Either richly or not at all. Teufel wants to get the wallets of Polish players with headphones - a review

Lautsprecher Teufel is a well-known company in audiophile circles, associated with Berlin bohemia and creating audio equipment continuously since 1979. The company goes with the times, opening up to new groups of customers. Among them are players who are dedicated to Teufel Cage headphones.

The latest, second (even technical, third) version of the Teufel Cage model goes to Poland. The headset fixes several bugs of the previous version, and also introduces a handful of new elements. At this point I can write about a better placement of the microphone than before, a new multi-task button or other housing design, but from the Polish customer's point of view it will not make much sense. Teufel Cage is a tabula race in our company, and comparisons to previous headphones edition lose their meaning, as the 2019 model won an absolutely marginal part of the domestic market.

Now Teufel is entering Poland seriously, with headphones for players at a price of PLN 699.

Germany seems to follow the rule: either rich or not at all. Many headset manufacturers first introduce these cheaper models to the market, and then gradually raise the price, counting on customer loyalty and an established reputation. However, the German company does not diversify the product catalog, offering one and only one model of headphones for players. Astro, for example, worked in the early years of its presence on the American market.

Teufel Cage is to serve both PC players and console owners. Headphones should be connected to personal computers using a USB cable, benefiting from the built-in sound card and digital surround sound. The USB connector will also work on PS4, but without virtual 7.1 space. In turn, for Xbox, Switch and smartphones, an analog cable is recommended.

Interestingly, the Teufel Cage headset allows you to use two cable connections at the same time. For example, we can play headphones on the Nintendo Switch while using Discord on the PC. The solution, although practical, is far from ideal. During the double connection of the handset, there is an audible noise that disappears only after disconnecting the USB cable. It's the fault of the microphone, which works worse than during any of the individual calls.

Teufel Cage is a set that looks quite average. It is very comfortable.

Putting on headphones for the first time and I know it will be okay. As a migraine, I really care about how the headphones lie, what the pressure is and what the issue of insulation looks like. In these respects, Teufel Cage is doing really well. I spent several unhealthy, very long night marathons with MMO Final Fantasy XIV on PS4 with this device. Despite many hours of gaining experience points, I did not feel sweating, welding, weighting or irritation of the scalp. Although the headphones are not as comfortable as e.g. HyperX Revolvers, it is a solid construction.

Being solid, I am absolutely in love with the metal, serrated volume knob located on the cabinet. I associate it with a similar element in top Corsair keyboards. The dial distinguishes headphones, and is easily palpable and easy to use. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the small microphone mute button that is always lost somewhere during the game. A configurable function button could also be more strongly marked on the plastic housing.

Although they look quite massive, Teufel Cage headphones perform amazingly well in the field and while traveling. Just unplug the microphone and then bend the ear pads in the hinges. In this way, the device devours less space in the backpack. Together with traveling, the music profile of the headphones goes hand in hand, as you can read about a few paragraphs below.

Teufel Audio Center is an absolute foundation.

The German company has prepared dedicated software that will be installed on computers with Windows systems. Unfortunately, the MacOS version has still not been created. Instead, questions arise as to why the manufacturer suggests downloading the program from a website in a German domain, in German, with just a scrap of English-language instruction. It is somewhat unprofessional and does not build confidence in the prestige of your product.

With the help of the TAC program, we can correct the digital surround sound, play in the equalizer or decide on a subtle backlighting of the housing. It is also here that we assign one of the many possible functions to the additional physical button on the housing. This one can be responsible for the game-chat balance (only on w), activation and deactivation of virtual surround sound or regulating the intensity of LEDs. I love it when the headphone manufacturers leave an extra button for any use. A big plus.

I have very extreme feelings about the quality of the sound itself.

Let's start with the fact that Teufel decided to use a more niche digital surround sound system. Instead of using the proven Dolby or successful DTS, Germany offers the less popular Xear Surround Sound standard. In my opinion, it falls worse than the favorite DTS: X 2.0. For this it works only on PC. I did not feel this directional precision as in Astro or Turtle Beach, where I actually shot through the walls.

Teufel Cage is not a typical gaming kit. The low tones have not been artificially turned up, dominating the rest. On the contrary; we have a clear midrange and nice mountains, which is rare in equipment dedicated to players. You can clearly hear the more musical trace of producers on the headphones. Teufel Cage does not only well with pop, but also rock and metal. No cucumber salad is made, and the sound of your favorite bands is natural, without overfatting.

With sound reproduction at a more natural level, many players hungry for powerful explosions may think that there is something wrong with Cage. Contrary. These are one of the more universal and neutral gaming headsets that have appeared on the market in the last several months. It's up to you whether it's a disadvantage or an advantage. Personally, I am a supporter of radical separation of headphones for listening to music from those worn during playing. However, if someone is looking for a universal option, Cage falls under these criteria.

The problem is that it costs PLN 699. I will find a number of more favorable sets.

The ball is not a headset. Is its price. The peripherals market for players is an absolute, cramped and product saturated place. Teufel is almost twice as expensive as the good HyperX and SteelSeries models, without offering twice the sound quality. That is why I doubt whether Cage will achieve success comparable to Clouds or Artcis in our country. These are really good headphones for a really bad amount. It's nice to have them on your mind, but it's hard to rationalize your purchase.

The biggest advantages:

• Also good for music, the bass doesn't devour other tones
• The ear pads can be folded
• Volume roll
• Programmable function button

The biggest disadvantages:

• Too high price (699 PLN)
• There are cheaper models that offer more
• Average quality microphone

Either richly or not at all. Teufel wants to get the wallets of Polish players with headphones - a review