Just a few days ago, I got a chance to check out the new Sennheiser GSP 500, an open-gaming headset with some serious sonic chops.  Now I’m here demoing the Sennheiser GSP 600, a closed-back sister model retailing for a solid $249.  But how does it sound? 

Supplied with an 8 ft (2.5 m) PC cable and a 5 ft (1.5 m) console cable, the GSP 600 comes with no other accessories. Packaging is simple, with the headphones nestled in a molded cardboard frame.

Design-wise, the GSP 600 takes some cues from its sibling, the GSP 500. Being nearly identical in appearance, the biggest difference you’ll notice is the lack of vents on the closed back 600. However, you’ve still got the same deep ear pads, the same comfortable headband, and the same impressive boom microphone.

Out of the box, this headphone works seamlessly with PCs and the Playstation 4, while X Box One users may need an audio adapter to get up and running.

Specs

Frequency Range:  10-30,000 Hz
Nominal Impedance:  28 ohms
Sound Pressure Level (SPL):  112 dB

The specs for the 600 reveal a fairly wide frequency range with decent low- and high-end detail.  And impedance of just 28 ohms lends these cans to almost any low-output device – perfect for PCs and consoles, but equally at home with a smartphone or portable music source.  Sound Pressure seems a little high for a closed back headphone, so volume should never be an issue.

Low End

The Sennheiser GSP 600 offers a strong, articulate sound in the low end. With a real sense of fidelity here, the 600 delivers an intense low end complemented by good bass. Well controlled, the sound never seems sloppy or overpowered, but almost perfect for everything you throw at it.

Mids

Mids remain well-defined with only the slightest bit of compression. Really though, the performance here strikes me as fairly impressive, with a sense of presence on par with some professional studio monitors.

High End

Where the high end is concerned, the GSP delivers a wealth of resolution. At times this sound can seem a tad bit bright, but overall this part of the frequency range provides a phenomenal listening experience.

Soundstage

Soundstage on the 600 falls somewhat flat, bestowing a good sense of depth but lacking convincing placement. For a closed-back headphone, the sound is still fairly impressive – but like the kind of headroom I was expecting.

Other Observations

Sound. The GSP 600 offers a rich dynamic sound that works well it’s given application. However, it still sounds great from the purely-headphone standpoint.

As a gaming headphone, though, this baby is nothing short of a home run. The mic is sensitive and resolving, while the design provides plenty of comfort. Tack on that badass sound and you’ve got one hell of a gaming headset.

Recommendations

For those who want more soundstage in a gaming headset, the less expensive Sennheiser GSP 500 night offer a better fit. Or if don’t mind a slightly higher price, the Audio Technica ATH-ADG1X might offer slightly more headroom at $299.

For a closed back gaming headphone under $250, however, the GSP 600 packs a tangible punch, offering in a ton of value for the money. In fact, I’d go so far as to consider the M50X of gaming headphones – if you’re not using the GSP 600, you’re doing it wrong.

Final Analysis

Competitively priced at a sweet $249, the Sennheiser GSP 600 boasts an impressive sound that places far and above the competition. So forget what you’ve heard and hear this headphone – because this kind of sound quality speaks for itself.