Why are replacements for the 2.5 to 2.5mm cord not sold?

[D0NT SH0OT ME]

I purchased my Astro headset system from eBay, so I do not have the warranty. My cord that connects the mixamp to the controller recently broke (the 2.5 to 2.5mm cord), so I came to this website with the intention of buying a replacement for it. I could not find a replacement no matter where I looked even though replacements for almost all the materials in the system are located on the website. After discovering this, I did some research on the topic and found out that this is a fairly common problem, and that the only solution offered by your company is to contact customer service for a replacement. This would not be a problem for most people, but for me and anyone else who has purchased an Astro headset system indirectly it represents a large obstacle. In order for someone in my situation to get a replacement there are two options, get the warranty transferred or buy a new mixamp. I am, however, in a situation where I cannot obtain the warranty, and I do not feel like purchasing a $200 product to replace a $5 cord. I am, as it seems, at a dead end.

So why are replacements for such a faulty piece of equipment not sold individually? Is it simply a company oversight? I highly doubt that due to the large number of threads on this very website that discuss the same topic, yet have received no direct answer. Or is it to take advantage of people like me, who are indirect customers, but customers nonetheless?

Not selling replacements of a product with such a high failure rate (when replacements for other, more reliable products are readily available) and forcing customers to either, A) go though customer service, or B) purchase a new system, all in order to obtain a replacement for such a product screams of unscrupulous business practices.

So please, answer the question already. Why are replacements for this cord not sold?

[SocksWthSandals]

im not sure why their not sold. but you can try contacting support to see if they can ship you out a new one

[AcIdC0R3]

You should contact SUPPORT (http://www.astrogaming.com/support/) so they can help you with this issue. Just explain to them what you explained to the forums and they should work with you on it.

Cheers...

[D0NT SH0OT ME]

I had already contacted customer support by the time of this post, but I knew that it would not do any good. I sent them a message that described the situation exactly as it does in the post and this it their response:

Hi Brett,

At this time ASTRO Gaming can only offer warranty services, like replacement Controller Cables, to first hand buyers or to individuals who have had ownership of a system transferred to them. So, before we can send a new cable, we’ll need to get ownership of the system transferred in to your name. To do so, the original owner of the system needs to contact ASTRO. You can have them e-mail me directly at ctye@astrogaming.com with “ASTRO Gaming Case Number: 00031116 : ” copied in to the subject line.

The original owner must e-mail me from the address they used to purchase the system and they must send the following:
1) Original owner’s billing address
2) Original owner’s ASTRO invoice and/or order number
3) New owner’s name
4) New owner’s shipping address
5) New owner’s e-mail address
6) New owner’s phone number

From you (the new owner of the system) I'll need:
1) New owner's shipping address
2) New owner's phone number

Again, we must have this information from you and the original owner before we can perform any repairs or issue any replacement parts. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Chris Tye
ASTRO Gaming
Customer Relations
http://www.astrogaming.com

The exact response I expected. The thing is that I cannot and will not be able to contact the original owner to get the ownership transfered under my name. This means that I will not be able to recieve a replacement cable because they are only replacable under warranty. I would be perfectly willing to buy a new cable, which I expected to be able to do on the website, but they don't even sell them.

So please Astro, answer the question. Why do you not sell replacement controller cables?

[SocksWthSandals]

im sure their are other cables around to get online right acldcor3?

like this might work http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Mini-Stereo-Cable-2-5mm-mimi/dp/B0013JV8E4

[D0NT SH0OT ME]

im sure their are other cables around to get online right acldcor3?

like this might work http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Mini-Stereo-Cable-2-5mm-mimi/dp/B0013JV8E4

If there are any 3rd party cords that would work I would be happy to buy one, its just that I have read from multiple Astro staff that only their specific cord works with the mixamp.

[AcIdC0R3]

im sure their are other cables around to get online right acldcor3?

like this might work http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Mini-Stereo-Cable-2-5mm-mimi/dp/B0013JV8E4

Correct, there are a lot of after market 2.5mm cables out there. Check THIS (http://forums.astrogaming.com/showpost.php?p=12832&postcount=2) post here where I link to a whole lot of them.

I recommend THIS (http://www.bgmicro.com/CAB1089.aspx) one as it is only $1 and both ends are right angled. If you go this route you will also need to purchase a ferrite choke so it can eliminate any RFI/EMI interference. HERE (http://www.newark.com/fair-rite/0444164951/round-cable-snap-on-suppressor/dp/16F002?crosssellid=16F002&crosssell=true&in_merch=true&) is one that should fit that diameter cable. Finding one that small is very difficult. Most are made to fit 5mm diameter cables and larger. The diameter of the controller cable is 3mm or 0.21". The ferrite core that I refer to above has an I.D. of 0.21 so it will fit.

That cable is sought after very frequently on these forums as they seem to go out quiet often because the wire strands inside are very small and they tend to break inside the wire sleeve. If I were you I would purchase either two or three of those cables and ferrite cores so you'll have another in case one shorts out. Good luck.

Cheers...

[D0NT SH0OT ME]

Correct, there are a lot of after market 2.5mm cables out there. Check THIS (http://forums.astrogaming.com/showpost.php?p=12832&postcount=2) post here where I link to a whole lot of them.

I recommend THIS (http://www.bgmicro.com/CAB1089.aspx) one as it is only $1 and both ends are right angled. If you go this route you will also need to purchase a ferrite choke so it can eliminate any RFI/EMI interference. HERE (http://www.blockemf.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=756&products_id=5075) is one that should fit that diameter cable. Finding one that small is very difficult. Most are made to fit 5mm diameter cables and larger.

That cable is sought after very frequently on these forums as they seem to go out quiet often because the wire strands inside are very small and they tend to break inside the wire sleeve. If I were you I would purchase either two or three of those cables and ferrite cores so you'll have another in case one shorts out. Good luck.

Cheers...

And these work for sure with the mixamp? Thank you for the help, by the way.

[AcIdC0R3]

And these work for sure with the mixamp? Thank you for the help, by the way.

The 2.5mm cable that comes standard with the MixAmp has a ferrite choke on it. They recommend that you not get an aftermarket cable as you will have a lot of static or interference with it. With the ferrite core on the cable you should be able to eliminate it. I do not guarantee this. If you are unable to get a cable from Astro I would go this route as it is better than nothing at all.

Cheers...

[AcIdC0R3]

If you don't care about the right angles then I would go with the one that Socks recommended as it is a heavier gauge cable.

Cheers...

[SocksWthSandals]

If you don't care about the right angles then I would go with the one that Socks recommended as it is a heavier gauge cable.

Cheers...

i like the right angle because it fits with my controller and i dont have a cable wrapped around all over the place.

but yea you can get my cable and then get the ferrite that should do you just fine bud

[AcIdC0R3]

And these work for sure with the mixamp? Thank you for the help, by the way.

I just want to make this clear. I do not guarantee that your cable after you place the ferrite core on it will be without noise or static. This is a possible solution, and not guaranteed to work. I would like to ask that after you buy and use your cable and ferrite core to report back to this forum and let us know if everything works or not. I'm sure there are many other forum members that would be very interested to know the outcome. Good luck and let's all hope it works.

Cheers...

[ASTRO Warblade]

The thing is that I cannot and will not be able to contact the original owner to get the ownership transfered under my name.

Hey there,

Sorry for the trouble you're experiencing, but there are policies in place for warranty work that needs to be followed. Can I ask what's the reason you're not able to get the original owner to transfer the warranty to you?

-ASTRO Warblade

[D0NT SH0OT ME]

Hey there,

Sorry for the trouble you're experiencing, but there are policies in place for warranty work that needs to be followed. Can I ask what's the reason you're not able to get the original owner to transfer the warranty to you?

-ASTRO Warblade


The member of eBay I purchased the headset from has not responded to any of the messages I have sent him. He hasn't accessed his profile since I purchased the headset from him and he has no contact information on his profile, so there is no way I can get ahold of him.

[RPAL]

I think they don't sell them because they break so much. But its more annoying to have the mic not working then it is to pay $10 for a replacement that will break in a month.

[AcIdC0R3]

I think they don't sell them because they break so much. But its more annoying to have the mic not working then it is to pay $10 for a replacement that will break in a month.

All I can figure is they may have some kind of patent on that particular cable. They sell all the other cables, but I don't know why they won't sell this one. If your Astro AS is still under warranty I would still pursue getting in touch with support. Good luck...

Cheers...

[RPAL]

All I can figure is they may have some kind of patent on that particular cable. They sell all the other cables, but I don't know why they won't sell this one. If your Astro AS is still under warranty I would still pursue getting in touch with support. Good luck...

Cheers...

That's a good thought. Though there are many reasons they might not be selling it, they might just not want to deal with people saying it broke right after they purchased it. They are getting so many people needing new cables now that it could drive them crazy having to deal with people wanting refunds and what not.

I guess that's what fine print would be for on the product page. ;)

[AcIdC0R3]

That's a good thought. Though there are many reasons they might not be selling it, they might just not want to deal with people saying it broke right after they purchased it. They are getting so many people needing new cables now that it could drive them crazy having to deal with people wanting refunds and what not.

I guess that's what fine print would be for on the product page. ;)

Astro does take care of their customers. You are in a boat with a lot of other people on this subject. That cable is very sought after. The reason it has so many problems is because the strands of wire inside the sleeve are very thin and brittle.

Cheers...

[Mildsauce]

I ordered my astros on April 19 , 2010 and my cable is already broken, that should tell you something

[AcIdC0R3]

I ordered my astros on April 19 , 2010 and my cable is already broken, that should tell you something

What do you mean. It's just a cable. I mean cables go out or you buy a faulty one. No sense in scrubbin' the whole headset and mixamp too. The support team will work with you on this. Astro does take care of their customers.

Cheers...

[Mildsauce]

What do you mean. It's just a cable. I mean cables go out or you buy a faulty one. No sense in scrubbin' the whole headset and mixamp too. The support team will work with you on this. Astro does take care of their customers.

Cheers...

seems to me like its a pretty big problem with the headset. Seems like alot of people are complaining that it breaks constantly. One person (on this forum) said he has replaced it SIX times!!! thats not acceptable.

im also concerned with this. one day the warranty will run out and they will stop sending the cords for free (im assuming that the cord will keep breaking which it seems like it tends to do so) Then ill be out of luck

[AcIdC0R3]

I see where you're coming from but if you've only had them for what is it, 21 days, I would contact the Support Team (http://www.astrogaming.com/support/) and let them help you. Just because someone has replaced their controller cable 6 times doesn't necessarily mean that you will suffer the same fate. It's your choice. You do what you must. I hope everything works out for you.

Cheers...

[Mildsauce]

I see where you're coming from but if you've only had them for what is it, 21 days, I would contact the Support Team (http://www.astrogaming.com/support/) and let them help you. Just because someone has replaced their controller cable 6 times doesn't necessarily mean that you will suffer the same fate. It's your choice. You do what you must. I hope everything works out for you.

Cheers...

yah i know im making assumptions, maybe ill get the new cord and it wont break.

[RPAL]

Actually its not Astro's fault. Its Microsofts for using the 2.5 cable as the input for mics at the bottom of the controller. 2.5 cables always break, its not just Astro's.

[AcIdC0R3]

That's where the PS3 is better in that respect than the 360. I have to admit that is where M$ fell short. If they had only implemented something like the PS3 did it would have been the near perfect gaming console.

Cheers...

[AcIdC0R3]

I found a really good 2.5mm stereo (male) to 2.5mm stereo (male) cable HERE (http://www.pacificcable.com/Picture_Page.asp?DataName=2-5MCL-3). It's coiled which means that since it is meant to stretch that it is of heavier gauge strands and sleeving making it last longer and take more abuse than the one that Astro provides. One end is also right angled to plug into the controller. Just clip THIS (http://www.newark.com/fair-rite/0444164951/round-cable-snap-on-suppressor/dp/16F002?crosssellid=16F002&crosssell=true&in_merch=true&) ferrite core (choke) on the straight part of the cable so as to eliminate any RFI/EMI interference and there you go. I have seen a lot of people on these forums complain about that particular cable and how it breaks. Some people have even said that they would rather pay for a new cable rather than wait two or three weeks for a replacement. No offense to Astro but I just want to give everyone an alternative option in case they don't want to wait for a replacement or their headset is out of warranty. If you are still under warranty I still do encourage you to try to work with Astros Support Team (http://www.astrogaming.com/support/) before you consider this. :)

Cheers....

[SocksWthSandals]

I found a really good 2.5mm stereo (male) to 2.5mm stereo (male) cable HERE (http://www.pacificcable.com/Picture_Page.asp?DataName=2-5MCL-3). It's coiled which means that since it is meant to stretch that it is of heavier gauge strands and sleeving making it last longer and take more abuse than the one that Astro provides. One end is also right angled to plug into the controller. Just clip THIS (http://www.newark.com/fair-rite/0444164951/round-cable-snap-on-suppressor/dp/16F002?crosssellid=16F002&crosssell=true&in_merch=true&) ferrite core (choke) on the straight part of the cable so as to eliminate any RFI/EMI interference and there you go. I have seen a lot of people on these forums complain about that particular cable and how it breaks. Some people have even said that they would rather pay for a new cable rather than wait two or three weeks for a replacement. No offense to Astro but this seems to be a better quality cable than the one that you provide and is an alternative to waiting for support to issue a replacement. :)

Cheers....

id say those look like a win to me

[AcIdC0R3]

After seeing so many people upset over the 2.5mm controller patch cable, I decided to seek out a supplier who makes custom cables and have been in contact with them for several weeks now on designing a premium quality cable that won't cost you a limb or have to sell your home to afford it. LOL One that can withstand the everyday abuse of hardcore gamers as well as any EMI/RFI interference without a ferrite choke. So far, the pictures the supplier has sent me are quiet impressive to say the least. Tomorrow, I'm going to purchase three cables in 6ft lengths. I'm going to test them out for a few days. If I'm satisfied I'll offer to sell them to those that do not wish to wait for tech to issue a replacement or those that their Astro Audio System is out of warranty. I still encourage you to work with support in trying to get a replacement. Astro does take care of their customers. If you've reached your wits end and feel you cannot wait for tech to issue you one, this will hopefully be your solution. As I said before, this is still in the testing phase so you'll have to bare with me until I can get it all worked out.:D

The lengths that will be available to me are; 3, 6, 10, 15, 25, 35 and 50ft. I really don't see why anybody would want anything other that 3, 6 and 10ft length but you never know. I haven't decided on the prices yet as I haven't even seen or tested the cable yet. Anyway, this is what's up on this subject. So let's all hope it works out.

Cheers...

[Alpha I Omega]

That's where the PS3 is better in that respect than the 360. I have to admit that is where M$ fell short. If they had only implemented something like the PS3 did it would have been the near perfect gaming console.

Cheers...
M$ didnt use it for practical use but rather for the money...
you can get a good bluetooth anywhere, but if you want a good 2.5 mic you have to buy Microshafts mic or buy their wireless one...

[AcIdC0R3]

M$ didnt use it for practical use but rather for the money...
you can get a good bluetooth anywhere, but if you want a good 2.5 mic you have to buy Microshafts mic or buy their wireless one...

Yeah, their wireless mike blows. They say you can just leave it plugged in when your not using it but it killed the rechargeable battery inside it. In the end, it would only hold a charge for 10 minutes and then die. That's actually what did it for me. After that I started looking for professional headsets and eventually came to Astro.

Cheers...

[AcIdC0R3]

After seeing so many people upset over the 2.5mm controller patch cable, I decided to seek out a supplier who makes custom cables and have been in contact with them for several weeks now on designing a premium quality cable that won't cost you a limb or have to sell your home to afford it. LOL One that can withstand the everyday abuse of hardcore gamers as well as any EMI/RFI interference without a ferrite choke. So far, the pictures the supplier has sent me are quiet impressive to say the least. Tomorrow, I'm going to purchase three cables in 6ft lengths. I'm going to test them out for a few days. If I'm satisfied I'll offer to sell them to those that do not wish to wait for tech to issue a replacement or those that their Astro Audio System is out of warranty. I still encourage you to work with support in trying to get a replacement. Astro does take care of their customers. If you've reached your wits end and feel you cannot wait for tech to issue you one, this will hopefully be your solution. As I said before, this is still in the testing phase so you'll have to bare with me until I can get it all worked out.:D

The lengths that will be available to me are; 3, 6, 10, 15, 25, 35 and 50ft. I really don't see why anybody would want anything other that 3, 6 and 10ft length but you never know. I haven't decided on the prices yet as I haven't even seen or tested the cable yet. Anyway, this is what's up on this subject. So let's all hope it works out.

Cheers...

I ordered two 6ft cables today. When I get them in and I get my MixAmp back from being repaired I'll be able to test them out and if they work, well, I'll offer them to people who really need one. With these premium cables you shouldn't need a ferrite core on it. Even if you had power cables and your cell phone sitting next to it. That's how good their suppose to be. Anyways, I'll keep you all updated.

Cheers...

[Alpha I Omega]

Yeah, their wireless mike blows. They say you can just leave it plugged in when your not using it but it killed the rechargeable battery inside it. In the end, it would only hold a charge for 10 minutes and then die. That's actually what did it for me. After that I started looking for professional headsets and eventually came to Astro.

Cheers...

I've had mine for 2 or 3 years, the charge isnt what it used to be but it still lasts for 4-5 hours....but you have to charge it for like 8 :(

I always break the riwed ones somehow, but my wireless mic is fine....but i bought astros for the headphones not the mic...

[AcIdC0R3]

I've had mine for 2 or 3 years, the charge isnt what it used to be but it still lasts for 4-5 hours....but you have to charge it for like 8 :(

I always break the riwed ones somehow, but my wireless mic is fine....but i bought astros for the headphones not the mic...

I also have that Plantronics one that fits under around the ear. It's a wired mic but it's actually pretty good. That's the one I was useing after my M$ wireless went out.

Cheers...

[Alpha I Omega]

I also have that Plantronics one that fits under around the ear. It's a wired mic but it's actually pretty good. That's the one I was useing after my M$ wireless went out.

Cheers...

lol i had one of those once, it broke in 4 days and it hurt like a mother...

[AcIdC0R3]

lol i had one of those once, it broke in 4 days and it hurt like a mother...

Yeah, I have a couple of friends that that same thing happened to them. I see now that my choice in the Astros was the best choice I could have made. Full featured professional headgear is the only way to go.

Cheers...

[ASTRO stanimal]

Hi everyone,

Sorry to have to close this thread, it's just that we can't support any custom cables to be used with our MixAmps as we can't verify if they will work.

To answer any questions on our Controller Cables, we will be offering them for sale soon on our website. In the meantime if you'd like a replacement, please contact our Support Team (http://www.astrogaming.com/support) and they will be happy to send one out.

We understand that may not be the smoothest and quickest solution but we're working on that for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me or ASTRO Warblade.

- ASTRO stanimal