Upgrade your Astro A50 gaming experience with the StealthZ pads! This review dives deep into the enhanced comfort and sound offered by these replacement earcups, compatible with Gen 4, A50X, and Gen 5 headsets. Discover how the noticeably larger size translates to a more comfortable fit for extended gaming sessions, reducing pressure points and improving overall user experience. We'll explore the impact on sound quality, examining both the potential for a slightly altered sound profile and the custom EQ presets designed to optimize audio for various uses.This in-depth analysis considers the balance between comfort, sound quality, and cost. We'll assess the plush material, discuss the visible stitching, and explore the potential long-term durability of the padding. Ultimately, we'll determine whether the StealthZ pads represent a worthwhile upgrade for Astro A50 owners prioritizing comfort and customizable audio, offering a comprehensive verdict on their performance and value.
Pros And Cons
- Enhances comfort
- Larger than stock pads (54mm height, 45mm width vs. 50mm height, 37mm width)
- Increased depth for less ear-to-baffle contact
- Plush and comfy
- Improved surface material
- Sound quality changes compared to stock pads (more bass, less mid-range detail)
- Collapses over time due to softness, potentially causing ear-to-baffle contact
- Visible stitching
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Compatibility and Design Improvements
The Astro A50 StealthZ pads are designed for compatibility across multiple Astro A50 generations: Gen 4, A50X, and Gen 5. This broad compatibility is a significant advantage, making it a versatile upgrade for many users.
A key improvement is the increased size. The StealthZ pads are noticeably larger than the original pads, offering a more comfortable fit for various head sizes and shapes.
The increased dimensions offer more space around the ears and reduce pressure, a significant factor contributing to enhanced comfort during extended use.
Sound Quality and EQ Adjustments
While the larger, thicker pads offer more comfort, they may impact sound quality, resulting in a slightly darker and less detailed sound profile compared to the stock pads. This is a common issue with thicker earpads.
The reviewer provides custom EQ presets via Logitech G Hub to mitigate the impact on sound quality. These presets aim to restore clarity and detail, making the pads sound even better than the stock.
The presets offer options for general use, music listening, and FPS gaming, catering to diverse preferences and gaming styles.
Manufacturing and Material Choices
The StealthZ pads are offered at a reasonable price point. This choice involves trade-offs in manufacturing, resulting in more visible stitching than the original pads.
The material is plush and comfortable, but the reviewer acknowledges that the slightly shallower padding might collapse over time, potentially causing discomfort.
The reviewer emphasizes the extensive testing that went into finding the right balance between comfort, sound, and cost-effectiveness, stating the current design as the optimal solution.
Conclusion: Are the StealthZ Pads Worth It?
The Astro A50 StealthZ pads offer a significant improvement in comfort due to their increased size and plush material. While they might slightly alter the sound profile initially, the provided EQ presets effectively address this.
The price point is competitive. The minor manufacturing compromises are minimal compared to the overall comfort and sound quality enhancements.
Overall, the StealthZ pads are a worthwhile upgrade for Astro A50 users seeking enhanced comfort and customizable sound, especially with the easy-to-use EQ presets.