When you want the optimal gaming experience, it doesn’t matter how nice your TV is if the sound system can’t keep up. Games today place a high premium on audio whether it’s the haunting footsteps and echoes of Alan Wake’s American Nightmare, the upbeat pulsating rhythm of an XBLA classic like Geometry Wars Retro-Evolved or the dulcet tones of the narrator in Bastion. And with a rough economy it’s hard to throw down a large sum of money on a full surround sound system. Thankfully, that same quality level of audio comes in a head phone form for under $100 in the[easyazon-link asin=”B005T3GQLA” locale=”us”]Tritton Primer[/easyazon-link].

Here’s what we liked:

Easy, Clean Installation – Setting up the Tritton Primer took less than five minutes. Everything needed was in the box. In the end, all the wires were hidden other than the largely inconspicuous wireless transmitter. Syncing up the system is simple enough that a non tech savvy person shouldn’t have any issues.

Wireless range – One of the best parts about a wireless headset is the ability to walk around and continue to chat or listen to music. Making a quick trip to the kitchen to grab a soda or to answer the door is possible without any interference or dropped sound. The wireless 5.8GHz technology seems to pay off nicely.

Quality Surround Sound – The 40mm speakers pack a pretty solid punch. While the bass levels don’t compare to many full surround sound system, the overall quality is top notch. The Primer’s ability to separate the in-game chat and in game sound is a great asset.

Here’s what we didn’t like:

Earcups rest comfortably on ear – These headphones were not the most comfortable we’ve ever used. After an extended play session the earcups became a tad irritating. For some this might not be an issue but we would much rather have a larger earcup that doesn’t put pressure on the ears but instead fits over them.

Hard to adjust on the fly – The settings for voice and audio are both on the left ear cup. It takes some getting used to before you can figure out which is which, and in the heat of the moment it’s rather difficult to remember should someone decide to start screaming in a match.

The Hardware Specifications:

  • Speaker Diameter: 40mm
  • Magnet Type: Neodynmium
  • Ear Coupling: Supra-Aural
  • Wireless Frequency: 5.8GHz
  • Wireless Range: 33ft / 10m

Our Verdict:

Priced at just under $100 the [easyazon-link asin=”B005T3GQLA” locale=”us”]Tritton Primer[/easyazon-link] is an excellent option for a player looking for an entry level wireless surround sound headset.