Astro A50 Gaming Headset Review - Big Bug Found

[FrgMstr]

I spent the last week with the Astro A50 gaming headset perched on my melon, and was genuinely impressed with its performance. The A50 headset simply made my gaming experiences a lot better. Then getting towards the end of my evalution I came across a nasty A50 bug. A bug that has been known by Astro Gaming for the better part of four years and is still not fixed. You will want to read this before throwing down $300 on a gaming headset.

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So in middle of writing this review, I was of course still using the Astro A50. No better way to write an evaluation than while the product is literally wrapped around your head. Last Friday morning, my A50 was fully charged, and I set it back down on the base after using it for an hour or so to go grab a drink. When I came back to put the A50 on, the lightning bolt LED on the base was blinking. I had not seen it do this before. I put the A50 and got nothing.

 

[Sulphademus]

No red X?

 

[Tweak155]

NOW you tell me

Been using the set since May... no major issues so far. I do recommend the mod kit over the base fabric cups, makes the sound even better in exchange for a little bit of heat (but nothing uncomfortable in my experience). For $300 though I do think the mod kit should be included in the base kit.

 

[RogueTadhg]

I'm glad you also had this type problem, Kyle.

Clarification: I'm not glad you had it for the problem it caused you, but for shining a light on the problem that really scars a great headset.

 

[FrgMstr]

No red X?

We have generally reserved the Red X for PSU reviews as there is a specific standard for those to meet. The headset was great, just did not make me feel good about spending $300 on it. I would not suggest that is Red X worthy.

 

[FrgMstr]

I'm glad you also had this type problem, Kyle.

Clarification: I'm not glad you had it for the problem it caused you, but for shining a light on the problem that really scars a great headset.

The A50 has a two year warranty in the EU, too bad it does not carry it here, I would have likely kept it.

 

[Elf_Boy]

My Logitech G930 does the same thing sometimes. Real PITA.

Have to basically charge it 2-3x everyone once in a while.

Using it with the charger plugged in doesnt work do well either -sometimes.

No more Logitech for me and I used to be a big fan.

 

[Nolan7689]

Well that’s sad to hear I’ve been using my A40s since...I honestly don’t remember when. Iunno 4-5 years?

Wired headset, so they’ve been superb really. Many a long night raiding on Destiny has been spent wearing them.



Unrelated, for the past few days all Hardocp images have been replaced with a camera with a circleslash over it. I’m on mobile/ iOS safari. If I truly cared I’d probably submit a comment to support but eh.

 

[Mugato]

Well that’s sad to hear I’ve been using my A40s since...I honestly don’t remember when. Iunno 4-5 years?

Wired headset, so they’ve been superb really. Many a long night raiding on Destiny has been spent wearing them.



Unrelated, for the past few days all Hardocp images have been replaced with a camera with a circleslash over it. I’m on mobile/ iOS safari. If I truly cared I’d probably submit a comment to support but eh.

Hey me too, I had changed some settings in chrome and safari so thought maybe it was one of those. Err, Chrome seems is fine, just Safari.

Edit: Sent to soon, I really like my HyperX headphones =)

 

[FrgMstr]

Unrelated, for the past few days all Hardocp images have been replaced with a camera with a circleslash over it. I’m on mobile/ iOS safari. If I truly cared I’d probably submit a comment to support but eh.

Hey me too, I had changed some settings in chrome and safari so thought maybe it was one of those. Err, Chrome seems is fine, just Safari.

Mobile site is messed up since we moved servers last week.

 

[Overblod]

I have tried many headsets and could never tell much of a difference... but good for you, enjoy!!

 

[Exavior]

I have tried many headsets and could never tell much of a difference... but good for you, enjoy!!

As a deaf person I have the same problem. I have tired dozens of headphones but have not heard anything from any of them so I know exactly what you mean.

Oh, wait I am not deaf. Silly me. If you haven't noticed an issue then you have only ever used cheap basic head phones or you have hearing issues. ignoring the fact that higher price gets you from wired to wireless for convenience going from $3 to $100+ you are going to start to get into the realm of noise canceling and richer sound. Even noise canceling by itself will give you clearer sound as you don't hear everything else mixed in with your game / source of entertainment meaning you pick up more on smaller background sounds. Once you start to get even higher you get multiple speakers in the headset meaning that you can get full surround sound from inside a headset. Now once you get over a certain point you might start to have mix results of what you notice and that will be up to each person and their hearing. Meaning a $300 pair might not be much different for you than a $120 pair, but should be much different compared to a $3 wired pair.