The GSP 602 is one of the new gaming headsets from EPOS, continuing the GSP series formerly introduced by Sennheiser Communications, which now belongs to EPOS like the entire gaming sector. What the wired headset does, how it looks and if we can recommend it, you can read in our detailed review!
Scope of delivery: Everything that is necessary
The GSP 602 is delivered in a small box, which is absolutely ordinary for a gaming headset. So we could draw relatively good conclusions about the contents from the packaging. The total weight of the carton is about one kilogram, the dimensions are 527 mm x 271 mm x 390 mm. As already mentioned, there are no surprises inside. Besides the relatively powerful looking headset, we find an additional packaging with two 3.5 mm jack cables, one of which is split, instructions and co. All in all, EPOS delivers everything we expected.
Technical data
General |
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| design variant | enclosing the ear |
| converter principle | dynamic, closed |
| cable length | 2.5 m PC cable / 1.5 m console cable |
| connector plug |
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| compatibility | PC, Mac OSX, PS4, Xbox One, Switch and consoles/mobile devices with 3.5 mm jack input |
| warranty | 2 years |
Headphones |
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| transmission range | 10 – 30,000 Hz |
| impedance | 28 Ω |
| sound pressure level | 112 dB SPL @ 1kHz, 1V RMS |
Microphone |
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| transmission range | 10 – 18,000 Hz |
| directional pattern | unidirectional |
| microphone sensitivity | -47 dBV/PA |
Design and workmanship: Fully convincing
The headset itself looks huge, but is much lighter than its appearance would suggest. It weighs 395 grams – its bulky appearance initially led us to expect even more. This appearance is mainly due to the sheer size of the ear pads, which are once again surrounded by plastic straps.
All in all, the GSP 602 looks deliberately angular. The headgear is large, as are the brackets. Elegant curves are largely avoided, instead size, edges and screws come to the fore. The striking seams of the ear pads are also worth mentioning. Because of these elements the headset looks almost handmade, which we liked very much. EPOS shows that they have understood the game of industrial moments and consciously uses them to stand out from the mass of gaming headsets. The GSP 602 does not appear futuristic or reservedly elegant, but convinces with the charm of the handmade, the screwed together, and thus refers to a rather original technology, which was primarily intended as an object of utility. The fact that all this is now a conscious design element counteracts the first impression, which leads to an aesthetically pleasant ambivalence that also characterizes the experience of retro or vintage pieces, and at the same time invites further reflection on the tension between aesthetics and use in today’s technology. With a clever design concept, the GSP 602 succeeds in initially appearing to be a mere object of utility, then revealing the conscious production of this impression and thus ultimately pointing out that it is a synthesis of both.
The workmanship, however, is impeccable, which can certainly be expected from a headset in this price range. EPOS remains true to its policy of using rather expensive, but well manufactured devices, and this is also true for the new headset. The swivel microphone arm, the infinitely variable volume control on the right ear cup and the massive headband are all easy to operate.
Wearing comfort: Almost ideal
Those who are afraid to put the massive device on their head can be calmed down at this point: It is quite comfortable to wear and does not lie too heavy on your head. The thick padding of the auricle also provides a comfortable feeling when worn. The ear is completely enclosed by the padding, which initially feels very comfortable. The headset was able to dispel the accompanying fear that it could quickly become unbearably warm under the padding: The ear pads are breathable and thus allow a very pleasant wearing experience even after hours.
The padding of the headband is less abundant, but still more than adequate. What is also exciting is that it can not only be extended to fit both small and large heads, but also that the strength of the contact pressure can be adjusted.
Sound: unusually strong
The GSP 602 is a pure stereo headset that does not require virtual surround sound. However, the sound does not get worse by such a decision, and even Windows now offers the possibility to simulate surround sound.
Driven by drivers in the frequency range of 10-30,000 Hz and a sound pressure level of 112 dB SPL at 1 kHz, 1V RMS, the GSP 602 was able to produce a rich and extremely clear sound in our test. This should be a clear advantage of this headset not only for gaming, where shots or steps are clear and sharp, but also for listening to music. The only negative point we noticed is that lower frequencies aren’t reproduced too clearly at low volume. So it’s worth turning up the volume control rather sharply. You shouldn’t overdo it here, though: The relatively strong bass tends to rumble at high volumes.
The biggest advantage of the virtual surround sound that is missing here is the ability to locate sounds exactly in the room. In our test we found that the GSP 602 performs well here even without surround sound. We always succeeded in locating what we heard in the game without any problems. In this respect, nobody has to worry about competitive disadvantages with the device we tested.
Microphone: Reliable
We also briefly tested the microphone. With a frequency range of 10-18,000 Hz, it offers a comparatively wide range. In our test we did not notice any negative points: The recordings were all clearly understandable and we could not perceive any noise. So the microphone is by no means oversensitive. It should also be mentioned here that it is automatically muted as soon as it is folded up, which is certainly pleasant in practice.
Conclusion: A good gaming headset
All in all, with the GSP 602 EPOS delivers a headset that is definitely worth the price charged. It not only convinces with a clever design concept, but also with its strong sound and high wearing comfort. As a top-class gaming headset, it can be recommended without reservation even without virtual surround sound.
EPOS | Sennheiser GSP 602
Workmanship
Wearing comfort
Sound quality
Recording quality
Features
Value for money
91/100
A gaming headset that is worth its price!
