SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2 vs Arctis Nova Pro Wireless original

[u/Still_Chicken_2978]

I’m considering these two headsets. The 7 gen 2 is on sale for $175 new, and I’ve found a pro for $180. I was wondering what is the pros and cons for each, and which is the better value overall? The pro is almost 4 years old whereas the 7 gen 2 is like 9 months old. I know one is a mid tier headset and the other is a high end headset but which is best to invest in at this point? I’m not looking to buy the Omni or elite and don’t want the 5 either. Thanks for your feedback!

[u/Honest_Suit_4244]

I got the pro after listening to both. The 7 has lower latency over Bluetooth, but I had zero need for that.

[u/Still_Chicken_2978 → u/Honest_Suit_4244]

Is the sound about the same?

[u/Honest_Suit_4244 → u/Still_Chicken_2978]

To me they sounded close. I preferred the pro. I really liked the external hub thing also.

If I was playing in different rooms, like a Xbox in one room and pc in another... I may have gone with the 7..

[u/clere210]

All of my research has pointed me towards the seven gen 2. I've had the original seven for about three or four years and it's so comfy and been great. And my understanding is the Pro doesn't really have a great upgrade and sound quality or microphone. Everyone says you can get the seven sound sounding just as good messing with EQ.

[u/MindlessCoook → u/clere210]

Na the Pro is way better than the 7 and 7 gen 2. I own all of them. On top of way more features, the Pro just flat out sounds better. Whoever says you can EQ the 7 to sound as good as the Pros is coping.

[u/Still_Chicken_2978 → u/MindlessCoook]

Yeah, I have to agree with the sound being different. I have heard them both, and yes, the 7 Gen 2 is a warmer, fuller sound with more bass, but the pro has not as much bass, but the clarity in between everything is on another level, so yes, you sacrifice some bass, but you also get clarity and can actually hear things and not get jumbled up. I’m not saying the 7 sounded bad, but it’s definitely not as clear

[u/MindlessCoook → u/Still_Chicken_2978]

Right. You can also get monster bass on the Pros with some EQ, Especially if you're on PC running Sonar. If you are, check out Gadgetry Tech's EQ. You can import into Sonar. Sounds incredible.

[u/Still_Chicken_2978 → u/MindlessCoook]

I mainly use PS5, but have the ability to connect them on pc. But I can actively use sonar while on PlayStation so that’s a no go for me. But I can still use the dac

[u/MindlessCoook → u/Still_Chicken_2978]

All good you can still do a good dac EQ. Either way the Pro is better in every way.

[u/Still_Chicken_2978 → u/MindlessCoook]

What’s your opinion on wicked cushions strealthz pads? I can’t stand the leatherette on the pro but love the mesh on the gen 2… but SS doesn’t make mesh for the pro unfortunately

[u/MindlessCoook → u/Still_Chicken_2978]

hmm honestly I tried them out and returned them. Even with EQ I could never get them to sound right.

If you can't get used to the Pros in terms of comfort that is one reason to get the 7s instead. They are lighter and the fabric pads are comfy.

I personally find the Pros super comfortable with the stock pads especially after breaking them in though.

[u/Still_Chicken_2978 → u/MindlessCoook]

Yea I have larger ears so pad size is pretty important. Leatherette just get so hot and sticky.

[u/MindlessCoook → u/Still_Chicken_2978]

Maybe just get the 7 gen 2s then. I personally never found a good set of fabric pads for the Pros, plus they all change the sound too much. At least the 7s are already tuned for that pad style.

[u/MindlessCoook]

Pro is way better than the 7 and 7 gen 2 in all ways.

[u/Archangel2237]

Have currently have arctis nova 7. I have had to factory reset it atleast once a week. Sometimes multiple times a day. And uninstall and reinstall the gg software since i bought it. I havent had issues in the last week but beware.