ASTRO Gaming A40 PC Gaming Headset Review
PROS
- Excellent build
- Lots of features
- Comfortable
CONS
- Average sound quality
- Problems with the included amplifier
VERDICT
The ASTRO Gaming A40 PC Gaming Headset may not have the sound quality we would perhaps hope for, but it still gets our recommendations as an excellent combination of sleek design with a wide range of modern features. Owners of multiple gaming systems will definitely appreciate A40’s compatibility with Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. If you are not picky about the sound of your headphones, you won’t be disappointed.
The ASTRO Gaming A40 PC Gaming Headset comes as a part of the A40 Audio System. The system includes the ASTRO MixAmp and the headset itself. They offer a very compelling package designed to work with all consoles and even PC. Add in a stellar, modern design and you get something worth looking at in a greater detail.
Design and build
Even though they look like it, the A40 are actually semi-open headphones. Their futuristic design is both elegant and highly functional. At 324 grams (11.4 ounces), the headphones have a good heft to them, making them feel very solid and sturdy.
The good news is that this relatively high weight doesn’t feel uncomfortable when you put the headphones on your head. Instead, the soft earpads wrap around your ears and spread the clamping force across a large area to give you a premium sense of comfort.
The included amplifier is compatible with the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. It offers DOLBY DIGITAL 7.1 and combined voice audio. The unit is beautifully designed, with a large dial for volume control and a smaller dial for controlling the voice chat audio.
Unfortunately, our unit produced an audible buzzing sound when we increased the volume above 75%. We are not sure whether this happens with all models, but it’s definitely something you should keep an eye on. The amp is powered via the included USB cable or 4 AA batteries.
Sound quality
The sound quality of the ASTRO Gaming A40 Audio System is just average. The virtual surround sound works quite well, giving you a good sense of the direction of incoming sounds. However, you will be hard-pressed to distinguish subtle nuances and details. It becomes especially apparent when you perform a direct comparison between more detail pair of headphones. That’s not to say that these headphones are unfit for serious gamers, not at all.
The included amplifier with multiple configurable EQ modes makes the lack of detail lesser problem. It gives players an easy way how to custom tailor the sound of these headphones to their individual taste and preferences. Some games are mixed differently than others, and the built-in EQ is a great way how to compensate and improve the overall sound quality.
What’s in the box?
The A40 headset comes with the ASTRO MixAmp and an assortment of different cables for compatibility with all gaming systems. That way, you don’t have to buy them separately, which can save you a lot of money.
