Headset Review: Sennheiser GSP 370 Gaming Headset
Usually, when I go for gaming peripherals, the first thing I do is take RAZER, and wipe it from the list, as their tacky, borderline-childish products never sat right with me. So, when I’ve first seen Sennheiser GSP 370, with my own two eyes, I was already convinced that it might be a headset of substance, more than a toy with bells and whistles attached. However, as good as it looked, and as great as its specs were, its rather steep price has kept me at bay.
The Sennheiser GSP 370, comes in at a rather hefty £169.99, and for that price you get the rather simple, yet stylish graphite, wireless headset, with a folding microphone. Which you could say is par for the course, as far as wireless headsets go. However, its 100-hour batter life, which let me tell you, is in no way, shape, or form exaggerated, as it outperforms nearly all other headsets at 10/1. And that is especially impressive considering that some headsets, such as the ASTRO A50s, which will run you nearly £300, will only hold their battery for less than 15 hours, at medium volume setting.
The GSP 370, may seem like an expensive headset, but in order to game with 7.1 audio, for hundred hours without charging, you will need at least 10 Sony Platinum Headsets, which will cost you a whopping £1000, or 7 ASTRO A50s, which will cost you an even more eye-watering £2099.93. So, if you are looking for a wireless headset, which doesn’t force you to charge it every night, then the GSP 370 is definitely an answer, and one which in perspective, doesn’t seem so outrageously expensive.
As mentioned previously, the Sennheiser GSP 370 makes use of virtualized, 8 channel, or as it is better known as, 7.1 surround system. And while enabling this feature does increase the quality of audio tremendously – especially when listening to music, it does also increase battery usage. Not significantly, as most probably won’t even notice. As with 7.1 virtualization enabled, you will only lose anywhere between 2 to 5 hours of battery life.
As far as the design goes, the Sennheiser GSP 370 is considerably smaller that the vast majority of gaming headsets. The slick black and grey aesthetic, compact ear-cups, and two-part leatherette and pseudo-suede pads, make for a headset which may not be as flashy as your ASTROs or RAZERs, but one that is definitely much more elegant- and well, reasonable. In addition, the headband padding is also split into two parts, in turn minimising the pressure on your head, and this means that you can truly make use of Sennheiser GSP 370 rather astonishing battery life.
Overall, the Sennheiser GSP 370 looks great. However, it is not all roses, as the microphone is rather bulky in comparison to the rest of the product, and it is nowhere as flexible as some microphones which you will find on other gaming headsets. Furthermore, the volume knob, which is rather large, does fit the design rather well, but it can be a little fiddly. It also takes a little getting used to, as you have to really spin it, in order to adjust. But this in the long run IS rather beneficial, as it stops you from accidently increasing, or decreasing your volume as you play.
Overall, all the physical parts of the Sennheiser GSP 370 come together rather well. But it feels like Sennheiser went for style over substance in this particular department in some cases, as some of the features, especially the microphone, could have been executed a little better, perhaps with a reduction of size. But ultimately, bulky microphone, and finicky volume knob aside, these are small prices to pay for a hundred-hour battery life.
During the week and a half which I’ve spent with the Sennheiser GSP 370, I’ve play everything from multiplayer shooters, through AAA colossi, all the way down to indie minnows, and the verdict in gaming department is fairly simple; Sennheiser GSP 370 is by far one of the better headsets that I’ve used, which are compatible with PlayStation 4. The sound quality is sharp and crystal clear, sound-mixing playback is borderline immaculate, and the slick design, and soft padding are both super in style and comfort.
The Sennheiser GSP 370 shone the most within Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and Destiny 2, as the sound quality, and 360-degree feedback radius, allow for some rather immense sound-whoring. And it will give an edge, over other players online, especially within modes such as Search and Destroy, or within the entirety of Rainbow Six: Siege. In addition, the Sennheiser GSP 370 also does a great job of imitating cinema environment, when playing narrative-centric, single player games. And this was the most apparent within Death Stranding, and The Last of Us. That’s mainly due to the fact that the clarity of the Sennheiser GSP 370, which brings ambient sounds forward, and further elevates the razor-sharp atmosphere of both of these already excellent games.
As far as audio quality goes, the Sennheiser GSP 370 is pretty much unrivalled, and while comparing it to A50s, Sony’s Platinum and Gold headsets, the Sennheiser GSP 370 is simply a league, if not leagues above. But considering that this particular headset has been created by Sennheiser, then that is not really surprising, as the German audio giant in question is known for excellent products, of immense quality.
Initially, paying next to £170 for a gaming headset may seem a little strange to some, as in this day and age, you can bag a reasonable headset for less than £50. But considering the colossal battery life, audio quality, and ergonomic design, it becomes rather clear that the price-point for this device is more than reasonable. And the price becomes even more favourable, once you take into consideration the fact that this £169.99 headset makes a mockery of some peripherals which cost twice as much, if not more.
The Sennheiser GSP 370 is by far one of the best headsets available on the market, and while Sennheiser does sell higher-end products within its gaming range, such as Sennheiser GSP 670 which features true 8-channel audio. Then even that £300 headset doesn’t have the superior battery life that the 370’s possesses, which dwarfs 670’s 16 to 20 hour single charge span., and in fact, it dwarves the entirety of its competition, in any way imaginable.
You can also read our review of the Sennheiser GSP 670 here.