Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX Review: "A Real Premium Audio Experience"
When you think of Turtle Beach, it's hard not to think also of destroying scrubs in Modern Warfare 2 lobbies and getting shouted at by 8-year-olds for doing pretty well. They've earned a name for themselves as the ultimate gaming headset, and their branding has carried them a long way, even though they haven't always been at the very forefront of technological advancements in gaming peripherals.
But, now they're taking the plunge into true wireless, opting to run straight into the console with the Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX (we know, it's a mouthful) and set their sights primarily on the Xbox Series - and it has paid off dividends.
Setup
Click to enlargeThe latest step into the wireless world for Turtle Beach is a fairly straightforward one, using a receiver to be plugged straight into the console like many others of its kin - and though its first use led to some bizarre connectivity problems with the wireless Xbox Series controller, once that was ironed out, connecting to the console became as easy as simply switching the headset on. It takes about 15 seconds for the headset and receiver to sync up, but once that's taken care of, you're clear for take-off.
The Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX does a good job of keeping itself to itself, with its microphone being stashed away inside itself and a low-key design that seems to get everything right and appears pretty understated. All of the buttons you'll need are on the left side of the headset, and feel so different from each other that you'll likely be able to use them all without having to take it off and double-check what you're clicking once you're used to using them.
It's an incredibly easy-to-use piece of kit, which is frankly refreshing what with the difference between a true wireless headset and a wired headset plugged into a wireless controller being pretty slim.
Sound
Of course, being a headset valued at £179.99, you'd expect some seriously high quality audio. Despite the fact that even though they've always had their prestigious branding, Turtle Beach hasn't quite been at the forefront of the audio innovation conversation - but the Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX manages to pull through in a big way.
The headphones come with the promise of surround sound that'll let you hear in 3D to some degree, and it certainly delivers. They might not exactly make you a sensory superhero, but doors opening and footsteps scattering from behind you come through with precision, so you can make an educated guess on where to turn, hugely coming in handy in the more intense FPS field.
The mixing balance of the headset is perfect for any kind of gaming experience, with the explosiveness of Apex Legends coming through clear and the gorgeous ambience of Journey standing with the same clarity, it's clear that it's not only the Call of Duty fans in mind for this headset. If anyone is interested enough in video games to upgrade to a totally wireless means of experiencing their games, then the 700 Gen 2 MAX is made for them, providing they can cough up the entry fee.
Comfort
Click to enlargeThe Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX comes with Aerofit cooling gel-infused memory foam ear cushions, which sounds fairly extortionate, but the bottom line is, the headset is incredibly comfortable.
It's designed to practically negate the sweatiness you get from wearing overbearing headphones for some time, remaining cool with enough cushions to keep you from feeling as though there's a lot of pressure on the ears. It also comes with a surprisingly effective glasses-friendly mode, which takes some fiddling to take care of, but it works incredibly well. Paired with the simple adjustability of the headband, the headset is as comfortable as you can ask a peripheral of its kind to be, and it doesn't end up as heavy as you might expect.
Verdict
Turtle Beach has more than proved that they're up to the challenge of creating a super-modern headset with the Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX. It's sleek with impressive sound, and comfortable enough that eventually, you'll practically forget you're wearing them.
This headset is a credit to the forward movement that Turtle Beach has made, and if you're willing to splash out on a real premium audio experience with your games, whatever you play, then the Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX shouldn't be ignored.
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9/10
Product received free of charge.
