We have previously evaluated headphones from the Danish-German collaboration and been thoroughly impressed (Sennheiser rarely disappoints when it comes to audio performance). The EPOS Sennheiser GSP 602 can be described as an alternative aesthetic variant of the GSP 600, featuring a different color scheme. The headphones remain wired and operate in stereo. In addition to the headset, we also received the GSX 1000 DAC (external sound card) from the manufacturer. This USB device aims to enhance audio fidelity, provide 7.1 surround sound capabilities, and offer additional features to both the GSP 602 and other wired headphones. The central question is whether the combined price of approximately SEK 5,000 is justified. Our testing provides the answers.
Appearance and Feel
Similar to the GSP 600, the GSP 602’s design prioritizes function over pure aesthetics. They are relatively large, predominantly plastic, and share visual similarities with Astro A50‘s robust designs. However, like Astro, the sound quality is a key strength, which we will detail in the subsequent section. The headphones feature a foldable, non-removable microphone. Our review unit arrived in a midnight blue and retro brown color combination, which we consider visually appealing. The earcups are finished in faux leather, which can contribute to some warmth during extended use. These are explicitly designed as gaming headphones, so evaluating their suitability for general use feels somewhat irrelevant, given that a) they are wired (few modern phones retain a 3.5mm jack) and b) the non-removable microphone clearly defines them as a gaming peripheral. Within a gaming environment, however, they perform admirably.
Despite the extensive use of plastic, the GSP 602 exhibits a solid build quality. The construction is firm and robust, with no noticeable rattling or loose elements. In fact, the clamping force may be slightly high for some users. Individuals with larger heads or those who wear glasses may find the initial fit somewhat tight, potentially causing slight discomfort during longer gaming sessions. However, this firm fit provides a good seal, contributing to passive noise cancellation.
Sound Quality GSP 602
The Epos Sennheiser GSP 602 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone, presumably utilizing neodymium drivers (specifications not confirmed by the manufacturer), with a frequency response of 10-30,000 Hz and a wired connection via a 4-pole mini-jack cable, or a split cable for devices with separate audio and microphone inputs (e.g., desktop computers). Wireless connectivity is absent, as are advanced audio codecs beyond standard stereo. The stereo performance, however, is noteworthy. In games such as the Nioh Collection, specifically Nioh 2, the headphones create a focused and dramatic soundscape, accurately prioritizing immediate, critical audio cues while maintaining a balanced mix with the orchestrated soundtrack. Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War on Xbox Series X demonstrates the GSP 602’s capability to handle substantial bass frequencies when required in FPS titles.
Turning to music, the Sennheiser sound signature is familiar: powerful, precise, and possessing a degree of warmth without excessive coloration. The headphones perform well with well-mixed, calmer tracks like Eddie Vedder‘s Society and Karen Souza‘s interpretation of Can’t help falling in love. The bass response is somewhat less pronounced in faster hip-hop tracks such as the Ludacris classic Get Back; the later bass drum exhibits better clarity, but the initial bass elements sound slightly detached.
The only integrated control on the headphones is a volume wheel located on the right earcup, which exhibits a slightly stiff rotation.
GSX 1000 – external sound card with extra power and features
Complementing the GSP 602, EPOS Sennheiser offers the GSX 1000, an external sound card and DAC designed to provide enhanced audio and expanded functionality for wired stereo headphones (universal compatibility, not limited to EPOS Sennheiser products).
The exclusive use of USB-A connectivity feels somewhat outdated, although most PCs and desktop Macs retain at least one such port. Users with newer portable Macs may require a USB-C adapter. Software support is available for both platforms, but we noted that the Windows version offered a slightly smoother experience for firmware updates and configuration.
The GSX 1000’s display enables convenient control over audio output (headphones or external speakers), various EQ modes (optimized for precision in games, music, or movies, plus an “off” setting), surround sound focus (front, back, or encompassing), switching between 2.0 and 7.1 (virtual surround, delivering a reasonably convincing effect), a sidetone mode to mitigate environmental noise based on earcup design, and a reverb control (“room echo”).
In addition to providing virtual surround sound for stereo headphones, the DAC enhances overall audio quality. Configuring it to 2.0 with the music EQ preset added warmth and fullness to all music genres, improving the clarity of the Ludacris track that the GSP 602 had previously struggled with. However, the DAC’s support is limited to a maximum of 16-bit depth at 44.1 kHz, despite the prevalence of 24-bit audio support in modern Windows systems, which is a slight disappointment given the price point.
A significant limitation is the GSX 1000’s incompatibility with consoles, stemming from its lack of support for console audio output via USB. This restricts its appeal to PC gamers seeking improved audio fidelity or virtual surround sound (the latter of which can often be achieved through software solutions on modern Windows PCs at a lower cost). While a capable product, its relatively high price and limited scope of application (compared to, for instance, the Astro A50’s DAC, which supports both PC and consoles) are drawbacks.
Summary GSP 602 and GSX 1000
The EPOS Sennheiser GSP 602’s competence as a well-sounding stereo headset for gaming is undeniable. The audio performance is definitively strong. Negatively, the clamping force is somewhat high, and the headset lacks many features found in competing products in a similar price bracket, primarily wireless connectivity and integrated surround sound capabilities.
The GSX 1000, conversely, is a capable sound card that enhances audio quality and provides features absent from the GSP 602 “out-of-the-box,” including 7.1 surround sound and well-configured, preset EQ modes. However, at over SEK 2,500, it represents a significant investment. While it offers more features than solutions like the Soundblaster PLAY! 3, the stereo audio quality is arguably comparable, despite the PLAY! 3 costing significantly less. 7.1 and EQ capabilities (or equivalent headset functionality) are essentially included in the price of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless, which includes its own DAC. Ultimately, the GSX 1000 is a relatively expensive purchase targeted at hardcore gamers seeking the absolute best audio experience (or users with existing high-fidelity stereo headphones that they wish to utilize for PC gaming).
Both the GSP 602 and GSX 1000 offer high audio quality and are worthy of consideration. However, their overall value proposition is somewhat diminished compared to competing products. Nevertheless, if you prioritize stereo audio and appreciate both gaming and music, the EPOS Sennheiser GSP 602 delivers satisfying sound.
Note: The grade applies to the EPOS Sennheiser 602 headphones without the GSX 1000. Individual reviews are provided within the text above.
