Razer Barracuda HP-1

Performance:

Through using the HD-DAI adapter the Razer Barracuda HP-1 Headphones can be used with any audio devices sporting a standard 3.5mm connection. We have asked Razer about the status of the Barracuda AC-1 sound card under Linux, and if they would open up the specifications to allow for ALSA integration, but at this time they have not officially decided. For our testing purposes, we had connected the Barracuda HP-1 to a Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS. The system was running Fedora Core 6 Test 3 with ALSA 1.0.12. Using the system, we had played a variety of games such as Enemy Territory and Quake 4, listened to a variety of music, and watched a variety of movies. We had also conducted 2.1 channel testing from a Lenovo ThinkPad T60 laptop. Throughout all of the testing, we were impressed by the audio quality of the HP-1 Headphones. The quality was absolutely stunning, and we had run into no problems at all. The microphone quality when using Skype was also top-notch.

Conclusion:

While this was Razer's first attempt at creating gaming headphones, let alone any audio products, they certainly put their best foot forward with the Barracuda HP-1. From the build quality to the audio performance, the Razer Barracuda HP-1 was able to satisfy our tastes in every form. Even after wearing the headphones for hours, we had run into no issues of the Barracuda HP-1 becoming uncomfortable or any other issues. From the low to high range frequencies, the eight drivers had done a magnificent job reproducing the audio. There is not much more that you can ask from these headphones. The HP-1 is optimized for the Barracuda AC-1 but there is no problems using these headphones with any audio devices. The only area that left a bit of a sour taste with us was the price tag, which is presently $129 USD for the headphones and does not include the Barracuda AC-1 sound card. If price is no limitation for you, the Razer Barracuda HP-1 is definitely something to look at, and will be leaving Phoronix with our elusive Editor's Choice Award.