The Leviathan is a 5.1 Channel Surround Sound solution from Razer that includes a sound bar and a dedicated subwoofer. It features Dolby 5.1 Channel surround sound technology and wireless music streaming via bluetooth. So it's equally positioned as a gaming and media consumption. product by Razer.
Thanks to the full-range 5.1 surround sound capablity powered by Dolby Virtual Speakers. You can still experience 5.1 surround even if your media source is limited to a stereo output signal. This works via some very clever audio manipulation algorithms by Dolby that really work wonders when watching movies or playing some games. I wouldn't recommend it for music however because it does add a wee bit of distortion. Naturally a native 5.1 channel surround media source is always going to be superior. You get the full effect without the distortion.
Razer Unleashes The Leviathan
Although I would suspect that the majority of gamers especially competitive ones would still prefer to use their favorite type of headphones or headset. Whether it's an in-ear, on-ear or over ear solution it would still provide better positional accuracy that's core to competitive first person gameplay.
However something like the Leviathan would be a fantastic solution if you're playing with friends or watching a movie. The Leviathan would also pose as a good option for gamers who simply don't particularly enjoy using headphones due to discomfort, headaches or any other reason.
Razer includes a 5.25 inch downward firing subwoofer dedicated specifically for the accurate reproduction of bass, and tuned to produce distortion-free lower frequencies. The sound bar itself includes 2 full ranged drivers and 2 tweeters.
The Razer Leviathan can also connect to your Bluetooth devices via Bluetooth v4.0 with aptX® technology for an audio quality which should prove indistinguishable from a wired connection thanks to a sufficiently wide dynamic range. You can connect any device in a range of up to 10 meters the device also remembers your recently paired devices, allowing you to quickly connect and disconnect established devices.
- "Dolby® Virtual Speaker is the technology that enables the Razer Leviathan to deliver 5.1 virtual surround sound via its two speakers by converting stereo and digital 5.1 channel audio into 5.1 virtual surround sound. More info here.
- Dolby® Digital (AC-3) is used to decode analog sound (5.1 or stereo) from an optical source and convert it into digital information allowing Dolby Virtual Speaker to reconvert this digital information into virtual surround. 5.1-channel Dolby Digital provides two surround channels to Dolby Surround’s one for more precise localization of sounds. More info here.
- Dolby® Pro Logic® II expands stereo content from all sources (Analog, Optical, Bluetooth) into 5.1 channel surround sound. After being expanded into 5.1 channel surround, Dolby Virtual Speaker will convert the expanded stereo files into virtual surround sound. More info here."
Specifications
Sound bar
Total power output : 30W (15W x 2RMS)
Full range drivers : 2 x 2.5” / 63.5mm
Tweeter drivers : 2 x 0.74” / 19 mm
Impedance : 8Ω
Frequency response rate : 180Hz – 20KHz
Approximate weight : 4.4lbs / 2KgSubwoofer
Type : Passive
Total power output : 30W RMS
Full range drivers : 5.25” / 133mm
Impedance : 8Ω
Frequency response rate : 20Hz – 180Hz
Approximate weight : 5.1lbs / 2.35Kg
The Leviathan is available for pre-order at Razer's website for $199. Will begin shipping in November.
