Before I invest...Need some Info (A40s System)

[FREAKonFORfatty]

Hey guys, how are you all doing?

Well, let me tell you a bit a bout myself. As you can see, it is almost 4 am and I'm doing some research on what would be the perfect headset for me, which means I can very picky with what I buy. The A40 system is on top of my list. Another thing about me, money is not an issue as long as I know I'm getting what I'm paying for.

Now, I have a few questions: I see the amp. can "decode" Dolby, but does the source have to be out sourced in Dolby? reason I'm asking, is because I recently built a new rig and the MOBO I bought, which is the Asus Rampage II Extreme came with an X-FI Supreme FX sound card, which includes an ok software, that is obviously NOT the full version one would get with the fatality series; thing is, I don't think this sound card has Dolby surround, even though it does have an optical output and a surround option in the half-assed software, but I do not see the Dolby logo anywhere. This is one of my concerns, let's say, worst case scenario, the sound card does not support/have Dolby, will the A40s amp still output Dolby Surround to the headset??

I don't really care much about this, but I must ask out of curiosity, what size drivers are in the headset?

I know the system works with the 360, but what about the PS3? which cable, if any, do I need to hook it up?

How does one adjust the trebs., bass and mids when using the headset on a PC? or any console for that matter, but I'm mostly interested about the PC set up, so please specify.

Does the amp include the USB power cord?

Well, that's about it. I'm very and seriously interested in buying this system, but I really need some info about what I just described above. Thanks a lot for your time and all your help.

Freak.

[Tim_in_NC]

Hey guys, how are you all doing?

Well, let me tell you a bit a bout myself. As you can see, it is almost 4 am and I'm doing some research on what would be the perfect headset for me, which means I can very picky with what I buy. The A40 system is on top of my list. Another thing about me, money is not an issue as long as I know I'm getting what I'm paying for.

Now, I have a few questions: I see the amp. can "decode" Dolby, but does the source have to be out sourced in Dolby? reason I'm asking, is because I recently built a new rig and the MOBO I bought, which is the Asus Rampage II Extreme came with an X-FI Supreme FX sound card, which includes an ok software, that is obviously NOT the full version one would get with the fatality series; thing is, I don't think this sound card has Dolby surround, even though it does have an optical output and a surround option in the half-assed software, but I do not see the Dolby logo anywhere. This is one of my concerns, let's say, worst case scenario, the sound card does not support/have Dolby, will the A40s amp still output Dolby Surround to the headset??

I don't really care much about this, but I must ask out of curiosity, what size drivers are in the headset?

I know the system works with the 360, but what about the PS3? which cable, if any, do I need to hook it up?

How does one adjust the trebs., bass and mids when using the headset on a PC? or any console for that matter, but I'm mostly interested about the PC set up, so please specify.

Does the amp include the USB power cord?

Well, that's about it. I'm very and seriously interested in buying this system, but I really need some info about what I just described above. Thanks a lot for your time and all your help.

Freak.

Freak ... I'll try and help ...

It's my understanding that the mix amp will take an incoming source via optical audio and convert to Dolby for you, so as long as the game is Dolby compatible, you should be fine ...

It does come with a USB to power the Mix Amp ...

As for the PS3 ... yes these work but I believe you have to purchase THIS (http://www.astrogaming.com/products/detail/30/PS3-Mic-Adapter/) extra for full mic capabilities ...

You cannot adjust Bass/Treb/Mids with this system as is ... you would have to do this with your Sound Card Software if applicable ...

As for Driver Size ... I'm pretty sure it's 50 mm ...

When I was trying to decide which headset to purchase ... I listed the following as pros for the Astros ...

Astro Pros
- Better Sounding Mic
- Can Hear yourself Talk through headset speakers (no screaming while trying to be quiet in the first place)
- Lan Connectivity if Needed
- Extra Cables Included for PC/LAN/Etc ...
- More Comfortable and Flexible
- Carrying Case Included
- No Hiss or Background Noise
- Better Pinpoint Location of Enemies while in Game (Subjective)
- More Durable
- No Wireless Issues with Interference due to WiFi Router, etc ...
- Great Mix Amp for true game vs. voice adjustments
- Mix Amp also allows for future headphone & mic upgrade if wanted (HiFi Headphones, etc...)
- Good Sound Quality (seams more spacial and correct than some)
- Don't have to worry with batteries, plug into xbox USB for power
- Customize your headset with different speaker tags (if this interests you) ...


Hope this helps ...

TIM

[Dekar]

This is a great help Tim,

I was looking for some of these answers. Do you have any real cons?

[Tim_in_NC]

This is a great help Tim,

I was looking for some of these answers. Do you have any real cons?

Glad it helps ...

These are the only Cons that I came up with while shopping around ...

Astro Cons
- $30 to $90 more expensive than some sets - such as Tritton AX Pros, Tritton ax720 & Turttle Beach x41 (but you get the carrying case, extra cables, and more pros)
- Older Dolby decoding technology (a40's have been on the market for some time now), seems the new Tritton ax720 have slightly better Dolby Decoding
- Not quite as Loud as some Sets but gets plenty loud for anyone (I can't play with it at full volume - too loud - and I don't want to go deaf)
- Not Wireless (this can be good or bad ... good b/c no cables, but bad b/c you have to worry with batteries and interference issues with other wireless devices in your home - such as WiFi Router, Phones, etc...)

[FREAKonFORfatty]

Hey Tim, thanks for the help dude. The only thing that concerns me is regarding the Dolby technology the A40s use, I can't seem to find any information on this website about it, besides the already stated fact that they do support Dolby Surround; but nothing about Dolby Prologic II to convert analog sources, I wonder specially when hooking up a MP3 player or let's say an old CD player.

I'm close to making my decision, one thing though, from your experience, if you do have the A40s that is, how is the bass?? is it really that low compared to let's say the Tritton AXpros? What about music, again, they won't say about Prologic II, how does music sound? thanks again for the info bro.

Laters.

[Tim_in_NC]

Hey Tim, thanks for the help dude. The only thing that concerns me is regarding the Dolby technology the A40s use, I can't seem to find any information on this website about it, besides the already stated fact that they do support Dolby Surround; but nothing about Dolby Prologic II to convert analog sources, I wonder specially when hooking up a MP3 player or let's say an old CD player.

I'm close to making my decision, one thing though, from your experience, if you do have the A40s that is, how is the bass?? is it really that low compared to let's say the Tritton AXpros? What about music, again, they won't say about Prologic II, how does music sound? thanks again for the info bro.

Laters.


Music, TV, etc ... sounds fine to me ... no issues ... the bass and treble is good with these, they might not be as boomy as some headphones out there but the clarity is better in my opinion ...

One of the great things about this setup is that if you ever decide you want a more hifi set of headphones to listen to music or even video games, you can purchase something like a set of Sennheiser HD 650 headphones and use them in conjunction with the Astro Mix Amp for the Dolby 5.1 decoding ... Best of Both Worlds then ...

I have a lot of audio equipment in my home and have used several headsets/headphones over the years and you will not be disappointed in the Astros ... Great flexibility with these and great sound too ...

Hope this helps ...

[FREAKonFORfatty]

Ok, I think I will buy the A40 system. Now I only have to decide if I want the Sam Flores Gamers tags or the MLG.

As for the bass, as long as it has some depth to it, not like a freaking car stereo, but some decent boom, I'll be happy.

Thanks for the info.

I hope they do get here soon, I know Astro is based in San Fran., but I don't know where they ship their sets from. I'm only 30 mins. away.

Laters.

[Tim_in_NC]

Ok, I think I will buy the A40 system. Now I only have to decide if I want the Sam Flores Gamers tags or the MLG.

As for the bass, as long as it has some depth to it, not like a freaking car stereo, but some decent boom, I'll be happy.

Thanks for the info.

I hope they do get here soon, I know Astro is based in San Fran., but I don't know where they ship their sets from. I'm only 30 mins. away.

Laters.

Enjoy ... I should get a commission ...:)

[kILLDR3n]

For you guys wondering....the technology is called Dolby Headphone. Its a stereo headset and the mixamp encodes 5.1 and creates virtual speakers. It does the same for other headsets Dolby Headphone compatible (if that's my right thinking) Really its virtual 5.1 you're hearing, but in comparison to say the AX Pro, it doesn't mean its worse.

[Cartel-Cashflow]

Freak ... I'll try and help ...

It's my understanding that the mix amp will take an incoming source via optical audio and convert to Dolby for you, so as long as the game is Dolby compatible, you should be fine ...

It does come with a USB to power the Mix Amp ...

As for the PS3 ... yes these work but I believe you have to purchase THIS (http://www.astrogaming.com/products/detail/30/PS3-Mic-Adapter/) extra for full mic capabilities ...

You cannot adjust Bass/Treb/Mids with this system as is ... you would have to do this with your Sound Card Software if applicable ...

As for Driver Size ... I'm pretty sure it's 50 mm ...

When I was trying to decide which headset to purchase ... I listed the following as pros for the Astros ...

Astro Pros
- Better Sounding Mic
- Can Hear yourself Talk through headset speakers (no screaming while trying to be quiet in the first place)
- Lan Connectivity if Needed
- Extra Cables Included for PC/LAN/Etc ...
- More Comfortable and Flexible
- Carrying Case Included
- No Hiss or Background Noise
- Better Pinpoint Location of Enemies while in Game (Subjective)
- More Durable
- No Wireless Issues with Interference due to WiFi Router, etc ...
- Great Mix Amp for true game vs. voice adjustments
- Mix Amp also allows for future headphone & mic upgrade if wanted (HiFi Headphones, etc...)
- Good Sound Quality (seams more spacial and correct than some)
- Don't have to worry with batteries, plug into xbox USB for power
- Customize your headset with different speaker tags (if this interests you) ...


Hope this helps ...

TIM

they are ony 40mm drivers