Different markets. Basically because they don’t have a mic and headset sound can be good enough.

• Attaching a modmic is extra $, further increasing cost. AT has ‘gaming’ headsets with a mic attached, but it’s a mediocre mic and it’s $170 so at that point they’re direct competitors.
• The frequency response of many gaming headsets past $150 is fixable with EQ presets, bringing their sound much closer to the non-gaming brands.
• Multi-mode support can be very useful. Taking calls on your headset with bluetooth while on a wifi headset while also still being connected to your PC is not something an audiophile headset cares about.
• It’s easier to get a wifi gaming headset than the same listening headset.

If you don’t need a mic ofc this all goes out the window. Buy a ‘real’ headset and you’d be much happier.

For $140 I could see it. SoundID as well sounds interesting and would not only save someone the hassle of finding a good EQ preset but actually be better in theory.

I’d note there’s definitely other wireless headsets with comparable battery life and good reputations. Turtle beach is a good example and I tried the stealth 700 gen2 max for a few weeks.

It did everything better than the HS80s except the mic but it also cost $200, although I paid $140. Huh… makes me suspicious about all these MSRPs honestly.

As someone who has the non premium hs80s, unless the physical shape has changed they aren’t comfortable for all head types.

My ears are large enough that the tops or bottoms chaff depending on band settings and imo the pads aren’t thick enough because my ears press against the drivers.

The headset has no hardware profile so you need icue if you want equalizer or for it to remember your settings. Icue itself for headset constantly reset my settings on restart until I reinstalled and registry wiped all traces of it, something that Corsair itself recommends. Their lights have… Issues remembering your settings when turned on.

You’ll definitely want equalizer since frequency response will need some changing.

The volume wheel sticks out and if I lean back into my headrest it will actuate.

My battery life isn’t 18 hrs. If you’re actively using it all day 13 is about right. I can totally believe it’s improved on the premium model though as this is a common complaint. You can use it while charging.

The best thing about the hs80s is the mic is almost as good as the virtuoso, which has the best mic I’ve ever used on a headset. It’s not broadcast quality but it’s honestly close.

I got my hs80s for $80 and for that price I’m done with it.

Hard to imagine paying $180 for these. Grabem on sale or if you can tolerate less comfort the virtuoso is better. If you want comfort steel series is what your after, their headband is noticeably better than the hs80s (more comfortable material).