Astro A50 Specifications, Tests and Review

​​The Astro A50 are wireless headphones. The wireless connection allows absolute freedom of movement and with that increases the comfort of using the headphones. This feature is very popular, especially when using headphones every day. The limiting factor of wireless headphones is a certain delay in the sound transmission between the source and the headphones (almost indistinguishable for a normal user), as well as the need to charge them (in the case of wired headphones, the headphones are recharged by connecting the cable itself). The maximum range of the headphones is up to 9 m. This range represents the distance from the sound source at which the headphones with wireless sound transmission can be used. However, the maximum range may be affected by obstacles such as walls or people, etc.

The design of the headphones is around the ears. Because of this design, the headphone envelops the entire ear and isolates the ear better from surrounding noise when listening compared to for example on-ear headphones. With that, they offer high-quality listening without interference. However, they are most likely heavier by design and less practical for frequent carrying. The weight of the headphones is 380 g.

The sound quality can be affected by many factors. When it comes to frequency range, the wider it is, the more detail you will hear when listening. However, the range a person can perceive is highly individual. The average person is able to perceive frequencies in the range of 16 to 20 000 Hz. So the most common frequency range you will see on the market is 20 to 20,000 Hz. Lower frequencies up to approximately 256 Hz are considered bass frequencies. Therefore, the lower the bottom value is, the better the headphones will reproduce bass. Conversely, values from approximately 2 048 Hz upwards are treble. That is why headphones with a high upper value will provide a much more accurate reproduction of high notes. Astro A50 offers a frequency range of 10 - 20000 Hz. Overall, these headphones can reproduce sound up to 118 dB. However, be careful. Repeatedly playing music continuously at really high volumes can damage your hearing.

The device connected to the headphones also plays a role most times. The lower impedance value (approximately 100 to 150 Ohms) is suitable for playback from mobile phones, laptops or other portable players that do not have a powerful enough amplifier. The lower impedance will ensure that the required volume level is achieved with less power, thus extending the life of the player. However, at the same time, with lower impedance, there is more distortion of the sound. Headphones with a higher impedance of around 250 Ohms and above are then more suitable for playback from really powerful signal sources or using a headphone amplifier, otherwise the sound coming out of them might not be loud enough. At the same time, higher-impedance headphones will also ensure less distortion in the sound. In the case of these headphones, the impedance reaches the 48 Ohm value.

An important part of these headphones is the diaphragm, which, simply put, converts the electrical signal into a sound. The thin diaphragm that is around 6 mm thick can react quickly to changes in the audio signal and improves high-frequency listening. However, it is less sensitive to bass. The medium-thick diaphragm of around 10 mm provides a fairly balanced sound profile, allowing you to enjoy both bass and treble. A thicker diaphragm of around 20 mm cannot react so quickly to changes in the sound signal, thus impairing bass listening. However, it is more sensitive to higher frequencies. This model features the 40 mm. Total harmonic distortion is one of the parameters you will come across and usually includes the average value of the distortion when reproducing all frequency bands. This parameter is not critical when choosing headphones, but it is important to remember that higher harmonic distortion can negatively affect sound quality. In case of these headphones, the total harmonic distortion is Audio Output | Total Harmonic Distortion.

The design of the headphones and their earcups can also affect the quality of the audio output. The open design ensures better sound reproduction with less distortion. On the other hand, it lets ambient noise in, but also lets sound from the headphones out. Therefore, choose the open design for home use or in quiet environments.

Astro A50 has a boom–type microphone.

In terms of headphone battery life as a significant factor in the purchase decision, it depends on what you want to use the headphones for and potentially how often you will be able to recharge them. Headphones with up to a few hours of battery life are more suitable for home use as they will require more frequent charging. Headphones with a battery life of around 10 hours or more are already more suitable for commuting and shorter journeys. However, nowadays you can also find headphones on the market that have a battery life in the higher tens to hundreds of hours. In this case, you do not have to worry about your headphones simply running out of power on longer journeys, and you will not have to deal with constant recharging. The battery life of the Astro A50 reaches up to 15 hour(s).