Category: Headphones

HyperX Cloud Stinger Core: Redefine gaming audio

It is no surprise that HyperX is dedicated to offering the best gaming experience in every way possible. With a plethora of gaming accessories in its stable, it offers not only one of the most diverse options to choose from, but also has something for everybody across a wide price range.

This time around, the gaming expert of Kingston Technologies is offering a chance for gamers to enhance their aural experience. As many would agree, an immersive sound experience is vital for enjoying any game thoroughly. Keeping this in mind, HyperX has released the Cloud Stinger Core series in India.

There is a particular reason for calling it a series of headphones. While fundamentally identical, they do have some peculiar differences. Primary of them is their distinguishing parameter between console and PC: The colour around the earcups!

Well, jokes apart, these headphones offer a class-apart aural experience regardless of the game or the gaming console. However, since HyperX does not like to discriminate, it has segregated the Cloud Stinger lineup. While all headphones are wired, there is a separate model for Xbox gamers as well as PlayStation owners. Microsoft lovers can opt for the Cloud Stinger that is officially licensed for Xbox. It comes with fabric padding and green accents around the earcups. Sony loyalists would want to opt for the PlayStation oriented headphone, which gets blue accents around the earcups.

Overall, using the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core headphones is an experience in itself. It has many easy-to-use features which further enhances the gaming experience, simply by reducing the peripheral hassle. Small features like a swivel-to-mute mic and a simple rotary dial for volume control goes a long way in helping gamers elevate their experience. Since I am a fan of fabric padding against rubber cups, I’d have to say that the rubber padding on the PC-based headphones made my ears a little sweaty. But that’s just me being nitpicky!

A starting price tag of ₹3500 might seem a little steep for some, but considering that it is a price to pay to enter the big league of gaming and use equipment preferred by gaming professionals, I’d say it is a pretty value-for-money deal!

To sum up, wearing the HyperX Cloud Stinger headphones will surely isolate you from your surrounding, as it did to me. Turn up the volume if you wish to let go of the physical world and enter the world of gaming and turn up the mic to mute your sound when your mom comes shouting from the back!

 

HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Gaming Headset | Buying Guide

We give you an insight into the world of gaming audio with HyperX, one of India’s leading accessory makers. Be it PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or even mobile gaming, HyperX has something to offer for every gamer.

Soar the Clouds with HyperX: Two new gaming headsets launched in India.

Gamers of India! It is time to break your piggy banks and experience the next level of gaming! HyperX has officially launched two new headsets in the HyperX Cloud Stinger family, HyperX Cloud Stinger Core + 7.1 and HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless + 7.1 Gaming Headset. Both new Cloud Stinger Core headsets now feature 7.1 virtual surround sound via NGENUITY software.

Both headphones offer virtual surround sound to provide a more immersive in-game audio experience. They are equipped with 40mm directional drivers that deliver high-quality sound with pinpoint audio precision. Both Stinger Core models feature a lightweight design with each headset weighing in at just under 245 grams. Both utilize adjustable steel sliders, intuitive volume control on the headset earcup, and swivel-to-mute noise-canceling microphone.

“HyperX is excited to expand it’s Cloud Stinger gaming headset family with two new 7.1 surround sound headsets for gamers looking for an economic headset,” said HyperX. “With students, parents, and gamers working and playing at home more than ever, HyperX has expanded the Stinger product line to offer more affordable headsets.”

For fans of wireless headsets, the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless + 7.1 headset provides freedom from cords with a reliable 2.4Ghz wireless connection. It has a maximum range of 20m and a battery life of 17 hours.

The HyperX Cloud Stinger Core + 7.1 gaming headset is available exclusively for INR 4,490 on Amazon and HyperX Cloud Stinger Core wireless gaming headset + 7.1 is available exclusively for INR 7,490 on Amazon. We also reviewed the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core wireless gaming headset + 7.1 which you can check out here.

HyperX Cloud Stinger Core: An immersion into gaming, wirelessly!

I am an ardent gamer with a fond attraction to all gaming accessories. So, when HyperX sent its Cloud Stinger Core wireless gaming headphones, I had to jump in and grab it before anybody else could! With that, I managed to secure one of the best gadgets in gaming accessories and was about to experience something that redefined my gaming experience.

I have been gaming for a long time and I have seen days where the in-game audios were limited to repetitive, 8-bit, machine-generated sounds. But through the years, games have developed from offering primitive noises to full-blown sound effects. With the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core, these sounds were not just heard by my ears, they were felt. Without further ado, here is what I think about the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless gaming headphones.

Appearance

The Cloud Stinger Core headphones are offered with only a black body in a matte finish. This makes the pair of headphones look sleek and subtle, while also making its presence felt. It can be connected to your PC with the USB that it comes along with and is also compatible with gaming consoles. What stands out about the headphones is its inbuilt mic. It is placed at the end of a swiveling arm, that can not only be used to move the mic away from your face, but also to mute it.

It also has a minimalistic design with only two buttons- one for the power and a dial for the game and mic volume. The soft and supple padding of the ear cups and headband means you can wear them and play video games for hours at a stretch without losing comfort. Its 244g weight means that it won’t bear down on your head, while its steel sliders allow you to get the perfect positioning for your head.

Performance

The Cloud Stinger Core takes its job very seriously and offers a completely immersive experience. Although the 7.1 surround sound from the headphones can only be enjoyed on a PC, the sound output from consoles was also satisfactory. This is because the 7.1 virtual surround sound has to be activated through the HyperX NGENUITY software. It is also only available on Windows, which poses a major drawback for Mac users. Naturally, I also used these headphones to listen to music and watch movies. The surround sound also did complete justice to both and made me forget I was still in my bedroom and not in a Dolby theatre. The 40mm drivers that the headphones are equipped with not only deliver loud and blunt sound crisply but also allow you to hear the softest whispers and the slightest rustle with ease.

This acts as a major benefit for players of the FPS (first-person shooting) genre, where it is important to be able to hear the enemy’s footsteps, which are much quieter than the gunshots and bomb explosions happening all around.

Verdict

The headsets cost around Rs 10,000, making them one hell of a birthday present for a kid. But if you are one of the older guys looking for a good headset for yourself, this is one of the most value for money deals. The headphones do not have a 3.5mm jack due to which they cannot be connected to smartphones. But, they are not meant to anyway. They also offer a battery life of approximately 17 hours on a full charge, which was more than my capacity to play games in a day. Charging can easily be done via a USB-C port, which also makes it less of a hassle. The headphones are also charged quickly and though I didn’t time it precisely, I knew the headphones were ready to play games much before I was. Overall, the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core headphones are made for gamers and serve their purpose perfectly.

Best Budget Neckband Earphones under Rs. 2000/-

The Lockdown period is being pretty hard on most of us. In fact, it is not only us, but our gadgets are also facing a rough time of being used much more than they are used usually. One such piece of gadgetry are the headphones.

Headphones are now one of the most integral part of our lockdown gadgets. We are using the headphones to listen to music, attend video conferences and those long hours of calling with friends. Trust me, these headphones of yours are being used to their maximum capacity. As it is with a lot of use, soon, some of us will see the headphones fade away soon.

Bluetooth earphones are in high demand which provides you complete wireless life experience and finds ways to make your daily activities more convenient. It’s quite uneasy to handle wired earphones that keep you bound and resist to move away by its wire or cored range. Wherein, while using the wireless headphones, the user does not need to bind near to the device also you do not have to worry about tangled wires and can move freely.

We have listed five of best budget neckband earphones to provide you with an easier and convenient way to listen to your music, take calls or do exercise without disturbing your normal routine. They also should not get in the way of performing those duties.

  1. WINGS GLIDE: Wings Lifestyle’s’Wings Glide’ earphones provide not only a rich acoustic experience but also enhance a person’s appearance as they rest on their nape. They are available in four colours, Black, Blue, Burgundy, and Olive Green making them ideal for music lovers who want earphones that provide an added dimension of style. The Wings Glide earphones can be worn to listen to music or even when not listening to music because their aesthetic design makes them an enviable fashion accessory.

    Wings Glide offers sharp sound quality and playtime and talktime of 6 hours after only 1.5 hours of charging. It has a smooth matt finished body which is perfect for all-day use. The earphones are compatible with all Android, IOS/Windows devices including mobiles, tabs, and laptops. It has HD Bass which provides clean vocals making it perfect for lovers of any genre of music be it EDM, Bollywood Rock or Acoustic songs.

Price: Rs. 1199/-

  1. Boat Rockerz 255:Offering the perfect balance of price, audio clarity and functionality, the Boat Rockerz 255 neckbands are easy to connect and pair. The Boat Rockerz 255 comes with advanced Bluetooth connectivity of 4.1 versions. The functionality of Boat Rockerz 255 Bluetooth wireless earphone is of superior quality.

    The earphone provides interesting experience to the users by pumping out tunes with powerful HD and deep bass sound. The earphone comes with 110mAH battery providing it longer battery life, Boat Rockerz 255 wireless Bluetooth earphones can play up to 45 minutes with 10 minutes charge.

This earphone is available in more than one colour such as black, neon, ocean blue and raging red.

Price: Rs. 1499/-

3. Mivi Thunder Beats:  Mivi Thunder Beats is also a worthy one to go with. It comes with excellent music experience with deep bass and clear vocals. Mivi Thunder Beats is an in-ear type earphone that offers a secure fit and its sweatproof design makes it good for workouts. The Mivi Thunderbeats is an in-ear canal phone-style pair of Bluetooth headphones with a frequency response range of 20Hz – 20,000Hz. This earphone has a metallic body that looks stylish and beautiful. It has Ergonomic design with three sets of earbuds. Earbuds have a magnetic lock, so it stays around your neck. The earphone can be used for 10 hours straight with a full battery hour of music playback. Mivi Thunder Beats offers Bluetooth wireless feature of the earphone which is compatible with all devices and build-in microphone that makes answering calls conveniently.

Price: Rs. 1299/-

  1. Realme Buds Wireless in-Ear Bluetooth: Realme is a sub-brand of Oppo that is giving a tough neck to neck competition to other brands. This is the first wireless earphone made by the Realme Company. The Realme buds come with built-in magnets making it easy to carry and clean. The Realme buds come with the signature yellow and black colour scheme which makes it stand out from the rest of the bland black designs out there. The Realme buds wireless earphone is known for its durability.

    The earphone includes features like reinforced and breaks resistance synthetic fibre that increases its durability. The material and make of Realme buds are top-notch and can withstand everyday wear and tear. One quality of Realme Buds that stands out is the ear tip, which bends to 45 degrees. Realme buds feel comfortable to wear for long usage. Realme Buds are made of good quality material that is tested to ensure the earphones match the expectation of the users.

Price: Rs. 1799/-

  1. Xiaomi Mi Sports Bluetooth Wireless Earphones: For the price, Mi Neckband Bluetooth Earphones offer superb sound quality for a neckband headphone. The Mi neckband wraps around your neck with two earpieces attached to a small section of wire. Mi Neckband Bluetooth Earphones have magnets on the ends of the earbuds that let the two stick together when not in use, the magnets don’t control power; that is done through a multi-function button on the neckband. The Mi neckband is powered by a 120mAh rechargeable battery inside. The company claims that this battery will last for eight hours on a single charge, but expect a battery life somewhere between 6 and 7 hours.

 Price: Rs. 1699/-

Realme C3 – Quick Reviews | Saregama Carvaan Headphones

Realme C3

Realme have just introduced the Realme C3 which is an update to the budget segment offering C2. The Realme C3 comes with good hardware at an affordable price. The design is based on the company’s Sunrise design and is being offered in two colours – Frozen Blue and Blazing Red. It features a slightly bigger 6.5-inch display and very thin bezels giving it a 20:9 screen ratio and a dewdrop notch which houses the front camera. It sports the new MediaTek Helio P22 SoC octa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz and a 5000 mAh battery powering the hardware package. The phone gets a micro-USB slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack as well. However, the Realme C3 misses out on a fingerprint scanner. Realme is running Realme UI V1.0 on top of Android 10. In the camera department, the Realme C3 comes with a dual-camera setup; 12MP f/1.8 and 2 MP depth sensor. The front is a 5-MP selfie shooter.  The phone comes in 3GB + 32 GB and 4GB + 64GB variants and you get dual nano-sim slots along with a dedicated micro-sd card slot for memory expansion. On the performance side, the new UI makes things better while the processor and the big battery promises to deliver a good user experience. The screen too is slightly longish and looks good complementing the entire package.

 

Price – Rs. 6,999/- (3GB+32GB)

Rs. 7,999/- (4GB+64GB)

Saregama Carvaan Earphones

Saregama Carvaan is a well-known name for those who love their music. With several variants of the Saregama Carvaan on sale already, Saregama has now launched the Saregama Carvaan GX01 wired earphones. These pair of earphones are aimed at music lovers. The extra-large 14.2mm drivers claim to deliver enhanced bass and Carvaan Signature sound. The drivers have an impedance of 32 ohms and respond to frequencies from 20 Hz to 20000 Hz with a 108 dB/mW sensitivity. The wire and 3.5 mm jack ensure seamless compatibility with most of the devices with a 3.5mm input jack while the microphone allows you to take calls/play-pause songs with the help of the built-in button. Performance-wise, the earphones offer good sound and deep bass. In fact, most users will find the Saregama Carvaan GX01 as a bang for their buck. The Carvaan GX01 is available in Black and White colours. 

Price – Rs. 1599/-

Philips Headphones TAPN505 – Review | Music Sounds Better

Headphones have lost their wires, thanks to the wireless technology. However, wireless headphones can be of different quality levels, depending on the technology used. I have been testing the Philips headphones TAPN505 ANC headphones for a while now and this is the part where I can tell you if it is worth your money.

How does it look?

The Philips headphones TAP505 is a neckband type, in-ear active noise-cancelling headphone. Inside the box, you get the actual headphones, a charging wire, a USB to 3.5mm audio wire and a plush case for the headphone. The TAPN505 comes with simple looks, a neckband that expands towards the edges. On the left side, you get the power button, volume rocker, the Noise Cancellation button and the Google Assitant button. There are built-in LED indicators which show charging, connectivity and noise cancellation status. A flap on the extreme end of the left of the band conceals the micro-USB charging port. The left and the right in-ear buds are slightly angled. You can also see the small pores which contain the microphones to provide active noise cancellation. The design is very simple and the overall package looks neat and well designed. 

How does perform Headphones? 

Using the Philips TAPN505 is very easy. It quickly detects new Bluetooth devices and pairs instantly with the previously paired ones in the proximity. The in-ear buds fir well into the ears; which allow you to fit rubber tips according to your preference. The ANC toggles between Off, ON and Ambient Noise which essentially is meant to be used when commuting. The Ambient Noise amplifies the surrounding noises giving you a clear idea of everything happening around you. The noise cancellation mode works pretty well and I have tested it during a flight to firm my belief. 

Moving to the actual performance of the TAPN505, it did not fail to amuse me. I listen to a variety of music which includes instrument heavy tracks, vocals, instrumental and also modern-day electronic music. The sound output from the TAPN505 is pretty impressive. The 12.2mm neodymium drivers have an impedance of 32 Ohms and sensitivity of 103 dB and a frequency range of 7-40,000 Hz. The sound is very crisp with a lot of details in the highs and lows. The lows are prominent with the bass being quite boomy. There are times when the bass will sound muddy, but it is recommended to turn down the volume a couple of notches to experience the clarity these headphones provide. It comes with a lithium-polymer battery built-in which delivered over 10 hours of listening with ANC doing its job in the background. If you are in a hurry, a simple 5-minute charge assures you 2 hours of playback time. On the connectivity front, the Bluetooth was simple and easy to connect with a strong connection all around the house.

Should you buy it Headphones?

The Philips TAPN505 is a great choice for daily users, especially the ones who love their music. With a great sound output, noise cancellation and long battery life, it is a well-wrapped package which justifies it Rs. 11,990 price tag. Not to mention several offers which are being bundled along with the TAPN505, you will surely not regret buying the TAPN505 for yourself. 

Specifications

  • Drivers – 12.2mm drivers/ closed-back
  • Type – In-ear, Neckband
  • Battery – Li-polymer
  • Playback time – 10 hours

Digitek Dbe 008 Bluetooth Neckband Earphone – Review

Digitek is a well-known brand which offers a lot of accessories for cameras, film-making, mobile phones as well as peripherals. Digitek has recently launched the Digitek Dbe 008 and we have tested it out to know more about it. 

Build and Design

The Digitek Dbe 008 is neckband style earphone and is made of soft-touch rubber. Both the ends of the neckband have plastic edges. The right side has three buttons for music playback control, taking calls as well as powering the headset on and off. The ear tips are connected via flat cables which means it does not usually tangle. The ear tips are set at an angle and fit into your perfectly. The fit allows you to do activities while wearing the headset as the ear tips do not slip out of your ear. However, the DBE-008 does not come with an IP rating hence it would probably not resist the sweat or accidental splash of water. Magnets on each end to keep the ear tips together. The headset is lightweight and flexible so you would not feel anything when it sits around your neck. 

Performance

The DBE-008 features 10m drivers. It really does not fail to impress with the sound. The vocals are clear and the bass is quite punchy. Increasing the volume to maximum does not create any discomfort but is advisable to use headphones in lowe volumes to avoid any chance of hearing injury. The silicone tips on the earbuds create a perfect seal which helps cut out the outside noise. 

The neckband also has a microphone which can be used for answering calls. The other person can hear you clearly thanks to the microphone which also captures the surrounding noises, making it not too great for the person on the other side of the call. However, there are no drops or sudden disconnection faced. 

For connectivity, the DBE-008 gets Bluetooth 5.0 but it does not support any high-resolution audio codecs. You can connect the headset to two different devices at once which is again a welcome feature. The Digitel DBE-008 has a 280 mAh battery which offers up to 25 hours of playtime which is plenty. Charging the headset is via a micro-USB port and it takes about 3 hours for it to charge fully. 

Verdict

The Digitek DBE-008 is priced at Rs. 1495/- which points to the fact that it belongs to the affordable headset segment. But do not get me wrong when I say affordable. While it could be a great companion for your daily office commute, the 25-hour battery life is long enough to last you a few trips to work and back. I wish Digitek had made is slimmer and splash resistant. Nonetheless, the Digitek DBE-008 is a good product for your daily use whether it is listening to music or watching movies and videos. 

Price – Rs. 1495/-

JAYS a-Seven Wireless Headphone – Review

What is life without music and beats?  My day starts with switching on my vintage Pioneer integrated stereo amplifier, which is matched to a pair of Sony V-700 speakers which are from the 1985’s. How do they sound? Well for most of us it is just good sound, but for those who seek more, they will know how the highs are crisp, the mid-range is detailed and the bass is punchy with almost no distortion. Well, I am not a true audiophile, but I can differentiate between good sound and bad. That’s why I never got myself a Bluetooth speaker because I feel they all sound the same and I do not enjoy the quality unless it some extraordinary sounding one form some manufacturer I cannot afford.

Now comes this package which is handed over to me and I open it to find something of my interest. A pair of over-the-ear headphones from the Swedish manufacturer JAYS. The JAYS a-Seven Wireless headphones now become a part of my everyday schedule and here is my experience of using the a-Seven for more than a month on a daily basis.

The design language from the Swedish manufacturer is very minimal and simple. I paired it with both my android smartphone and my laptop for the source. I also have an entire collection of music in high-quality FLAC format which also ensures a great listening experience when the sound output is good. The first thing to notice is how good the Bluetooth connectivity is. There were very fewer dropouts and even walking around in the house with the phone inside the room did very less to drop the transmission. Only when things got too far, it started to lose connection but, the moment you walk into the range, the music is on. The built-in controls are simple, allowing you to play-pause, skip tracks and rock the volume up and down. The presence of a built-in microphone makes it easy to take calls and the microphone is very efficient for calls as well.

The a-Seven uses the Qualcomm Bluetooth atpX chip which improves the overall audio performance. However, it does not support AAC which is a downer as most Apple devices use AAC format for high-quality music content. The sound from the headphones is quite detailed, especially when you play music from a good and a very good source. The difference is evident.

My playlist includes rock and roll, instrumental and a wide variety of from Dire Straits to Def Leppard, AC DC, Metallica, Guns and Roses, Rolling Stones, Daft Punk and some podcasts with hour-long sets of funk and disco. The sound the headphone deliveres is quite clear with good and punchy bass and clear highs and mid-range. I wish the mid-range was a bit more detailed but it is definitely good for the package.

But wait, there is more to share. The headphones look very neat and have a matte black finish. The construction is from lightweight aluminium and the overall ergonomics is very good. The band sits firmly over the head and there is enough padding on the band to keep it comfortable. The earpads are filled with memory foam which is a great thing. I am not a fan of over-the-ear headphones but I was keeping the a-Seven on for hours without worry until it began to hurt from the less padding and the drivers hitting the ears and I think JAYS has been a bit stingy about it. It comes in four different colours but the one unit I reviewed is black in colour. The most important thing though is the very nominal hours of charging required which translated into 25 hours of listening. This is something which more than impressive I would say and I personally could exhaust the battery in almost 3 days of listening while travelling and every break I could.

The standby time of 35 hours allows you to continue from where you left off. I think the headphones still need to burn in a lot and the sound should improve even more. For those audiophile ears, these might not cut in, but for most of the music-loving folks out there, the a-Seven are worth keeping. The box is supplied with a USB cable for charging and a cable for using it as a wired headset. I wish JAYS would have been thoughtful enough to bundle a headphone carrying case or at least a pouch which would have made the whole deal sweeter. For Rs. 7,999/-, this is as good as it can get and the a-Seven wireless is worth investing. One can find some better deals online especially on headphone zone where they are known for selling some very great products for all the audio lovers out there.

CLAW SM100 Closed Back Monitor Headphones – Review

More and more people are entering into being creators, especially people who are into full-time sound and music production, the need and rise of professional-quality monitoring headphones are also on the rise. While brands like Sennheiser and Audio Technica make excellent headphones in this segment, they also quite expensive with the quality they provide. However, CLAW has come up with a very affordable but very effective Closed Back Studio Monitor headphones, which promise to deliver quality and comfort.

Looks and Hardware

The CLAW SM100 comes in a solid box. Inside, you get the actual headphones, supported wires (3.5 mm to 3.5 mm and a 3.5 to 3.5 mm which can be fitted with a 6.3 mm jack adapter for studio use. There is no storage pouch included in the box which would have been a great addition to the package. The earcups on the SM100 are large and very nicely padded. The padding is very soft and allows good ventilation as well as keep the comfort quotient for long usage hours. The hinges have an effective design which allows you to fold and tuck them away inside a backpack. Now for the wiring, you get a 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm cable which also has a microphone and volume control. This allows you to tweak volume levels and answer calls when needed. The other coiled cable comes with a 6.3mm jack adapter for using it with high-end audio system for the studio. The coiled cable is what provides convenience.

Performance

Coming straight to the matter, which is the actual performance of the headphones. I have used it extensively for listening to music while our video editors have used this for working on video edits which include tweaking audio files. The sound output from monitor headphones is flat, which means the monitor headphones do not have any added bass or treble added to the final output sound. This is because, with monitors, creators get the clearest of the output sound that has been recorded which they can edit and add effects in post-production. These headphones reproduce the sound as they were created.

When listening to music, these headphones do not offer anything extra but reproduce the actual sound in a very clear manner. This is likely to attract audiophiles who love to listen to the details in the music. This allows you to hear more than what you hear with other headphones. The headphones come with 50mm drivers which have a lively audio reproduction. Imagine listening to a song and you get to listen to each and every instrument being played individually. My experience with the SM100 has been close to listening to music in a listening room.

For a regular music listener, the SM100 will deliver more clarity and better vocals. The differences might be slight for all regular users but the trained ears will be able to talk about the difference. My time with the SM100 has been only limited to listening to high-quality music files like AAC and FLAC played through my computer with an external DAC. The output was clean the sound clarity was top notch. This essentially means, I am sold on the SM100 and would not mind is swapping with my earphones for listening to music. As mentioned, these are cabled headphones and thus there are limitations to its use, especially in this age of small, light and wireless audio solutions.

Verdict

Introduced at a price of Rs. 6490/-, these headphones are actually a steal deal. No, we are not talking about the high-end monitor headphones which also cost a lot of money, but for creators who are beginning and working their way up, can definitely have these as their weapon of choice for audio monitoring solutions. Not to mention the ease of use and comfort that the SM100 offers.

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