It’s a strange fact, that with so many headphone makers on the market, most headsets still fall into a similar visual style. Companies like Razer aside, most headsets go for a dark and grey aesthetic that exists to be seen and then quickly forgotten about. Enter the EPOS|Sennheiser GSP 602’s, which along with the 601’s are EPOS|Sennheisers’ newest addition to their GSP series. I’ve had a chance to review a couple of previous instalments and it’s clear that the 600 series is an overall step up-on its predecessors, especially in terms of aesthetic and comfort.
Before we dive into the rest of the review it’s important to note that the EPOS|Sennhiesier GSP 602 is the same headset as the GSP 601 and 600, except that they each have a different colour scheme. If you own a GSP 600 then there’s no real reason to get the 601 or 602. That being said, for new owners, the different colour schemes add some nice options to the mix and make for a more personal headset experience.
Visually, the EPOS|Sennhiesier GSP 602 has a retro tint to it, largely because of its cider-colored ear flaps. It’s a very noticeable colour palette, but one that is also muted and strangely elegant. The main part of the headset features a sleek dark-blue finish that is similarly low-key but compliments the ear flaps aesthetic well. Compared to the 601 and 602 they’re easily the standout choice for me and are one of the most unique coloured headsets that I’ve reviewed. In a sea of mostly black and silver coloured headsets, the GSP 602 manages to stand out. The one visual blunder is that there is considerable space between the adjustable ends and your head that gives the GSP 602’s a sort of bulky, fish-bowl look to them, but at least it’s a fashionable looking fish-bowl.
Specs-wise, the EPOS|Sennhiesier GSP 602 has a high sound range, maxing out at 112 dB SPL @ 1 kHz, 1V RMS. The GSP 602 has a 3.5 mm jack input as well as a dual 3.5mm that is compatible with any device that supports them. The headphones feature a 10–30,000 Hz range and are a noticeable step up from most gaming headsets. They feature a rich sound and deep range on the treble and bass spectrums. Testing it with a variety of benchmarks, the GSP 602 performs well and manages to combine comfort with performance.
The volume control knob, which rests on the right side of the headset features a smooth and precise-feeling slider that adds to the EPOS|Sennheiser GSP 602’s feeling of luxury. There is a bit of noise-canceling in the 602, due to its cushiony earflaps but it’s not enough to do anything other than dull sound slightly, and it’s one of the few shortcomings of the headset. The other major point of contention is the price. Retailing for 279.99 CAD the GSP 602 is a premium-priced headset that is out of the price range of many gamers.
The most surprising aspect of the EPOS|Sennheiser GSP 602 is the microphone. In my experience, most gaming headset mics are sub-par and are more of an ancillary feature that they all need to have, instead of a key selling feature. The GSP 602’s mic boasts a 10–18,000 Hz range that manages to limit clipping even in the loudest and most yell-filled moments. I tested the 602’s while playing Among Us, which is a game that very quickly and often devolves into nonsensical shout matches. Listening back to the recording I found that there were little to no-instances of mic clipping and that the mic managed to capture my voice in a similar way to how my RODE mic does. That being said, it’s not as bass-heavy as the RODE mic and while the sound is clear, it’s functionality is nothing exceptional even though it’s a definite plus.
The lack of meaningful noise-cancelling and other features that some of its price-range competitors offer makes the EPOS|Sennheiser GSP 602 less of an overall must-buy. That being said it is a premium feeling headset, with a standout aesthetic, solid mic, and hassle-free operations. If you’re in the market for a great, no-nonsense headset that looks stylish and performs well, then the GSP 602 warrants addition to your gaming collection.
