Page 5: Testing Protocol, Ergonomics
Testing Protocol
Remember that testing sound devices is a very subjective thing. Make sure you read reviews from many different sites to really gauge how something that deals with sound actually is. A sample size of one site is not enough to make an intelligent decision on which product to buy since there is no 'standard' way of testing something like audio equipment.
Our tests for music were done using Winamp v5.601, and our tests with movies were done using VLC Media Player Version 1.1.11. Most of the tests were done on Windows XP Professional SP3, but compatibility testing was done using Ubuntu 10.04, a Sony Playstation 3 CECHA01 model and various audio equipment with standard TRS connectors.
Ergonomics
The Sirus has a few tricks up its sleeve to make wearing the rather hefty headset as comfortable as possible. Both of the cans are extendable and retractable into the base of the headband, but they also have about 10-15 degrees of rotation in each direction to better allow them to fit the wearer's head snugly. The headband itself features a large, soft cushion built into it, made from the same material as the microfiber ear pads.
Finally, the Sirus also contains the dual sets of ear pads. The microfiber set promise "Breathable Audio & Added Comfort" over the leatherette set, which are focused on "Noise Cancellation." Switching out the ear pads is relatively simple. All that needs to be done is to pull on the pads lightly for the assembly to come off, and then you simply gently remove the ear pad from the assembly.
While there didn't seem to be that much of an appreciable difference in our testing for either initial comfort or noise cancellation between the two sets, the microfiber set did generally seem to be more comfortable over extended periods of time (30+ minutes). Furthermore, the microfiber set seemed to provide a closer, more snug fit around the ear than the leatherette set. In any case, having both sets included is a really nice touch, though it would be even better if both sets came with their own assembly to make the switching process less time consuming.
Remember that testing sound devices is a very subjective thing. Make sure you read reviews from many different sites to really gauge how something that deals with sound actually is. A sample size of one site is not enough to make an intelligent decision on which product to buy since there is no 'standard' way of testing something like audio equipment.
Our tests for music were done using Winamp v5.601, and our tests with movies were done using VLC Media Player Version 1.1.11. Most of the tests were done on Windows XP Professional SP3, but compatibility testing was done using Ubuntu 10.04, a Sony Playstation 3 CECHA01 model and various audio equipment with standard TRS connectors.
Ergonomics
The Sirus has a few tricks up its sleeve to make wearing the rather hefty headset as comfortable as possible. Both of the cans are extendable and retractable into the base of the headband, but they also have about 10-15 degrees of rotation in each direction to better allow them to fit the wearer's head snugly. The headband itself features a large, soft cushion built into it, made from the same material as the microfiber ear pads.
Finally, the Sirus also contains the dual sets of ear pads. The microfiber set promise "Breathable Audio & Added Comfort" over the leatherette set, which are focused on "Noise Cancellation." Switching out the ear pads is relatively simple. All that needs to be done is to pull on the pads lightly for the assembly to come off, and then you simply gently remove the ear pad from the assembly.
While there didn't seem to be that much of an appreciable difference in our testing for either initial comfort or noise cancellation between the two sets, the microfiber set did generally seem to be more comfortable over extended periods of time (30+ minutes). Furthermore, the microfiber set seemed to provide a closer, more snug fit around the ear than the leatherette set. In any case, having both sets included is a really nice touch, though it would be even better if both sets came with their own assembly to make the switching process less time consuming.