Ear Force AXT "Ultimate Gaming Headset" Review

Performance

As far as performance goes, the Ear Force AXT is impressive. It isn’t true 5.1 and instead uses special electronic processing to simulate 5.1 output so it isn’t going to sound as good or as precise as a real system (sounds don’t always come from where they should), but it is absolutely, positively 100% undeniably better than the sound you’ll get out of your TV or a regular stereo shelf system. Basically, unless you already have a 5.1 surround system, you probably won’t notice any deficiencies in the Ear Force AXT’s simulated surround sound. The unit is also surprisingly powerful and you won’t make it more than about ¼ of the way around the volume control wheel before things start to get loud. Sound quality at all volume levels is very clear and is simply outstanding overall. The microphone also works incredibly well and I have had no problems chatting and trash talking my way around Xbox Live.

All in all, the Ear Force AXT performs exactly as promised. The sound quality easily surpasses anything that most gamers will be using and even though it isn’t true 5.1 sound it is still pretty darn good and you get plenty of bang for your buck here.

Who Needs 'Em? You Do!

The intended audience for the Ear Force AXT is pretty obvious. It is perfect for apartment or college dorm residents that crave rich, full sound but don’t want to risk upsetting the neighbors. It is also a great way, of course, to watch movies or play games without bothering other people in your own house. I would also have to say that it is a pretty good alternative to the standard Xbox Live headsets because for just a little bit more cash you get considerably better sound and a much more solidly constructed microphone than the flimsy one Microsoft offers. You can just use your existing communication module or you can also buy a unit from Nyko that is pretty cheap and gets the job done if you don’t already have one.

Bottom Line

If you are an apartment dweller looking for better sound than your neighbors will allow or are just looking for a replacement Xbox Live headset, the Ear Force AXT headphones from Turtle Beach are a solid purchase. The sound quality is surprisingly good and will be a definite step up from what most gamers on a budget have been using for sound (i.e. the TV or a shelf stereo system). I really have no complaints about them. The only slight issues I can think of is that you have to get somewhat creative when you hook them up so you can sit a comfortable distance away from your TV (I personally sit pretty close so this wasn’t a problem for me) and the other issue being that they block out outside sound almost too well so you might miss a phone call or FedEx/UPS/DHL delivery or two. These issues, obviously, aren’t deal breakers and the performance and design of the headphones overall is simply outstanding. They’ll cost you about $80 which is a pretty fair price when you consider the overall package and how much you could spend to get a real 5.1 setup or headphones of comparable quality. The Ear Force AXT really is the ultimate gaming headset just as the box claims and I highly recommend it for a purchase.

If you want more info or you want to purchase the Ear Force AXT headphones, check out the Turtle Beach website.