When comparing Plantronics GameCom 780 Gaming Headset with Surround Sound vs Astro A40 TR, the Slant community recommends Astro A40 TR for most people. In the question“What are the best gaming headsets?” Astro A40 TR is ranked 4th while Plantronics GameCom 780 Gaming Headset with Surround Sound is ranked 21st. The most important reason people chose Astro A40 TR is:
This headset has very good overall tonal balance, with just a little emphasis on the bass. The highs are clear and airy while the mids are forward and not muddy. The bass has good power and punch, yet does not overpower the other frequencies. Explosions and in-game/movie sound effects will definitely sound good with these, yet at the same time these are versatile enough for a wide range of music genres.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Dolby 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound works well
Plantronics uses Dolby's well-established 7.1 Surround Sound specificiation in order to provide a virtual surround sound audio-environment, ant it succeeds. Although the headset only has two speakers, the virtual surround works well and the eight different channels are certainly distinguishable and it definitely helps with spatial awareness in certain games.
Pro Great sound quality
Many users and reviewers praise the GameCom 780 for it's great sound quality, especially for a headset in this price category. The headset features a pretty balanced sound reproduction, with great representation in lower and higher tones, but a tad less bass.
Pro High comfort
The earpads used in the Plantronics GameCom 780 is fairly large and are over-ear but is fairly light, which results in a comfortable wearing experience, even after hours of use. The cushions are soft and the earcups can be twisted 90 degrees - ideal for resting the headset on your shoulders.
Pro Microphone sound quality
Not only the speakers of the GameCom 780 are praised, but the microphone received a lot of positive critique as well. Users are reporting crystal clear microphone audio.
Pro Fairly balanced sound signature with a little extra boost on the low frequencies
This headset has very good overall tonal balance, with just a little emphasis on the bass. The highs are clear and airy while the mids are forward and not muddy. The bass has good power and punch, yet does not overpower the other frequencies.
Explosions and in-game/movie sound effects will definitely sound good with these, yet at the same time these are versatile enough for a wide range of music genres.
Pro Mic produces good voice quality and is detachable
This headset's microphone has good clarity and voice reproduction so voice chat's should not be a problem. Also, the mic can easily be removed from the left ear cup if it is not needed.
Pro Can be switched from closed back style headphones to open back
The headset comes stock as closed back headphones. However, the ear cups' side covers are magnetized and they can be removed completely, converting these headphones to an open-back design. This helps to add extra width and a more natural feel to the sound. This can enhance immersion when gaming or watching movies with this headset.
Pro Stock ear pads are soft and comfortable
The stock ear pads, along with the headband have thick foam material with a fabric surface. This feels soft on the head and helps to minimize heat build-up and sweating when wearing the headset.
Pro Audio cable can easily be removed
This headset's audio cable is not fixed. Instead, a 3.5mm port is on the left ear cup where a standard 3.5mm cable can be connected. This allows for easy storage and handling of the headphones as you can choose to remove the cable if it is not needed. This also means that you can easily switch audio cables if you want one in a specific length, or need to replace your stock cable.
Pro Headphone look, fit and comfort can be customized
The ear cup covers, ear pads and headband cushion can easily be removed. Users can replace these with Astro's Mod Kits which contain ear pads, cushions and/or ear cup covers in different colors and materials.
Cons
Con Questionable build quality
Users and reviewers are divided regarding the build quality of the headset. Many buyers of the GameCom 780 don't have any complaints about the build quality at all, while others have reported weak overall build quality, easily breakable headphones and the formation of rust on the metal elements.
Con Earcups attract a lot of dust
Some users are reporting that the material placed on the earcups attracts a lot of dust.
Con Software doesn't allow tweaking
The software provided with the headset is fairly simple and doesn't allow for much tweaking. If you'd like to adjust the sound on the GameCom 780, you'll have to install third party software. The software is however useful to change from a gaming profile, to music or movie profiles.
Con Can put a bit of weight on the head and neck
At around 360 grams without the cable, this is quite the heavy headset. This can get quite tiring to wear if you use it for long hours.
Con No 7.1 surround sound out of the box
This headset does not come stock with a 7.1 surround feature. You will need to purchase a separate Mix Box (or buy this headset with the Mix Box bundled in) which can add a hefty price increase.