Cloud II or Cloud alpha

[chriso132]

Hi,

Looking to replace my wireless Logitech g930 headset. I’m interested in both the cloud 2’s and the alphas. The 2’s are usb like my Logitech’s and the alphas are 3.5mm.
I’ve heard the sound is better on the alphas but I’m not sure as I’ve got a m77 mpower mobo which I think is the realtek 898 onboard sound. Is this enough to drive the alphas at a good volume or am I best going for the cloud 2s ? I don’t mind the simulated 7.1 on the usb as sometimes it helps me in some games but I think I’d prefer having control over equalisers on the alphas.

I realise buying a decent pair of headphones with a mod mic is best but I’m not interested in that.

Thank you !

 

[Marsman]

I didn't know anything about the Alpha's, until your post.

They are probably around the same quality as the original Cloud's and the II's, as the cost is similar. Cheaper HyperX headsets aren't of the same quality.

The original Cloud's and II's, are the same headset and effectively repackaged Takstar HI2050 headphones. They are/were decent budget headphones and so the Cloud/II is a very good headset.

Alpha's look a little different though, but I don't if they are same headset updated with a different look, or completely different.

As you've said, you'd get 7.1 with the Cloud II USB adaptor. With the Alpha's you'll just get stereo from your motherboard. I guess it depends on how much you'd miss the 7.1 surround sound feature if you didn't have it.

I don't think there will be any problem with you motherboard driving the Alpha's. They will be very easy to drive. As long as there is no interference problem there, then the Alpha's should be a good choice. Just comes down to whether you'd miss the 7.1 from the Cloud II USB part.

 

[chriso132]

I didn't know anything about the Alpha's, until your post.

They are probably around the same quality as the original Cloud's and the II's, as the cost is similar. Cheaper HyperX headsets aren't of the same quality.

The original Cloud's and II's, are the same headset and effectively repackaged Takstar HI2050 headphones. They are/were decent budget headphones and so the Cloud/II is a very good headset.

Alpha's look a little different though, but I don't if they are same headset updated with a different look, or completely different.

As you've said, you'd get 7.1 with the Cloud II USB adaptor. With the Alpha's you'll just get stereo from your motherboard. I guess it depends on how much you'd miss the 7.1 surround sound feature if you didn't have it.

I don't think there will be any problem with you motherboard driving the Alpha's. They will be very easy to drive. As long as there is no interference problem there, then the Alpha's should be a good choice. Just comes down to whether you'd miss the 7.1 from the Cloud II USB part.

Thanks for your reply !

Yeah I’ve definitely done my research so far but just couldn’t come to a decision. They are priced very closely. Apparently the alphas have better drivers and do have better sound quality but I’ve just seen some people saying they struggle to power certain headsets at a decent volume with on board audio.
I’m not sure actually if I’d miss it. A lot of people don’t like the virtual surround but I did enjoy it when I used it. Definitely made the sound feel bigger if you know what I mean. Especially being closed back headphones.

 

[Marsman]

I think ALC898 was seen as one of the better onboard audio codecs, but it does come down to implementation, with some manufacturers and boards faring better than others.

Just looking at the specs of the Alpha's; they are 65 Ohm, which is only marginally higher than the original Cloud's.

I think one thing that cannot be accounted for is the user's personal preference. Some people like volume much louder than others. I know a friend of mine does; the volume he listens to, would be unbearable for me..

I guess the trouble with going for a headset like this for use with onboard audio; is that if the onboard audio in question does not provide enough volume, you've then got to look at buying something else on top, like a DAC/amp or a sound card to provide a boost in volume.

 

[EsaT]

I’m not sure actually if I’d miss it. A lot of people don’t like the virtual surround but I did enjoy it when I used it. Definitely made the sound feel bigger if you know what I mean. Especially being closed back headphones.

Unlike some stereo music binaural sound requires accurate reproduction.
Same signal which gives even feel of distances besides direction with good headphones, collapses to head in bucket underwater immersion with bad headphones.
And as closed design is challenge even for actual audio makers, cheap trinket manufacturing of most gaming headsets is likely polished turd.

Also Dolby Headphone which has long been common in those dongles is really overhyped and rather mediocre with its bass bloat.
It sounds just about acceptable with neutral bass headphone.
Also it has tendency for "gothic cathedral"/public path like echo.
Supposedly it was designed to imitate room acoustics of old movie theaters...

Final factor is of course listener's head shape.
If that differs too much from average, then binaural cues are wrong and brain has problems in "understanding" them.

As you've said, you'd get 7.1 with the Cloud II USB adaptor...

Or some cheap enough excuse of such...

ALC898 likely has class better D/A converter than those cheap USB dongles.
Also having otherwise proper design and built isn't free for "bundled for free" dongle, so don't wonder this any:

...the 7.1 USB sound thingy sucks harder than a Dyson...
https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/hyperx-cloud-2-headset.18785209/#post-30945620​

Wouldn't wonder if maker of dongle even changes once in a while, basing on who made cheap enough offer.

 

[chriso132]

Unlike some stereo music binaural sound requires accurate reproduction.
Same signal which gives even feel of distances besides direction with good headphones, collapses to head in bucket underwater immersion with bad headphones.
And as closed design is challenge even for actual audio makers, cheap trinket manufacturing of most gaming headsets is likely polished turd.

Also Dolby Headphone which has long been common in those dongles is really overhyped and rather mediocre with its bass bloat.
It sounds just about acceptable with neutral bass headphone.
Also it has tendency for "gothic cathedral"/public path like echo.
Supposedly it was designed to imitate room acoustics of old movie theaters...

Final factor is of course listener's head shape.
If that differs too much from average, then binaural cues are wrong and brain has problems in "understanding" them.


Or some cheap enough excuse of such...

ALC898 likely has class better D/A converter than those cheap USB dongles.
Also having otherwise proper design and built isn't free for "bundled for free" dongle, so don't wonder this any:

...the 7.1 USB sound thingy sucks harder than a Dyson...
https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/hyperx-cloud-2-headset.18785209/#post-30945620​

Wouldn't wonder if maker of dongle even changes once in a while, basing on who made cheap enough offer.

Ok, you clearly know what your talking about so I’ve to pretty much just ignore the adapter which makes me think the alphas are gonna be best. Do you reckon the onboard will drive them at decent volume levels ? I usually have my sound louder than your average person.

 

[EsaT]

Ok, you clearly know what your talking about so I’ve to pretty much just ignore the adapter which makes me think the alphas are gonna be best. Do you reckon the onboard will drive them at decent volume levels ? I usually have my sound louder than your average person.

I've tried 250 ohm Beyerdynamic DT990 with ALC892 of very basic motherboard and it had no problems in driving them past comfortable volume.
IIRC that started happening after 30% of Windows volume.

Btw, first minute of this is excellent quick test for gaming capability of headphones with sounds in different directions and distances:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1_20T8x_OI
But like I said, if headphones aren't capable to accurate reproduction it doesn't sound any special.

 

[Marine-RX179]

I've tried 250 ohm Beyerdynamic DT990 with ALC892 of very basic motherboard and it had no problems in driving them past comfortable volume.
IIRC that started happening after 30% of Windows volume.

Btw, first minute of this is excellent quick test for gaming capability of headphones with sounds in different directions and distances:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1_20T8x_OI
But like I said, if headphones aren't capable to accurate reproduction it doesn't sound any special.

It's not only about the level of output though.

For example my 32ohm headphones, the audio performance is comparable between my DACMagic XS and the Asus STX sound card; but for my DT770 250ohm although it would output loud enough on the DACMagic XS, it failed to deliver the same clarity, details and positioning as my Asus STX due to the amplification performance difference.

 

[Scougar]

Got the wired cloud ii as a gift today. Tried on my phone and noticed some distortion at top end. Will try on my large amp tomorrow and see how they fair.