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I tested Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones for gamers, and can't go back to boring audio

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Sony InZone H9 II ZDNET's key takeaways Sony's InZone H9 II headset is available now for $349.

Their 360-degree spatial sound allows for immersive audio (especially for FPS games) while the detachable mic turns them into a great pair of everyday headphones.

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Sony just released its latest pair of premium gaming headphones, the InZone H9 II, a follow-up to its previous high-end gaming headset, the InZone H9 with improved spatial sound, a detachable mic, and a redesigned headband that's substantially more premium.

We reviewed the H9 back in 2022, so it's definitely time for an upgrade to Sony's high-end gaming line. Sony engineers worked with e-sports organization Fnatic to develop the H9 II, resulting in a handful of quality-of-life features that gamers will appreciate. This includes button placement, fit, and my personal favorite feature -- the detachable mic.

Also: Upgrading your headphones? 5 things I recommend doing with your current pair first

The H9 II takes a precise approach to audio, with 360 spatial sound that communicates subtle effects like footsteps behind you and directional movement, for some pretty impressive immersion.

The 30mm drivers here are the same as Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones, so you're getting rich audio as a baseline, with some EQ presets designed specifically for effects you'll encounter in FPSs, like footsteps, gunshots, and directional sound effects.

Notably, however, they're smaller than the 40mm drivers in the H9, supporting Sony's goal here in allowing for clearer, more detailed sound. We're talking rustling leaves, gentle breezes, and of course, gunfire with precise locationality.

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