Performance
Firing up my audio test track on my smart phone, I tested just how hard I could push the Sybaris. I recorded a peak volume of 87 dBa, which is more than loud enough to blast out a few of your favourite albums and give yourself a minor headache, without going deaf. Wired I was able to get an extra 2 dBa from the headset and this is likely due to a better power delivery to the drivers, as the wireless components likely eat up a little of the power first in bluetooth mode. The semi-open back design of the drivers does mean a fair bit of sound leaks from the headset, which is fine for the person wearing the headset, maybe not so great for the person sitting next to you. Around 50dBa was still detected at a range of 3ft at 100% volume and just over 40 dBA at 50% volume.
The range of connectivity options is nothing short of awesome here. The biggest one for me has to be the NFC features at it meant I just had to tap my phone against the headset and within a few seconds I was ready to enjoy my music, make phone calls and play games on the go.
The addition of a dedicated mobile cable for those who don’t want to use wireless, or just want to hook it up to their PlayStation 4 controller, MP3 player, tablet or other device is a welcome bonus and then of course there is desktop use.
Desktop use is where the Sybaris really shines, this is a serious gaming headset at its core and everything else is just a welcome bonus. Thundering through a few rounds of Battlefield 4 made it clear just how pin sharp the audio is on the Sybaris. Every little footstep and crumbling rock is well realised and there is a nice and wide sound-scape to be enjoyed. The bass isn’t overly heavy either, but still packs enough thump to be enjoyable in gaming, music and movie playback.
The microphone is crystal clear and is manages to ignore a lot of background noise, so it should hold up well in a LAN gaming environment. It’s also really nice to use via Skype and for phone calls, giving a nice natural tone overall.
That thinly padded headband could be a deal breaker for those who are not fortunate enough to have a good full head of hair and I should know. As much as I love my Roccat Kave XTD’s having used them for a good long while now so that they should’ve been broken in by now and I should be used to them but I still have to remove them every hour and a half or so, so that my melon can bounce back into the shape nature intended after those 3 padded cushions have dug in. It was even worse when I used the older Kave 5.1’s.
i like that mic cause it remind me of V-moda BoomPro Mic.i wonder if it can be purchase separately and then used on other headphone with 3.5mm input…