The GSP 500 is part of Sennheiser’s new range of high-end gaming headsets, which also includes its almost twin brother the GSP 600. If the second is a closed helmet, the first, which interests us here, is an open helmet which therefore promises to trade the excellent sound insulation of its brother once morest a fuller sound reproduction. Let’s see what it is.
Despite a few small flaws, the GSP 500 delivers an extremely solid overall performance. Comfortable (except for a pronounced clamp effect), equipped with an absolutely remarkable quality microphone, it also benefits from a very immersive sound reproduction, in particular thanks to a very ample and precise spatialization. However, the latter is expressed above all on games and films; for music listening, the GSP 500 is noticeably less at ease. So even though it is one of the best helmets gaming available, this relative lack of versatility should be taken into account before any purchase decision, especially at its very high launch price.
Points forts
- Natural and immersive sound.
- Responsive and controlled bass.
- Good level of sound detail.
- Excellent stereophony, ample and precise spatialization.
- Micro of remarkable quality.
- Nice build quality.
- Very comfortable…
Weak points
- …despite excessive pressure around the ears.
- Slight coloration in the treble, perfectible neutrality.
- Slight inaccuracy in the mids, slight lack of sonic hairline.
- Proprietary connector between the cables and the headphones, volume wheel integrated directly into the headphones.
NB: The reported price drop is calculated by comparing the lowest price of the day with the average of the lowest prices charged by all merchants for the product last month, with security rules to exclude prices from shops whose the VAT policy is not clear (known as “grey” shops, typically in the case of imports from China).
An alternative
Apart from its packaging and the fact that it bears the PlayStation brand, the RIG 800HS is perfectly identical to the RIG 800HD : we therefore invite you to refer to the test of the latter to know our opinion on this excellent helmet gaming wireless. Perfectly identical, or almost, since this PlayStation version does not include a code to obtain Dolby Atmos for Headphones on the Windows Store… and is sold at a higher recommended price of €20. Unless you find this RIG 800HS on sale, we therefore strongly advise you to turn instead to the RIG 800HD, which can be used without the slightest problem with a PS4.