Astro Gaming 50323 Gaming HDMI Wired Adapter for PlayStation 5 Review

Introduction

The Astro Gaming 50323 HDMI wired adapter promises to enhance your PlayStation 5 gaming experience by providing seamless 4K signal pass-through and optimized audio. I’ve spent several weeks testing this adapter with various games and setups to bring you a comprehensive review. This review focuses on its performance, ease of use, and overall value for PS5 owners.

Features

The Astro Gaming 50323 boasts several key features designed to improve your PS5 gaming experience. It supports HDMI 2.0b and is HDCP compliant, ensuring compatibility with the latest 4K displays. The ability to pass-through a 4K signal is a major plus, allowing you to utilize the full visual capabilities of your PS5. Perhaps the most noteworthy feature is its enhanced audio processing, specifically optimized for use with Astro’s A50s and MixAmp Pro headsets. This results in superior voice balance during gameplay. The compact and unassuming black design also blends seamlessly with most gaming setups.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Astro Gaming 50323 delivered as advertised. The 4K signal pass-through was flawless, with no noticeable lag or signal degradation during my testing. The improvement in audio quality, particularly the voice balancing for the A50s and MixAmp Pro, was impressive. Dialogue was crisp and clear, even amidst intense in-game soundscapes. I tested it with several high-demanding titles like Demon’s Souls and Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and it handled the demands of both without issue. Installation was extremely easy; it was plug-and-play. No additional software or drivers were needed.

However, it’s worth noting that the performance benefits concerning voice balancing are exclusively focused on the A50s and MixAmp Pro. Users with different headsets won’t necessarily experience the same level of audio improvement.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: 4K signal pass-through, excellent audio quality (especially with A50s and MixAmp Pro), easy setup, compact design.
• Cons: Limited audio enhancement benefits outside the A50s/MixAmp Pro ecosystem.

Final Verdict

The Astro Gaming 50323 HDMI adapter is a solid choice for PS5 owners, especially those invested in the Astro A50s and MixAmp Pro ecosystem. The seamless 4K pass-through and improved audio quality make it a valuable addition to a gaming setup. While its audio enhancement benefits are targeted, its overall performance and ease of use make it a worthwhile purchase. If you are looking for a simple, reliable solution to ensure your PS5’s visual and audio capabilities are fully realized, then the 50323 is a worthy consideration. I highly recommend it for its performance and reliable functionality.