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The Fnatic Gear Duel TMA-2 headset is certainly different and I have enjoyed testing out the different configurations. However, I am a bit disappointed with the overall product.
When I first heard about a modular headset, I was very intrigued and thought it could open up a whole world of possibilities (if you excuse the cliche.) However, the modular options essential boil down to this: a choice of on-ear or over-ear cups, as well as the choice between a 1.2m or 2m cable. It's cool, certainly, but not quite the mind-blowing experience I was hoping for.
Furthermore, I quickly discovered that the on-ear cups are very poor. Not only are they too thin (and thus very uncomfortable), they also adversely affect sound quality to the point where I would rather knock £20 off the price and not bother with them at all.
With the over-ear cups, though, I had a great time playing some of my favourite shooters – gunfire sounds full and rich, while explosions really rock the headset. Gaming really is where the Duel TMA-2 excels.
Listening to music is a different story. The bass dominates the mix and the high-end really goes missing, so overall it is not the best experience. Considering the headset costs €189.99 and is actually manufactured by AIAIAI, a Danish headphone company, I was expecting much better here. After all, Fnatic claims that the Duel is not just for gaming, but for ‘life' as well.
All-in-all, I think Fnatic Gear has slightly misjudged things with the Duel TMA-2 headset. Given the unit costs €189.99 the modular options look underwhelming, while the overall sound quality when listening to music isn't what we would expect at this price. If Fnatic cut the price and just marketed the headset as a pure gaming device – with none of this ‘best of both worlds' business – then there is potential for a better-performing successor, but ultimately I think the Duel TMA-2 falls down due to its high price and lacklustre music playback quality.
You can buy one from Fnatic Gear for €189.99 HERE.
Pros
- The idea is nifty.
- With over-ear cups, the headset is very good for playing games.
- Clear and crisp mic.
Cons
- Expensive for a gaming headset.
- On-ear cups are uncomfortable and reduce the overall sound quality.
- Modular options boil down to just a choice of earcups and cables.
- Gamers can find better-quality gaming headsets for less money.
KitGuru says: While the idea of a modular headset is interesting, the price of the Duel TMA-2 is prohibitive and the audio quality does not live up to expectations considering the cost.
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