CONCLUSION

   I've been using the F.R.E.Q.5 stereo gaming headset for the past 2 weeks while mostly playing the 3 closed betas I’m currently in, Sleeping Dogs and also while watching various effects-rich Blu-ray movies like the Battleship and The Avengers. Right next to it i have my all-time favorite AX Pro Dolby 5.1 Surround Headset by TRITTON so as you can understand the competition is quite hard. Still the small size and design make the F.R.E.Q.5 more comfortable after long periods of play compared to the AX Pro. Granted in movies and most games the AX Pro is clearly better in terms of positioning audio, however that applies mostly for games that actually support surround sound and as you all are well aware there aren't that many in the market (in movies however real 5.1 surround headsets are a one way). The 3 equalizer presets also work quite well but i just wish there was an indicator for you to know which you are currently using. Quality wise the F.R.E.Q.5 is amongst the sturdiest headsets I’ve ever used (even though it's not entirely made out of metal) which is quite impressive once you take into account that i wore it for 5 hours straight without getting tired. Featuring an detachable microphone may actually disappoint some hardcore gamers but since the transmission quality was quite flawless i think that probably due to its size Cyborg (Mad Catz) was unable to make it retractable.

   As we speak the Cyborg F.R.E.Q.5 stereo gaming headset currently retails for USD149.99 inside the USA and 140Euros inside the EU and i really think that this is its sole drawback. I do understand where Mad Catz and Cyborg come from and this is a very good gaming headset in both audio clarity and build quality but with several virtual surround headsets out there at around the same price point it will be hard for gamers to choose a Stereo one even though it might reproduce better sound and have a better construction quality. Overall we are talking about a very good headset so if Mad Catz and Cyborg can cut down the price even by just a little then there's no reason why you shouldn't head right away and purchase it. Even now it really comes highly recommended by us but due to the somewhat high price tag and lack of a basic control panel it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality (Metal Body)
- Audio Clarity
- 3 EQ Presets
- Detachable Noise Cancelling Microphone
- Size
- Design
- Comfortable
- USB and 3.5" Cables

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- No Audio Control Panel