The Audeze Penrose is a premium wireless gaming headset that promises to deliver a top-tier audio experience for both PC and PlayStation gamers. With its impressive pedigree and hefty price tag, expectations are high. But does the Penrose live up to the hype? In this review, we’ll delve into the headset’s design, features, performance, and overall value to see if it’s truly worth the investment.
From its sleek design to its advanced audio technology, the Audeze Penrose offers a unique blend of style and functionality. Featuring a pair of 100mm planar magnetic drivers, the Penrose aims to deliver the kind of immersive, detailed audio that discerning gamers crave. But how does it sound in practice? And does its wireless connectivity meet the demands of competitive gaming?
One of the biggest draws of the Penrose is its dual wireless connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly switch between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless modes. This versatility is a huge plus for gamers who frequently use their headsets across different devices. But does this dual-mode setup come with any drawbacks? We’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of both connectivity options.
Ultimately, the Audeze Penrose is a high-end headset that targets a specific niche of gamers. Its high price tag makes it a significant investment, so it’s crucial to understand its pros and cons before making a purchase. This review aims to provide an unbiased assessment of the Penrose’s performance, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, so you can make an informed decision.
| Name: | Audeze Penrose |
| Image: |  |
| Price: | |
| Rating: | 3.4 out of 5 stars |
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Audeze Penrose: Premium Audio for Gaming and Music
The Audeze Penrose is a premium wireless headset designed for both gaming and music listening. It boasts a sleek, modern design, comfortable fit, and impressive sound quality. Let’s dive into the details and see how it stacks up against the competition.
The Penrose features a unique design with a focus on comfort and durability. The earcups are made from a soft, breathable material, and the headband is adjustable for a personalized fit. The headset is also lightweight, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. The build quality is excellent, with a robust construction that feels durable enough to withstand everyday use.
The Penrose delivers exceptional sound quality, whether you’re playing games, listening to music, or watching movies. The 100mm planar magnetic drivers produce a wide soundstage with accurate, detailed audio. The bass is deep and impactful, the mids are clear and present, and the highs are crisp and detailed. The sound signature is neutral and balanced, making it suitable for a wide range of genres.
For gaming, the Penrose excels with its low latency wireless connection and accurate spatial audio. The immersive soundstage makes it easy to pinpoint enemy locations and react quickly to in-game events. The clear and detailed audio also helps with dialogue and sound effects, allowing you to immerse yourself completely in the game world.
The Penrose is equipped with a detachable boom microphone that delivers clear and crisp voice communication. The microphone has a noise-canceling feature that effectively reduces background noise, ensuring that your voice is heard clearly by your teammates.
The Penrose utilizes a 2.4GHz wireless connection for low latency and reliable performance. The connection is stable and consistent, even in demanding gaming situations. The headset also supports Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity to mobile devices.
Battery life is impressive, with the Penrose offering up to 20 hours of playtime on a single charge. The charging time is relatively quick, taking around 2 hours to fully charge the battery.
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The Penrose comes with a few handy features, including a dedicated button for controlling the microphone mute and a volume wheel on the earcup. The headset also features a built-in equalizer, allowing you to adjust the sound signature to your preferences.
The Audeze Penrose is priced at a premium, but it’s worth considering if you’re looking for a high-quality headset that delivers exceptional sound and features. The combination of immersive audio, comfortable fit, and reliable wireless connectivity makes it an excellent choice for serious gamers and audiophiles.
When comparing the Penrose to other premium gaming headsets, it stands out with its exceptional sound quality, thanks to its planar magnetic drivers. It also offers a comfortable fit, durable build, and impressive battery life. While it might be a bit more expensive than some competitors, the Penrose delivers exceptional value for the price.
The Audeze Penrose is a premium headset that delivers exceptional sound quality, comfort, and features. It’s an excellent choice for gamers, music lovers, and anyone looking for a high-quality wireless headset. With its impressive audio performance, reliable connectivity, and comfortable design, the Penrose is sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles.
Design and Build Quality
The Audeze Penrose is a premium wireless headset that exudes quality from the moment you unbox it. It’s built with a combination of high-quality materials and a solid construction, resulting in a headset that feels sturdy and durable. The headband is made from a combination of metal and leatherette, which gives it a luxurious feel. The earcups are also very well-built, with a sturdy metal frame covered in soft, breathable earcups. The overall construction is reassuringly robust, leaving you with the feeling that the headset can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.
The headset features a sleek and minimalist design that’s both modern and sophisticated. The design is clean and free of any extraneous elements, giving the Penrose a premium look and feel. The earcups are also designed to be incredibly comfortable, even after hours of use. The build quality is excellent, with no creaking or rattling sounds when the headset is adjusted or moved around. This attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the headset’s construction, further cementing the Penrose as a high-end product.
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Comfort and Fit
The Audeze Penrose is a comfortable headset, even for long gaming sessions. The earcups are large and plush, with a soft, breathable fabric covering the memory foam. The headband is also padded and adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect fit.
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The Penrose is a bit on the heavier side, weighing in at around 14 ounces. However, the weight is well distributed, and the headset never felt too heavy or uncomfortable on my head. The headband is also quite sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking or loosening over time.
One of the biggest strengths of the Penrose is its design that accommodates eyeglasses. The earcups have a special design that doesn’t create any pressure on the ears.
While the headset is comfortable for long periods, some users might find that the earcups get a bit hot after a few hours of use, especially in warmer climates. This is a common issue with over-ear headphones, and it’s something to keep in mind if you’re a heavy gamer or if you live in a warm environment.
Sound Quality: Gaming
The Audeze Penrose delivers an exceptional gaming audio experience that sets it apart from the competition. Its 100mm planar magnetic drivers, renowned for their accuracy and detail, shine through in-game. You can distinctly hear footsteps, weapon sounds, and environmental cues with remarkable clarity, giving you a significant advantage in competitive games. The Penrose’s wide soundstage immerses you in the game world, allowing you to pinpoint enemy locations with precision. You won’t miss a single sound cue, even in chaotic scenarios. While the Penrose lacks active noise cancellation, its passive isolation is quite effective. It does a decent job of blocking out ambient noise, allowing you to focus on the game without distractions. The Penrose’s audio quality is a game changer, enhancing your gaming immersion and competitive edge. You’ll truly appreciate the difference it makes in your gameplay.
Sound Quality: Music
The Audeze Penrose shines when it comes to music listening. It offers a truly exceptional audio experience that’s sure to please even the most discerning audiophile. The sound signature is characterized by its rich, detailed, and immersive soundstage. You’ll be able to clearly hear every instrument and vocal nuance, making it a joy to listen to all genres of music.
The Penrose’s 100mm planar magnetic drivers deliver a level of clarity and detail that’s rarely found in other gaming headsets. The bass is deep and impactful without being overwhelming, the mids are clear and well-defined, and the highs are crisp and extended. This combination of factors results in a sound that is both accurate and enjoyable to listen to.
The Penrose’s wide soundstage creates a sense of spaciousness that really immerses you in your music. You can clearly distinguish between individual instruments and vocals, even in complex mixes. This is particularly noticeable with orchestral music, where you can hear the full range of instruments from the quietest flute to the loudest trumpet.
Whether you’re listening to your favorite rock album, a classical symphony, or a podcast, the Audeze Penrose delivers an exceptional listening experience that will leave you wanting more. This headset is a testament to Audeze’s commitment to delivering premium audio quality, making it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a headset that can handle both gaming and music with equal aplomb.
Microphone Performance
The Audeze Penrose boasts a detachable boom mic that’s designed for clear communication in games and calls. The mic itself is flexible, allowing you to adjust its position for optimal voice capture. The quality of the microphone is exceptional. It picks up your voice with clarity and precision, making sure your teammates hear you loud and clear. You won’t have to worry about your voice being muffled or distorted, even in noisy environments. The mic also does a good job of filtering out background noise, ensuring that your voice is the primary focus. The Penrose excels at capturing a natural-sounding voice, devoid of the robotic, artificial tone that sometimes plagues gaming headsets. This makes for more enjoyable and less fatiguing communication during long gaming sessions. Whether you’re coordinating strategies in a competitive game or just chatting with friends, the Penrose mic will ensure your voice is heard with crystal clarity.
Wireless Connectivity
The Audeze Penrose boasts a robust wireless connectivity system, offering both low-latency 2.4GHz wireless for gaming and Bluetooth 5.0 for music and calls. This dual-connectivity setup grants users flexibility to seamlessly switch between gaming sessions and mobile listening. The 2.4GHz wireless connection delivers a near-instantaneous audio experience, minimizing noticeable lag, making it ideal for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. The Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity provides a stable and reliable connection for music streaming and taking calls. The Penrose’s wireless range is impressive, reaching up to 30 feet for both connections. However, keep in mind that interference from other wireless devices can affect signal quality.
The inclusion of a USB-C charging port for the transmitter base is a modern touch and makes charging convenient. While the Penrose does offer a wired connection option through a 3.5mm jack, it’s primarily designed for wireless usage. The absence of a dedicated wireless toggle switch might be a minor inconvenience for some, requiring users to switch between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections through the transmitter base. Overall, the Penrose’s wireless connectivity is a strong point, offering a user-friendly experience with impressive range and minimal latency, making it a great choice for both serious gamers and music enthusiasts.
Battery Life
The Audeze Penrose boasts a respectable battery life of up to 20 hours on a single charge, a figure that aligns well with other premium wireless headphones. This is ample for extended gaming sessions or long commutes. The charging process takes approximately 3 hours via the included USB-C cable.
Audeze also implemented a quick charge feature, allowing you to get several hours of use from just a short charging session. This is a helpful addition for those who might forget to charge their headphones overnight.
One notable aspect is the lack of a dedicated battery indicator on the headphones. While you can use the Audeze HQ app to track the remaining battery life, it would be more convenient to have a visual indicator on the headphones themselves.
Overall, the Penrose offers a solid battery life that should satisfy most users. While the lack of a dedicated indicator is a minor inconvenience, the quick charge feature partially mitigates it.
Features and Software
The Audeze Penrose is packed with features and software designed to enhance your gaming and listening experience. It boasts a dedicated mobile app, the Audeze HQ, for customization and control. The app allows you to adjust the EQ settings to fine-tune the sound profile to your preferences. You can choose from various presets or create your own custom EQ profiles. Additionally, the app lets you control the sidetone level, allowing you to hear your own voice in the headset for better communication.
Beyond audio adjustments, the Audeze HQ app offers firmware updates, ensuring you always have the latest features and bug fixes. This keeps your Penrose headset running smoothly and efficiently. The app also provides a handy battery status indicator, keeping you informed about the remaining battery life.
One of the notable features of the Audeze Penrose is its low-latency wireless technology. This ensures a seamless and responsive gaming experience, minimizing any lag between your actions and audio feedback. The headset also supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly switch between gaming and music listening.
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Furthermore, the Audeze Penrose features a built-in USB-C charging port for convenient recharging. The headset also comes with a carrying case for safe storage and transport.
Price and Value
The Audeze Penrose retails for $399, putting it firmly in the premium category for wireless gaming headsets. This price tag may seem steep, but it’s important to consider what you’re getting for your money. The Penrose boasts high-end materials, powerful drivers, and a comfortable design, making it a true audiophile-grade headset that delivers exceptional sound quality.
While the price is undoubtedly a hurdle, the Penrose’s value proposition hinges on its ability to satisfy demanding audiophiles and gamers alike. If you prioritize crystal-clear audio, a spacious soundstage, and a comfortable fit for extended gaming sessions, the Penrose might be worth the investment. However, if you’re on a budget or your primary focus is on competitive gaming where precise positional audio is paramount, other options might be more suitable.
Ultimately, the value of the Penrose is subjective and depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re willing to pay a premium for exceptional sound and build quality, the Penrose delivers a compelling experience. But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option or prioritize competitive gaming features, it might be wise to explore other headsets in the market.
Comparison to the Competition
The Audeze Penrose is a strong contender in the premium wireless gaming headset market, but it faces stiff competition from other high-end options. Here’s how it stacks up against some of its key rivals:
- Sony WH-1000XM5: While the XM5s are renowned for their exceptional noise cancellation and music fidelity, they lack the dedicated gaming features of the Penrose. The Audeze offers a lower latency mode for gaming, making it more responsive for competitive play. However, if music is your primary focus, the XM5s might be the better choice.
- SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: The Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is another excellent gaming headset known for its comfortable fit and clear audio. The Penrose edges out the Nova Pro in terms of sound quality, particularly for music listening. However, the Nova Pro has a slightly more refined design and offers a wider range of customization options.
- Astro A50 Wireless: The Astro A50 Wireless is a popular choice for console gamers, boasting a comfortable fit and strong wireless performance. The Penrose delivers superior sound quality, particularly in the bass department. However, the A50 has a more user-friendly interface and a longer battery life.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: The Momentum 4 Wireless is a premium headset that excels in music playback. While it lacks dedicated gaming features, it offers excellent sound quality and noise cancellation. The Penrose is a better option for gamers due to its low latency mode and dedicated gaming features.
Ultimately, the best headset for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities. If you’re a serious gamer who prioritizes sound quality and responsiveness, the Audeze Penrose is a strong contender. However, if you’re looking for a headset with exceptional noise cancellation, a wider range of customization options, or a longer battery life, other options might be better suited.
Final Verdict
The Audeze Penrose is a compelling choice for gamers and audiophiles alike. It offers top-notch sound quality for both gaming and music, comfortable fit, and a premium build. While the price tag might be steep, the Penrose delivers an immersive audio experience that justifies the cost for serious audio enthusiasts. However, it’s important to consider the competition. If you prioritize features like active noise cancellation or a more compact design, other options might be a better fit. Ultimately, the Audeze Penrose stands out as a premium wireless headset that excels in sound quality and immersion, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking the best possible audio experience.
The Audeze Penrose is a compelling option for gamers seeking high-fidelity audio and a comfortable wireless experience. Its exceptional sound quality, powered by Audeze’s renowned planar magnetic drivers, delivers a truly immersive soundscape. The Penrose offers a comfortable fit thanks to its lightweight design and plush earcups. While the price tag might seem steep, the Penrose justifies its cost with its premium build, cutting-edge features, and exceptional audio performance.
One of the key strengths of the Penrose is its seamless integration with various gaming platforms. The dual wireless connectivity allows for simultaneous connection to both PC/Mac and PlayStation consoles, making it an ideal choice for multi-platform gamers. Additionally, the low-latency Bluetooth ensures a lag-free experience for mobile gaming.
However, the Penrose isn’t without its shortcomings. The battery life could be improved, and the lack of a dedicated EQ app might be a deterrent for users who prefer customizing their sound signature. Nonetheless, the Penrose compensates with its exceptional sound quality, comfortable fit, and versatile connectivity, making it a strong contender for discerning gamers.
In conclusion, the Audeze Penrose delivers a premium gaming audio experience that combines high-fidelity sound with a comfortable and versatile wireless design. While its price might be a deterrent for some, the Penrose’s exceptional audio performance and seamless platform integration make it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers seeking the best possible sound.
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