Sennheiser Game One or Astro A40 TR

[Pega]

I was looking for a mid tier headset around the 150 $ mark and I was presented with 2 very appealing options.

So I'm torn between the Sennheiser Game One and the Astro A40 TR (without that overpriced mixamp).

I have no doubt that the Sennheiser headset is better sounding and has one of the best headset mics. However I personally really do not like how they look and they aren't really something you can wear while out.

On the other hand the astro a40 has a design that I quite like, and the customizeable ear tags are also a draw. The removeable mic and detatchable cable is very nice, especially with my bad history of tugging cords. I have also heard that the build quality is on par with the price.

However the astros (from what I've heard) aren't the best in terms of performance. I have read all kinds of complaints with the mic; breaking, very bad at detecting lows and highs because of noise cancellation, makes you sound squeaky, etc. Some people say its alright and the complaints sometimes contradict each other, I just don't know who to trust. I have read that the mid range sounds on the headset are mediocre and I have little doubt that sennheisser would sound better.

I would really appreciate some insight on what to choose.

[Arya]

I have a set of A40s with MixAmp Pro. I don't know how they stack up with the Sennheisers, but they're good enough that I'm 100% satisfied. I can't see myself upgrading for another few years.

First of all, everything you've heard about the build quality is true. They're beautifully put together and there are some lovely high-quality materials as well. Mine are nearly 3 years old, and they still look and work as factory new. The only issue is a scratch on one of the ear tabs, and that was my fault.

Secondly, there are definitely issues with the mic. It works perfectly well, but the audio quality is meh for the price. Mine sounds alright, but the gain is way high by default and I've never been able to get that sorted.

The actual sound quality is great from the headphones, good clarity and meatey bass. They take a bit of tuning in, but once you've got the Mixamp set up just-right they sound great. I've never run them without the Mixamp, I'm not sure how they sound run as normal headphones.

As for how they compare, I really don't know. From my experience with them I would guess the Sennheisers would sound a lot better, but then again the Astros don't exactly sound bad.

If you've got any other questions, feel free to ask.

[Pega]

I have heard that the mic sounds better/different without the mixamp, is this true? Thanks!

[Arya]

Първоначално публикувано от Pega:

I have heard that the mic sounds better/different without the mixamp, is this true? Thanks!

I've tested it out, either my PC has a front I/O issue or my headet's mic doesn't work without the Mixamp.

[Pega]

Първоначално публикувано от Okami:

Първоначално публикувано от Pega:

I have heard that the mic sounds better/different without the mixamp, is this true? Thanks!

I've tested it out, either my PC has a front I/O issue or my headet's mic doesn't work without the Mixamp.

Thanks for clearing that up.

[Arya]

The main issues I've encountered with the mic can be corrected with settings changes. Lots of settings changes - although not everybody is willing to go to all that trouble.

From my perspective, you can't really go wrong either way. Sennheiser has a great reputation, and I've had 3 great years with my Astros.

[Pega]

Първоначално публикувано от Okami:

The main issues I've encountered with the mic can be corrected with settings changes. Lots of settings changes - although not everybody is willing to go to all that trouble.

From my perspective, you can't really go wrong either way. Sennheiser has a great reputation, and I've had 3 great years with my Astros.

Yea the headset I'm using right now is the razer blackshark so either way itll be a huge upgrade. I think ill get the astros since you've cleared up that the mic is fixable and it really isn't as bad as some people say.

[Arya]

Първоначално публикувано от Pega:

Първоначално публикувано от Okami:

The main issues I've encountered with the mic can be corrected with settings changes. Lots of settings changes - although not everybody is willing to go to all that trouble.

From my perspective, you can't really go wrong either way. Sennheiser has a great reputation, and I've had 3 great years with my Astros.

Yea the headset I'm using right now is the razer blackshark so either way itll be a huge upgrade. I think ill get the astros since you've cleared up that the mic is fixable and it really isn't as bad as some people say.

The mic isn't a disaster, you'll certainly have no trouble talking to people. But it's a long way from what you'd expect given the price of the headphones.

[Pega]

Първоначално публикувано от Okami:

Първоначално публикувано от Pega:

Yea the headset I'm using right now is the razer blackshark so either way itll be a huge upgrade. I think ill get the astros since you've cleared up that the mic is fixable and it really isn't as bad as some people say.

The mic isn't a disaster, you'll certainly have no trouble talking to people. But it's a long way from what you'd expect given the price of the headphones.

As long as its not ear cancer for my friends I'm ok with it lol

[Horus]

Sennheisers are awesome. No one makes them as durable, not mentioning that they sound great, both cans and microphone.

You really can't go wrong with them. They are an audiophile headphone company. I don't understand why there is even a shred of hesitation.

I have used and loved many a pair of Senns over the years, and every pair of any other brand just comes short in comparison. We've had logitechs, razers, and a few other brands. Sennheisers hands down, all day, every day.

[Arya]

Първоначално публикувано от Pega:

As long as its not ear cancer for my friends I'm ok with it lol

The mic is fine, although you might need to tinker around with it. It's not a bad microphone, it's just a bit meh even when it's well tuned. And most people would - and should - expect a lot better than meh from headphones this expensive.

[Horus]

Първоначално публикувано от Okami:

Първоначално публикувано от Pega:

As long as its not ear cancer for my friends I'm ok with it lol

The mic is fine, although you might need to tinker around with it. It's not a bad microphone, it's just a bit meh even when it's well tuned. And most people would - and should - expect a lot better than meh from headphones this expensive.

Whereas the Senns sound clear as daylight. Plus, they are so sturdy... I dropped a set of PC 360 G4ME about 200 times to a hard floor, from about 4 feet... They were still like new.

Name another brand that you are confident will pass this test ONCE, let alone 200 times.

[Arya]

Първоначално публикувано от Horus:

Whereas the Senns sound clear as daylight. Plus, they are so sturdy... I dropped a set of PC 360 G4ME about 200 times to a hard floor, from about 4 feet... They were still like new.

Name another brand that you are confident will pass this test ONCE, let alone 200 times.

I don't question that Sennheiser make great headets, but I do have to question your objectivity. You sound like a Sennheiser salesman.

[Horus]

Първоначално публикувано от Okami:

Първоначално публикувано от Horus:

Whereas the Senns sound clear as daylight. Plus, they are so sturdy... I dropped a set of PC 360 G4ME about 200 times to a hard floor, from about 4 feet... They were still like new.

Name another brand that you are confident will pass this test ONCE, let alone 200 times.

I don't question that Sennheiser make great headets, but I do have to question your objectivity. You sound like a Sennheiser salesman.

I'm sorry if I do... Maybe you should talk to other Sennheiser gaming headset users, I bet we all sound like salesmen.

Heck, talk to any Porsche owner about his car, he'll probably sound like a Porsche salesman too.

They're just that good.

[Pega]

Първоначално публикувано от Horus:

Sennheisers are awesome. No one makes them as durable, not mentioning that they sound great, both cans and microphone.

You really can't go wrong with them. They are an audiophile headphone company. I don't understand why there is even a shred of hesitation.

I have used and loved many a pair of Senns over the years, and every pair of any other brand just comes short in comparison. We've had logitechs, razers, and a few other brands. Sennheisers hands down, all day, every day.

I don't doubt that the senns sound better, both mic and can. Judging by this it should be no contest which headset I would choose. However, the astro a40 tr does have something over the game one; its diverse. The mic and cord is removeable, and the almost everythinhg on it can be customized. The mic can swap sides, and it is easy to buy replacement parts should something break. I could wear a40s outside, they don't look disgustingly gamer. While they game ones look respectable and classy in their own way, the mic is not removeable and would look ridiculous if I went out with it. If I'm buying a headset for 150 $ I may as well be able to do this. On the other hand, you could say that a 150 $ headset should have a quality mic, which apparently the astros don't.

[Arya]

They definitely don't. The mic you get is about what you'd expect from a $15 set.

If you want something you can wear outside, I would go with the Astros. They're relatively light and the earcups are well insulated. They do still look quite gamer-y, but they would fit under a hood and as you say the mic is removable.

The only big issue with the A40 would be badging. By default they have Astro Gaming branding on the sides. Thankfully you can cover that over with a vinyl wrap, and personalise the set at the same time.

If you want the ultimate gaming headphones, go with the Sennheisers. You can't really argue with their audio quality or performance, there's just nothing else out there like that. Dorky as they may be, they're the undisputed champs.