Sony's Ultimate Weapon Gaming headsets are as macho as the name suggests
By Vlad Savov 
posted August 17th 2010 4:41AM
posted August 17th 2010 4:41AM
Sony Unveils Ultimate Weapon Gaming headsets with unique Sony surround technology
17 August 2010
• DR-GA500 model features 7.1ch digital surround sound perfect for first person shooters (FPS)
• DR-GA500 and DR-GA200 have 40mm drive units for premium gaming sound quality
• Both showcase unique 'triple enfolding' design for unrivalled comfort over long periods of wear
Sony is launching two very special headsets into the gaming sector. Each has been designed in response to extensive user research that shows what different gamers want from the ideal headset.
The DR-GA500 combines a Dolby Pro Logic IIx decoder with unique Sony Virtual Phones™ Technology (VPT) to create convincing 7.1ch 3D surround effects. The signal processing hardware is contained in a compact external unit.
The result is a soundscape rich in precision spatial detail that pinpoints everything from a stealthy footstep to the position of an exploding grenade. This audio environment is perfect for first person shooter (FPS) games where what you can hear is often as important as what you can see.
DR-GA500 brings out the highest gaming performance with its superb sound quality. It is something you can't forget, if you really want to win the game.
And as every gamer knows, any advantage you can gain can make the difference between winning and losing.
Both the DR-GA500 and GA200 headsets will also appeal to an audience of strategy and online multiplayer games where long stretches of gameplay are the norm. They feature 40mm drive units for outstanding sound quality with resonant, living bass and crisp high frequencies, plus the Sony 'triple enfolding' design for the last word in comfortable wear.
Both headsets share exceptional visual appeal thanks to a striking and individualistic design that sets them apart from the competition. The design features durable materials and is as practical as it is eye-catching, but the real secret is the comfort factor.
The Sony triple enfolding design has its origins in user research underlining the importance of ventilation and avoiding pressure on the ear. It means long sessions of wear without the growing distraction of discomfort.
Both models incorporate a high quality, compact boom microphone to complete the ideal feature set for the most demanding of gamers.
@ "with a separate box to process your computer's audio into a 7.1-channel".
Logitech manage to cram 7.1 without the box and it sounded amazing. I might try this if the price is right.... Maybe $149?
@cdf74dc9 probably more, considering sony's brand name and the included medals of honor
@cdf74dc9
thats wishful thinking, i'd expect upwards of 200 us dollars. even so, i'd im interested in these smexy 'phones
@dreamerkm
Just hoping.... Knowing Sony, everything is a premium. But their product is of good quality than most.
@cdf74dc9 Well '7.1 digital processing' isn't anything new for Sony, see the MDR-DS7100:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/09/sonys-mdr-ds7100-7-1-channel-cans-cut-the-cord/
Granted, there can be a lot differences in driver, housing and pads between headphones affecting the sound and comfort...
@cdf74dc9
"...Logitech manage to cram 7.1 without the box and it sounded amazing..."
I bet a grado SR60i would sound better.
@cdf74dc9 i prefer a real soundcard with a real processor for real 7.1
Finally, a gaming headset i'd actually buy!
@wickywills
Same here, but
Are these strictly PC only? or is there any PS3 ♥?
@stevenf17
good question - if they work with the PS3 that would be damn sweeet!
@stevenf17 i hope to jesus it uses optical out (ps3 and computer and xbox)
@wickywills You don't like the Astro A40's? They are pretty damn nice. I'm sure these Sony's are bomb too though.
@wickywills
I can't see Sony releasing gaming headphones and not making them compatible with their gaming system. They're pretty good about integrating their products, so I'd count on it being compatible. Here's to hoping this thing is $199.99 or less this Christmas!
@wickywills That thought just blew my mind.
...macho as the name suggests? are they called cauliflower ears headsets?
I'm guessing they're called "Ultimate Gaming Headset".
@TheRealCJ funny...that would mean they are ugh's.
I love closed ear headphones like these and my last pair of Sony monitors bit the dust a while ago, if there is an optical digital in on the audio processor box I am sold.
sounds fine
Has there been a price set yet? They already seem better than my Turtle Beaches X31's
@Benlo What about the X41's? =(
Im actually in market for surrond headphones for movies and a little bit of gaming. But I would prefer something with more drivers over virtual surrond. And wireless would be awesome. Somebody has an idea what to buy? I found just a Roccat Kave..
@TR47 Yea, 'true' or Multi-Driver headphones aren't very good at all! In mere panning they show 'holes' in the audio as it transitions from driver to driver. Check this thread out....
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=894251
Thx for tip, but 325 pages in that thread is more then Im willing to read ;)
@TR47
For wireless simulated surround....
RS180 + SU-DH1 is currently the best solution out there, period.
Believe me, I researched "very" extensively for 12mth...
And your premise that more physical drivers is somehow better than stereo cans + "HRTF-like" algorithms is constantly shot-down in thread after thread, in forum after forum, from knowledgeable lurkers.
Do some reading and you'll see for yourself...
how about a bidding war .. Lets start from Minimum Bid of 1$$
@NeoPhyt3
Going once, Going twice, SOLD TO NeoPhyt3 FOR $1
@NeoPhyt3
I think you auctioneers are working together, and thats not far...
Make them wireless and I'll use them with my iPhone. Just kidding! I've got a pair of Sennheiser MM400's for my iPhone and they are very good. The sound quality isn't amazing but the convenience of wireless is huge!
OSX is not supported, is it?
@varera Are you thsuper thserial?
Looks like it will be on the PS3 since it will include MoH.
@souljah523
Why would including MoH mean that they will be on the PS3??
under £100 and actual 7.1 surround instead of the simulated 7.1 and I will buy them
@HW90
why?
extra actual drivers are crap compared to a quality par of stereo cans + HRTF-like algorithms...
If it's not wireless I won't be getting them...
If they are wireless and can be used with PS3 then they might just be a buy.
Hey guys/gals, I have a question for anyone that has expeirience with similar headsets.
Is there any way that this could work with my Xbox 360?
@Nick S Check out the Gaming headset thread here... lot's of gaming 'nerds.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=894251
@SID3W8Z Thanks dude!
I appreciate the help!
I don't know why they bother, no one ever use headsets on the PSN....and xboxers are too much of a fanboy to use this probably.
I'm looking for Bluetooth headphones that have a built-in mic and will combine game sound with the voice chat channel. So far, the only products I've found allow me to chat with a headset and pipe the game sound to another device (speakers) or pipe the game sound to earphones, but not chat. Does this product exist?
The box is just the dolby digital headphone encoding, which is required for you to enjoy the full surroundsound effect. I'll stick with my A40s though, but this isn't just Sony who knows the ultimate weapon for FPS is hi-fi headphones, but PC gamers for the past decade or so.
Some games however are too damn intense with fully immersible surround sound headphones. And don't kid yourself, the experience is much different from a home theater surround sound system. There is no comparison.
What type of interface? USB? Optical?
Are these for PS3 only? or will there work on xbox 360?
i think the GA500 is likely to be wireless and costing more than $200
Sony seems to be pulling out all sorts of amazing tech the last year. Bravia's (including 3D) look amazing. The new headsets, phones, projected phones, ps3 and psp, vaio. Everything seems to be on the up for Sony, and I approve. Love Sony.
Hot!
Looks like something out of the new tron, I love it!
I'll stick with the Astro Gaming A40 headset.