
One word: Rubbish