Gioteck EX05 Multi-format Wired Headset - Postmortem Review

Before I talk about the EX-05 (multi-format, wired, black). I want to give you some perspective on the writer (me). This was my first set of "actual" headphones. The only other headphones I've had in the past were Logitech mono headsets. I am by no mean's an audio expert or audiophile. So bear that in mind while reading this review.
The number ratings I give for each bullet point in my review are based on my satisfaction with the product. With the EX-05 being my only experience and basis for 'over the ear' headphones.
Alright now that's out of the way!

My standing opinion of the EX-05 is this; These headphones are great! Now for the nitty gritty.

Price for Quality: (3-5)
I paid $50 (usd) for these at Target. The overall quality for the price was alright. I would have expected a little more durability out of the EX-05's for the cost.

Sound Quality: (5-5)
Sounds are very clear and crisp. The audio balance makes it easy to hear smaller details and voices apart from music. The full tonal range is captured well, I was not left feeling 'flat', or close to ear sound.

Sound Leakage: (5-5)
Depending on the volume you are using and the output of the software you are using. The sound leaked from the ear cups is going to be minimal to a moderately load whisper. As long as you don't have creepers in a quite room with you. No one going about their business should hear what you are listening to.

Microphone Quality: (3-5)
The microphone is very good when in a quite environment. It picked up my voice at a whisper to a yell without cutting out or popping. Though I do not normally have a quite environment. The mic will pick up almost anything from the creeks and crack of the headphones plastic to your roommates laughing in the next room crystal clear. Noise cancellation is nonexistent.

Comfort: (5-5 stars)
They were super comfortable! My EX-05's ear cups held little to no heat, was large enough to comfortably house my ears without contacting the cups or inner liner, and the materials felt good when worn.
The clamping pressure was enough to keep the headphones in place as long as I didn't tilt my head to any extreme angels or make really sudden movements.
The headband was comfortable when warn correctly. But could be very uncomfortable, digging into the skull if worn more forward on the head. I wore it sitting far back on my head.
I have spent upwards of 20 hours wearing the EX-05. After ten or so minutes I forget I am wearing them. They are very lighting. I experienced little to no fatigue when wearing the EX-05. I dare say they were even a joy to wear.

Durability (1-5)
This is where the EX-05 really falls down. My headset broke only a few months after purchase from Target. My right ear cup (the mic cup) went out after the control box got yanked. Even before that the audio would crackle or be significantly reduced if a volume dial was tilted or you touched the control box wrong. With a bit of fiddling it would be fixed in a second or two. But this should not have happened in the first place. The control box was a major source of issues.
The ear cup height adjustment bands were the other major issue with my EX-05. A lot of pressure is repeatedly placed on the plastic plate that holds the ear-cup bands to the headband. This plate proved to be flimsy when it busted one day when I picked up my headphones. It was the twisting force applied by the ear-cup band when held that broke the plate.

Compatibility: (5-5)
Tried the ex-05 out on most of the systems that had a usb or correct sized jack; PC (windows 7), ps2, ps3, TV monitor, xbox360, as well as my htc "hero s". Hooking up to all of the listed systems was as easy as plugging in the usb. Save for my xbox360, that did take a little doing with the audio cables.

Annoyances:
Every now and then the length adjustable enclosure (the part between the headband and the ear cups) caught stray hairs and yanked them out when removing the headphones.

The control box was far too close to the headset and dangled at a very inconvenient location, frequently getting caught on me, my chair, and the local environment. It was far to delicate for this kind of daily beating of being yanked and bouncing off things whenever I got up.

My Final rating for the 'Gioteck EX05 Multi-format Headset for PS3, Xbox360,PC, & Mac' is a 4 out of five (average of all bullet points). If the durability was significantly improved this would be a hands down recommendation to buy. Though, as it stands they are a great headset as long as you are very delicate with them.

I hope this helped you make a more informed choice.

I've included some photos to help you get a feel for how they fit.

look into my face O.O