Reviewed: July 2, 2009
Reviewed by: Jason Flick

Manufacturer
Able Planet

Type: Gaming Headset
System: PC

Rating: 8.0

What's in the box:

  • USB Adaptor
  • Soft carrying pouch

    MSRP: $99.99

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    As a reviewer, I am constantly discovering companies that I would never have known about otherwise. Case in point, a company called AblePlanet, who has helped many people who suffer from hearing loss with their patented Linx Audio™ technology. Their products have won them 16 CES awards in the last 4 years. So it’s safe to say that AblePlanet has been well for it’s self over the last few years.

    The founders of AblePlanet have extensive knowledge in the medical and science fields particularly in the area of hearing. Their work has helped countless hearing-impaired individuals hear things better than they ever have in years via AblePlanet products. So what does a company that deals mainly in communication and audio products have to do with gaming?

    Well the answer to that question lies within PC gaming. For many of us gamers out there, especially those that play online games like WoW, or many other voice chat enabled games you often rely on a headset of some kind. Often gamers will find themselves using programs like Ventrilo for those games like my beloved City of Heroes that do not support it.

    As I’ve noted before in previous headset reviews, sound is a very important aspect of gaming. It get the blood pumping in intense war games, has you jumping at shadows in horror games and even hearing the roar of a finely tuned automobile in any racing title you can think of.

    When it comes to gaming I prefer to play at night. So I have become very accustomed to donning a pair of headphones or a headset to avoid the wraith of my sleeping neighbors. So when I had a pair of the True Fidelity Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/ Patented LINX AUDIO™ (PS500MM) sat on my desk I just had to give them a try.

    Aesthetics - 8

    At first glance, The True Fidelity Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/ Patented LINX AUDIO™ looks like most conventional headsets that you will find on the market. Since this headset is a multipurpose device for all us media gurus out there it doesn’t need to be flashy. The overall size of the cones at first look seemed rather small to be comfortable. Upon putting them on that assumption went right out the window. The small cones and the padded head rail make for a very comfortable feel.

    The True Fidelity Stereo Headphones uses 2 3.5mm analog plugs that can be used on any computer or audio device. Unlike most basic headsets the PS500MM’s features an in-line volume control so you can adjust the sound, which is really nice. The volume control also contains a mute switch for the attached noise-canceling boom. Along in the package you get a USB adapter, which allows for a clearer audio and voice experience, and a soft travel pouch.

    Durability - 8

    Both in and out of gaming, I use headphones on a daily basis. I am a late night gamer and always listening to music, podcasts and going a bit of online chatting to boot whenever possible. I also have an uncanny ability to break headphones and headsets sometimes within weeks of owning them. I have used the True Fidelity Stereo Headphones pretty much everywhere over the last week and I have to say the compact design and frame have taken a beating and held up remarkably.

    Performance - 8

    I’ve used plenty of headphones and headset over the years but, the True Fidelity Stereo Headphones are one of the easiest to use. When using the headset in USB mode you just plug them in and start using them with no CD to install.

    As far as sound quality goes the True Fidelity Stereo Headphones are hands down better than over half of the headsets that I’ve used and that include headsets by Logitech and Microsoft. The sound quality that came out of the earpieces was amazing. Especially when watching my favorite movies and playing my favorite PC games. The amount of crystal clear sound especially in action films games like CoD4 and spook games like F.E.A.R. 2 where sound is a key feature.

    The main reason for the True Fidelity Stereo Headphones amazing sound is the inclusion of AblePlanet’s patented LINX AUDIO™. This technology enhances sound quality, filters undesirable sound and reduces distortion while increasing perceived loudness without increasing volume and ruining your ears.

    This amazing technology works wonders in the speech department, as I didn’t have one problem when hearing or speaking to friends via various chat programs both in and out of gaming. The adjustable noise-canceling boom makes chatting trouble free and I got no complaints out of my friends.

    Value - 8

    The True Fidelity Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/ Patented LINX AUDIO™ delivers amazing sound quality and excellent chat capability. I can easily see why AblePlanet has won so many CES award in the last 4 years. The ability to choose between dual analog plugs and USB via the adapter is a smart move. I like to have the versatility to use the headset either way at a moments notice.

    Overall – 8.0

    As an avid music listener and a gamer, I cherish any headset or headphones that give me the clearest possible sound. The True Fidelity Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/ Patented LINX AUDIO™ pretty much suit my everyday needs especially when I’m on the go. Their compact size makes them perfect for travel as well as home and office. The True Fidelity Multimedia Stereo Headphones w/ Patented LINX AUDIO™ retails for $99.99, which puts them in the higher end market, but they are worth it. I highly recommend giving them a try.