Engadget Reviews Maxamp 5.8

[Bighouse]

http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/astro-mixamp-5-8-review/

oops...subject should say "MixAmp" not "MaxAmp"...typos!

[<<< Mordecai >>>]

Horrible Review - That review was more for the physical aspect of it rather than the actual quality of Sound. And look at the Cons -- If thats it then why only a 7? That device is at least a 9/10. The IGN Review was much better.

[Surferkwc]

Horrible Review - That review was more for the physical aspect of it rather than the actual quality of Sound. And look at the Cons -- If thats it then why only a 7? That device is at least a 9/10. The IGN Review was much better.

Agree. All engadet did was talk about the physical side and I do get that is important but I think the sound quality outweighs the look of the product.

[sidweyz]

I have absolutely no problems with that review. This review wasn't written from a gaming pov but rather a home theater one. Hence the reason they continued to mention TV and Movie watching throughout the article. Did you guys even read the "User Experience" portion of it.

Just in case....


User Experience

We used the Mixamp 5.8 while sashaying around our abode, and must say its 5.8GHz technology kept our audio crystal clear in most instances despite our abode being bathed in 2.4GHz and 5GHz waves of WiFi from a dual-band router. Using a pair of Grado SR60s and Astro's own A30 headphones (http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/astro-gets-saucy-with-150-a30-cross-gaming-headset/) for testing, we found that sound was faithfully reproduced as long as we were within range of the TX. As for the system's range, signal began to break up once we were 25 feet from the TX unit, and at 30 feet the signal cut out completely (though range was increased by another ten feet with our in-house WiFi switched off). We also had issues if we walked into another room (about 20 feet from the TX with two walls in between) and turned the RX at just the right (or wrong) angle. The system generally worked well, with only the occasional hiccup as we strolled throughout our one-bedroom apartment. When lounging on the couch within ten feet of the transmitter we had nary an issue and the sound delivered really was top-notch. So, in our experience the Mixamp was best suited for sedentary use, but you can still move to the music when the mood strikes.

In addition to cutting the cord, the system has a Bass Expander mode and delivers Dolby Headphone surround sound audio. We didn't get much use out of Bass Expander mode, however. Astro says it injects a "subtle subwoofer effect," but while watching TV, movies, or listening to tunes with the bass boost on, we could only percieve low-end aural enhancements when the volume was cranked well past 50 percent, which was too loud for our listening tastes. With the dial turned up it did provide rounder bass tones, but at lower volume levels we simply couldn't discern a difference. Though given the number of live shows we've been to, perhaps our ears simply weren't up to the task.

Dolby Headphone technology gives listeners the illusion of 5.1 or 7.1 channels of sound in stereo headphones, and its simulated surround sound does deliver richer audio and more realistic imaging while watching movies than standard stereo affords. But, it's still no substitute for a true 5.1 or 7.1 channel setup. We also wished we could easily disable Dolby while we were watching talking heads on SportsCenter -- their voices sounded better in stereo than they did with Dolby's software doing its thing -- but the on/off button was on the TX unit sitting under our TV instead of next to the bass boost button on the RX where it belongs. We also had an OG Astro Mixamp (http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/14/astros-a40-audio-system-headset-gets-detailed-on-video/) on hand to compare it with its wireless brethren, and can report that the sound quality is nigh indistinguishable between the two (though the original can crank up the volume louder than the 5.8).Stop being whiny fanboys. They're negatives are totally valid. Why is a wireless system still full of wires? I understand Astro is trying to add a wireless option to they're existing product line while also making it as versatile as the wired Mixamp. I have the wireless Mixamp and I hate that I still have a 2m cable attached to it when I should be 3-4ft. At 6ft I can put my A40s on with the 4-pole cord attached then get the end of cord then put the cable through my belt loops then do it again and almost reach the Mixamp which would serve as a belt buckle. The rechargeable battery doesn't matter to me since I have rechargeable AAAs. I can understand the range thing for listening to music/tv watching and walking around the house but while gaming/movie watching you would be in front of the TV when using them.

BTW, I really do like my wireless Mixamp other than at times feeling like I'm going to strangle myself if I trip over one my kids toys while having them on me.

So is it really that horrible or are you just a jumpy forum fanboy?

[LuNaTiiK]

No need for the hate sidweyz. Let's try to express our differences in opinion without calling names. ;)

The MixAmp 5.8 was designed so that you can connect any pair of headphones you want and enjoy relative wireless freedom. Some people may prefer a more incorporated wireless headset, but ASTRO aimed to please as many users as possible while retaining compatibility with the A40, A30, and A*STARs. If you read through the comment section of that review you will find that a very large number of people use headsets other than ASTROs with the MixAmp 5.8.

If the A40 QD cable is too long for you then you can always pick up the A30 Mobile QD cable (http://www.astrogaming.com/accessories/a30-mobile-qd-cable), which is shorter and designed for on the go use.

[fr8cture]

I like the way it looks.

[SocksWthSandals]

i think the review was good. however the cons were pretty dumb. should have focused more in the, "theres still wires with a wireless system" rather than REQUIRES to wear the rx on your belt... who actually games with this on their belt? i dont even wear a belt. why cant i just set the rx next to me? according to this review i cant, has to be on my belt. also, who actually has a home where they sit far enough away from the tv/console to where the wireless signal cuts out in the first place?

still was a fine review. engadget always has great reviews. this one was still pretty good. just you could tell it was a first timers review on his first thing that has to do with audio equipment

[sidweyz]

No need for the hate sidweyz. Let's try to express our differences in opinion without calling names. ;)

The MixAmp 5.8 was designed so that you can connect any pair of headphones you want and enjoy relative wireless freedom. Some people may prefer a more incorporated wireless headset, but ASTRO aimed to please as many users as possible while retaining compatibility with the A40, A30, and A*STARs. If you read through the comment section of that review you will find that a very large number of people use headsets other than ASTROs with the MixAmp 5.8.

If the A40 QD cable is too long for you then you can always pick up the A30 Mobile QD cable (http://www.astrogaming.com/accessories/a30-mobile-qd-cable), which is shorter and designed for on the go use.

Ok I was a little harsh.....

When I got my OG Mixamp I was actually in the market for a pair of HD555s or PC350s but ended up find a good deal on a set of white A40s. A lot of people tend to think the A40s are flat which after using them for the past year and half like them as they tend to give me a lot less ear fatigue and can wear them for long period of time.

Thanks! I had no idea that the A30 Mobile cable worked with the A40's. That will actually give me a reason to go ahead and pick up the Tournament kit as well.

[SocksWthSandals]

A lot of people tend to think the A40s are flat which after using them for the past year and half like them as they tend to give me a lot less ear fatigue and can wear them for long period of time.
agreed with everything said here. the ear cups have an odd shape to them thats for sure

[<<< Mordecai >>>]

I have absolutely no problems with that review. This review wasn't written from a gaming pov but rather a home theater one. Hence the reason they continued to mention TV and Movie watching throughout the article. Did you guys even read the "User Experience" portion of it.

Just in case....
Stop being whiny fanboys. They're negatives are totally valid. Why is a wireless system still full of wires? I understand Astro is trying to add a wireless option to they're existing product line while also making it as versatile as the wired Mixamp. I have the wireless Mixamp and I hate that I still have a 2m cable attached to it when I should be 3-4ft. At 6ft I can put my A40s on with the 4-pole cord attached then get the end of cord then put the cable through my belt loops then do it again and almost reach the Mixamp which would serve as a belt buckle. The rechargeable battery doesn't matter to me since I have rechargeable AAAs. I can understand the range thing for listening to music/tv watching and walking around the house but while gaming/movie watching you would be in front of the TV when using them.

BTW, I really do like my wireless Mixamp other than at times feeling like I'm going to strangle myself if I trip over one my kids toys while having them on me.

So is it really that horrible or are you just a jumpy forum fanboy?

Ahh, It appears you lack the vocabulary to sustain a civil conversation by introducing mature reasoning, instead, you resort to name calling, which clearly, my post did not merit. Come to think of it, your post was quite ironic; behaving like the very thing you accused me of -- You sure you're not an Engadget fanboy? :)

Point out to me if you will, where I stated any part of the Review as not being valid? I thought the Review was merely stating the obvious; anyone could have written a Review like that. I expected more from Engadget, a more professional review that was thorough.

Are you telling me, you are happy with that Review? To release a Review so long after the products release date, to give us that? Mediocre at best, anyone could have written that. This is "Engadget" we're talking about -- Forgive me if I'm a little bit disappointed here.

I own Turtle Beach PX5's, as well as 2 Home Theatre's (A 5.1 and a 7.2) and I prefer my Home Theatre. I was merely pointing out lack of effort that went into testing the product, by ENGADGET no less.

*Sigh* All I did was DISAGREE with something and I was called a Fanboy. If we all had the same taste in things, shared the same opinions & agreed on every damn thing, this life would be SO boring. In fact, it would be a "Perfect World". But alas, I am a jumpy forum fanboy for having an Opinion.

But then again, Charlize Theron & Beer exists in this world so it has to be perfect... right? :)

[AcIdC0R3]

But then again, Charlize Theron & Beer exists in this world so it has to be perfect... right? :)
I prefer Kate Beckinsale. mmmmm mmmmm :D

[<<< Mordecai >>>]

Oooo how could I forget the sexy vampire in latex, me like too :)

[sidweyz]

First off... Socks: I've tried a few headphones and found some of them to not only feel weird about my ears but also I cannot listen to them for long periods of time because of the sound they produce. They just tire out my ear drums

Now.....


Ahh, It appears you lack the vocabulary to sustain a civil conversation by introducing mature reasoning, instead, you resort to name calling, which clearly, my post did not merit. Come to think of it, your post was quite ironic; behaving like the very thing you accused me of -- You sure you're not an Engadget fanboy? :)

Point out to me if you will, where I stated any part of the Review as not being valid? I thought the Review was merely stating the obvious; anyone could have written a Review like that. I expected more from Engadget, a more professional review that was thorough.

Are you telling me, you are happy with that Review? To release a Review so long after the products release date, to give us that? Mediocre at best, anyone could have written that. This is "Engadget" we're talking about -- Forgive me if I'm a little bit disappointed here.

I own Turtle Beach PX5's, as well as 2 Home Theatre's (A 5.1 and a 7.2) and I prefer my Home Theatre. I was merely pointing out lack of effort that went into testing the product, by ENGADGET no less.

*Sigh* All I did was DISAGREE with something and I was called a Fanboy. If we all had the same taste in things, shared the same opinions & agreed on every damn thing, this life would be SO boring. In fact, it would be a "Perfect World". But alas, I am a jumpy forum fanboy for having an Opinion.

But then again, Charlize Theron & Beer exists in this world so it has to be perfect... right? :)

Like I said.... I was a little harsh. But grow a pair... better yet unzip your vag and pull out your balls. Haha. If you got so uptight about being a whiny jumpy forum fanboy I wonder how you'll feel about that. Sorry I occasionally like to run my mouth (uuhh...fingers) but I lack vocabulary. My bad.

I never said that you invalidated any of the review. I was just stating that the negatives were valid. If the reviewer felt the negatives warranted a 7 then fine. A 7 isn't even a BAD score. How dare someone give my favorite product a 7!?! It's a review that is aimed at a different audience than the product is actually marketed toward. It's like a computer monitor being reviewed as a home theater product. They would say it doesn't have enough inputs and the built in speakers are terrible. They would also give it a 7. How about your PX5s being reviewed as a cell phone bluetooth headset. It works but do you think it would get stellar reviews as such?

The review isn't perfect but again its not a "horrible" review. It's not a hard product to review. The only thing they didn't test, which I don't understand why they didn't/couldn't, was the Bass Boost feature. Otherwise I think they tested the product fine. You still haven't said how or why the review could be improved... So how then? I actually prefer Gawker media sites over AOL stuff anyway.

I really don't care what you own. I wouldn't even care if you owned a Martin Logan (or even B&W.. even Ac1d's Def Techs) speakers plus 2 JL Gotham subs as your 7.2 setup with McIntosh electronics.

I guess you can't be a Fanboy if you don't own Astro product anymore.... So did you sell your "wireless" A30 system and get the PX5's instead? Or you just not mentioning them?

I just pointed out the flaws in you're response to the review. You said they didn't test sound quality but they did. You keep saying they didn't to a complete review but what didn't they do other than the Bass Boost. If they would have started to compare the difference between the Grados and the A30s than they would have been doing a headphone review.

Charlize Theron not so much... Beer yes as long as something more in the craft realm (such as Pliny the Elder, Double Dead Guy Ale, anything from Chimay... etc...) then the typical American lager.

So please humor me and actually say something about the Mixamp instead of lacking statements.

[<<< Mordecai >>>]

Such an immature and disrespectful response. Instead of having a mature argument, you resort to such juvenile behavior. People like you give Americans a bad name all over the world.

*Sigh* Kids these days, getting aggro over such ephemeral things... Go figure.... :rolleyes:

[kevin nail]

everyone just get along.