Name: Sharkoon B1
Type: Stereo Headset
Design: Circumaural
Connector: TRRS/Stereo Jack
Inline Controller: ✓
Weight Without Cable: 320 g
Headphone Specifications
Speaker Diameter: 40 mm
Impedance: 32 Ω
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 103 dB ± 3 dB
Max. Power: 100 mW
Volume Control: Via Inline Controller
Microphone Specifications
Direction: Unidirectional
Impedance: 2.2 kΩ
Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 10,000 Hz
Sensitivity: -40 dB ± 2 dB
Detachable Microphone: ✓
Flexible Microphone: ✓
Microphone Mute: Via Inline Controller
Unboxing the Sharkoon B1
The Sharkoon B1 comes in a large, well presented box. The packaging is high quality and has a good weight to it. On the box you can see the headphones and the Sharkoon logo clearly displayed. The black and silver styling is great; subtle with a modern twist. Sliding the top off the box, you are then presented with a heavy duty headphone case. Unzipping this reveals the headphones along with cables attachable microphone and the user manual.
Build
The Sharkoon B1 Headphones feel great weight wise and are clearly nicely built. The use of synthetic leather is a great touch considering the price point. Braided cables offer a premium feel and altogether I really like the elegant simplicity of these headphones. Thanks to its padded headband, the headset provides excellent wear comfort even after hours-long gaming sessions. So far so good.
Features
The extra-large, circumaural ear pads completely surround my ears without undue pressure and absorb ambient noise really well. The Headphones are equipped with a 40mm driver which in theory should offer great audiophile quality sound. The extremely flexible microphone offers precise voice transmissions at all times and is adaptable to the individual needs of the user. Therefore, in hectic gaming situations, it never gets in the way and always guarantees trouble-free team communication. When the microphone is not needed, it can be quickly and easily removed.
Sound Quality
Usually I go for a larger 50mm driver set of headphones and previous to this review I was using the Turtle Beach PX4 headset. Normally I like the idea of a more Surround Sound presentation however the stereo setup here did not disappoint. The Sharkoon B1’s rather modest 40mm drivers still pack one heavy punch and combined with the circumaural pads produce thrilling and powerful bass.
I went a step further and pushed these headphones to the max utilising the Cyrus Soundkey. The headphones opened up beautifully and became fantastically clear. I completely lost myself within the massive world of Assassins Creed Odyssey. The B1s seemed to handle everything I threw at them and welcomed the additional boost from the headphone amp.
Verdict
Even though these are a stereo set of headphones, they don’t feel restrictive in anyway. I have listened to a lot of headphones previously and none quite match up to the impressive sound these headphones offer at this price point. Amazing build quality matched with good sound for a modest £50 is fantastic value for money. The fact that these headphones also come with a good microphone, make the Sharkoon B1 headphones a no-brainer for all novice Gamers.