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Translating the immersive power of a traditional surround sound speaker set-up into a pair of headphones has been a constant challenge for headset manufacturers. While some have taken the literal approach and built headsets containing five or seven individual speaker drivers (plus a pseudo-subwoofer), the result is often larger, heavier and significantly more expensive than your average stereo headset.
The more popular – and more affordable – solution is virtual surround sound which uses a raft of different techniques to fool your brain into thinking you're hearing 360-degree audio from standard stereo drivers. Different manufacturers have their own ways of achieving this, from Dolby Atmos to Windows Sonic.
Not one for sitting on the sidelines, Razer has teamed up with renowned audio company THX to deliver its own virtual surround sound solution, and it's a prominent selling point for the company's latest wired PC gaming headset: the Razer Kraken Ultimate. According to Razer, THX Spatial Audio offers an even greater level of positional fidelity than 7.1 surround sound, so how does that claim stack up? Let's find out.
I said it earlier and I'll say it again: the Razer Kraken Ultimate is the best-sounding headset I've yet reviewed. THX Spatial Audio offers the closest approximation of true surround sound I've experienced in a headset, and it does so at a price far below that of "true" surround sound headsets.Combine that with its sturdy build quality, premium design and plush comfort, and the Razer Kraken Ultimate has easily ascended to the top spot on my best gaming headsets list.
The Razer Kraken Ultimate retails for $218.95 and is available directly from Razer as well as from retailers like Mwave and Centre Com.
Up your game with the Razer Kraken Ultimate wired PC gaming headset and its powerful 360-degree THX Spatial Audio.
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