The Maxwell 2 Gaming Headset is the latest iteration of the well-received Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset from Hifi headphone maker Audeze. Aiming to refine the already stellar listening experience of its predecessor, the Maxwell 2 offers some new design elements along with the latest iteration of their impressive 90mm driver system. Is it enough to warrant replacing your current gaming headset? Let’s dive in and find out.
The Maxwell 2 shares many of the same features and design elements as the original Maxwell. The same closed-back earcup structure houses the latest 8th-generation 90mm planar drivers with SLAM technology, an update over its predecessor. The Maxwell 2 does offer two sets of cutouts along the earcup edge for better ventilation, which is welcome as the original Maxwells did tend to trap heat in the earcups.
Audeze has upgraded the foam padding around the earcups this time with a full replaceable pad that sits quite comfortably over the ears, fully enclosing them. The tension around the ears is notable but not uncomfortable. This is due in part to the aforementioned new pads in conjunction with the new wider adjustable headband, which helps distribute the weight of the Maxwell 2’s more evenly on your head.
This is an important feature to note, as weight is a carried-over critique I have from the original Maxwell. The Maxwell 2 is actually heavier, weighing 567g (with mic attached), up from the originals’ 490g. As noted, while heavier, they are actually more comfortable than their predecessor, which, as noted, can be attributed to the bands’ more even weight distribution.
“As for the audio experience, like its predecessor, the Maxwell 2 sounds absolutely amazing when gaming.”
Back is the 1800mAh battery offering the same 80-plus hours of listening, which does help justify the considerable heft of the Maxwell 2. Another contributing factor to weight is the actual build quality. Most elements of the structure are comprised of various lightweight metals, resulting in an incredibly sturdy overall build.
When compared to the original, the Maxwell 2 does feel a bit more comfortable to wear while still offering the same on-ear controls and detachable microphone present in the Maxwell. As for the microphone, it’s similar to the original, offering a solid, clean capture with fairly clean AI-powered noise reduction.
I actually like the overall updated design elements present in the Maxwell 2. Connecting the headset is a simple matter of plugging the included wireless dongle into your PC, Mac, or console (Xbox version also available) and flipping the onboard switch to PC or console. The headset is immediately registered and ready to be used. Bluetooth 5.3 and a 3.5mm port are also available, providing several options for connectivity.
As for the audio experience, like its predecessor, the Maxwell 2 sounds absolutely amazing when gaming. Audeze is first and foremost an Audiofile headphone company, with their MM-100 being a personal favourite, and as such have done an incredible job at calibrating the drivers to push out some of the cleanest, clearest and crispest audio for gaming.
This newest iteration of the 90mm planar drivers with SLAM technology simply refines an already incredible listening experience for gamers. In testing, there was no notable noise across the frequency bands. Everything feels tight and controlled in the audio profile. For gaming, this is absolutely incredible. The audio detail when gaming is tight, crisp and precise, offering some of the most immersive audio listening I’ve tested for gaming.
The profile is bright, which works exceptionally well for video game audio, providing great directional cues and an overall clean and full mix. The bass is tight and clean, offering great low end, while the mids and highs offer exceptional clarity for both vocals and ambient audio. I was actually quite impressed at how clear the ambient noise was when recently playing No Rest For the Wicked, something I had not noticed previously.
“…the Maxwell 2 takes everything great about the Audeze wireless gaming headset and offers small refinements in both comfort and audio listening experience.”
For gamers, the Maxwell 2 feels exceptional. Audio listening, likewise, is excellent with a few small caveats. Due to its bright and detailed nature, the audio profile feels very controlled when listening to music. While clean, crisp and clear, it lacks some of the fullness in soundscape when compared to, say, the MM-100. This isn’t a critique, simply an observation of purpose-built headphones. The Maxwell 2 is gamer first, and as a result, music listening will feel much more like being in a recording studio than a concert. Overall, though, the audio experience is absolutely exceptional on the Maxwell 2.
So is it worth trading in your current gaming headset for the Maxwell 2? If you are a current Maxwell owner, I’d have to say to hold off. While absolutely amazing, the Maxwell 2 isn’t a huge departure from what makes the originals great. A refinement, yes, but nothing groundbreaking over the originals. If, however, you are looking to upgrade your current budget headset, the Maxwell 2 is an incredible option.
Priced at $329.99, the Maxwell 2 takes everything great about the Audeze wireless gaming headset and offers small refinements in both comfort and audio listening experience. If you are looking for an upgrade and want an immersive listening experience, the Maxwell 2 delivers.
