Logitech announces $100 speaker add-on for the Meta Quest 2 VR headset

[Shawn Knight]

What just happened? Logitech has announced an add-on audio accessory for the Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset designed to enhance immersion. The Logitech Chorus is a custom-tuned, off-ear audio solution that utilizes open-back BMRs (Balanced Mode Radiators). The speakers do not actually make contact with your ears, meaning there is nothing in or on your ears generating heat or impeding airflow.

The rotating speaker design makes it easy to mute audio. When the real world demands your attention, simply swing the speakers back and out of the way to hear what is going on. This action mutes the speakers; when it's time to jump back in, rotate the speakers back down into position.

Chorus weighs 6.42 ounces (182 grams) and stays in place on the headset, never needing to be removed or unplugged. It uses a USB-C pass-through system, so no separate power source is required.

The Meta Quest 2 (formerly known as the Oculus Quest 2) launched in October 2020 with an introductory price of $299 for a model with 64GB of storage. A recent price change pushed the entry-level Quest 2 to $399.99 but also doubled the storage to 128GB. A model with 256GB of onboard storage commands $499.99.

The Meta Quest 2 features built-in speakers that deliver stereo sound but audio quality isn't universally loved by all. There's also a 3.5mm headphone jack should you prefer to bring a set of earbuds to the party; Logitech's Chorus is simply another option to consider.

The open nature of the Chorus is both a pro and a con. While it does allow for ambient sounds to get to the player easier and is no doubt more comfortable for long VR sessions, it doesn't provide any sound isolation for the wearer or those in the same room. If you regularly share your gaming space with others, a set of earbuds might be the more courteous option.

The Logitech Chorus is available to pre-order for $99.99. No word yet on when it will ship.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/95658-logitech-announces-100-speaker-add-meta-quest-2.html

 

[Uncle Al]

Can't say I want anything named or associated with "meta" for all the obvious reasons ..... and a few not so obvious .... LOL

 

[waclark]

Can't say I want anything named or associated with "meta" for all the obvious reasons ..... and a few not so obvious .... LOL

When you think about it, it is pronounced Meh-Duh....

 

[passwordistaco]

Something like this to replace the audio on the HTC Vive headsets would be nice.

 

[Fearghast]

Something like this to replace the audio on the HTC Vive headsets would be nice.

That would imply that this Logitech version is better, but it's Logitech and when it comes to audio they were never able to produce good sounding speakers or headphones in their entire history.
If anything, would be nice if Valve Index speaker would work for other VR's.

 

[Kotters]

That would imply that this Logitech version is better, but it's Logitech and when it comes to audio they were never able to produce good sounding speakers or headphones in their entire history.
If anything, would be nice if Valve Index speaker would work for other VR's.

Given that they're specifically listed as BMRs in the article, Logitech isn't responsible for the drivers.

I wish someone would produce off-ear BMR standalone headphones. The Index is a wonderful audio experience, and I'd love to have that when I'm not in VR. Valve called their prototypes like this "Hummingbirds," and their testers kept them afterward because they were so good.

edit: lol they removed the line referring to them as BMRs, RIP.

 

[koblongata]

Does not work with Elite Strap With Battery I guess...

Really wish they can just introduce one with everything integrated, or at least provide seamless integration for all the accessories...