Tesoro Kuven A1 Pro Real 5.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset Review

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INTRODUCTION

Last week we talked about some of the latest space RTS PC games to hit the market and how we'd use them to test some of the gaming peripherals we have here. What we didn't account for was the time it would take for us to thoroughly test each peripheral and also write full reviews so things took a little bit longer than expected especially since Battlefleet Gothic Armada (and Dark Souls III although obviously not an RTS) also proved to be quite interesting (not hard to lose track when you play a game you like). Now we did focus a bit more in testing several input devices like keyboards and mice but since audio is equally important we also used several gaming headsets including the Kuven A1 Pro by Tesoro which promises to deliver accurate positioning audio thanks to its true 5.1 surround sound feature.



The Approach of Tesoro in the design and manufacturing its products is based on providing unparalleled quality, features, design, and pricing. Computer peripherals have become an integral element of both the gaming and overall computing experience. This has created a demand for peripherals that go beyond the norm and break with conventions of design and production. Our main products include keyboards, mice, and headsets. Matching premium parts and innovative engineering design, our products offer users a truly unique user experience without a single compromise. By breaking the pattern, breaking the rules, Tesoro is able bring innovation to new levels and offer game-changing products.



Although the market is flooded with 5.1 and 7.1 virtual surround sound headsets there aren't really that many true 5.1/7.1 surround sound models and the reason has to do mostly with cost rather than available technology. For good or bad the main market share is not audiophiles and demanding gamers but rather casual users so at the end of the day manufacturers have to choose between launching an affordable stereo headset (dual drivers) with the ability to produce 5.1/7.1 virtual surround sound (via a 3D USB soundcard) or a more "expensive" true 5.1/7.1 headset featuring several smaller drivers in each earcup that can deliver a more realistic surround experience. The Kuven A1 Pro belongs in the second category since it features one 40mm subwoofer (frequency response of 20Hz-400Hz with 32Ohm impedance and a power rating of 100mW), one 30mm center driver (50Hz-20KHz/64Ohm/50mW) and two (front/rear) 30mm drivers (50Hz-20KHz/32Ohm/50mW) in each earcup (8 drivers in total). It also features a unidirectional microphone (100Hz-10KHz frequency response with 2.2KOhm impedance and -44dB sensitivity) and a control station which can be used to switch between channels, mute the speakers and microphone and control the volume.