Gaming: Latest Audeze Maxwell 2 Review
While Audeze's planar magnetic cans are still packing the best sound quality of any gaming headset around, some of the upgrades introduced in the Maxwell 2 have made it more awkward to use and less comfortable to wear for many hours. Somewhat of a wasted opportunity, unfortunately.
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The original Audeze Maxwell has been around for nearly three years, but there's still been nothing to beat it when it comes to being the best wireless audiophile headset for gaming. With the Maxwell 2, though, Audeze is hoping that it will do exactly that and be the new champion for peerless audio in games.
I was certainly expecting it to be something special, as I've been using the Audeze Maxwell on a daily basis, work and gaming, for just over a year (and our hardware overlord-in-chief Dave has been using his set for even longer). Or rather, just like Audeze, I was hoping it would be better, because as much as I really like the Maxwell, there are a few things that really annoy me about it.
Let me just cut to the chase, then: Taking all things into account, the Audeze Maxwell 2 isn't unreservedly better than the first-generation Maxwell. It's improved in some areas, but it's regressed in others (or just not improved), and given that it's a little bit more expensive, it's hard to recommend that you buy the Maxwell 2 instead of the original Maxwell.
However, if you browse through Audeze's store, you'll notice this has all been made somewhat moot because the OG Maxwell is now mostly unavailable. In other words, you're stuck with the Maxwell 2. Good job, then, that it's still a very good wireless gaming headset, despite not being quite as good as its predecessor.
Style: Over-ear, closed-backDriver: 90 mm planar magneticFrequency response: 10 - 50,000 HzMicrophone: Internal beamforming, detachable hypercardioid boomBattery life: 80+ hoursConnection: 2.4 GHz wireless (USB Type-C dongle), Bluetooth 5.3, USB Type-C cable, 3.5 mm TRRS cableWeight: 560 gPrice: $329, £339 (PS5) | $349, £369 (Xbox)
Let's start with the best bits. The audio is still as majestic as ever, with those huge planar magnetic drivers producing crisp, clean response across the entire spectrum. For some folks, the relatively flat/natural sound might seem a bit odd at first, but once you've settled into playing a g
Source: PC Gamer
