So the A40s are pretty good for gaming, so far. Not 100% sure on positioning yet, but balance is good. The Mixamp EQ presets are good, but I stick to the top right, which is flat. Top left is Pro mode which lowers bass and raises detail, but I didn't find it necessary.
There is a point on the volume knob (around 60-65%) where there is a noticeable crackle/distortion when turning the knob. It is always in the same spot. It doesn't affect anything, just when turning the knob and passing that point. I dunno if it's just something that happens with this specific Mixamp I got. Just wanted to note it.
Anyone else with a 2013 Mixamp hear this crackle? Just keep turning the volume past this point and back.
So I am pleased with the A40s. Not PC360 great, but it is a legit headset. I need to test more for positional cues. Right now, I'm not keen on ANY of the headphones I have on hand, for pure positional cues. They are all merely good on the positional cue front (with Dolby Headphone). I guess I'm just too used to open headphones, and going back to closed headsets like this takes some getting used to. At worst, the A50's are about a 6 for both fun and competitive (decent). At best, the A40s get a 7.5 for competitive, the SLYR gets at 7. For fun, the SLYR gets a 7.5, and A40 gets a 7. This are numbers made up on the spot, and don't reflect final scores. 7s are GOOD, 7.5s are almost great. Remember, these are PERSONAL scores, and not ones to compare to one another. A K701 with a 6.5 still sounds considerably better than the A40's even though they are a 7. This is why I say NOT to compare scores unless I specifically mention it.
I do feel the A40s are better performers for gaming than the SLYR, as the SLYR's soundstage can't quite match the A40's.
I'm glad to see that my worries about the A40s have been mostly baseless. Glad I held back on OLD A40 review. They WERE my very first gaming headphone/headset, and was at a time when I wasn't too experienced (well not experieneced at all) with all of this.
So does the Skullcandy Slyr come with a Dolby Headphone processor for consoles or do you have to use your own? I've read that it's USB-only out of the box and you need your own Dolby Headphone processor to hook up to console for Dolby Headphone.
The SLYR doesn't have a Dolby Processor, but it does come with a 3.5mm cable that you can hook up to the Mixamp and works just as easily as the A40s on it. It does have it's own stereo mixer, but you don't have to use it, and opt out for the 3.5mm cable instead.
I don't know how to recommend it, other than for those that play in stereo, and those who have a processor without a headset. If you don't have any, I'd say it's probably best to save up for the A40 bundle, which is better suited for gaming from what I've heard so far. I still do prefer the SLYR for everything else, and they are still good for gaming. Still, is is assuming you have no setup.
Mixamp + SLYR = $210 or so.
Mixamp + A40 bundle = $250
Mixamp + A30 = $200 (and I definitely wanna hear them at some point, because if they are good, they may be the best cost effective Mixamp solution).
Again, this is early impressions on the A40s. I do like them for gaming quite a bit, SO FAR. Not as much for music, which I prefer the SLYR pretty definitively.
PC360 is still the best headset overall that I have heard. The combination of balance and open design put it quite a bit ahead for me.
I do find the A40s better than the AX720.