INTRODUCTION

   Many times, have i pointed out in past reviews that the lack of awareness for my surroundings is what i don't enjoy when using headsets, especially when it comes to closed acoustic models. Still there are times when you just have to use one, whether that's because you don't want to annoy someone next to you (or in the next room) or if you're just playing a cooperative online game (or if you're a streamer of course) a headset is a must. So, since i also happen to play quite a few online games I’m always looking for all the latest gaming peripherals that are of interest to me with gaming headsets probably taking up most of that time. One of the latest models to reach the office/lab is the GSP 602 by EPOS | Sennheiser which I've been testing since early May.

   ΕPOS is an audio company developing and selling devices for business professionals and the gaming community. Based on leading and advanced technologies, the newly established Danish company EPOS will deliver high-end audio solutions designed for Enterprise Solutions and Gaming headsets – with design, technology and performance as paramount parameters. EPOS derives from Latin and ancient Greek and is used to describe epic stories, speech and poetry. The name encapsulates our dedication to create solutions that enforce ways of communication and unleash human potential through the power of audio. EPOS operates in a global market with offices and partners in more than 30 countries and builds on more than 115 years of experience in sound and innovation. Find more information about EPOS at www.eposaudio.com.

   The GSP 602 is the third color addition in the GSP 600 line of closed acoustic headsets by EPOS | Sennheiser (GSP 600 is black and red, GSP 601 is white and black and GSP 602 is black and blue with brown earpads) and is based on two 50mm neodymium dynamic stereo drivers that feature a very wide frequency response of 10Hz–30.000Hz with 112dB sensitivity and 28Ohm impedance. As expected, the GSP 602 also packs the same noise-cancelling unidirectional boom microphone we've seen with previous models that features an impressive frequency response of 10Hz–18KHz and -47 dB sensitivity. Other features include two adjustable tension sliders, lift to mute microphone function, earcup volume wheel, split padded headband, memory foam padded ear pads (replaceable) and detachable 3.5mm cable. So, let's see if EPOS | Sennheiser delivers what they should with their latest GSP 602.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

A large product picture is placed at the front of the box right beneath the company logo and above the main product features.

The technical specifications are printed on the left side of the box right beneath a product picture.

The package contents and system compatibility are printed on the left side.

Taking a look at the rear we find the features list in 7 languages right next to another product picture.

EPOS has used a piece of black foam and a small cardboard box to place the GSP 602 and its bundle in.

Along with the GSP 602 EPOS also bundles a 2.5 meter long 3.5mm to angled 3.5mm braided cable (4-pole), 2.5 meter long 3.5mm to dual 3.5mm cable (3-pole), specifications paper, safety guide paper and the getting started guide.

THE GSP 602

Just like with other GSP models by EPOS | Sennheiser the GSP 602 is made out of plastic, metal, leatherette and memory foam.

The 395g heavy GSP 602 is clearly a medium to large sized gaming headset.

As you can all see the EPOS | Sennheiser logo and the EPOS logo are both printed on both ends of the headband.

The noise-cancelling unidirectional boom microphone is fixed onto the left earcup and has a rubber coated section which is quite flexible (pull up the microphone to mute it).

The 3.5mm audio input is also located on the left earcup (lower rear end).

The volume dial is located on the exterior of the right earcup.

Two metal hinges located at the rear of both earcups help the GSP 602 adjust to the shape of your ears.

At the top of the GSP 602 we see the two adjustable tension sliders.

Even though the memory foam earpads EPOS used are dressed with leatherette the center is actually made by fabric.

Here you can see an exposed view of the right earcup (marketing material).

By using a split padded headband your head doesn't get as hot as with other models thus increasing comfort levels.

The headband of the GSP 602 can extend up to 55mm on either side (110mm total) via 12 increments (not visible ones).

CONCLUSION

   The GSP 602 by EPOS | Sennheiser may not be a 7.1 virtual surround headset (some gamers may prefer 7.1/3D surround sound) but its dual stereo drivers do a great job delivering crisp and accurate audio with a sufficient amount of bass (at least for most people) and loud volume levels. Comfort is also set at high levels (I think it would be even higher if the earpads were dressed with soft fabric instead of leatherette) and even though I've heard from some of you that the tension sliders found in EPOS/Sennheiser models don't make a whole lot of difference (actually i partially agree with that) even the tiniest difference on your head can result in improved audio isolation (and i truly think the GSP models excel at that). The microphone also works fine but as expected far from perfect just like with the majority of headsets out in the market today, especially gaming ones (still should be more than just sufficient for most if not all uses). As for the inability to use the EPOS audio suite to fine-tune the GSP 602 well that’s something i clearly would like to see in the future (for now that can only be used with USB wireless models).

   At the time of this review, you can find your very own GSP 602 by EPOS | Sennheiser for USD219 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 219Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) a price tag which is just a tag higher than expected (you can still opt for the black and red GSP 600 model if that’s the case which retails for less). Still if we leave out the lack of virtual surround sound (which some may or may not find important) the EPOS | Sennheiser GSP 602 clearly delivers on pretty much everything any demanding gamer could ever ask from a gaming headset whether that’s audio performance, comfort and material quality which is why it deserves the Golden Award.

PROS

- Very Good Build Quality
- Clear & Accurate Mids & Highs
- Bass Levels
- Comfortable (Split Padded Headband / Tension Sliders / Metal Hinges / Memory Foam Earpads)
- Flexible Unidirectional Boom Microphone
- Detachable Cable
- Available in 3 Color Combinations (GSP 600/601/602)

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Lack Of Virtual Surround Sound (For Some)