Playstation PULSE Explore & PULSE Elite Announced

There's a qc issue. Try another pair. The only issue I've had is switching back from the PS5 to Portal if I don't disconnect properly the Explores won't connect unless I restart the Portal. But there's definitely an issue with some that disconnect and or don't go as loud as others.

How good is the planar magnetic sound? Is it a game changer?
 
How good is the planar magnetic sound? Is it a game changer?
Yes absolutely. I made the switch back when PS5 launched. I had the Penrose and they sounded great but they had some qc issues and were way too tight. I ended up putting together my own setup with the 5xx and I've been using it since. They are great for gaming. The Explore are really good, especially for the convenience and comfort
 
Yes absolutely. I made the switch back when PS5 launched. I had the Penrose and they sounded great but they had some qc issues and were way too tight. I ended up putting together my own setup with the 5xx and I've been using it since. They are great for gaming. The Explore are really good, especially for the convenience and comfort

What's the biggest difference?

Does the sound have more depth and richness?
 
What's the biggest difference?

Does the sound have more depth and richness?
Pretty much. They are clearer and more detailed. The bass is less muddy and soundstage is bigger. They give you that speaker set up clarity and separation.
If you're used to overpowering bass it may take some getting used to because they aren't going to be in your face all the time. It's more accurate to the soundtrack so the bass will be represented as intentioned.
 
Pretty much. They are clearer and more detailed. The bass is less muddy and soundstage is bigger. They give you that speaker set up clarity and separation.
If you're used to overpowering bass it may take some getting used to because they aren't going to be in your face all the time. It's more accurate to the soundtrack so the bass will be represented as intentioned.

Good deal!
 
I prefer ear buds like the explore but I am not paying 200$ for them. Make a 100$ pair and I am there. I like to only have one bud in at a time, and don't need all the fancy stuff other than the fast response time with being wireless. I have the steel series arctic nova 7's and half the time have one ear uncovered. Would rather have earbuds but not for 200$.

Also have a pair of AirPod pros and half the time only have one bud in at a time, except certain times.

Yes I'm weird I know lol
 
is it just me, or shouldn't the "elite" model be the more expensive model? unless I'm just misunderstanding things ._.
I asked that and was told that the manufacturing is more expensive on Explore earbuds because the precision is a lot higher due to how small they are. That the driver size and needs for each having to power the planars in that small of a package costs more for earbuds than the larger Elite headphones...etc Wireless planars are not that readily available, especially with this feature set. It's easier to make over-ears headphones.

That said, I'm guessing the Elite headphones will definitely sound better being they are over-ear. So it's a plus that they'll be less expensive
 
The recent equalizer update has fixed for me one of the negative points at launch, that is that the peak volume was not high enough especially if you wanted to listen to music.
Now you can create an audio profile, increase all frequencies at +4dB and the sound is much louder, also the profile seems to stick also when you use the earbuds with a smartphone.
 
Will there be early reviews for the Elite Headphones prior to February 21?

I never bought headphones at launch

But if the Pulse Explore Earbuds are good, does it stand to reason that the Pulse Elite Headphones will be as good or better?
 
Will there be early reviews for the Elite Headphones prior to February 21?

I never bought headphones at launch

But if the Pulse Explore Earbuds are good, does it stand to reason that the Pulse Elite Headphones will be as good or better?
Interested as well for any review
 
The Pulse Elite have a wireless charging dock/stand like the DualSense official Sony charger. Pretty cool.
 
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is it just me, or shouldn't the "elite" model be the more expensive model? unless I'm just misunderstanding things ._.
I also was told the second reason the Explore Earbuds are more expensive than the Elite Cans is that they come with 3 batteries (the case & two earbuds), 3 chips (the case & two earbuds) 3 mother boards (the case & two earbuds) which also results in 3X the manufacturing difficulty/cost

I'm just curious what the planars in the little earbuds are... and will planars be in the Elite headphones?
 
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Interested as well for any review
They should be up soon if going by Portal/Explore review time frame.
The Explores got an update really fast that made them much more versatile, added sidetone and I think eliminated the random disconnects some people were having. I thought it was an issue they wouldn't be able to fix via firmware but update but that bodes well for both headsets future support. Other than possible build quality issues similar to Pulse3d, they will most likely be a steal at $150.
 
They should be up soon if going by Portal/Explore review time frame.
The Explores got an update really fast that made them much more versatile, added sidetone and I think eliminated the random disconnects some people were having. I thought it was an issue they wouldn't be able to fix via firmware but update but that bodes well for both headsets future support. Other than possible build quality issues similar to Pulse3d, they will most likely be a steal at $150.
How do they update? Simply when paired with the PS5?
 
They should be up soon if going by Portal/Explore review time frame.
The Explores got an update really fast that made them much more versatile, added sidetone and I think eliminated the random disconnects some people were having. I thought it was an issue they wouldn't be able to fix via firmware but update but that bodes well for both headsets future support. Other than possible build quality issues similar to Pulse3d, they will most likely be a steal at $150.
The single criteria for me will be sound quality.

I already have a PS4 Platinum headset (which sound quite good imho, although maybe lacking a bit in clarity and bass depth) so I will change only if there is significant improvement
 
The single criteria for me will be sound quality.

I already have a PS4 Platinum headset (which sound quite good imho, although maybe lacking a bit in clarity and bass depth) so I will change only if there is significant improvement
If you really care about sound quality, you won't buy any of this

Get a "real" audiophile headphone, which will be way better than any mainstream headset
 
If you really care about sound quality, you won't buy any of this

Get a "real" audiophile headphone, which will be way better than any mainstream headset
Dont want to spend more than 300$, cant have open back headphones (other people are in the room), and main use should be gaming, so options are limited.

But if you have recommandations I'd be happy to hear !
 
I asked that and was told that the manufacturing is more expensive on Explore earbuds because the precision is a lot higher due to how small they are. That the driver size and needs for each having to power the planars in that small of a package costs more for earbuds than the larger Elite headphones...etc Wireless planars are not that readily available, especially with this feature set. It's easier to make over-ears headphones.

That said, I'm guessing the Elite headphones will definitely sound better being they are over-ear. So it's a plus that they'll be less expensive

Are they 100% over ear and not on ear? The comfort difference is night and day for long play sessions, I'm planning to upgrade but might nab them at launch for this reason alone.
 
Dont want to spend more than 300$, cant have open back headphones (other people are in the room), and main use should be gaming, so options are limited.

But if you have recommandations I'd be happy to hear !
Happy to help

Alright then

Since your options are very restricted, i recommend the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X

These will sound a lot better than any Sony, Arctics, Razr, etc etc. Beyers are also always very well built. If you take good care of them, they will last many years

From my experience, comfort will be a lot better too, with deeper velour pads that let your ears breathe. Lastly, they're easy to drive, which means you can just plug them to your controller, Switch, PC, etc



 
I've had some really bad luck with Sonys headphone line. I got the first generation pulse and they fell apart. I then got the H7 wireless headphones and the volume scroll wheel stopped registering, there is no way to change the volume on the ps5 so they are totally worthless.

Just an FYI for anyone looks at those products.
 
How do they update? Simply when paired with the PS5?
In the settings. Like the DualSense
The single criteria for me will be sound quality.

I already have a PS4 Platinum headset (which sound quite good imho, although maybe lacking a bit in clarity and bass depth) so I will change only if there is significant improvement
The platinum were nice. The Explore sound great, No doubt the Elite will too. If not, get the Maxwell. In your price range and they're closed.
Are they 100% over ear and not on ear?
They are over

Get a "real" audiophile headphone, which will be way better than any mainstream headset
Planar, sidetone, wireless, charging stand, AI mic and simultaneous device connection is a ridiculous deal for $150. Beginning with these 2 releases Sony is narrowing the gap considerably. They may not last forever and the ear pads will wear out. But it's impossible to find wireless sets with these features anywhere near this price.
 
In the settings. Like the DualSense

The platinum were nice. The Explore sound great, No doubt the Elite will too. If not, get the Maxwell. In your price range and they're closed.

They are over


Planar, sidetone, wireless, charging stand, AI mic and simultaneous device connection is a ridiculous deal for $150. Beginning with these 2 releases Sony is narrowing the gap considerably. They may not last forever and the ear pads will wear out. But it's impossible to find wireless sets with these features anywhere near this price.
If you need it to be wireless, the mic, etc, i guess

You could get the Audeze Maxwell, but those are 300 or 350
 
I've decided to pre-order.

I bought the pulse headset with my PS5 on launch and they have served me fairly well.

Sound has been fine, but their durability has been less than stellar. The ear cups sealant melted away and the inner foam now pops out on both ears. If I had paid more money, I think I would be more annoyed. It feels about the right time for a replacement.
 
I've decided to pre-order.

I bought the pulse headset with my PS5 on launch and they have served me fairly well.

Sound has been fine, but their durability has been less than stellar. The ear cups sealant melted away and the inner foam now pops out on both ears. If I had paid more money, I think I would be more annoyed. It feels about the right time for a replacement.
You can buy replacement ear pads for cheap.
 
I've decided to pre-order.

I bought the pulse headset with my PS5 on launch and they have served me fairly well.

Sound has been fine, but their durability has been less than stellar. The ear cups sealant melted away and the inner foam now pops out on both ears. If I had paid more money, I think I would be more annoyed. It feels about the right time for a replacement.
I was gonna pre-order, but instead I'll run to Best Buy or right next door to GameStop on the 21st. They'll be in stock at 10am when they open.
 
I've decided to pre-order.

I bought the pulse headset with my PS5 on launch and they have served me fairly well.

Sound has been fine, but their durability has been less than stellar. The ear cups sealant melted away and the inner foam now pops out on both ears. If I had paid more money, I think I would be more annoyed. It feels about the right time for a replacement.

One of the cups on my Pulse 3d did the same and i got a replacement foam ear piece online on amazon that was compatible with the Pulse headset for super cheap.....like $17 shipped. The old one just pops off and you pop the new one on and you cant even tell the difference from the stock ones.

I think it was these...

https://www.amazon.com/GVOEARS-Cush...07343492&sprefix=pulse+3d,aps,121&sr=8-8&th=1
 
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I can't find a good comparison. What would you guys recommend? Inzone h9 on sale or pulse elite preorder since its so close to release.

Assuming the H9 have to be insane for twice the price. But I don't know much about headphones.

Main considerations for me:
• Fit nicely over vr2.
• And mainly use full surround sound so not sure extra cost is worth it for h9s unless quality based on info will be much better.

Edit: H9s are like 250 instead of 300 currently.
 
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I can't find a good comparison. What would you guys recommend? Inzone h9 on sale or pulse elite preorder since its so close to release.

Assuming the H9 have to be insane for twice the price. But I don't know much about headphones.

Main considerations for me:
• Fit nicely over vr2.
• And mainly use full surround sound so not sure extra cost is worth it for h9s unless quality based on info will be much better.

Edit: H9s are like 250 instead of 300 currently.
Go Planar and buy the Elite and Explore. Perfect for VR2 and if you have or will get a Portal. Use the Elite for the rest. $350 vs $250.worth the extra $100
 
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Go Planar and buy the Elite and Explore. Perfect for VR2 and if you have or will get a Portal. Use the Elite for the rest. $350 vs $250.worth the extra $100
I do have a portal. Didn't consider that. Thank you.

Don't really have interest in the explores because don't want wireless buds just for psvr2. Already have newer galaxy buds. Usually do party chat through PS app with them. Lol. Pretty sure not able to pair them to ps5 direct. Been a while tho.
 
FYI

Apparently the "crackling" noises I was hearing when playing anything in YouTube, Netflix, HBO, etc....is now gone.

Must have been solved with a software update. Ridiculous that it took this long, but thankfully it's now addressed.
 
FYI

Apparently the "crackling" noises I was hearing when playing anything in YouTube, Netflix, HBO, etc....is now gone.

Must have been solved with a software update. Ridiculous that it took this long, but thankfully it's now addressed.

The only way I'm even considering these is if PS5 Pro comes with PS Link integrated. If it doesn't, I'm just not going to buy into Sony's engineering moving forward on stuff like this.

Similarly, I'll consider the PSVR2 if they release a wireless model.

2025, you shouldn't be dealing with wires and dongles.
 
I recently got a really good deal on a pair of the Elite and Explore for like $120 combined.

I had bought both of them previously but while I loved the sound I had the issues with disconnects and the price so I returned both of them but decided to try them again.

I think they are great now. I wanted something with simultaneous Bluetooth as I like to watch YouTube or listen to podcasts during casual play.

I put some wicked cushions on the elite and despite being cheaper plastic these are the most comfortable headset I've used.
 
I'm still using my ps5 launch day pulse although the fabric is worn. It's still comfortable and still working. Not bad for 100€. At this rate I'll probably last until whatever their ps6 launch offering is.

Have a backup pair of Penrose audeze which are ducktapped together. Triple the price but not as strong a build.
 
The damn constant disconnection with the Elites is still a problem for me, despise these things because of that.

Did you try a USB extension cable ? From what I understand, the disconnections are mostly due to the USB dongle getting overheated by the back exhaust vents of the console...
 
I'm still using my ps5 launch day pulse although the fabric is worn. It's still comfortable and still working. Not bad for 100€. At this rate I'll probably last until whatever their ps6 launch offering is.

Have a backup pair of Penrose audeze which are ducktapped together. Triple the price but not as strong a build.
I tried my buddies Audezes and they were extremely uncomfortable for me. I generally prefer lighter headsets with suspension headbands. Headsets in general give me a headache which is why I generally use earbuds. I only owned the Steelseries Arctis earbuds prior but now I'm mainly switching between the Elite and the Explore since they have simultaneous bluetooth.

The damn constant disconnection with the Elites is still a problem for me, despise these things because of that.
Did you try a USB extension cable ? From what I understand, the disconnections are mostly due to the USB dongle getting overheated by the back exhaust vents of the console...
This was my understanding as well though I haven't had a single disconnect since I got them this time.

I'm even switching back and forth between 2 Link adapters (PS5 Pro and PC).
 
I tried my buddies Audezes and they were extremely uncomfortable for me. I generally prefer lighter headsets with suspension headbands. Headsets in general give me a headache which is why I generally use earbuds. I only owned the Steelseries Arctis earbuds prior but now I'm mainly switching between the Elite and the Explore since they have simultaneous bluetooth.



This was my understanding as well though I haven't had a single disconnect since I got them this time.

I'm even switching back and forth between 2 Link adapters (PS5 Pro and PC).
What is that causes those headaches? Just too tight on the brain? 🧠
 
I'm also a in-ear headset guy do I'm wondering if the Explore is worth it. I'm totally fine with my cheap Sony MD3 corded in-ear though.

The battery in the Explore will probably die around 3 years of heavy usage if the battery can't be replaced is my fear.
 
What is that causes those headaches? Just too tight on the brain? 🧠
I feel like I have a big head. It's not like gigantic but bigger so I think that plays a part.

I also get chronic migraines so I really try to stay away from anything that could give me a headache.

It's funny the most comfortable headset I've ever owned was a shitty HyperX Stinger (not the current model but an older one) I think simply because it was so light and the clamping force was minimal.
 
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