HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Review

We have always been avid fans of HyperX peripherals, particularly when it comes to the unparalleled comfort they offer in their headphones. So, on release of the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2, we reached out to to request a unit for review.

The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is an analog gaming headset that operates using a 3.5mm jack. It utilized DTS surround sound and include a 2 year license bundle. Personally, I prefer using analog audio devices as they are less restricted by the limitations of software and codecs. However, for the audio quality to be optimal, HyperX had to ensure the design of the audio chamber is spot on. This is due to analog device will not have any form of audio corrections via software, it has to done right on hardware design alone.

Keeping this in mind, I had high expectations for the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2, hoping for excellent audio quality and exceptional comfort. In this review, I am pleased to say that my expectations were met.

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Features

• Immersive DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio
• HyperX signature comfort
• Superior sound
• Adjustable rotating earcups

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Exterior

The Cloud Stinger 2 surprised us on how futuristic it look with its curve chamfer design. Everything on the Cloud Stinger 2 have an angle, yet it look and feel smooth and look naturally organic. The ear cup featured similar design while the cup are streamlined into the holder.

Headband & Earcup

The headband is padded in middle with the side house the head band extension. The ear cup feature a thick layer cushion signitured of HyperX. The cushion a made with memory foam within and premium leatherette covering it. It carries the signatured Hyper X comfort, designed with the headphone will be worn hours in mind. The comfort is further extend as it is ultra light, weight only at 0.27kg, about the same with a cowboy hat.

The headband length is adjusted with a clicking machanism, allowing user to extend from the length from 0 to 6cm. It also have a cutout on both side so indicate at what length the headband is, so user can adjust it quickly to their comfort range.

Volume Control

The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 also include an volume control knot, which is conviniencely located on the back of the right ear cup. As the headphone is analog, the volume control does not affect windows own volume control.

Mic

The mic is located on the left ear cup, it is extended with a short flexible metal tube. The mic can be retracted upward, combined with the flexible metal extender it allows user to totally move the mic out of sight.

Audio Jack Cable

One thing is worrisome about the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is the audio jack cable. While not the thinest I have seen, it still falls under the thinner type of cable I have used before. I would wonder if an user would got too excited and yank the the cable of the audio jack. However, with the cable langth being 2 meter, unless user is sitting a table away from their pc, it is almost imposible to yank the the cable off (hopefully).

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Internal

HyperX proudly claims that the Cloud Stinger 2 S offers an impressive frequency response range of 10 Hz to 28 kHz, surpassing even the Cloud X Alpha’s range of 13 Hz to 27 kHz. This wider range sets it apart from regular headsets, which typically have a range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. It seems that HyperX has intentionally tuned the headphone to emphasize higher frequencies for better recreation of in-game footsteps, as well as deeper frequencies for more immersive explosions.

The Cloud Stinger 2 S features a large 50mm driver that enhances the overall audio experience, particularly when combined with its close-end design. Users can expect a more intimate and immersive soundstage. However, it’s worth noting that a tighter soundstage may make it more challenging to accurately pinpoint enemies’ locations based solely on sound cues in games. HyperX aims to address this with the inclusion of the DTS bundle, which we will thoroughly test and evaluate later on.

HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 Sound Quality

The HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is designed to be used with DTS, and there is even a custom profile for it in the DTS software. The sound signature varies between using DTS and not using it, is it adamant that user would enable DTS with  and we will provide our insights on both scenarios.

Treble:

With DTS, the treble on the Cloud Stinger 2 is present and available. It delivering a wide soundstage with crisp and sparkling tones that have plenty of energy.

When it comes to gaming, This gave the headphone clear sound cue on enemy foot step or approaching sound. When it comes to music, it is particularly enjoyable when listening to tribal or world genre music with the Stinger 2, as it often strike a good balance with other frequency. However, when you listen to other genre, the present of bass would often overshadow the treble.

Bass:

The bass on the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is perhaps its most fantastic feature. It is tight, well-articulated, and effectively controlled, showcasing its agility as it delivers impactful blows. The bass depth is satisfying without becoming overwhelming or losing clarity. This makes it an immensely enjoyable headphone, especially when listening to genres like metal. The performance of the bass truly shines without the DTS, taking the forefront and providing a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Playing games like Doom, Painkiller, Quake, and Serious Sam with the Stinger 2 is an incredibly fun and immersive experience. Additionally, the Cloud Stinger 2 delivers a great listening experience for metal genre music. Without DTS, the bass feels closer to the listener, while still maintaining its tight and articulated quality, resulting in a significantly more personal experience, which I personally appreciate.

Mid-range:

Regrettably, this is where the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 falls short. The mid-range performance is lacking, and I often found myself struggling to discern spoken words, as they seemed to struggle to come forward in the mix. It is simply not as remarkable as the other frequency ranges in the headphone’s performance.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 impresses with its futuristic design, exceptional comfort, and wide frequency response range. The headphone offers a unique sound signature with sparkling treble and tight, well-controlled bass, making it ideal for genres like metal. The integration with DTS enhances the overall listening experience, providing a wider soundstage.

However, it’s worth noting that the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 may not be the ideal choice for all music genres due to its weaker mid-range frequency. While it excels in intense gaming experiences, such as Doom, Painkiller, Quake, or Serious Sam, it may not offer the same level of enjoyment for some music genres.

I’m quite please with the headphone being an analog headphone need no driver or software to run on. This make it really easy to move between platform like PC, PS, Xbox, Switch, and Smartphone.

Overall, the HyperX Cloud Stinger 2 is a gaming headphone that shines in intense games and excels in delivering an immersive audio experience for metal genre music.