Your thoughts on the A30s

[MoldyRock]

what do you guys think about Astro's A30s? Sorry if there is already a thread about this, send me a link if there is.

Check out the main page for the A30s link and how they look.

[ASTRO Warblade]

Wow, you're quick Moldy! The pages just went up.

[nymyth]

so whats the major differences, because I just bought the A40's and ima be none to happy if there are significant changes...

[Mewie]

so whats the major differences, because I just bought the A40's and ima be none to happy if there are significant changes...

The best page to look at is here:

http://www.astrogaming.com/products/3/Audio-Systems/

From a marketing professional perspective, I love the technical writing and design displayed in showing the similarities and differences b/w the two audio systems. Well done, Astro Gaming! :)

[ASTRO Warblade]

Yeap, Mewie hit it on point. The said webpage will show the differences between the two headsets in their flash screen.

Think of the A40s as more of your "stay at home" set, that you use when you play competitvely.

The A30s are more focused on the "gamer on the go", where you won't look like a total dork wearing A30s outside, since the mic can be removed, and you can still use the in-line mic with an iPhone, BlackBerry Storm, Droid, etc.

[siR mR dinGy]

i just like how the speaker tags look like

[ASTRO Warblade]

The A30 speaker tags are dope. If you can imagine what the A40 tags look like, then a curved layer of resin or clear plastic on top of that, and the printed logo of "a*stro a30 audio system" printed on top of that clear plastic. It looks great. I'm not sure how the custom tag designs will be done (if printed under that clear layer, or above, or if that clear plastic layer will even be there). Guess I can find out and order some. =P

[Lt. Croaker]

I don't mean to sound..uninformed, but what is the difference between the closed back on the ear vs the open back over the ear?
Does this mean that with the A40's I'll be able to hear things like people talking around me? Where as with the A30's I wouldn't?

[ASTRO Warblade]

I don't mean to sound..uninformed, but what is the difference between the closed back on the ear vs the open back over the ear?
Does this mean that with the A40's I'll be able to hear things like people talking around me? Where as with the A30's I wouldn't?
Partially Lt. Croaker. Typically with "open ear" headphone designs, the back-side of the ear cup will usually have holes of some sort for sound to escape, but also for outside sound to travel in.

With a closed-ear headphone design, there are no holes on the back-side of the ear cup, and thus more of the sound stays within the ear canal, sometimes helping to keep the different frequencies that are more space complient (like bass frequencies) in the cup.

Typically I find "over the ear" headphones more comfortable. This has it where the padding of the headphones are large enough to fit your entire ear (and typically will have a larger driver).

The "on the ear" headphones will have the padding rest right on the cartilege of your ear, giving a little bit more space between the drivers and your ear canal (once again, possibly more bass). You'll typically get a smaller drive size too.

[nscd]

Warblade, on a pure sound quality basis which one is better? Or are they pretty equal?

Say for example, I had them hooked up simply to an iPod without mixamp, which one would sound better? I saw the comparisons but it's not the same as hearing from someone who has heard both.

[Lt. Croaker]

Ah, I see now. Thanks for the clarification, I thought as much, but I am very tired and I am not thinking correctly.

It just seems that the over the ear phones would block out more sound, to me.

But I think the A40's are for me. I'd just use them at home and that's it, though the reason why I like ear buds so much is because no sound travels in. So I'll have to think on it, I guess.

Could you tell from your personal expericnce with your A40's. Can you hear a lot of sound coming in or not?

[ASTRO Warblade]

I haven't had the chance to try the A30s with my MixAmp yet (no time, blah), just with music and my iPod. It sounded like there was a slight volume difference (probably because of the difference in driver size between the two). Other than that, they sounded pretty similar. There was a slight increase of bass with the A30s, but I may have to do some more testing.

[ASTRO Warblade]

Ah, I see now. Thanks for the clarification, I thought as much, but I am very tired and I am not thinking correctly.

It just seems that the over the ear phones would block out more sound, to me.

But I think the A40's are for me. I'd just use them at home and that's it, though the reason why I like ear buds so much is because no sound travels in. So I'll have to think on it, I guess.

Could you tell from your personal expericnce with your A40's. Can you hear a lot of sound coming in or not?
LOL, with both sets, I don't hear much going on in the room, and my wife hates me for it. She'll try to get my attention and starts yelling my name, yet I can't hear her (though I do tend to listen at around the 1pm volume mark on the MixAmp).

[AllTimeMitch]

LOL, with both sets, I don't hear much going on in the room, and my wife hates me for it. She'll try to get my attention and starts yelling my name, yet I can't hear her (though I do tend to listen at around the 1pm volume mark on the MixAmp).

Same here. My Girlfriend hate me when I wear them :D

Can't wait to order me a set of A30's. They looks like a replacement for my Skullcandys and look so light.

What actually happened to the UK Store? It hasn't had a update all night. Would be nice if they stuck the A30's on there as well :D.

- TheHyperVertigo

[MoldyRock]

Wow, you're quick Moldy! The pages just went up.

maaaan i was on my itouch and i saw something i dont usually see on the main site i was like wth *runs to computer* WTH ?!? A30s are out! interesting! i text dingy and shawneb0y about it they were like wth they have some? :rolleyes:

i think they look cool, not my cup of tea i still like the a40s but those look like more outside wear and pc-er users that use team speak or ventrillo for wow or other games =P i dunno thats how i see i would use em for if i had those instead of A40s

im hoping they will come out with some A50s that will have like 8 speakers like the trittons *crosses fingers* :cool:

[AllTimeMitch]

maaaan i was on my itouch and i saw something i dont usually see on the main site i was like wth *runs to computer* WTH ?!? A30s are out! interesting! i text dingy and shawneb0y about it they were like wth they have some? :rolleyes:

i think they look cool, not my cup of tea i still like the a40s but those look like more outside wear and pc-er users that use team speak or ventrillo for wow or other games =P i dunno thats how i see i would use em for if i had those instead of A40s

im hoping they will come out with some A50s that will have like 8 speakers like the trittons *crosses fingers* :cool:

Not as fast as me :D I updated the News Section of the Forums in 10 minutes before you ;) (Stan posted on Twitter :D)

Although I do not want 8 Small Speakers like the Trittons. I want two big ones. Dolby Headphone FTW!

- TheHyperVertigo

[Mewie]

I applaud the development and release of the A30's. They are very stylish and practical for the bigger market. The A30's caters to people who use their mobile phones in addition to their gaming desires.

Personally, I would still choose the A40's over the A30's. I love to play competitively and wouldn't want a deeper bass sound throwing me off from the crucial sounds of footsteps in a game of MW2 (back stabs are the ultimate pwnage/humiliation for me). I'm also the biggest clutz ever as I tend to walk into walls, drop my cell phone/headphones constantly, and would be utterly sad to cause the slightest scratch to my dearest headphones. I also exercise often with in-ear headphones and can't imagine sporting A30's in the weight room. I also like the mic on the right-hand side, but that's a minor issue.

Overall, I can see the A30's being a huge plus and attractive to a larger market. Just not for me.

[MoldyRock]

Not as fast as me :D I updated the News Section of the Forums in 10 minutes before you ;) (Stan posted on Twitter :D)

Although I do not want 8 Small Speakers like the Trittons. I want two big ones. Dolby Headphone FTW!

- TheHyperVertigo

like im not against the 2 big dolby sound at all for a40s but i have trittons ax360s and those i have to say are heavy and hurts the neck and spine....hence im getting astros i tried dingy's and shawneb0ys astros on i do play better with them on but i on trittons when you hear people running around you, you can actually pinpoint where exactly they are at on the map (referring to playing mw2 with the trittons on) while astros you can hear what side they are on and hoping they are not going to flank you from above or below you or where ever you are located on the map. :) i dunno thats what my friends and i were discussing about the differences between the 2 headphones.

lol @ the 10mins before me part. *snaps* i suppose i call second then :p

[Samurai]

The A30s look really nice, might have to buy both:D

[MoldyRock]

The A30s look really nice, might have to buy both:D

lol not me, that will burn hole into my pocket and i will have a FML moment if i bought both at the same time lol

[ASTRO Warblade]

Actually, I do believe MoldyRock was first. He posted this thread at 12:58pm, and TheHyperVertigo's thread was at 1:45pm.

[AllTimeMitch]

Actually, I do believe MoldyRock was first. He posted this thread at 12:58pm, and TheHyperVertigo's thread was at 1:45pm.

Touché, all the clocks on the forums corrected themselves by one hour forward after I posted and re logged on on I thought I was first :D. I think there was a DST Problem, as I have mine on Auto.

- TheHyperVertigo

[Xenorye]

So, a lot of talk about what you can hear when you have them on, what about what everyone else can hear around you? These are for late-night gaming for me, I'm going to place my order tonight. My living room where the gaming setup is is right in between my mother in law's bedroom and the bedroom my wife will be sleeping in, so I need them to be quiet. Any difference between the two headsets?

I'm fairly certain I'll go for the A40's, but thought I'd ask anyways.

[AllTimeMitch]

So, a lot of talk about what you can hear when you have them on, what about what everyone else can hear around you? These are for late-night gaming for me, I'm going to place my order tonight. My living room where the gaming setup is is right in between my mother in law's bedroom and the bedroom my wife will be sleeping in, so I need them to be quiet. Any difference between the two headsets?

I'm fairly certain I'll go for the A40's, but thought I'd ask anyways.

Well, there is a little noise that comes out them, as people stare at me on my way to college (As I use the Bus and train), although the noise isn't that loud to wake anyone up. As I have to use them in the same room as my Girlfriend sometimes.

There is a little difference between the Headsets although you should check out the A40 vs A30 page here. (http://www.astrogaming.com/products/3/Audio-Systems/)

- TheHyperVertigo

[Xenorye]

I've used the A40's before, so I'm aware that there is a little sound that leaks out. My question about differences was specifically regarding sound leakage, if you will.

[ASTRO Warblade]

The A30s have less sound leakage from what I can tell. The wife still yelled at me for listening to this too loud, and she was about 15 feet away. I think her ears are just too good though, lol.

I did try cupping my hand against the foam of the A30s and listening to what noise came out on the other side and it was significantly less than on the A40s.

[AllTimeMitch]

The A30s have less sound leakage from what I can tell. The wife still yelled at me for listening to this too loud, and she was about 15 feet away. I think her ears are just too good though, lol.

I did try cupping my hand against the foam of the A30s and listening to what noise came out on the other side and it was significantly less than on the A40s.

My Girlfriend doesn't moan at me for using them, although how light are the A30's compared to the A40's. As I might purchase the A30's for my Girlfriend to replace her Skullcandys.

- TheHyperVertigo

[ASTRO Warblade]

A40s = 324 grams or 11.4 ounces

A30s = 188 grams or 6.63 ounces

[DBakerr]

I may have to pick up a pair of these. Though, I've always liked the over-the-ear cups more then the on-the-ear cups.

[AllTimeMitch]

A40s = 324 grams or 11.4 ounces

A30s = 188 grams or 6.63 ounces

Any word on what is happening to the UK store? I was hoping to order my friends Audio System tomorrow. Also if they stock the A30's then I will order a A30 Audio System as well. (Or I will have to get them both from the USA Store)

- TheHyperVertigo

[Xenorye]

Thanks for your help guys. A40's are ordered!

[Lt. Croaker]

LOL, with both sets, I don't hear much going on in the room, and my wife hates me for it. She'll try to get my attention and starts yelling my name, yet I can't hear her (though I do tend to listen at around the 1pm volume mark on the MixAmp).


Thanks. I believe A40 it is for me.
My wife hates it when I use some earbuds I've got because I can't hear her, but at the same time she hates it when I don't use them because the "noise" is bothersome.

-Lt. Croaker.

"All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of
us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time" -Gen. "Chesty" Puller

[LolXCoreZorz]

The A40 audio system is a true gaming headset. It has circumnaural earcups for the most realistic input of auditory feedback, high quality drivers for a clean, crisp, true sound, it has a fully adjustable mic-- either ear, up and down and all around-- and it has all the nerdy appeal a true gamer could want. I think for the xbox 360 it is truly ideal.
However
You wouldn't catch me wearing them around for music, they're too bulky! What's that? A30's? Why, those look perfect for music! And you say they are a gaming headset too! Well that would be lovely!
Yes, but on a serious note, I don't think I'd trade my headset for them, it's just too ideal. I like the weight and earcups for gaming. But that A30 headset looks better imo and I would really like to try it out. 'tis unfortunate I don't have a popular blog or a magazine review job heh.. Anyway, this timing couldn't be better.
My writing teacher just assigned our semester project which involves reviewing a company's communications methods and he suggested that I do my paper on how one of my favorite gaming companies gets out their newest releases.
Ideal!
Anyway, I really like the look of this new headset and I'd love to hear from people about how they like it. One thing that worries me is that the earcups would fatigue the cartilage in your ear after long gaming sessions. Anyway, let me know if anyone gets them!

[nascasho]

After owning the A40's since forever, I really wanna try the A30's.

Recently I was on the search for a headset with high and deep bass levels because it's was my only biggest complaint with the A40's. I liked being in the game with all those crazy loud and deep explosions, they sounded kinda "ehh" but good none the less. I ended up investing a bit in the HPX's because of others that had the same complaint as me and they hurt my ears, lol. Good headset, but no where near the build quality of these Astro's, not by a mile. I wish you guys had announced this literally a week earlier, just a week, I would've got these instead of the HPX! I may bite the bullet just to try it out, I want something so comfortable with amazing sound quality and pin-point accurate sound direction. I wish they would re design the A40's with that, or at least have that as a feature in the A50's if thats the next series name.

Any of you guys gonna get it and post up a review comparision of the A40's vs. A30's as for as bass levels goes?

[Steggy]

The A30 will be one of those headsets where you don't have a real idea on whether it's a yay or nay until you've actually tried it. A lot of users from the mlgpro website have commented on how they were hoping for an upgrade rather than an alternative to the astro a40, but this might just be both. now you have 2 models to choose from so for those who prefer to keep outside noises out can choose the a30's, and those who don't need that feature can go with the a40's. the biggest thing I'm interested to see is the sound quality. I didn't find the A40's sound clarity and bass presence as good as I would have hoped. If the A30 can deliver the better bass to create a fuller sound rather than a hollow sound, and if it can up the clarity somewhat, paired with the money you save compared to the a40, this might potentially be a big upgrade. But like I said, it's one of those things where you have to try it out.

[nymyth]

I was thinking the same thing about owning a pair of A30's after loving my A40's...however I own a party of QC3 from Bose so it would be a total waste of money...lol

[Holiday]

A30 has more bass I believe, which isn't always a good thing for gaming. That extra sound can really stop you from hearing more vital things like enemy footsteps. I think for gaming as a whole A40's triumph the A30 in nearly every aspect. A30's are more for everyday use, Music, and for traveling due to it's light weight. Just my thoughts ;)

[WaRninG]

I would not buy that ugly headset. Price is like the same for buying a40. Why would you waste your money buying a headset that looks like tritton.

[AllTimeMitch]

I would not buy that ugly headset. Price is like the same for buying a40. Why would you waste your money buying a headset that looks like tritton.

No offence but personally that is your preference.

To me it looks like a perfect replacement for my Girlfriends Skullcandys, to others it seems like a great "Outside" Headset. To you it looks like a ugly headset.

Its like me saying why do you have Caps all over the place in your name? Its your preference.

Although you may not purchase or like it, it doesn't have to bring up the question of why other people are "wasting there money" on a product you do not prefer. Respect everyones opinion.

- TheHyperVertigo

[MoldyRock]

im not only looking at this only for gaming, just see it as...it trumps buying Dr. Dre's beats, by adding gaming capabilities and having the mixamp etc. it looks cool but the i really want to see what someone who purchases it think about it. (aside from warblade) lol :D

and dre's prices are reDONKulous!....<3 ;) but then again different headphones for different purposes.

[siR mR dinGy]

im not only looking at this only for gaming, just see it as...it trumps buying Dr. Dre's beats, by adding gaming capabilities and having the mixamp etc. it looks cool but the i really want to see what someone who purchases it think about it. (aside from warblade) lol :D

and dre's prices are reDONKulous!....<3 ;) but then again different headphones for different purposes.

yeah those dr dre beats are sick but expensive lol

[siR mR dinGy]

heres a lil vid about the a30s from G Style Mag

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39EeAlEUSNI

[Steggy]

...ghhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[ozzie]

I didn't get to read everyone's replies, but I think the A30s are a waste especially at its current price.

[bonsaisay]

im not only looking at this only for gaming, just see it as...it trumps buying Dr. Dre's beats, by adding gaming capabilities and having the mixamp etc. it looks cool but the i really want to see what someone who purchases it think about it. (aside from warblade) lol :D

and dre's prices are reDONKulous!....<3 ;) but then again different headphones for different purposes.

The Beats Studio are pretty good. I had them but returned them.. just didn't see myself using them outside of the house.

If you know a person that works at Best Buy, the employee price is $165 for them. Just sayin. ;)


Also, the Studio Beats have a cord with a mic, so you can use them along with the mixamp (if you already have one, otherwise I don't feel it's worth it) to communicate.