Saitek Cyborg 5.1 USB Headset Review

Today we are looking at a set of headphones from Saitek called the Cyborg 5.1 Headset. This headset promises 5.1 surround sound from a single USB connection. Read on to find out how well it performs.

Gallery

5 images

Benchmarks

Features & Specifications
The Cyborg 5.1 Headset has an inline USB soundcard with volume and mute controls. The ear cups are low profile and rotate for comfort and portability. When rotated flat the Cyborg 5.1 Headset fits into an included case for taking the headphone son the go. Gamers looking for VOIP action while playing, the headset has a removable mic boom as well. The sound comes from six sonic drivers that provide positional audio. In addition to the USB connection the Cyborg 5.1 Headset also has a single 3.5mm jack for connecting to MP3 players. The headphones are Windows compatible only and retail for $79.95.

Setup & Use
Connecting the Cyborg 5.1 Headset to my PC was as easy as plugging in the single USB connection and then installing the software. The software is required for the 5.1 sound. Oddly the Cyborg 5.1 Headset wouldn’t operate with my powered USB hub, but worked fine when connected directly to the USB ports on the computer mainboard.

The volume put out by the Cyborg 5.1 Headset is impressive. I ran the headphones at about half the available volume level and the sound we just right. Bass is very important to me in my video games and the Cyborg 5.1 Headset has some of the best bass reproduction I have heard. Explosions are nice and deep with high range sounds like breaking glass clearly audible. Positional audio quality was decent; pulling off good positional audio via a single USB connection is hard to do. You could tell what was behind you and to the left or right though with the Cyborg 5.1 Headset, but I have heard better positional audio.

The mic works well and the noise-cancelling design means it doesn’t pick up room sounds. Sound quality was as good as any other headphones I have used for the mic. Other gamers could hear me clearly and without issue.

Listening to music with the headphones via the USB port is great. The deep bass adds depth to the music without overwhelming the vocals. The Cyborg 5.1 Headset also sounds good when connected to my MP3 player.

The ear cups are covered in a velour fabric that is soft and breathable. The ear cups have enough depth that they don’t put pressure on your ears making the Cyborg 5.1 Headset very comfortable for extended gaming sessions.

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

• Comfortable
• Great bass
• Single USB port does it all

Cons

• Positional audio could be better

Verdict
If you are tired of having to connect multiple cables to get surround sound, the Cyborg 5.1 Headset may be just what you need. The headset offers good bass and passable positional audio all in a comfortable and compact package.

What Others Say about This

400 public service centres to be set up in MP

The Madhya Pradesh Government today decided to establish 400 public service centres -- 313 in blocks and the rest in urban areas -- with the objective of facilitating submission of applications by citizens under the Public Services Guarantee Act. 'These ...
Full article at: Webindia123  More like this  1 hour ago

Top Fives | Ski-tech

Between angry winds and whirling floods there is at least one thick silver lining to take away from the last couple of weeks – snow. Now that the European Alps have received a ceremonial dump of white dust it’s time to start thinking about updating your ...
Full article at: Esquire.co.uk  More like this  2 hours ago

Fug Girls: A Real Housewife, A Bachelorette, and Plenty of Booze at Alice + Olivia

Alice + Olivia knows how to throw a good party. Every Fashion Week, their event involves free-flowing booze, ample sweets, and loud music, and their presentation on Monday night came off true to form: The booze was pink champagne, the snacks were Magnum ...
Full article at: New York Magazine  More like this  2 hours ago

Don't miss ...

reviews

 

Logitech Wireless Speaker Z515 Review

Sep 15 2010

Wireless streaming on the go

reviews

 

Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 Review

Aug 26 2010

reviews

 

Plantronics Gamecom 777 Dolby 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound Headphones Review

Jul 16 2010

reviews

 

JVC HA-NC260 Noise Cancelling Headphones Review

May 17 2010

 

• More Peripheral Stories
• I4U News Homepage