The comparison these two ( VOID PRO RGB Wireless vs . HS50 + ST100 combination ) is quite interesting in that you get several common features for a similar price . Going with the VOID PRO RGB gives you wireless freedom and that is perhaps worth the $ 10 saved against the ST100 and HS50 ( This combination is $ 110 USD ). At the same time , having that USB connectivity and a stand for your cans is possibly worth it for the $ 10 premium . On CORSAIR ’ s site , the ST100 and the VOID PRO RGB Wireless are presented as often purchased together and I do see the value in that as a headphone stand is always welcome , but I do feel the stronger pairing is with the HS50 . As always , options are great and you will decide what best suits your needs .
Even though the VOID PRO RGB Wireless features official Dolby Headphone ® surround for immersive 7.1 , it turns out that the ST100 ’ s controller ( once again leading one to believe these make use of the same electronics ) also supports virtual 7.1 over stereo . The performance or effectiveness of each implementation varies , even though I ’ d like to believe that the official Dolby Headphone ® for the VOID PRO RGB is better . In the games I tested with - they are near identical in immersing you in the game world ( provided it ’ s designed well in the first place ).
So , the question would be , is there anything I find disagreeable about the sets ?
Well , in my experience - CORSAIR is best at making high end products . The low-end offerings have improved vastly and the HS50 is testament to that . It is because of this that I find the limited use time of the HS50 unfortunate . It ’ s short because the headset causes discomfort on the ears and temples after an hour or so . It ’ s all down to the pressure it applies on your head . I ’ m not sure if it ’ s the same force as on the VOID PRO RGB , but even if it is , the ear cups there are both thicker and softer , which alleviates some of that direct pressure . I do have a big head so that may be to blame , but even with that , it is something I noticed wasn ’ t an issue with the VOID PRO RGB Wireless .
As for the VOID PRO RGB , my main issue is that it will force you to do without your fancy sound card should you have invested in one . Sound cards are not a thing anymore by any measure , but imagine you own a motherboard with a pretty advanced audio solution such as those found on high end ASUS ( SupremeFX Hi-Fi module on Rampage V Extreme for example ) or some GIGABYTE boards . You ’ ll effectively have to sacrifice that audio fidelity for the VOID PRO RGB Wireless . Perhaps there may be a solution to this in future , where a USB dongle could turn that analogue stereo signal from your board into a Bluetooth signal . Plausible , but an elaborate solution which may have undesired effects on pricing to be worth it at this point from CORSAIR ’ s perspective – who knows . Other than that , the inability to use the headset with your mobile device ( solved with the same dongle ) is also something that could be looked at in future that would add more versatility to the headset .
So , there you have it , you could essentially spend a similar amount of money and come out with similar if not an identical audio experience . How easy it is to live with either will be for you to figure out . Forgo all wire clutter and gain complete freedom of movement with the VOID PRO RGB Wireless , or - stick with the HS50 and ST100 for USB connectivity , a headphone stand and of course the ability to use your high-end sound card and smart device . I ’ m not here to tell you which way to go as both are equally valid options ( not forgetting the CORSAIR “ suggested ” ST100 and VOID PRO RGB Wireless combination ). Whatever you decide , you ’ re unlikely to be disappointed with the outcome .
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Issue 43 | 2018 The OverClocker 31