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[Eiknarf]

Quick question: why are the PS5 Pulse Explore earbuds $50 more than the Pulse Elite headset?

I ask because usually over-ear “cans” (headsets) are more expensive than their earbud counterparts (see BEATS or APPLE or BOSE).

Plus, don’t headsets that go completely over your ears sound better??

 

[RoboCain]

The question should be why do I have to buy a separate pair of headphones for consoles at all.

 

[Eiknarf]

The question should be why do I have to buy a separate pair of headphones for consoles at all.

I use my wired BEATS headphones by plugging em into the Dualsense. But I’m reading that these new wireless PULSE (headphones and earbuds) sound even better

But I’m just curious about why the earbuds are more expensive than the headphones?
What do the Pulse Explore earbuds do that the Pulse Elite headphones don’t ?

 

[James Sawyer Ford]

I use my wired BEATS headphones by plugging em into the Dualsense. But I’m reading that these new wireless PULSE (headphones and earbuds) sound even better

But I’m just curious about why the earbuds are more expensive than the headphones?
What do the Pulse Explore earbuds do that the Pulse Elite headphones don’t ?

Could be something to do with more difficult manufacturing of those magnetic planar drives in a smaller package

 

[Flabagast]

Is there some review for Pulse Elite headset yet ? I am wondering whether to replace my good old Platinum headset

 

[Zathalus]

Maybe build quality? The Pulse Elite appears to be cheap plastic again, are the explore any better. Of maybe the planar drivers are more expensive.

 

[Eiknarf]

Is there some review for Pulse Elite headset yet ? I am wondering whether to replace my good old Platinum headset

I couldn’t find one.

All I want is the one that sounds better

 

[Eiknarf]

Maybe build quality? The Pulse Elite appears to be cheap plastic again, are the explore any better. Of maybe the planar drivers are more expensive.

On the Best Buy website (I’m just seeing who near me had them), I’m reading that the explore-earbuds are TRUE WIRELESS, while the elite-headphones are NOT.

What does that mean? Pardon my ignorance

Both the earbuds and headset connect to the PS5 via the USB LINK adapter.

So what’s different

 

[FrankWza]

Maybe build quality? The Pulse Elite appears to be cheap plastic again, are the explore any better. Of maybe the planar drivers are more expensive.

They both have planars. Planar are heavy so using plastic isn't exactly a negative

On the Best Buy website (I’m just seeing who near me had them), I’m reading that the explore-earbuds are TRUE WIRELESS, while the elite-headphones are NOT.

What does that mean? Pardon my ignorance

Both the earbuds and headset connect to the PS5 via the USB LINK adapter.

So what’s different

They have the same features.
As far as the price difference, it's probably as simple as the driver size and needs for each and having to power the planars in that small of a package. Wireless planars are not that readily available, especially with this feature set.
True wireless is just that they act independently. So, for example, when the Explore are connected to your PS5 or Portal, you will see a different battery level for each(L/R) . The Elite will act as one unit.

 

[Del_X]

Just buy the Audeze Maxwell.

 

[STARSBarry]

Just buy a pair of Sony WH-1000XM4's you can get them for the same price as the buds if you shop around, get a generic plug and play Bluetooth dongle and stick it in your PS5 (the pulse and pulse elites come with one too, they can't connect to the PS5 direct without it) you will have drastically better sound, its still Sony and can be bluetoothed to two devices at the same time so you can have it connected to your phone for music & PS5 with an easy switch of a button without resynicing all the time.

Thing has like 25+ hours wireless with noise cancelling and much better support for the special fake 3D audio codec Sony uses than either of the other options by just being higher spec across the board.

There's also the newer XM5 but there like an extra 100 on top. I would never advise in ear for gaming or even on ear, over ear cups alow for much longer sessions without pain, the other two will give you ear ache if you use them for too long without gaps.

 

[Traxtech]

I tried the pulse explore in prep for the portal, and wow they sound like shit and are not compatible with my ears. People with smaller ears may like them though, as it may be a fit issue.

No matter what tips I used I got no bass, I had to physically push them into my ear (quite hard mind you) in order to get any bass response, so I sent them back.

 

[FrankWza]

get a generic plug and play Bluetooth dongle and stick it in your PS5 (the pulse and pulse elites come with one too, they can't connect to the PS5 direct without it)

They come with a dongle but they don't connect via Bluetooth. That's how they're able to do wireless lossless gaming.

its still Sony and can be bluetoothed to two devices at the same time so you can have it connected to your phone for music & PS5 with an easy switch of a button without resynicing all the time.

The new Pulse line does simultaneous audio not just connection. The Link connection allows for a separate BT connection.

Thing has like 25+ hours wireless with noise cancelling and much better support for the special fake 3D audio codec Sony uses than either of the other options by just being higher spec across the board.

No way. Pulse has the AI mic and Planar. They're two different things almost entirely

 

[STARSBarry]

They come with a dongle but they don't connect via Bluetooth. That's how they're able to do wireless lossless gaming.


The new Pulse line does simultaneous audio not just connection. The Link connection allows for a separate BT connection.


No way. Pulse has the AI mic and Planar. They're two different things almost entirely

I have the pulse, they certainly do connect via Bluetooth

I mean the XM4's also have a mic, I also own the regular pulse and the sound quality is shit, I am assuming the elite is at least better than that?

But yeah had no idea about link, the regular pulse didn't have it, so it's a nice feature that apparently other wireless headphones would support but Sony just makes sure it's switched off including their XM5's, which supports lossless audio just not on PlayStation because... Sony.


Well I know what I'm buying next month to go along with all my PS5 games...

 

[vaibhavpisal]

I tried looking for specs but apparently these are gaming hps so they are not listed. Weird.

Might be earbuds have lower distortion and perform at higher level.

Its wireless gear so it houses battery, bluetooth receiver, DA converter + amp all in that single package. Earbuds are tiny so maybe they use specialised parts that make them expensive.

Its anyones guess.

 

[FrankWza]

have the pulse, they certainly do connect via Bluetooth

Not to the PS5. It's a 2.4 connection via the USB dongle. They connect to Bluetooth devices separately

mean the XM4's also have a mic

Yeah but you would need to use the DualSense mic, a separate USB mic or the mic that comes with a BT dongle when you connect them to. The A. I. mic on the Explore is really good. Cancels out a lot of background noise while keeping the voice tight and close. Should be better on the Elite since it's a boom style.

am assuming the elite is at least better than that?

That's the hope. They purchased Audeze and the speculation is that they are involved in these two releases given the Planar inclusion.

other wireless headphones would support but Sony just makes sure it's switched off including their XM5's, which supports lossless audio just not on PlayStation because... Sony.

I'm not sure. I don't know if it's even possible to do lossless audio for gaming over BT. At least in this price range. The amount of tech and features in these are really good for the price

 

[[Sigma]]

Funny enough imo the Pulse Explore is about $50 overpriced.

 

[FrankWza]

Its wireless gear so it houses battery, bluetooth receiver, DA converter + amp all in that single package. Earbuds are tiny so maybe they use specialised parts that make them expensive.

Plus a mic with some nice tech. Yeah there's a lot in there for the price. And they managed to make them light and comfortable. They do have some qc issues. Some of them have random disconnect but they haven't seen a firmware update yet so it's possible it will be fixed ahead of the Elite launch.

 

[Eiknarf]

They both have planars. Planar are heavy so using plastic isn't exactly a negative

They have the same features.
As far as the price difference, it's probably as simple as the driver size and needs for each and having to power the planars in that small of a package. Wireless planars are not that readily available, especially with this feature set.
True wireless is just that they act independently. So, for example, when the Explore are connected to your PS5 or Portal, you will see a different battery level for each(L/R) . The Elite will act as one unit.

Oh damn!! Thank you!
Now I guess I’ll wait for the Elite headset, as I have always preferred the sound of the extra bass from the larger speakers sitting around the ear instead of IN the ear…, and headphones never made me uncomfortable. Whereas earbuds don’t always sit in the ear 100% correctly and therefore have potential to lose sound

 

[FrankWza]

Oh damn!! Thank you!
Now I guess I’ll wait for the Elite headset, as I have always preferred the sound of the extra bass from the larger speakers sitting around the ear instead of IN the ear…, and headphones never made me uncomfortable. Whereas earbuds don’t always sit in the ear 100% correctly and therefore have potential to lose sound

The Explore 100% require ear tips being swapped and most likely to an aftermarket set. The included tips are not good. They are way too similar and the silicone quality isn't great.
If you already have issues with IEM style you should wait for the Elite.
The Explore is fantastic and a great buy for ps5 and or VR2 and Portal Owners and present even more value there. Being able to take calls or listen to podcasts at the same time as hearing the games sound is an awesome feature.

 

[Eiknarf]

The Explore 100% require ear tips being swapped and most likely to an aftermarket set. The included tips are not good. They are way too similar and the silicone quality isn't great.
If you already have issues with IEM style you should wait for the Elite.
The Explore is fantastic and a great buy for ps5 and or VR2 and Portal Owners and present even more value there. Being able to take calls or listen to podcasts at the same time as hearing the games sound is an awesome feature.

Yeah, now that you explained it, I’ll wait. I’m just interested in using whatever I get for sitting in front of the PS5. I’m not really interested in the Portal.

But the Pulse Explore Earbuds do look sweet.

I’m sure they’ll mask out exterior noise better too being they’re over-ear

 

[MonkeyClaw36]

On the Best Buy website (I’m just seeing who near me had them), I’m reading that the explore-earbuds are TRUE WIRELESS, while the elite-headphones are NOT.

What does that mean? Pardon my ignorance

Both the earbuds and headset connect to the PS5 via the USB LINK adapter.

So what’s different

Fuck this. Anything should be able to connect to the PS5 without a fucking dongle. Especially first party hardware. What is it, 2010?
This should have been included in the base hardware. Nothing more irritating then dongles sticking out.. This was by choice. And I choose not to cater that choice.

Skipping this piece of tat.

 

[Eiknarf]

Fuck this. Anything should be able to connect to the PS5 without a fucking dongle. Especially first party hardware. What is it, 2010?
This should have been included in the base hardware. Nothing more irritating then dongles sticking out.. This was by choice. And I choose not to cater that choice.

Skipping this piece of tat.

Actually that’s a good point.

Now you have me wondering why the Explore (earbuds) and Elite (headphones) don’t just pair with the PS5 console the same way that the Dualsense controller does?

 

[IlGialloMondadori]

Really glad I cancelled my preorder for the explores. They just seem too expensive for what they offer. We'll see about the Elites.

 

[MonkeyClaw36]

Actually that’s a good point.

Now you have me wondering why the Explore (earbuds) and Elite (headphones) don’t just pair with the PS5 console the same way that the Dualsense controller does?

Sony being Sony.

 

[FrankWza]

Fuck this. Anything should be able to connect to the PS5 without a fucking dongle. Especially first party hardware. What is it, 2010?
This should have been included in the base hardware. Nothing more irritating then dongles sticking out.. This was by choice. And I choose not to cater that choice.

Skipping this piece of tat.

So you're imagining that they have Link built into a launch PS5 and they are locking it away so that they can go to the trouble of producing a dongle they have to include in each headset package? Or that they should stop adding features if it's not available at launch?

 

[MonkeyClaw36]

So you're imagining that they have Link built into a launch PS5 and they are locking it away so that they can go to the trouble of producing a dongle they have to include in each headset package? Or that they should stop adding features if it's not available at launch?

Nice roundup, but false. Assumptions, assumptions.

All I said (reading is hard) that the communication the dongle does, could have been available in the base hardware. Where did I state they locked it away? LOL.
This practise has been around since the PS4. C'mon. The tech is the same, so there's NO excuse for them to not implement it as basic funcionality. The OG Pulse launched with the PS5 and guess what? It came with a dongle.

Sony knew damn well they'd use it, decided not to implement it as a basic feature and there is not a single reason for this.

 

[RoadHazard]

Just buy a pair of Sony WH-1000XM4's you can get them for the same price as the buds if you shop around, get a generic plug and play Bluetooth dongle and stick it in your PS5 (the pulse and pulse elites come with one too, they can't connect to the PS5 direct without it) you will have drastically better sound, its still Sony and can be bluetoothed to two devices at the same time so you can have it connected to your phone for music & PS5 with an easy switch of a button without resynicing all the time.

Thing has like 25+ hours wireless with noise cancelling and much better support for the special fake 3D audio codec Sony uses than either of the other options by just being higher spec across the board.

There's also the newer XM5 but there like an extra 100 on top. I would never advise in ear for gaming or even on ear, over ear cups alow for much longer sessions without pain, the other two will give you ear ache if you use them for too long without gaps.

Don't you risk pretty bad latency doing that?

 

[FrankWza]

Where did I state they locked it away? LOL.

Sony knew damn well they'd use it, decided not to implement it as a basic feature and there is not a single reason for this.

reading is hard

There you go.

 

[MonkeyClaw36]

There you go.

Uhhhh no. I said they chose not to implement it e.g not putting it in as a basic means of pairing hardware. You decide to give it another meaning. Not my fucking problem dude.

If thats the same as locking away to you, get yer head checked. There you go.

You can't lock away what isnt there..... Fuck me people are stupid.

 

[STARSBarry]

Don't you risk pretty bad latency doing that?

Never had any issues when using mine, I guess this is one of those things where in practice iv had better experience from better headphones using a lossy signal vs a weaker headphone using a lossless one.

But the elites arnt out yet, and after this discussion I'm going to pick up a pair anyway, since I might as well replace my regular pulses and the £179 price tag ain't that big a deal really. Have to budget them into my March pay though, thank god there's less games than Feb.

 

[FrankWza]

Uhhhh no. I said they chose not to implement it e.g not putting it in as a basic means of pairing hardware. You decide to give it another meaning. Not my fucking problem dude.

If thats the same as locking away to you, get yer head checked. There you go.

You can't lock away what isnt there..... Fuck me people are stupid.

Or... The other thing I mentioned

Or that they should stop adding features if it's not available at launch?

You're having an attack/meltdown over a dongle. You want them to have the foresight to include tech that was years away at launch? Do you know of readily available wireless lossless gaming connections from 3 years ago? The Portal just released and has it included in the device. Complaining about a dongle is just complaining for the sake of it. You can connect these to almost any device with a USB port and get Lossless audio INSTEAD of being locked ONLY to Playstation devices.

 

[Diseased Yak]

Just buy the Audeze Maxwell.

Or better yet, the Audeze LCD-GX (but those are wired). I'm using Audeze Penrose on my XSX, and a customized pair of LCD-XC for general listening.

Prob just gonna snag the Maxwell for PS5 use, but I have the Sony INZONE H9 right now and they're ok enough.

I hate hate HATE what Sony is doing with the who proprietary shit which looks like what they're going forward with, killing off Bluetooth. I won't be buying any of their new products going forward, and now that they've bought Audeze, I'm assuming we'll just see them slide downhill as well.

 

[FrankWza]

I hate hate HATE what Sony is doing with the who proprietary shit which looks like what they're going forward with, killing off Bluetooth.

That's not what's happening. These work with PS5, PC, tablets and phones. Via Link AND Bluetooth. Xbox has proprietary wireless audio connection and closed USB ports.

 

[Diseased Yak]

That's not what's happening. These work with PS5, PC, tablets and phones. Via Link AND Bluetooth. Xbox has proprietary wireless audio connection and closed USB ports.

Oh I wasn't starting a console war bullshit thing, I just meant the other way around from what you're pointing out, that I can't pair anything I want to my PS Portal. If Sony sticks with this, the next Playstation will be the same way. It sucks.

 

[FrankWza]

Oh I wasn't starting a console war bullshit thing, I just meant the other way around from what you're pointing out, that I can't pair anything I want to my PS Portal. If Sony sticks with this, the next Playstation will be the same way. It sucks.

I see what you're saying with Portal even though adding BT adapter is still an option. But I don't see why they'd go from open to closed USB ports on PS6. That's the key thing with this gen. PlayStation kept their ports open and xbox did not. You can connect almost any headset or amp to the PS5 because of that. You can even connect optical devices. They're doing all this and they're investing in audio companies like Audeze and still keeping their stuff nonproprietary so you have options to use whatever you want. If anything, they aren't getting enough credit for what they are doing and planning for console audio since this gen started

 

[Imtjnotu]

Quick question: why are the PS5 Pulse Explore earbuds $50 more than the Pulse Elite headset?

I ask because usually over-ear “cans” (headsets) are more expensive than their earbud counterparts (see BEATS or APPLE or BOSE).

Plus, don’t headsets that go completely over your ears sound better??

Manufacturing is more on buds because the precision is a lot higher

It's easier to make over ears. Plain and simple

 

[Eiknarf]

Manufacturing is more on buds because the precision is a lot higher

It's easier to make over ears. Plain and simple

That’s good news for me because I’ll pay less for something that most likely sounds better

But why are Apple earbuds less expensive than the Apple headphones?

Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds are $249 while Apple headphones/Airpods Max are $549

Same with BEATS headphones being more expensive than BEATS earbuds

So I’m used to a world where earbuds are less expensive than over-ear headphones

Until now. This Sony Pulse earbuds are the first to be more expensive than the headphones

 

[James Sawyer Ford]

PS5 Pro may not need a dongle

I think it will be integrated into future PS consoles

 

[Imtjnotu]

That’s good news for me because I’ll pay less for something that most likely sounds better

But why are Apple earbuds less expensive than the Apple headphones?

Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds are $249 while Apple headphones/Airpods Max are $549

Same with BEATS headphones being more expensive than BEATS earbuds

So I’m used to a world where earbuds are less expensive than over-ear headphones

Until now. This Sony Pulse earbuds are the first to be more expensive than the headphones

Pro Max are all metal construction and heavy too boot. Also paying the apple tax doesn't help. Look at their laptops compared to the same spec'd laptops on the marker.

 

[Eiknarf]

Pro Max are all metal construction and heavy too boot. Also paying the apple tax doesn't help. Look at their laptops compared to the same spec'd laptops on the marker.

I tried a pair at one of those Apple Stores in the mall, and they felt really comfortable and sounded really great. I just can’t see dropping over $500 on something that’s not, I don’t know, like a game console or the like. I’ll drop $200 easily. But $550 is a different beast

I wish I was able to A/B the Apple AirPods Max to other headphones. I like headphones, and I need to know if they are worth it.

 

[killatopak]

That’s good news for me because I’ll pay less for something that most likely sounds better

But why are Apple earbuds less expensive than the Apple headphones?

Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds are $249 while Apple headphones/Airpods Max are $549

Same with BEATS headphones being more expensive than BEATS earbuds

So I’m used to a world where earbuds are less expensive than over-ear headphones

Until now. This Sony Pulse earbuds are the first to be more expensive than the headphones

 

[rofif]

Just buy the Audeze Maxwell.

why would he do that?
Sony bought Audeze.

Sony Pulse Elite is also PLANAR MAGNETIC headset that perfectly works with ps5 with super fast dongle and then also bt to yout phone if you want.
Maxwell will not be that well integrated.

 

[Del_X]

why would he do that?
Sony bought Audeze.

Sony Pulse Elite is also PLANAR MAGNETIC headset that perfectly works with ps5 with super fast dongle and then also bt to yout phone if you want.
Maxwell will not be that well integrated.

The audeze is planar magnetic. It came out last year - it won a ton of awards from people who lean into the audiophile scene. It needs to be a mic and receive music, so not sure what "integration" you really need beyond that. The PS5 version should work fine on PC, too.

 

[Eiknarf]

That was actually funny and entertaining

 

[rofif]

The audeze is planar magnetic. It came out last year - it won a ton of awards from people who lean into the audiophile scene. It needs to be a mic and receive music, so not sure what "integration" you really need beyond that. The PS5 version should work fine on PC, too.

I know what audeze is and I know it's planar magnetic.
It's 2x the price of pulse elite which MIGHT SOUND JUST AS GOOD. We don't know yet.

By integration I mean the wireless dongle which is very low lag and the UI corresponding to button presses on headset. Volume, mic on/off, game/voice balance and so on. If you have pulse3d, all of that is seamless on ps5 + you got EQ on ps5. of course 3d audio will also work on audeze. Don't get me wrong. I would get the maxwell if pulse elite was not coming out. I wanted planars for a long time but I've waited until they make them proper wireless like audeze and now pulse elite.

edit: right now I main pulse 3d and it sounds fantastic. I listed to music with it on pc too using the included dongle. It sounds really similar to koss porta pro + a bit more lower end, which is the sound I like. Imo porta pro is the best headphone ever made.

 

[Kindjal]

Just buy a pair of Sony WH-1000XM4's you can get them for the same price as the buds if you shop around, get a generic plug and play Bluetooth dongle and stick it in your PS5 (the pulse and pulse elites come with one too, they can't connect to the PS5 direct without it) you will have drastically better sound, its still Sony and can be bluetoothed to two devices at the same time so you can have it connected to your phone for music & PS5 with an easy switch of a button without resynicing all the time.

I did this with my WI-1000X and the sound latency was unbearable. The sound quality was great, though