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When I think of a “flagship” gaming headset, I imagine a ~$300 product at the top of a product line with multiple connection options, exceptional build quality, plush comfort features, and audiophile-level sound performance. I think of the $329 Cloud Orbit S and Arctis Pro Wireless in particular, both of which offer all these things and are currently part of my headset reference gauntlet.
Corsair launched their new Virtuoso flagship gaming headset just before the start of the year, and it’s their first proper entry into this performance bracket. It has a robust build, wireless and wired connections, a built-in hi-res DAC, and an excellent microphone.
Oh, and they knocked about $100 off the typical price for this type of headset. Sound too good to be true? It is, but only a little.
OVERVIEW
The Corsair Virtuoso comes in two models. The standard version is $180, and you can get it in Carbon (Black) or Best-Buy-Exclusive White. The ear cup sides are plastic, and the microphone capsule uses a 4mm diaphragm.
For $210, you can step up to the “SE” version, available in Gunmetal. It has the same core sound features. The ear cup sides are made from aluminum, and the microphone diaphragm is much larger at 9.5mm. The SE also includes a nice magnetically clasped carrying pouch.
After much debate, I decided to buy the SE version, and that’s what my review is based on. I was drawn in by the additional aluminum, the bag, and the bigger mic.
The battery lasts for 20 hours if you turn the lighting off. It includes an accelerometer to turn the headset off when you remove it. It’ll operate in wireless mode with a PC or PS4, and has a hi-res DAC you can use with a PC over USB-C. You can also connect it via a standard 3.5mm connection.
