Overview

The SteelSeries Arctis 5 combined 40 mm S1 drivers with DTS Headphone:X v2.0 virtual 7.1 (Windows-only), a USB ChatMix dial, and RGB illumination [1][2][3]. It’s now listed out of stock on the official site and “no longer available in new condition” at Best Buy, indicating end of new retail availability [2][4]. The successor is the Arctis Nova 5 at 114.99 USD on SteelSeries’ store [5].

Scientific Validity

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Independent measurements (Arctis 5, 2019 Edition) show Weighted Harmonic Distortion (WHD) of 0.309 @ 90 dB SPL and 0.106 @ 100 dB SPL (low distortion) [1]. Frequency response extends to an LFE of 10 Hz, with FR standard error 3.51 dB (bass) / 2.85 dB (treble) indicating audible deviation from a neutral target [1]. Passive isolation averages −12.67 dB (no ANC) [1]. The bidirectional mic measures LFE 133 Hz / HFE 10.54 kHz with Signal-to-Noise 35.71 dB, adequate for comms [1]. Manufacturer specs (98 dB sensitivity, 32 Ω impedance, mic 100 Hz–10 kHz) align with these findings but do not reach “transparent” fidelity [6][7].

Technology Level

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The design relies on a conventional 40 mm dynamic driver and software features (DTS v2.0 via Engine), plus practical touches like the ChatMix dial and RGB [2][3]. There’s no evidence of breakthrough transducer tech or measurement-driven advances beyond the category norm.

Cost-Performance

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Comparator (cheapest equal-or-better user function set): Corsair HS55 Surround v2 — wired, USB dongle with Dolby Atmos spatial audio on PC, boom mic, and 50 mm drivers; functionally covers the same wired-PC virtual surround use case [8].
Street price: 49.99 USD (Best Buy) [8].
Calculation: CP = MIN(1.0, 49.99 USD ÷ 99 USD) = 0.5.
(When third-party lab data are limited for the comparator, we treat feature/spec parity as provisional and update when stronger data emerge.)

Reliability & Support

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With the official page out of stock and Best Buy stating no new units, initiating a new warranty today is impractical [2][4]. Software support for SteelSeries Engine remains broadly available, but parts and new-unit replacements are uncertain; used-only availability is a risk for long-term reliability.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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ChatMix for voice/game balance, software EQ, and a lightweight suspension headband are user-centric choices [2][3]. However, emphasis on software features over measurable transducer advances limits the design’s contribution to transparent audio.

Advice

If you specifically need wired PC virtual surround, the Corsair HS55 Surround v2 is the sensible value pick at 49.99 USD [8]. For wireless convenience, Razer Barracuda X (2022) is rated for 50-hour battery life and independently tested near 60 hours [9][10]. Staying within SteelSeries, consider the Arctis Nova 5 (114.99 USD) as the current-generation alternative [5].

References

[1] RTINGS.com, “SteelSeries Arctis 5 2019 Edition Review,” FR/WHD/Isolation/Mic metrics, https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/steelseries/arctis-5-2019-edition (accessed 2025-08-17)
[2] SteelSeries, “Arctis 5 – Black” (DTS v2.0, ChatMix, RGB, stock status), https://steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-5 (accessed 2025-08-17)
[3] SteelSeries, “Arctis 5 Product Information Guide” (Windows-only DTS 7.1, setup), https://downloads.steelseriescdn.com/guides/Arctis%205_PIG_rev9_Oct3-2016.pdf (accessed 2025-08-17)
[4] Best Buy, “SteelSeries Arctis 5 … (SKU: 5590003)” — “This item is no longer available in new condition.”, https://www.bestbuy.com/site/steelseries-arctis-5-wired-7-1-rgb-gaming-headset-for-pc-mac-playstation-xbox-vr-mobile-black/5590003.p (accessed 2025-08-17)
[5] SteelSeries, “Arctis Nova 5 Wireless” (current store price), https://steelseries.com/gaming-headsets/arctis-nova-5 (accessed 2025-08-17)
[6] Windows Central, “SteelSeries Arctis 5 review” (98 dB sensitivity, 32 Ω, mic 100 Hz–10 kHz), https://www.windowscentral.com/steelseries-arctis-5-review (accessed 2025-08-17)
[7] Best Buy (spec section), impedance 32 Ω / sensitivity 98 dB / driver 40 mm, https://www.bestbuy.com/site/steelseries-arctis-5-wired-7-1-rgb-gaming-headset-for-pc-mac-playstation-xbox-vr-mobile-black/5590003.p (accessed 2025-08-17)
[8] Best Buy, “Corsair HS55 Surround v2” (49.99 USD; Dolby Atmos on PC; 50 mm drivers), https://www.bestbuy.com/site/corsair-hs55-surround-v2-wired-gaming-headset-for-pc-mac-ps5-ps4-xbox-switch-and-mobile-carbon/6594139.p (accessed 2025-08-17)
[9] Razer Support, “Razer Barracuda X (2022) | RZ04-04430 — Battery Life up to 50 hours,” https://mysupport.razer.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6044/~/razer-barracuda-x-%282022%29-%7C-rz04-04430-support-%26-faqs (accessed 2025-08-17)
[10] SoundGuys, “Razer Barracuda X (2022) review” — measured 59h 53m, https://www.soundguys.com/razer-barracuda-x-2022-review-75741/ (accessed 2025-08-17)

(2025.8.17)