CORSAIR VIRTUOSO RGB WIRELESS XT
Star of the show
CORSAIR’S FIRST CRACK at the Virtuoso was bold—a new flagship headset that tried to bridge the gap between gaming headsets and audiophile headphones. The original Virtuoso SE was released in 2019, and it was a well-loved product with one main criticism: a brutally high price. The Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT is the latest in the line, a slick update to a good design. How much has changed since 2019? Well, in Corsair’s world, not much.
The XT is immediately familiar to anyone who had a set of the older Virtuoso cans, from the soft black leatherette cushioning on the headband to the muted gunmetal exterior of each earpiece. A diminutive Corsair logo sits in the center of each earcup, behind which glows subtle, understated RGB lighting. This isn’t your average gaming headset, it says. This is something more.
Indeed, on paper, the Virtuoso XT sits at the top of its game. A broad frequency response range, surround sound, and Dolby Atmos audio (the software for which has to be installed separately, but is free) mean the XT should offer stellar sound quality straight out of the box.
We’re pleased to report that it does, with incredible clarity in games that allows you to hear higher-pitched sounds such as bullet casings hitting the ground even through the clamor of gunshots and bassy explosions. AptX HD audio results in near-lossless sound, making these a solid choice for listening to music as well (although they won’t compete with audiophile cans in the $500-plus price bracket). TV and movies sound amazing here, too, although you’ll want to use one of the lower-latency connection options.
When it comes to connectivity, there’s a lot to choose from. Wired connections are available via a 3.5mm jack or USB-C to USB-A cable, while the titular wireless works via Bluetooth or Corsair’s 2.4GHz Slipstream, which is particularly impressive, showing zero noticeable latency with a range of up to 60 feet.
The battery life is improved from the SE, now sitting at around 15–20 hours of continuous use. The microphone is also great; Corsair refers to it as “broadcastgrade,” and while that’s something of a stretch, it still performs very well. Vocal quality was excellent both in video calls and game chat. A small ring of light at the end of the flexible boom arm indicates when the mic is muted.
The construction of the Virtuoso XT is just as refined as its predecessor, with plush memory foam padding and a durable metal headband, although the machined aluminum components mean it isn’t the lightest headset we’ve come across. Clamp force on the headband is quite gentle, however, so the XT isn’t uncomfortable to wear for long periods. The buttons and volume wheel feel immensely well made, with a degree of tactility that is unbeaten by competitors.
Of course, all this still comes with a hefty price tag. The Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT costs $270, far more than you need to spend on a good-quality gaming headset. The Razer Nari Ultimate, Logitech G533 Wireless, and Corsair’s own HS60 Haptic headset all cost $100–$150, and are all great choices. If you can afford it, though, the Virtuoso XT is a stunning set of headphones, perfect for any fan of both gaming and music.
Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT
VIRTUOUS Great audio; versatile connectivity; good construction quality; solid mic.
SINFUL High asking price. $270, www.corsair.com