ASTRO introduces its new Super Fresh ASTRO .ID collection 2 expanding the options that allow gamers to fully customize the look of their A40 TR headsets. The Super Fresh palette has 8 new colors featuring all-new pastels and shades. Using ASRTO’s online headset customizer tool you can choose a personalized look for the headset frame and 5 additional accessories with 8 unique color options that total in over 500k combinations. At its base is the ASTRO A40 TR their flagship headset known for extreme comfort, high durability, Dolby audio, and flexible modularity priced at $199.99.
At $199.99 we are dealing with one of thee, if not the highest price bracket in gaming headsets. Before having the headset in your hot little hands you will need to experience the online customizer. It’s mega easy to use. As of now the collection 1 and 2 palette options can not be mixed. I really don’t like or understand this move by ASTRO. More colors, more options, more better!? That is usually how it works. Aside from this issue, the online customizer is a phenomenal system. Everything is just point and click, you can adjust colors and patterns on the frame, cushions, headband, cable, mic, and ear cushions. We were able to get the perfect color and pattern scheme to match our main gaming battle station.
The A40 TR’s have a unique earpiece adjustment system using a metal cylinder that has notch graphics on it to mark your height. Its range of vertical adjustability is wide. This headset will fit just about anyone. You can also turn the earpieces about 90 degrees to the front side which is great for when you need to keep one ear off. While I do like the versatility of this system it does feel really flimsy, I could break it with little force. That being said the A40 TR is made from high-quality material. At 384 grams they are right in the middle of the road as far as weight does. Due to its weight, I would put them in the Cadillac class for comfort, the synthetic leather exterior in combination with the memory foam is extremely comfortable. Ideal for endless hours of gaming. At first glance, I didn’t think the headband would provide enough cushion, but I was wrong. All customizable parts are easily removed by a magnet system which also allows you to switch the side that the microphone rests on.
Onboard you will find a 6.0mm Uni-directional boom microphone. Its quality is top tier by far one of the best microphones on a headset I have ever tested. Inside the ear cushions, you will find a transducer principal dynamic open 40MM sound driver. It features a frequency response of 20 – 20,000Hz and a nominal impedance of 48 Ohms. What does this all mean? A high-quality deep-sounding audio experience with full directional Dolby immersion. Due to their deeper tone, the A40 TR sounds better with music than most other gaming headsets. A 3.5mm port enables you to bring this top-tier audio experience to PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC. A monster in the audio quality category that lives up to its hefty price tag.
Sad faces for everyone the A40 TR has no RGB lighting. This seems to be a trend with all gaming headset brand’s high-end flagship models. I have no idea why and it makes me sad. Looking at the big picture you are paying extra for the customizable features the A40 TR provides. I am not exactly sure how much the cost of production shoots up due to supporting these customization features but it shouldn’t be much since all the components are magnetically connected. You can get this quality of sound performance with an arguably more durable headset at the $149.99 price point. I would like to see the A40 TR priced at $159.99. But If you want your headset customized to be an exact match with your battle station hardware this is the one for you.
