Colo GCS: The 7.1.2 Surround Speaker That Straps to Your Gaming Chair

The Colo GCS is one of the most unusual gaming audio gadgets around: a 7.1.2 surround sound speaker system that straps onto the back of your gaming chair. Made by Cololight, the company best known for its RGB light panels, it packs 11 speakers into a frame that wraps around your head, promising true surround sound without headphones or speakers placed around the room. Here's everything you need to know.

Colo GCS at a glance

What is the Colo GCS?

The Colo GCS is a chair-mounted surround sound system. Instead of placing seven speakers, a subwoofer and height speakers around your room, Cololight puts them all in one unit that attaches to the headrest area of your gaming chair, with speakers positioned around and above your head.

Cololight's argument is that most gaming headsets and soundbars only simulate surround sound with clever processing, while the GCS uses real, separate speakers for each direction. Because the speakers sit close to your ears, it aims to deliver a convincing surround effect without disturbing the rest of the house as much as a full room system would.

How does it work?

The GCS packs 11 speakers into a 7.1.2 layout: seven main channels around you, a subwoofer for bass, and two overhead speakers for height effects in games and films that support them. It connects to your PC or console over HDMI for surround sound, and you can also connect over Bluetooth for music from your phone.

The benefits of a chair-mounted speaker

• No headset fatigue: nothing presses on your head or ears, so long sessions are more comfortable, especially if you wear glasses.
• Real surround channels: separate speakers for each direction, rather than virtual surround through two drivers.
• Space saving: no need for speakers, stands and cables around the room or a soundbar on your desk.
• Open-ear sound: you can still hear the doorbell or someone talking to you.

The potential drawbacks

• Chair compatibility: it's designed for gaming chairs, so it may not fit or sit securely on every chair.
• Bumps and space: the speaker frame sits close to your head, so you'll need to get used to it when sitting down and standing up.
• Cables: a cable running from your chair can get caught under the chair's wheels if it isn't routed carefully.
• Privacy: it's open-ear, so people nearby will still hear your game, unlike with headphones.
• Price: it costs more than most high-end gaming headsets.

How much does the Colo GCS cost?

The Colo GCS has typically sold for around $599 to $699, with crowdfunding backers getting it for less. Prices vary by retailer and region, so it's worth comparing before you buy. That's cheaper than building a full 7.1.2 home theatre system, but considerably more than a premium gaming headset with virtual surround.

Is the Colo GCS worth it?

The Colo GCS is a genuinely different take on gaming audio. If you hate wearing headsets, have a gaming chair it fits, and want real surround channels without filling your room with speakers, it's one of the few products that does exactly that. If you need privacy, game in a shared space, or just want great positional audio for less money, a good gaming headset is still the more practical choice.

Colo GCS FAQ

What is the Colo GCS?

It's a 7.1.2 surround sound speaker system from Cololight that mounts on the back of a gaming chair, with 11 speakers positioned around and above your head.

How does the Colo GCS connect?

It connects over HDMI for surround sound from a PC or console, and over Bluetooth for music from phones and tablets.

Does the Colo GCS work with any chair?

It's designed for gaming chairs, so check that it fits your chair's backrest before buying.

How much is the Colo GCS?

It has typically sold for around $599–$699, depending on retailer and region.