Corsair Goes Audiophile! - Virtuoso Pro Open-Back Headset Review!
Corsair dropped an open-back gaming headset out of no where, and I'm all for it. With a gorgeous design and pure analog build, is the Virtuoso Pro worth the $200 list price? In this long review (sorry) I cover everything from top to bottom.
Purchase links (supports channel):
Virtuoso Pro (Black): amzn.to/3RrJABX
Virtuoso Pro (White): amzn.to/3PQcXfO
3.5mm stereo cable (no mic support): amzn.to/3ROANKH
4.4mm balanced cable: amzn.to/3ZqaBaR
XLR balanced cable: amzn.to/3ROzpYv
My Custom Sonar EQ (Click for Easy Import to your Sonar!):
bit.ly/453jfx5
Other headsets mentioned:
BeyerDynamic TYGR 300R: amzn.to/3ruofgr
Drop Sennheiser PC38X: amzn.to/46ms1r3
EPOS H6PRO Open: amzn.to/3PrJZSo
Sennheiser HD 560S: amzn.to/3rxBsoN
Drop Sennheiser HD6XX: drop.com/buy/massdrop-sennhei...
APOS Caspian Headphone: apos.audio/products/apos-casp...
My measurement database: gadgetrytech.squig.link/heads...
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Joe@GadgetryTech.com
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
01:30 - Accessories and Connectivity
05:34 - Spatial Audio and Drivers
07:40 - Build Quality and Design
11:41 - Pad Talk
13:06 - Headband and Adjusting Clamp
14:41 - Comfort
15:39 - Mic Tests
17:35 - Sound Measurements
19:51 - My EQs
22:03 - Driver Matching!
23:42 - Gaming and Music
26:19 - vs Audiophile Headphones
31:10 - Final Thoughts
DISCLAIMERS:
The links above charge you the same price as finding it on Amazon. However, purchasing through the links above would support this channel for future product reviews. We appreciate any support, but please feel free to purchase though any means you feel comfortable with.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This review was originally 41 minutes long! I trimmed a few sections to save you some time, but thanks to those who make it through this one!
I wouldn’t mind 40 minute reviews. Infact I’d find it therapeutic and extremely informative. Great delivery as always. My favourite headset channel by a mile and I’ll be using your channels reviews for my next headset purchase. Looking at DAC’s currently though! Edit: didn’t even realise this video was 33mins long. Didn’t feel like it Lol
You don't need to do that. Your analysis is 2nd to no one.
You are one of the few reviewers that I don't skip through section and completely watch video. It helps we enjoy similar tuning too :). Thanks
@@oldandslow8994 thanks!
It's actually REWARDING to watch a longer video like this one, where every minute is filled with practical and very helpful information. I appreciate your cogent skills as a reviewer...!
It makes me happy we let companies know how much their headsets suck, kudos at them for improving all of these.
This year, a lot of new (and good) headsets have come out. I'm happy to see it!
@@GadgetryTechlike what?
@@3_kids_one_shot726audeze maxwell is amazing. Other than that idk.
If Joe is comparing other headphones/headsets to the one he's actually reviewing, you already know he's going to give you more in depth analysis of all of them than a lot of reviewers just reviewing one of these. Joe, these long videos are great. Keep'em coming!
Absolutely fantastic work sir. Thank you. Thanks for the EQ as well.
The most thorough and honest review I’ve seen for these cans. Excellent Job! Really appreciate
Incredible review. Hit all the notes I wanted to see, especially with the comparisons
Your showcase regarding the frequency graph, and the modified mic are greatly appreciated. Much better than the average review.
Excellent review sir, thank you. It's also nice to see measurements.
Great review and helpful comparisons. The cups may be a little little small and shallow for me. I will keep it on my list. Your time and efforts to share this with us all are much appreciated.
Really glad I found your channel. Excellent review and comparison content!!
Thanks so much Max! I'm happy you found it as well!
Can always count on you to deliver the best reviews
I appreciate it!
Outstanding review. Perfect, thankyou.
Steve Burke of headphones, loving every bit of it
Was waitin for this vid to pop up.
I've been using these for a month with your EQ and run them balanced off my iFi Zen Dac 2/CAN combo. I have to say that I'm very impressed and that Corsair created something truly special here. My thoughts also echo yours. I have the Sennheiser HD 650 as well and when the Virtuoso Pro is EQ'ed, it takes everything I like about those headphones to begin with and adds much better bass extension. They also image much, much better in games rather than having the "3 blob" image that some of the HD 6 series headphones have.
That’s so great to hear! I still enjoy using them from time to time and I just love the looks of this headset too.
Best review! Thanks!
Great review!
I saw other youtube videos reviewing this product but I always wait for your review first. You always go into so much detail and I love that. The best part is you can back up your subjective take of the product with FR graphs so I know you're not misrepresenting the product.
Man, im glad i found your channel, everything you do is amazing, keep up the good content. Hope to see you becoming HUGE asap.
Thanks so much!!
I don't mind it being long. I spent an hour looking through useless reviews anyway, but this was just what I wanted. Thank you. I also like the EQ tutorial as I've never known that was something you could do.
We would love your vids even longer don't worry best headphone/ headfset/tech reviewer period great work.
I'm planing to buy a new headset, now that I somewhat outgrown my HyperX Cloud 1. This review really helped me, Thank you!
Hey, guy! We met in the razercon chat the other day. Man, when you said you were going to review it, you weren’t kidding. Thank you for breaking it down so well. I have a pair open back planar headphones, but they aren’t really that suited for gaming. I don’t really wanna go back to the gaming headset though, so I’m wondering if these might be the go between that I’ve been looking for.
Thanks for this review! I had this headset sitting here in the Amazon box, but didn’t want to open until I saw your review. I am going to return because I am not a fan of a strong clamping force and I prefer not to EQ in Sonar. Would love to give open back a try though.
The real MVP here is the dual 3.5mm mic cable. They would be smart to sell it on its own.
Thanks to the best headset reviewer again
33 minutes? Count me in!! Gotta watch it later before sleep! Love ya Joe! 🔥🔥👀
Thank you .I will buy them 😊
Great review. Is there a link for that headphone stand somewhere?
Nice work . Top class. One question , for you wich is the best headset for ps5 , more specific to play call of duty , warzone ? Thanks
Shit what a review, what a looker. Thank you for this one, I rarely if ever bother with open-back headphones but this seems like an amazing blend between price/performance!
I’ve watched so many of your videos and I have to ask. When you’re playing warzone, are you using the eq that you are showing in this video or are you using the Warzone eq you recommended back last season?
Would running these through the Astro mixamp pro ruin the sound? It would be nice to get volume control and game/chat mix.
Hey Joe, thanks for this review! Ended up ordering it just now to replace my PC38X's. I was gonna go with the H6Pro but I really prefer the design of this pair and the less bulky look. I didn't have a great experience with the HS80 Max unfortunately so hopefully this will get Corsair to keep improving their wireless side too especially with EPOS shutting down.
How is it
A big thank you for your eq and I will seeing in what one I will buy I do prefer Corsair i may buy these and the Corsair HS80 Max and see what one I like. Many thanks again.
Do they/will they sell the microphone cable separately?
Hi, thanks for this awsome review, i ordered mine today and hope for a better microphone from a third-party seller. I would really love to know what the name of the headsetstands you are using are. Love your reviews and watch them like a show😂. Keep up the immaculate work and i wouldn't mind a longer review. Everyone not wanting to watch can just skip imo.🤷
I'm not even in the market for a new headset but I still find myself watching all your reviews. Lol
I have the Maxwells, and while I love them, they tend to make my tinnitus way more noticeable due to the isolation. How would these compare if being wired is not an issue? I have read that open back is much easier on tinnitus sufferers.
Hi joe i just ordered these for PS5 only how would they sound for console whats your opinion also what would be a good dac to drive them the steel series dac or the astro mixamp or the arc amp thats what ive been using now for the JBL quantum 910p wired for my PS5 and joe they sound great with the bass boosted on the arc amp would these headphones sound better even for immersion what's your opinion your the headphones king thank you joe
thanks for your videos as usual! If you can, you should try the yamaha yh-g01: good sound in my opinion, light, comfortable and excellent microphone
Awesome review! Would using Dolby Atmos on Xbox be sufficient for EQ correcting? I picked up VZR Model Ones and could not get the mic to be recognized by Xbox console. VZR couldn’t help. Sad day. I’m back to shopping for a spacious passive soundstage that can rival my Astro A50s, but with better overall sound quality. Could these be it?
Great comprehensive review. I want to ask something to, isnt dolby atmos a paid subscription app on Windows?
Hi, Awesome video! Thank you for the attention to detail because I truly do care about all aspects of headphones these days. From unboxing the product to the cable choices. I definitely subscribed! I did have trouble with your comparisons though and wanted some clarification. Is Your comparison with the 6XX the out of the box sound profile and out of the box of Corsair or the EQ’d version of the Corsair? I generally hate using Software EQ (maybe I just haven’t found the right software/suck at it), so it would be a bummer if the headphones are only better than 6XX with EQ. I’ve never heard of sonar though, is that a free software?
Sonarr's free yeah
I might dream of owning some of the tech you review, but damn I will watch, listen and know in case I do. Happy to subscribe.
Thanks so much! I’m sure you’ll have a collection one day!
Hello. Love your reviews. I have a audeze penrose and like it wery mutch, but I want something new. Is this better than penrose? I play cs and warzone.
Hey Joe ✋ i just got the HS80 USB and there is 32, 64, 125, 250, 500, 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k, 16k. I know u didn't get the usb version but wireless version is very similar to usb. I don't know what those numbers means. Can you please tell me what should i do in order to get better sound with icue?
I got these today, I have to say pretty sharp!!!!!!!!!! My best far and I even have the Razer Kraken V3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m getting a pair!
Do you have a Custom Sonar EQ for EPOS H6Pro open? I was gonna get these but the H6 is on a deal fpor 46% off and i cant pass it up...
What’s the best PS5 gaming headset to get now which has the best mic with a $200 budget?
will this sound better with an external dac?
In your opinion, since you've tested so many different headphones/headsets, what is the one headset or headphone you would use over all the rest specifically for competitive gaming? Footsteps, gunshots, etc
If some random guys opinion matters, I love the deep audio of the Corsair Virtuoso rgb headset. Great for music too
I've tryed them all, trust me it's headphones with good imaging and a external sound card or ye like a dac/amp like the Creative G6 with scoute mode on, the best i've tested and I've tried a LOT of different headseats, gaming HS and audiophile headphones like sennheiser HD 650 etc
@gadgetrytech GReat videos BTW i problably racked up over 10 hours in the past week watching you content. Quick question nova pro wired or virtuoso pro you could only chose one what would it be for mixed use? plz help Thank you you said with tuning the Virtuoso problably your favorite wired headset ?
So how does the Corsair virtuoso pro compare to the DT 990 pro?
So that Dolby eq gets these sounding good on Xbox?
Easy question. How well would this let outside sound in? For example, my partner is downstairs and yells up to me for anything. Will I actually be able to hear her? Also, be able to hear dogs downstairs stairs
Excelente video!!! Como siempre haciendo un review súper completo. Yo sigo esperando que lleguen los Audeze Maxwell a Mexico para comprarme los míos, pero por lo pronto, sigo disfrutando y aprendiendo viendo cada uno de tus videos, sigue trayéndonos más de estos excelentes videos, gracias!
Hi, I wanted to ask you for some info, I bought these headphones and as you explained in the video, the cable actually makes a lot of noise and is annoying, I went to the link you reported, but the cable is 6.5 mm, I can't find it anywhere there is a 3.5 triple jack cable, could you help me? I would be grateful. and congratulations always for your Top reviews, sorry if some words are written badly, but I don't speak English but only Italian
would these eq's work the same with a soundblasterx g6? or would it need a different eq?
We can use Steelseries gg to configure a headset from another brand? because the corsair software is really bad
I was looking to get these and use the mic cable with my Philips Fidelio x3
Joe, you should check out the Fiio ft3 headphones if you get a chance. I’d like your analysis.
Is case your mic gets cold!! Touché my friend 😊
I have these and use them on PS5 with Steel series DAC 2 amp. They work very well on fps games; able to pin point footsteps/gun fire accurately on 2042 and warzone. It also has bass that PC38x is missing from the get go. The real key here tbh is a GOOD amp; G6 creative, Steel series DAC2 and other good ones out there really bring out any headphone/headset true potential on consoles and PC. Also the earpads are the exact same material from Apple AirPod Max.
How do you think these will sound or work with the Astro mixamp pro tr?
@@minhn2888 the sound stage will be awesome as he mentioned on the video; once you get this headset EQ’d it’s amazing. He has a video on DAC/AMPs you should check it out to sort your type of preferences.
@@minhn2888 They'll be great with those. I had a mixamp in the past and I currently use an iFi Zen Dac 2/CAN stack and run them balanced. I can't recommend EQ'ing these enough.
@@peterklick2385 thank you so much
@@vxspectrexv thank you
Where can i get that headphone stand? Metal ones
good review
I love your videos, recently find your channel. I have a question, wich do you think is the best headset under 200 for someone that don´t care about fps/shooters games, just gaming good sound and on that range of price.
Thanks so much! What platform do you play on? Do you need wireless or Bluetooth?
@@GadgetryTech PC, wireless.
@@WJCM94 if you dont need Bluetooth I would just get the HyperX cloud 3 wireless.
Can you review the new Sony MDR-MV1 headphones? Someone people say their technical ability make them really good gaming headphones too.
Does that mic cable work with other headphones that have 2 3.5mm inputs? And are there standalone mic cables like that?
Yes to both. I'm not sure which standalone mic cables there are which have 2 3.5 mm inputs, however, but one that has 1 3.5 mm input is the V-Moda Boom Pro.
Hi I'm on ps5, so there's no way to eq this headset?? even with the Tempes 3d audio? thanks in advance.
So I just received mine yesterday and I'm coming from the 560s. Pros; More comfortable out of the box than 560s (I had bad fatigue with mine for months) Build quality and design Sound more full especially the bass Cons; These fit on ear rather than over ear 560s provide more clear directional audio especially in WZ You can hear the fabric cables rub against your shirt I'll have to use them longer than one night to decide which ones I'll keep.
Do you EQ the 560S it helped me with my fatigue
Just got these in, I enjoy the sound but my mic is extremely quiet.
Driver matching is importan, not just magnitude but also phase. You can see Dan Worrall's "Headphones Are Not Stereo (mid side phase trickery)" to hear it for yourself.
do you plan on reviewing the new wicked cushions for these headphones?
Yes I do. Stay tuned :)
The frequency response graph looks almost exactly like dt990 250ohm. Besides the treble i mean
Yeah beyer is more sparkly up top
Absolutely beautiful headset in both the black you have and the white color way I’ve seen. Still not sure if it’s worth it over the PC 38x but I do like it’s build quality more. You mentioned that the H6 Pro will eventually no longer be available but won’t the PC 38x suffer the same fate? The current models available on Amazon are listed as Drop/ Epos PC 38x and have the Epos logo on them. I have two sets of the bumblebee ones and my first has the Sennheiser logo while the newer set has Epos branding
This is a great point. We might lose the PC38X as well. I love that headset but the build quality is so poor.
I love my H6pro only brought because they will be eventually no more,I've been using it more than my 560S & PC38X it's perfect for me not fatiguing at all,& so detailed,well worth the money on sale now
@@jasonemanuel9070 Hey jason, how are the H6's doing after 3 months? I am severly torn between the hd560s, virtuoso pro, h6 and tygr300. What would you suggest?
do you guys think this is good for CS2 and LOL? because I play mainly these games competitively. Thanks
How does it compare to Maxwell?
Can anyone leave a link with an upgraded cable with boom mic replacement for this headset? I can’t find any anywhere
Best headphones iems 👌
I love fully analog headsets making a comeback (for gaming). If done right these headsets can last far longer than all this wireless headsets. This looks like it'll last as long as the Model One. All we need are some better dacs for the software side. Creative I'm looking at you, get your features to work on console the SAME as PC. Don't love the shallow pads though, but hopefully we see replacement pads with time.
Using anything but wired in headphones is ass I want a perfect lag free clean signal also openback always I'm not a hipster on the bus. Il go wireless wen and if sonos make world class atmos WiFi headphones until then it's old school
@@audie-cashstack-uk4881 Good for you, most people aren't beefing over 20ms of latency.
cant wait to see the wireless version
Instant buy. The only wireless headphone that is open back out there is from Grado. They sound great, but they are the most uncomfortable headphone Ive ever worn. I felt like I shouldn’t have to buy replacement pads to make them comfortable with the price point they are at.
@@jonathansacci2325 yeah im still waiting for that perfect, do-it-all wireless headset that actually fits. I have Edition XS and DT 990 in my open back collection and they have their place. The virutoso XT had a lot of features and were great especially for the price. I hope they're light under 300g.
If anyone here uses PeaceAPO, I took the settings Joe created for Sonar and followed his guide. To use them, simply copy and paste into a text file, save it (I named mine Corsair Virtuoso Pro - GadgetryTech), then import into PeaceAPO, and finally, hit save, and save again when the prompt box appears. I added a preamp of -6.3 dB to prevent clipping. See below for the settings to copy/paste: Preamp: -6.3 dB Filter 1: ON PK Fc 20 Hz Gain 1.0 dB Q 0.707 Filter 2: ON PK Fc 35 Hz Gain 0.0 dB Q 0.707 Filter 3: ON PK Fc 120 Hz Gain -2.0 dB Q 1.500 Filter 4: ON PK Fc 200 Hz Gain -4.0 dB Q 1.200 Filter 5: ON PK Fc 1500 Hz Gain 1.0 dB Q 2.000 Filter 6: ON PK Fc 5000 Hz Gain 3.0 dB Q 0.707 Filter 7: ON PK Fc 8000 Hz Gain -2.0 dB Q 4.000 Filter 8: ON HS Fc 13000 Hz Gain 2.0 dB Q 0.707
So is it better that EPOS H6 Pro?
Thanks bro
You bet :)
does the microfonics pass to the microphone?
Are these better than Maxwell?
i have a dt900 pro x with schiit magni amp. is it worth getting over what i currently have?
I have the DT 990 Pro 80 ohm and I have tried the 900 Pro X. It most likely would not be better than what you have currently.
HI, I CANT USE THE HEADPHONES MICROPHONE, can someone help me?, I've tried everything and it just wont work
I'm sad I didn't come across your channel before and bought RIG 900 for comfort. I bought these headphones and I can't stand them on my ears. It is so uncomfortable. My ears hurt. I had Cloud Alpha but they broke after 7 years of use, and they are so comfortable it's not even close. These compared to Cloud Alpha seem so cheap. Any advice how to make them bareable? or just sell them and get RIG 900
Are there any Open-Back Wireless headphones out there?
Maaaaan, I was hoping that it wouldn’t be bass heavy 😢. I can’t eq it because I’m on ps5. Which has less bass? This or jbl quantum 910p? Thanks in advanced
JBL has more deep/sub bass, especially being a closed back. The Virtuoso Pro has more mid bass than JBL. Hopefully this helps explain it: gadgetrytech.squig.link/headsets/?share=Harman_Target,Corsair_Virtuoso_Pro,JBL_Quantum_910X_(Flat_EQ)
Got mine today. Far to much lower mid bloat out-of the box but once eq'd out I really, really like these. As long as I'm using on PC or via the Quedelix 5k on PS5 so I can eq them it's fine. I couldn't use them connected to a console controller though and deal with their stock tuning. Still overall, better than expected though.
Glad to see you came to the same conclusion! McLaren had an amazing weekend! So happy for them
@GadgetryTech yea was a fantastic result for them. Their improvement through the season has been incredible. As for the Corsair - they are a keeper for me. Eq'd I really enjoy them and for me the comfort is spot on. Haven't tested the mic on PS5 yet so that might be perhaps the only reason I'd have for not keeping.
What software did you use to EQ them? I have a Wave XLR and I saw that you can use that but have yet to see anything in the software.
@@Broba_Fett I was using Sonar on PC and the built in Eq control on the Quedelix 5k when connected to PS5.
@GadgetryTech actually, via the PS5 controller playing BF2042, the overweight lower mids weren't as obvious as they were when music listening.
Any word on that balanced cable? Not a peep out of Corsair.
Love this review, I just ordered this and Iv'e had HD 650 for music etc and Fidelio X2HR with a G6 dac/amp. I went for this cuz of competitive gaming and music, will update if someone wants to when I get this tomorrow :D Maybe connect my other v-modda boom microphone if that sounds better tho :D To all competitive gamers out there btw, the G6 dac/amp in one with scout mode on is fucking heaven mate, trust me
Update, I actually returned them and got me some sundara instead.. you cant even compare X2HR with Virtuoso tbh, the fitting and everything was really bad on the virtuoso and the sound they make when you move etc
Sorry to hear you didn’t like them! I’m glad you have some gear you enjoy though!
Yes they are cool for being a gaming headset you know but a vmoda boom and x2hr are simply so much better for a lesser price, here in Sweden it's like 60 dollars for a par of philips x2hr atm@@GadgetryTech
how you discrbried the cables and friction/sound they make, is 100% the main reason im returning the Acezones. its awful. i get a literal mild ear/head ache from it
This or the tygr300? I prefer open back. What one would you recommend
If you don’t need a mic I enjoy the Tygr300r and Sennheiser HD560s more.
Please continue to compare gaming headsets to audiophile headphones around the same price in all reviews! There is immense value in that for your audience! Ideally, I'd suggest also including some options that are a bit more expensive, say like $100, so people can get a good idea if there is much value in saving up a bit more or if the current topic product is their best “bang for buck” options.
I mean ig the Epos/Sennheiser gaming headphone comparison might not matter much anymore lolz. They wrapping that project up.