Voyetra Turtle Beach has introduced the second generation of its surround-sound Ear Force "gaming headphones", the HPA2.

Like the first-generation HPA headphones, the second-generation HPA2 contains multiple surround speakers built inside each speaker, offering 5.1 "surround sound" in only a two-speaker package. The new version costs $129.95, offering a somewhat higher-priced tier than the $70 to $90 first-generation HPA line, which won a PC Magazine Editor's Choice award.

Within the "speaker" pressing against each ear are a 40-mm front speaker, a 40-mm surround speaker, a 30-mm center speaker, as well as a discrete subwoofer.

In the PC Magazine review, editors complained that the headphones were made of material that was too stiff, and that the open design of the headphones allowed too much backgroud noise in, and headphone noise out. According to the company, the HPA2 has solved those two deficiencies by upgrading the material the headphones are crafted from, as well as improving the tilt range to allow for differently-shaped heads.

In addition, the speaker orientations have been tweaked somewhat, while the included boom mic for gameplay chat has also been upgraded, the company said.

The headphones will be sold at retailers nationwide, as well as via the Turtle Beach web site.