Coming in from Final are these gaming focused earphones, the VR3000, with a specifically designed sound stage to deliver a better experience when in game or on VR compared to standard headphones off the shelf. Final are pushing the idea that the earphones enhance the reproducibility of the “sense of direction” of sound in 3D acoustic space, created by using binaural sound technology.
The VR3000 features a 3.5mm jack at the end of a 1.2m cable. This is a somewhat short cable, by design. PS5, Switch, Steamdeck and VR are up close and personal devices and therefore longer cables can get in the way. Whilst these are not made with casual use in mind, music and podcasts do those well enough. Gaming is in their name and that were they should reside.
Weighing in at around 19g the earphones are very lightweight, not pulling on your ears are others might. The shorter cable also keeps the weight down and when plugged into a VR headset or PS5 controller, there is very little hang.
On the cable are some inline controls, featuring a microphone and function buttons. I understand that these controls are compatible with most, if not all gaming standards. Testing them with Meta, PS5 and Switch I can confirm these three work well. Microphone quality is more than adequate for online play and smack talking.
The earphone itself has an aluminium casing, however, the a quality plastic coating over the top that helps with grip whilst keeping things light and adding a little damage protection. Lets face it, headphones can swing and bump into things, especially each other when they are being rolled up and put away. The coating will easily prevent light, accidental knocks.
In the box there are the earphones, a generous amount of differently sized tips and the all important ear hooks – little curved channels for the cable to sit in allowing the cable to comfortably run over your ear and round into towards you ear-hole. There is also a small carry pouch.
So, how do they sound? The VR3000 features an f-Core DU. This is a 6mm dynamic driver unit with a housing that is brass. Brass makes it less affected by any magnetic forces. Final describes this as ‘both highly resistant to the effects of magnetism and also boasts a high specific gravity.’ I’m no audiophile and finding out how this works isn’t the most accessible information, however, no shortage of online sources are quick to point out that it’s a great thing!
Game audio is dynamic I wasn’t expecting too much from an earphone at this price range, but Final has done the work. The VR3000 does a great job presenting a viable output that gives you all the possibilities for range. There is plenty of room for the modulation to work with an impressive low end dynamic bass and a nicely balanced response that delivers pretty impressive timbre for this price point. Mid-range offers some crisp detail across the full spectrum of resonance leading to clear treble in the highs. Emerson in a game will be massively increased as your spatial awareness will increased compared to standard earphone, it’s really something to experience.
Overall, the VR3000 really gives over-ear high end headphones a run for their money and for £69.99 they are heartily recommended. As someone who threw closest headphones into the controller on the PS5 for night gaming or to drown out background noise in the living room, the Final VR3000 have leveled up my gaming on headphones experience to the point were I’m reaching for these much more frequently.
