My Impressions:
I'm not sure what to say about these headphones.
Introduction:
I have spent the last three years using the SoundblasterX G5 external soundcard, and it has the best virtual 7.1 surround sound I've ever heard. I have hated all iterations of "virtual surround" from previous products. I hated the Tritton (two models, forget the models), Mad Catz, Siberia, Razer and many Soundblaster fake surround options I have come across. The most "acceptable" audio was from my Sennheiser PC363D and its attachable USB dongle. However, that dongle pooped out and stopped working after a year of medium-level use. Sennheiser wouldn't replace the dongle unless the entire headphone set was sent back. So, I sent it all back, and got another replacement headphone AND dongle. With that said, the dongle stopped working again, which made me choose the G5 back in 2015.
If there was any other contender for quality surround sound headphones, I would mention the Logitech G930... but it pales in comparison to the SBX G5 (or the PC363D with dongle).
What's great about the G5 is that it has high output. You can switch on more gain, and it powers even the MrSpeakers Alpha Dogs, and the HD650, and any 300 ohm dynamic headphones. Far and away my favorite headphones with the G5 is the HD650. However, more sound stage and separation works with the AKG K701/Q702, but less bass and slightly harsh highs. With the Alpha Dogs, it has more precise clarity with mids to highs, but I think they're a little too bright for my tastes while playing games.
I mention all of this because I wonder if other people who have reviewed the Mobius have experienced the luxury of non-gamer headphones with an outstanding performer like the SoundblasterX G5. It's a wonderful match, and it's great to be able to use audiophile headphones with gaming.
The Sennheiser PC363D are the best headphones I've heard that were designed/intended for gaming. They even work great just as headphones for music listening. The Sennheiser PC363D is no longer available, and have been replaced by PC373D, as well as the "GSP" series. I have no clue if they're good or not.
So, switch to the Mobius and my feelings are:
1. They're great when compared to other gaming headphones
When it comes to headphones that are made for the video game playing market, these are the best (or second best after) I've ever used. It is well worth the $400 price tag. With that, you're going to get excellent binaural surround, and an impactful, well rounded headphone that will present an immersive gaming experience.
2. Head tracking is neat, but pointless
Even thought it's nice to have the sound remain in place when you move your head, I realize now just how infrequently I move my head while gaming. So this gimmick doesn't mean much to me. Sure, it's "cool", but it didn't impress me as much as I was expecting.
3. Shoddy construction is an enthusiasm sapper
They fit rather tightly across the head. The pads are not as pleasant over my ears as other (any I've tried, at least) headphones that cost $400.
The squeaky plastic parts and unpleasantly tight fit, combined with average pads makes me compare the sturdiness and quality that comes from, say, the ATH-M50x. Or like, any other run-of-the-mill $50-$100 headphones.
I know a lot of the cost is due to R&D, and there is a lot to like about the Mobius outside of "just playing games". So, I'll let the squeaky squishiness slide. Sort of.
4. Excellent gaming headphones for gamers that only used gaming headphones to game
I have been spoiled by high end cans for gaming, in conjunction with the G5. If someone hasn't experienced this before, then they are going to be more appreciative of what the Mobius has to offer.
I won't say they are "bad" headphones at all. For me, one of the big drawbacks is that I can't use the audio settings for other headphones. This sucks, because the audio processing combined with better headphones would blow me away.
Outside of the Sennheiser PC363D, there is no comparison to the Mobius for gaming.
However, if you have good headphones, I still think the SoundblasterX G5 along with headphones of your choice is just as good - well, better than - what you would get from the Mobius. With that said, I paid about $200 for the PC363D, and the Mobius has unique audio options/design, AND Bluetooth (with LDAP!!), AND planar drivers, AND its Audeze, for $400. Put that into perspective, and I can't say they are bad by any means.
Conclusion:
My wind in the sails of my enthusiasm for the Mobius has been dwindled due to my being so spoiled by using non-gamer open back headphones for years. The gains/benefits of the Mobius don't apply to me as easily as it will to others.
I absolutely recommend them, because as stated before, they are a wonderful multi-functional headphone that provides a lot at its given price point.
For music listening, they are good. Even "very good", but I have so many headphones now that it would just kind of fall into the middle of the pack. However, the Bluetooth option might be helpful for when I go on vacation. If I decide the headphones would be worth carrying (I usually have an Astell&Kern AK120 with Campfire Audio Andromeda on vacation), maybe I will use them. Probably not, though haha
But I still find myself preferring to use the Senny HD58X I have now with the G5 instead of my new, shiny Mobius.
*sigh*