Need help compare: Cloud 2 vs Cloud Core + Razer Surround Pro

diego007

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Aug 8, 2014
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Hi guys,

I want to buy a headset but I'm stuck over this choice. I looked through the net and found out that cloud is the best bang for my buck atm. I play bf4, cod and csgo so I really want surround sound. I've been using surround speaker set up for this but I've been having complaint about the noise so I need to get a headset soon.

I have a razer mouse already so I got the surround pro for free. I wanted to take advantage of this freebie by getting a Cloud Core and use them together for 7.1 effect but I'm concerned that the surround quality may not be as good as Cloud 2's built in 7.1 (I know both are virtual surround).

So in short: what is the surround quality difference between cloud 2 and cloud core + razer surround. If there is, is it a huge gap? Is it noticeable? Should I get the cloud 2? The price difference is quite hefty. But if it's a huge difference in sound quality I may as well get the cloud 2. I need your advice.

Thanks a lot
 
Solution
You can start with something like http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/830692-REG/Audio_Technica_ATR4650_ATR4650_Omnidirectional_Condenser_Computer.html if you really need to save money. At $7 it won't break the bank, though won't set audio quality records either. Should be a good starter.

For now, your motherboard should be fine ( some gigabyte gaming models do have interference issues though, most likely a power/emi thing on the board itself, but it's rare to see that issue), and eventually when you get enough for a decent sound card/external DAC then you can upgrade. Plenty of resources out there for all sorts of cards at all price ranges, though most decent ones will start in the 50~100 range.

Software wise, don't use anything...
If you have audio in your motherboard, you don't need a ridiculous "virtual 7.1" soundcard. Most games emulate position when you use the "headphone" audio option (more accuracy than virtual 7.1), and a few (though rare even now) games actually use binaural mixing (BF4 is one that emulates binaural recording). All headphones are "surround", though if you need better positional audio than the razer stuff consider something like the Sony MDR 7506, Sennheiser HD518/558, etc.
 
Thanks for your suggestion but I don't have that much money for the headsets you suggested. I'd be really appreciate if you would help me in a more simple manner and to the point.
 


I was very to the point, "virtual 7.1" and other so called surround headphones are a waste of money.
Better headphones provide better positional audio when the software supports positional audio mixing, and BF4 does.

If you buy anything, buy a better headphone, and all of those I gave you are CHEAPER THAN THE CLOUD 2!
 
Well for some reasons. all 3 you suggested are more expensive than cloud 2 in my country. But if you are suggesting stereo headsets, how about cloud core? Bc I want to save some money if I have to go for the stereo path. And how is the cloud core + razer surround will sound?
 


cloud core is a sound card, so it's not going to make the razer stuff sound better than your current audio codec
 
I'm sorry if I wasn't very clear. The 2 headsets I was talking about was Kingston HyperX Cloud II and Kingston HyperX Cloud Core (http://www.hyperxgaming.com/us/cloud/hscc). I was not aware of any sound card named Cloud Core. So I guess that has been the misunderstanding within the conversation. I was basically comparing a 7.1 integrated headset vs a stereo headset + a surround simulation software.
 
Thanks for the suggestion and I really like your enthusiasm on the sennheisers, but sadly I'm a bit on the budget side and looking for the best bang for my buck so I would only ditch out money for cloud 2 price range is because of the 7.1. If I should go stereo then I'd really want to save some money and the sennheiser models you suggested is too expensive in my country (I can get a core with only $52). If the only options are the 2 clouds then I guess core would be better? But would using razer surround (software) with the core have the same surround quality as the cloud 2? Btw you seem to really hate the cloud for some reason?
 
I still need answer for this question 🙁 Can anyone help me? Let's try not to recommend other headphones. Also my mainboard is Gigabyte z97x-Gaming 3. If I buy the cloud core, should I buy a soundcard like the asus xonar dg? Does my built-in soundcard suffice?
 


Asking what you should get without wanting BETTER recommendations means you won't get any answers. Just get whatever the hell you want, it's pretty clear you aren't actually interested in knowing what's best, you just want to hear someone recommend what you already want. Just buy it, and when you regret it come ask for better options.
 
I already told you my reasons, if I have to go for the stereo option I want to save some money. And the options you recommended are too expensive in my place. You are probably the rudest advisor around.
 
Ok, thanks for your reply. I've always tried to be as polite as possible. My budget is very limited. Did a lot of digging around that's why I realized the clouds have the best bang for my buck. I have around $50 to around $100 max. I can atm find the core for $53 and cloud 2 for $103. I can spend $100 on a 7.1 headsets but only if it's a 7.1. For stereo I want to save money because I'm not exactly flushed with it right now. The reason I want the clouds are the durability, microphone, and best sound quality according to many reviews. Again, the headsets recommended above are too expensive for me for only stereo.

My motherboard is Gigabyte z97x-Gaming 3
 
Sorry, but you didn't answer my most important question :). What country are you buying from, and what is the maxinum you are willing to spend in your local currency?

That way, I can search computer stores from your country so that we can select the best out of what is available, instead of going around in circles because what is affordable in the US isn't in your country.
 
Sorry miscliked to select solution. I live in Vietnam, I dont think you can search for stores in my country haha. Besides, is my question unreasonable? I thought I was very clear and precise with it.
 


Same site (http://www.loa.com.vn/Home%20entertainment%20Wired.htm), and for less, you can get the HD429 headphones. Those will run circles around any razer, kingston, or logitich headphone. And enough money left over to buy a decent microphone too.
 
Thanks for the answer. I did some research before creating this post (review, comparison) and the logitech g headsets arent very good compared to the cloud. In fact, from what I read, no gaming headset from any brand can come close to the cloud on this price range, that's why I'm so persistent with it. But that 429 looks ok, the ear pad looks like it will tear pretty quickly though. Ok so let's say I go with the senn, is the integrated soundcard on my mainboard enough to get the most of it, and the surround? Should I get a cheap soundcard like asus xonar dg?
 


If you have money to spend on a sound card, spend it on better headphones (or a good mic). The internal sound card should be good enough for now.

And no, those things won't break as easily as the kingston stuff. That site just has bad photos.
 

http://www.cnet.com/news/sennheisers-new-50000-headphone-breaks-the-sound-barrier/
Well, once you hit these you'll want something good 😉

Once you have something like the HD558, MDR 7506, ATH 50x, etc, then you can start worrying about soundcards/amps.
 
I just went total nuts and bought myself an HD 598 after going through all the reviews I could find on the web. I actually broke out in tears after receiving it because of how expensive it is. Now I want to get the most out of this thing. What should I do? What software to use? Should I tweak the headphone around somehow? Do I need a soundcard? I read that my mainboard has a rear amplifier already so will that suffice? Haven't bought a mic yet so gonna have to get it anyway. Any suggestion for an extremely cheap one?
 
You can start with something like http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/830692-REG/Audio_Technica_ATR4650_ATR4650_Omnidirectional_Condenser_Computer.html if you really need to save money. At $7 it won't break the bank, though won't set audio quality records either. Should be a good starter.

For now, your motherboard should be fine ( some gigabyte gaming models do have interference issues though, most likely a power/emi thing on the board itself, but it's rare to see that issue), and eventually when you get enough for a decent sound card/external DAC then you can upgrade. Plenty of resources out there for all sorts of cards at all price ranges, though most decent ones will start in the 50~100 range.

Software wise, don't use anything unless the game is downright ancient. Most games have a headphone mode that takes care of virtualization far better than external applications can.
 
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