HyperX Cloud Alpha

[Inle]

The HyperX Cloud Alpha has the aesthetics and build quality of the Cloud Gaming II, the microphone and connectivity of the Cloud Gaming, but also a brand-new dual chamber speaker driver design. Thanks to its amazing audio performance, it's the new reference gaming headset in the $100 price bracket.

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[ZeppMan217]

What is "aggressive gaming aesthetics"? The headphones are plain looking, aside from HyperX branding.

 

[Junatic]

"Microphone mute switch and volume dial would be better off on the ear cups instead of on the in-line remote control"

Tbh, I very much prefere this way of mute/sound control. I dont want fiddle around on my headset, pushing it around trying to find the right button and bumping against the microphone which would annoy my mates on discord. With the In-line control its fast and simple to use, i dont get your point there.

 

[hyp36rmax]

What is "aggressive gaming aesthetics"? The headphones are plain looking, aside from HyperX branding.

Probably talking about tribal forks securing the ear cups. I prefer the original Beyerdynamics design myself along with a subtle HyperX branding and this would look and perform outstanding. I have these and they do sound good as a gaming headset.

"Microphone mute switch and volume dial would be better off on the ear cups instead of on the in-line remote control"

Tbh, I very much prefere this way of mute/sound control. I dont want fiddle around on my headset, pushing it around trying to find the right button and bumping against the microphone which would annoy my mates on discord. With the In-line control its fast and simple to use, i dont get your point there.

Same. I have the Stingers also and it's a little annoying to adjust the volume on the earcup. It's so much more convenient being in-line.

 

[Inle]

What is "aggressive gaming aesthetics"? The headphones are plain looking, aside from HyperX branding.

I was referring to the perforated red metal frame, red stitching on the headband and such. I took the Cloud Alpha outside and used them in public transport, a couple of people stared at them. That never happened i.e. with the SteelSeries Arctis 3 and the Roccat Cross

 

[Inle]

"Microphone mute switch and volume dial would be better off on the ear cups instead of on the in-line remote control"

Tbh, I very much prefere this way of mute/sound control. I dont want fiddle around on my headset, pushing it around trying to find the right button and bumping against the microphone which would annoy my mates on discord. With the In-line control its fast and simple to use, i dont get your point there.

When the ear cup controls are implemented properly, you definitely won't push your headset around and bump against the microphone. You'll know exactly where the dials/buttons are at all times and after getting used to their position (about 2 days of usage, from my experience), it will become easier and much more convenient to use that, instead to look for the in-line remote control down the wire. Most in-line remote controls come with no clothes clip so they move around while gaming/shifting body positions. I can almost never find it right away, without looking down or moving my fingers down the wire.

I actually also preferred the in-line controls over the ear cup ones. However, then the SteelSeries Arctis 7 and Sennheiser GSP 301 came along and showed me how terrific they can be when done properly. There's no going back after that

 

[linoliveira]

Can't seem to make a final decision on which one to get... these or the Sennheiser GSP 301
From the review these look like something from another planet compared to everything else.
In Portugal the Sennheiser GSP 301 can be had for abour 70€ while the HyperX Cloud Alpha are not for sale yet and might be tagged at a 100€ for sure.
Is the Alpha worth 30€ more?

Give me a hand here guys

 

[Inle]

Can't seem to make a final decision on which one to get... these or the Sennheiser GSP 301
From the review these look like something from another planet compared to everything else.
In Portugal the Sennheiser GSP 301 can be had for abour 70€ while the HyperX Cloud Alpha are not for sale yet and might be tagged at a 100€ for sure.
Is the Alpha worth 30€ more?

Give me a hand here guys

Having tested both, I have to say that I'd go with the Cloud Alpha after all, even with it being €30 more expensive. The GSP 301 has a better microphone, but the Cloud Alpha has more luxurious build quality, better sound and more versatility (you can use it outdoors and upgrade the microphone later on, if you won't be 100% happy with it - check out my review to see how it works with the V-Moda BoomPro upgrade).

 

[Ps4racer]

Hi I see people talking about mute button and volume on the cord should be on top of the headset,, I say no I think it's perfect some people have to realize some people have bad arms for handicapped, this works perfectly for me please do not change this

 

[tomkaten]

After reading numerous reviews that praised the sound quality of these cans, I took the plunge and got a pair when they were on sale (65 euro which is about 78 USD).

I must say they're nothing to write home about. Sure, the build quality and the comfort are great, but sound-wise they're mediocre to my ears. The bass is way overemphasized, mids are recessed and pretty much drowned, highs are there, but again, too recessed.

I've compared them to the Superlux HD 330 (150 Ohm headphones) that I own. Setup is PC--->Roland Mobile UA-M10 external DAC (300 USD interface, USB powered)---> headphones. The interface has a top of the line DAC chip and headphone preamps and is able to easily drive even 600 Ohm headphones.

The Superluxes just kick their ass in every category. Sound is fuller, bass is deeper without breaking a sweat, highs are incomparably better, and mids are more forward. It's just a no-contest, plain and simple. If you want gaming AND the occasional music track, sure, I can recommend the Cloud Alphas. If you think of getting them exclusively for music listening, look elsewhere. The HD 330s go for about 40 USD and are just in another league altogether.

 

[Inle]

After reading numerous reviews that praised the sound quality of these cans, I took the plunge and got a pair when they were on sale (65 euro which is about 78 USD).

I must say they're nothing to write home about. Sure, the build quality and the comfort are great, but sound-wise they're mediocre to my ears. The bass is way overemphasized, mids are recessed and pretty much drowned, highs are there, but again, too recessed.

That's quite odd, your impressions are completely out of line with mine. I actually kept the Cloud Alphas and went to listen to them again just now, to hear them again long after my review and see if my impressions changed. They didn't. If I was writing the review today, I'd describe their sound exactly the same. The mids and highs are in no way drowned out or recessed. I get nice imaging and excellent spatial positioning, which certainly wouldn't be the case if the mid-range wasn't clear and detailed.

I'm not familiar with your DAC so I don't know if it can impact the sound to such extent. I didn't try the Superlux products either, although I do hear great stuff about them. They're on my 'to listen' list

 

[AndyGawg]

I use the cloud 2 for gaming. They are good for that, and cheap. But not for audiophiles obviously. They are only really suitable for gaming, but they do that well considering the price.
I wonder what (except for looks) are different with Alpha. Would like to hear a direct comparison.
Due to the pure sales talk ambiguity, "aggressive gaming aesthetics" makes me think they would be rather similar?