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Most people buying an audio gadget for their gaming set-up are trying to pick up a headset, or perhaps speaker system. However one of the best buys might be a little smaller — and, for a limited time, a fair bit more affordable.
As part of Amazon's Early Prime Day deals, the Sony Inzone E9 have been reduced to $133. That's only 11% off from the $150 MSRP, but it brings the earbuds down to their lowest-ever price. However this deal ends later today: midnight PT, which is 3 am ET in the early hours of the 22nd. So you don't have long to decide on buying the buds, although another Inzone deal lasts longer.
In just a moment, we'll look at what the Sony Inzone E9 actually are, and why they're worth the premium. But to some people, earbuds like this just aren't conducive to gaming.
Thankfully, there's another option. The Sony Inzone H9 II is also reduced, this time by 15%, bringing them down to $298 at Amazon. This is a proper gaming headset, combining drivers and tuning from the brand's WH-1000XM6 consumer headphones, with some gaming perks and a microphone.
Should you buy the Sony Inzone E9?
The Sony Inzone E9 might be considered a fringe buy as a gaming audio product, but there's a reason to pay attention.
The buds are gaming versions of In-Ear Monitors, or IEMs. This kind of audio product was initially used by professional musicians, to allow for accurate sound reproduction when on stage or in a studio but without the bulk of a headset. However they've become popular amongst audiophiles for that same reason.
Their benefit is that, unlike over-ears which hold large drivers further from your ears, their small drivers are placed as close as possible to your eardrum. They're also often designed to reduce audio compression and offer precise sound placement.
This benefit in particular is what makes the Inzone E9 a tempting option. According to Sony, the buds were tuned specifically for FPS games, in which sound stage can be useful for situational awareness. They were designed alongside Fnatic, so they're esports-approved.
Being wired buds, they'll also ensure there's as little latency as possible between your game and the audio output. They connect via 3.5mm, but a USB-C adaptor is included for use in various other gadgets.
Even if you've no aspirations to be a competitive player, a developed sound stage will be wonderful for gaming, with open-world games and narrative experiences alike improved by it.
- Logitech G522 headset |
$159.99$129.99 at Amazon - Asus ROG Delta II headset |
$229.99$129.99 at Amazon - HyperX Cloud III wired headset |
$99.99$57.98 at Amazon
For more suggestions, we've got a round-up of the best gaming headsets. We're also keeping tabs on all of the Prime Day gaming deals in the worlds of audio, monitors, consoles, games and accessories, to help you find whatever discount you're after.
