I bought these headphones to replace a broken Plantronics set (I stepped on them and subsequently one side kept falling off!!). So how has their replacement, the Sennheiser PC 131 headset, coped in such an environment? Read on for my opinion.....
Uses
I use these headphones everyday for online gaming (with Ventrilo), listening to music on my PC and for SKYPE. The headset is SKYPE certified.
Product Description
The headset has two 3.5mm jacks- one for the microphone and one for the headphones. This means that not only can they be used with your PC but also with ipods and other music systems- but best not go outside as you might attract some strange looks with a microphone stuck on the side! The microphone is lightweight and you will not notice it when it is not in use and upright.
Also on the headset is an in-line volume control and mute switch on the 3m length cable. This is useful, especially when switching between different applications with different sound levels.
Durability
Unfortunately my headsets do get kicked, sat on and dropped. Mostly it is unintentional. This Sennheiser headset has survived everything with not even a scratch. It truly is a well built piece of kit.
Sound Quality
One word can sum up the sound quality- superb. The sound has plenty of bass, clarity and detail and matches (even surpasses) headsets dedicated to enjoying music.
The 'noise-cancelling' microphone delivers clear and good sound. I have had some complaints in the past that my voice is barely audible but this seemed due more to software issues- as it works fine normally and also when recording to my minidisc player.
Ergonomics
I find the PC 131s are lighweight and comfortable- even for long periods of use. They fit well and have plenty of scope for expansion.
One drawback I found though is that the microphone has limited flexibility. Other headsets (including my previous ones) had a lot more flexibility. It almost feels as though it has been thrown on the side of the headset. But this has not caused me any issues.
Value for Money
I bought these for £17.99 from play.com but unfortunately they don't appear to be selling them anymore. For the price I paid they are absolutely fantastic value for money. I have seen them for between £22- £28 and even then I would recommend them highly.
Bottom Line
The Sennheiser PC 131s are a fantastic product- well made, excellent build quality, comfortable and most importantly good value for money.
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Left: 2 x 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style) - female, 1 x 4 PIN USB Type A - male - Right: 1 x 4 PIN USB Type A - male, 2 x 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style) - female, 1 x 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style) - female
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