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Corsair Vengeance 1500 Review

*Est. $90

Reviewed

June 2012

by ConsumerSearch

PC headset for gaming

Pros

Excellent audio quality
Simulated 7.1 surround sound
Sound processing built into headset
Noise-filtering microphone

Cons

Large size
Doesn't work with Macs

Where to Buy

for $59.99

Our Analysis
Specs
191 Amazon Reviews

Experts and users alike sing unanimous praises for the Corsair Vengeance 1500 PC headset. The top-of-the-line model in Corsair's gaming headset lineup is priced like a mid-range offering, but reviewers say it performs like a pro.

Excellent sound quality

The Corsair Vengeance 1500 doesn't quite match the audio quality of headsets that cost $150 or more, but it comes very close thanks to its oversized 50 mm neodymium drivers and an onboard sound card. The sound card also allows the Vengeance 1500 to create simulated 7.1-channel surround sound. The noise-filtering unidirectional microphone is also top-notch.

Easy to use, as long as you use Windows

The Vengeance 1500 connects via USB to any Windows computer; Macs are not supported. If you already have an excellent sound card in your PC, the Corsair Vengeance 1300 (*Est. $70) is a better deal. It has a 3.5 mm analog stereo jack rather than a USB connection. It also lacks built-in surround sound and digital sound processing capabilities.

Comfortable, as long as your head is not too small

And that's the biggest complaint -- some say that the headset might fit a bit loosely on people with smaller heads. A few wish the ear pads were leather instead of foam.

Solid construction

Overall, reviewers are very happy with the headset's construction. It features a brushed aluminum design and memory foam ear pads that swivel to lie flat against your chest when you place the headset around your neck.

Thumbs-up for value

Professional reviewers fall over themselves to shower the Corsair Vengeance 1500 with awards. If money is no object, critics say the Razer Tiamat 7.1 (*Est. $180) delivers even better sound and build quality along with true 7.1 surround sound -- but at twice the cost of the Vengeance 1500.

Finding feedback

Several top technology sources cover the Corsair Vengeance 1500 in stand-alone reviews, including Maximum PC magazine, CNET (Australia), HardOCP.com and HardwareHeaven.com. Hundreds of (mostly) happy users leave feedback on Newegg.com and Amazon.com.

Where To Buy

Corsair Vengeance 1500 USB Connector Dolby 7.1 Gaming Headset (CA-9011112-WW)

(191 reviews)
Buy new: $99.99 $59.99 31 Used & new from $53.45

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. HardwareHeaven.com

Stuart Davidson gives the Corsair Vengeance 1500 a Recommended award, saying that the headset is well built and clear-sounding at a fraction of the cost of the competition. "A quality gaming headset which offers better value than its competitors," he writes in conclusion.

Review: Corsair Vengeance 1500 7.1 USB Gaming Headset Review, Stuart Davidson, Nov. 18, 2011

2. HardOCP.com

In this joint look at the digital Corsair Vengeance 1500 and the analog Vengeance 1300, the Vengeance 1500 wins a HardOCP.com Editor's Choice Enthusiast Gold award, while its line mate nabs a Silver award. The versatility of the Vengeance 1500 gives it the extra boost in Earl Keim's eyes.

Review: Corsair Vengeance 1300 and 1500 Gaming Headsets Review, Earl Keim, Dec. 12, 2011

3. CNET (Australia)

The Corsair Vengeance 1500 earns yet another Editors' Choice award here, along with a spot at the top of CNET (Australia)'s list of the best gaming headsets. "Delivering solid sound quality with a built-in DSP, it's hard to believe that they're not twice the price," Bennett Ring writes.

Review: Corsair Vengeance 1500, Bennett Ring, April 13, 2012

4. MaximumPC.com

Alex Castle gives the Corsair Vengeance its fourth professional award -- in this case, Maximum PC's Kick Ass award. Build quality and strong audio chops play a significant role once again. "If you're looking for a serious gaming headset and can afford to spend 100 bones, you won't go wrong with this one," Castle writes.

Review: Corsair Vengeance 1500 USB Gaming Headset Review, Alex Castle, March 30, 2012

5. Amazon.com

The Corsair Vengeance lineup maintains a solidly above average rating at Amazon.com, with nearly 150 users checking in. Most give the gaming headset a rating of 4 or 5 stars; the majority of the complaints deal with the fit of the ear cups.

Review: Corsair CA-9011112-WW Vengeance 1500 Dolby 7.1 USB Gaming Headset , Contributors to Amazon.com

6. NewEgg.com

The Corsair Vengeance 1500 enjoys a 4-star rating at Newegg.com, with over 100 user reviews on the books. The feedback is largely very positive, though some complain about the loose-fitting ear cups.

Review: Corsair Vengeance 1500 USB Connector Circumaural Dolby 7.1 Gaming Headset, Contributors to Newegg.com