Do not buy the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap headphones!

Do not buy the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap headphones!

Summary

Available for sale since June 2017, the Deluxe Audio Strap is a replacement headband for the HTC Vive. Unlike the original headband, made of flexible and easily degradable material, this accessory is made of rigid plastic, and is much more stable and more comfortable. In addition, it integrates a pair of headphones, avoiding the user having to equip themselves with an external headset with the HTC Vive. In short, the Deluxe Audio Strap is ideal on paper by offering the HTC Vive ergonomics similar to that of the Oculus Rift.



HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap: the headset attachment is easily torn off!

It is not surprising that many users were quick to order this accessory for better immersion. Moreover, it only took a few hours for the product to be out of stock, before being offered again at the beginning of July. Unfortunately, this very promising and ideal accessory for the first few uses has several flaws, one of which is particularly problematic.

As you can see in the video above, by removing the Deluxe Audio Strap, the fixing on the side of the HTC Vive comes off, and it is then impossible to put it back. Indeed, this plastic cog system (see photos below) is very fragile. The Deluxe Audio Strap is well designed for the HTC Vive but .. the HTC Vive does not seem to have been designed for the Audio Strap at all.

Do not buy the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap headphones!


On the official Steam forum, just like on Reddit, many users claim to have faced the same issue after only one use for the majority of them. In our opinion, there are indeed 2 cases:


- Users who do not read the instructions carefully: on this product, it is indeed essential to read the instructions carefully. To remove the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap, the document specifies that it is important to turn the connector, 90 degrees, and not to try to remove it by pulling. Most users will tend to proceed without taking the time to read the manual, and it's unfortunate that HTC hasn't taken this into account.

- Users who play regularly and / or who play games requiring a lot of head movement (we can cite the Gorn games or Knockout League). This is what happened twice in a row to our teams! Of course, we did not repeat the experience for fear of breaking a 3rd HTC Vive and returned our Audio Strap Deluxe to its original box where it will stay warm until HTC fixes this problem. HTC's after-sales service, contacted by us, agrees to take charge of repairing the headset attachment, but claims the sum of 70 €! According to our contacts, this problem is not covered by the warranty. After contacting the brand's communication department 3 weeks ago, they did not wish to answer us.

HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap: the foam can leave black marks on your face or on your hair

The fixing problem mentioned in this article is not the only problem with the Vive Deluxe Audio Strap. Indeed, on social networks, many users report that the foam of the Deluxe Audio Strap tends to deteriorate when wet, and can leave black marks on the user's hair or face. A very annoying phenomenon for users who tend to sweat when using the device intensively. Admittedly, this black substance can be easily cleaned, but for an accessory at almost 100 euros, presented as a "luxury" headband, such a concern is hardly acceptable.



HTC has not given an explanation as to the cause of this problem, and has not specified whether a new improved version of the Deluxe Audio Strap would be released soon. The firm promises that it leads the investigation to resolve the problem, and invite all concerned to contact customer service directly who will provide new foam free of charge.




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