SteelSeries Siberia V2 Headphones
MSRP: $89.99–$109.99 (w/ USB adapter)
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The Gist
SteelSeries, proprietors of fine PC-gaming peripherals, with the input of professional gamers from around the world have made a few technical and cosmetic updates to their popular Siberia line of headphones. Does the Siberia V2 have enough tech cred to compete with the mass-market big boys?
What We Liked
Without the convenience of testing out the original Siberia unit, we can only grade the unit's sound on its own merits rather than how it's been upgraded. Most simply, it does the job.
Created in the same vain as DJ-style headphones, the Siberia v2 is powered by a 50mm driver unit, so the first thing you'll notice when you slip these on is the bass. We tested out everything from rock and hip hop to classical and club music—we enjoyed the experience with each genre.
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As a gaming accessory, it's one of the better ones we've tried out. The deluxe $110 unit comes with a USB adapter that plugs into your PC, turning the V2's into an instant 7.1 surround-sound system on your head. We heard footsteps we've never heard before in Modern Warfare 2, Mass Effect 2's quirky sci-fi soundtrack sounded even better, and whining online children never were more annoying.
Even better, the pilot-style microphone you see protruding above is fully retractable and nearly unbreakable, so you won't look like a jackass walking down the street wearing these.
What We Didn't Like
If you like your music loud, those working around you will probably begin hating you (if they don't already). The closed-back design and padding keeps a lot of the sound inside, but not all of it; you'll need to ask those around you to tell you when you're getting too annoying.
Also, while the elastic, one-size-fits-all headband is a nifty design choice, we felt like we could never fully get the phones to comfortably sit around our ears. (This could also be due to our gigantic editor heads.) Lastly, the cording is a bit unwiedly. We like its girth and stability, but it just seems to flail around on its own if you're using the v2's for everyday iPod use.
The Verdict
There's a reason these are the headphones of choice for this year's Grammy Awards gift bag—they are top-of-the-line gaming headphones that, at under $100, are sure to please even the pickiest of choosers. However, there are some key design features missing (not foldable, doesn't sit well on the ears) that make us suggest to try before buying, especially those looking for some sweet cans on-the-go.
Rating
