The A50s take the already awesome A40 and their beautiful wireless mixamp 5.8 system and gene splice them together. This produces a headset that has the great look of the A40s with some new accents and is completely wireless. No wires, no clip on modules to carry around just you, your headset, and the game!
Style
This one might be a look bit of a repeat since they look just like the A40’s, but this definitely isn’t a bad thing. The A50’s comes in matte-black finish which looks good. It has a simple design that looks good and gets the job done. It is mainly black, but there is a nice touch with the exposed wires throughout the headset which adds a nice accent to them.
I do have to give them a negative on the fact that currently it only comes in one color right now. While I do love black, having only one color choice is ehhh. This is compounded by the fact that because of the new technology built inside the A50’s, you can’t have speaker tags for them. Speaker tags being the exchangeable covers you could put on the ear cups on the headset, which we love on the A30s and A40’s.
But if you can get pass the one color choice or you just love a matte-black finish, then you have no worries with this pair of headsets!
Sound
No surprise here, but the A50s sound amazing! With the 40mm stereo drivers there is great low-end response. and the highs are good without messing up the mids. If that wasn’t good enough the A50 also has a 3 preset EQ settings that allows it to be great for movies, hardcore gaming, and competitive shooters as they word it. I definitely agree with this.
The sounds is further amped up with the A50 having Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound and also evens blocks any interference from other devices with 5.8GHz KleerNet technology inside as well. This prevent any distortions or cutouts that could ruin the audio experience.
Experience
Using the Astro Gaming A50s is very easy to set up. If you have tinkered behind you audio system before, and set up any of the prior products, this should be just as simple. Set up is easy enough out the box, as the A50 comes pre-paired with the transmitter out of the box. The transmitter this time around can be powered by USB, so all you have to do is plug it into your PS3 or Xbox to power it. From there a optical cable in and your ready to rock.
Now since they have got rid of the little clip on module used with the 5.8 wireless Mixamp, all of your controls are now on the headset itself. Want to control the volume, you’ll find it on the on the bottom of the right side ear cup. Want to toggle between hear more voice or game sounds, click the area of the right ear cup that was the speaker tag location. Even switching between EQ modes can be found on this ear as well.
I’ll admit it does take some getting use to, but other that you’ll be fine. One thing I do really like is the way you can mute the mic now. No button to press or click, just simply flip up the mic boom. Once you do this, your muted. Want to talk again, flip it down again, see simple!
Wrap Up
The Astro Gaming A50 headset is another great step up from a great company, who is great at what they do. I will say these definitely aren’t for everyone. That $299.99 will definitely having you in sticker shock if you don’t have the budget for it, but then again this is a high-end product. If you are serious about your gaming, and want to go with some of the best, be prepared to spend for it.
Is it worth it? If you love gaming yes. If you are more of a casual gamer, you might want to go with the Astro Gaming A30s. Either way you will be in possession of some great products. As for me I think I’ll stick with the A50s for my gaming!
You can find out more about the Astro Gaming A50 headset HERE
