Is The HyperX Cloud II Any Good in 2023? A Friendly, In-Depth Analysis for You

Have you heard gamers raving about the HyperX Cloud II headset since its release back in 2015? This wired stereo workhorse has developed a legendary reputation over the past eight years. But you may be wondering – with so many newer wireless options out there, is the veteran Cloud II still a smart purchase in 2023?

I‘ve tested just about every major gaming headset in recent years. So I put the iconic Cloud II through an extensive barrage of audio tests and long gaming sessions to see if these hold up nearly a decade later.

In this easy-to-understand guide, I‘ll overview exactly what the Cloud II brings to the table. Then I‘ll share my hands-on usage impressions from a technical yet fun perspective. You‘ll get the full scoop on sound quality, comfort, design and more to decide if the HyperX Cloud II deserves a spot on your head in 2023!

Overview – What is the HyperX Cloud II?

Before we dig in, let‘s run through what this headset is all about:

Release Date and Cost

HyperX released the original wired Cloud II model on February 10, 2015 for $99. It‘s remained a steady seller for years, now available around $70-80 at major online retailers.

Headset Design and Models

This stereo headset keeps things simple – a lightweight aluminum headband connects two large oval ear cups housing the 53mm audio drivers. Both leather and velour ear cushions are included.

HyperX later released a wireless Cloud II model using 2.4GHz connectivity. But otherwise it shares the same classic design.

Notable Features and Specs

Here are some key technical details on the HyperX Cloud II:

• Over-ear closed-back headphones with memory foam ear cushioning
• Removable noise cancelling microphone
• Rated for 10Hz-23 kHz frequency response
• 53mm dynamic audio drivers
• Weighs just 0.7 pounds
• Virtual 7.1 surround sound

Seem like a solid set of specs for a sub-$100 wired headset! Now let‘s jump into the hands-on stuff…

Comfort & Design -Made For All-Day Gaming Sessions

Let‘s kick things off with arguably the Cloud II‘s biggest strength – long-term comfort:

Ultra-Plush Ear Cushions

You place these supremely soft, memory foam-stuffed cushions over your ears and suddenly outside noises just fade away. We‘re talking that wonderful isolation you expect from sturdy over-ear cans. I felt no pinching or pressure points even after marathon 3+ hour Overwatch matches.

And the leatherette cover avoids any irritation. However, faux leather isn‘t the most breathable. Your ears might get a little warm after hours of sweating through grueling Soulsborne boss fights on a summer night (yes, speaking from experience).

Lightweight Design That Disappears On Your Head

The Cloud II weighs just 0.7 pounds thanks to its aluminum frame and plastic components. Combine that lightweight feel with the perfectly calibrated headband clamping force, and you‘ll barely notice these on your noggin.

I completely forgot I was wearing them at times! The pads can fully surround average-sized ears. And that plush seal blocks exterior noises really nicely.

You‘d have to spend $150+ to find more comfortable cans ideal for long, focused gaming sessions.

Durable Yet Understated Look

Everything about the Cloud II exudes understated durability. The dual matte tones on the ear cups and forks look classy and resist fingerprints. That aluminum headband barely flexes when I try warping it. No loose parts or weak joints.

Are they a bit boring looking by 2023 standards? Perhaps to some. But to me, the Cloud II‘s clean, classic vibe has aged beautifully. This refined look fits right in with a minimalist battlestation setup.

Audio Performance – Surprisingly Great Sound

Now for the exciting stuff – putting these 8-year-old drivers to the test! Here‘s how the Cloud II performed across music, movies and games:

Big Sound With Thumping Bass Presence

The Cloud II‘s large 53mm neodymium drivers sound fantastic, especially in the low end. These deliver BASS – I‘m talking floor-vibrating depth and visceral thump on booming explosions without muddying up mids or highs.

According to SoundGuys testing, the frequency response chart shows a gentle V-shape which boosts both sub and upper bass. It lends the Cloud II‘s lively, engaging flavor.

That spacious soundstage also impressed me. Complex metal tracks like Polyphia‘s "Nasty" dazzled my ears with intricate guitar riffs dancing easily between left and right channels.

Could audio snobs find fault with the Cloud II‘s sonic accuracy? Perhaps. But for a sub-$100 gaming headset, they punch WAY above their class.

Positional Accuracy – A Sonic Pipeline Into Your Game Worlds

In cinematic adventures like God of War Ragnarok, the accurate stereo imaging made me feel truly embedded inside Santa Monica Studio‘s richly crafted Norse realms.

I‘d hear an ice giant‘s bones creak from an exact left rear direction, letting me whirl around and chuck my Leviathan Axe just in time.

Those expansive sound cues even helped competition in Counter-Strike. I‘d pick up subtle audio tells – a radio chatter hiss here, a footstep crunch there – feeding my spatial map of the battlefield.

For the money, few headsets render such a spacious and accurate soundstage.

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