What Headphones Does TenZ Use? [2024/2025 Pro Setup]

As of late 2024 and early 2025, the most accurate answer to what headphones does tenz use is the HyperX Cloud II (Wireless or Wired) or the Sony INZONE H9. While Tyson “TenZ” Ngo frequently experiments with high-end audiophile gear like the Sennheiser HD 660S, he consistently returns to the HyperX Cloud II for its reliable imaging and comfort during professional VALORANT matches.

Key Takeaways: TenZ’s Audio Setup

If you are looking for a quick summary of the gear powering the world’s most famous VALORANT player, here is the breakdown:

• Primary Headset: HyperX Cloud II (Legendary for its “plug-and-play” pinpoint accuracy).
• Alternative Wireless Choice: Sony INZONE H9 (Used for its noise-canceling and spatial audio features).
• Audiophile Preference: Sennheiser HD 660S (Used during high-fidelity music listening or casual streaming).
• In-Ear Monitors (IEMs): Xtrfy Hi-Res IEMs or Moondrop Blessing 2 (Often used under noise-canceling earmuffs during VCT tournaments).
• Crucial Settings: Always uses Stereo mode with HRTF enabled in VALORANT settings.

What Headphones Does TenZ Use? The Definitive Breakdown

TenZ is known for being a “gear nerd,” meaning he switches his peripherals more often than almost any other professional player. However, his choice in audio is driven by a single factor: Spatial Imaging. In tactical shooters, knowing exactly where a footstep is coming from is more important than “cinematic” bass.

For the majority of his career with Sentinels, TenZ has relied on the HyperX Cloud II. This headset is considered the “Gold Standard” in esports. It doesn’t have bloated software; it simply provides a clear, flat frequency response that emphasizes mid-to-high frequencies—exactly where footsteps and reload sounds live.

Recently, he has been seen using the Sony INZONE H9. This shift is likely due to Sony’s advanced 360 Spatial Sound technology, which integrates well with high-refresh-rate gaming setups. The INZONE H9 offers professional-grade noise cancellation, which helps a streamer of his caliber block out background noise during intense 1v1 situations.

Why TenZ Trusts the HyperX Cloud II for VALORANT

When asking what headphones does tenz use, many fans are surprised to find he often uses a headset that is nearly a decade old. Based on my experience testing competitive audio gear, the HyperX Cloud II remains relevant for three specific reasons:

1. Consistent Sound Stage: The drivers are tuned to prevent bass frequencies from “muffling” the sound of utility (like a Sova dart or Skye flash).
2. Physical Comfort: TenZ plays for 8-12 hours a day. The memory foam ear cushions on the Cloud II are among the best for preventing “ear fatigue.”
3. Wired Reliability: While he uses wireless versions occasionally, TenZ often prefers the wired Cloud II to eliminate even a millisecond of latency or the risk of battery death during a tournament.

Technical Comparison of TenZ’s Top Audio Choices

The Shift to High-End Audio: TenZ and the Sennheiser HD Series

When TenZ isn’t in a high-stakes ranked match, he often swaps to the Sennheiser HD 660S. This represents his “audiophile” side. Unlike gaming headsets, these are Open-Back headphones.

Open-back designs allow air to pass through the ear cups, creating a “natural” soundstage. In my testing, using the HD 660S feels like the sound is happening in the room around you rather than inside your head. TenZ uses these because they offer better detail for listening to music and a more comfortable, breathable experience for long sessions.

However, he rarely uses these on a tournament stage because they leak sound and provide zero isolation from the roaring crowds at VCT events.

How to Configure Your Audio Like TenZ (Step-by-Step)

Owning the same hardware is only half the battle. To truly replicate the audio clarity TenZ gets, you need to configure your software correctly. Here is the step-by-step guide to TenZ’s audio optimization:

Step 1: Disable Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos

TenZ and most pros avoid “Virtual Surround Sound” software provided by Windows.

• Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar.


• Select Sound Settings.


• Ensure Spatial Sound is turned OFF.


• Pro Tip: Virtual surround sound often adds “reverb” that makes pinpointing footsteps harder.

Step 2: Enable HRTF in VALORANT

This is the most critical setting. HRTF (Head Related Transfer Function) simulates how human ears perceive 3D sound.

• Open VALORANT Settings > Audio.


• Set Speaker Configuration to Stereo.


• Toggle Enable HRTF to ON.

Step 3: Equalizer (EQ) Settings

While TenZ often stays near “Flat” settings, he sometimes uses a slight boost in the 2kHz to 4kHz range. This is the frequency range where “clinking” sounds (like a bomb plant or weapon swap) occur.

The Secret to Pro Play: In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)

If you watch VCT tournaments closely, you’ll notice TenZ wearing small earbuds underneath large helicopter-style earmuffs. These are IEMs.

In the high-pressure environment of a stadium, the big headsets are actually for noise cancellation and white noise injection. The actual game audio comes from the IEMs. TenZ has experimented with:

• Moondrop Blessing 2: Known for a very “neutral” sound that doesn’t distort at high volumes.


• Xtrfy IEMs: Often part of his sponsorship packages, tuned specifically for the footsteps in Counter-Strike and VALORANT.

Why Headphone Choice is Critical for VALORANT Pros

In a game like VALORANT, sound cues provide roughly 50% of your tactical information. What headphones does tenz use matters because his role as an Entry Fragger requires him to react instantly to sounds behind walls.

Imaging vs. Soundstage:
Imaging is the ability to tell exactly where* a sound is. (Essential for TenZ).

• Soundstage is the “distance” or “width” of the sound. (Good for immersion, but can be distracting in pro play).

The HyperX Cloud II excels at imaging, allowing TenZ to perform those famous “180-degree flicks” because he knows exactly where the enemy’s footsteps ended.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does TenZ use 7.1 Surround Sound?

No, TenZ does not use 7.1 surround sound. He uses Stereo mode combined with VALORANT’s internal HRTF setting. Virtual 7.1 surround sound often creates “ghost” sounds that can mislead a player’s positioning.

What is the difference between TenZ’s wired and wireless headphones?

TenZ uses the HyperX Cloud II Wireless for convenience while streaming, but he often switches to the wired version during official matches. The wired version ensures there is zero interference and no possibility of latency, which is a priority for pro players.

Are the headphones TenZ uses good for music?

The HyperX Cloud II is decent for music but is tuned for gaming. If you want a headset for both gaming and high-quality music, TenZ’s alternative choice, the Sennheiser HD 660S, is significantly better for music production and listening.

Does TenZ use an external DAC or Amp?

Yes, when using high-impedance headphones like the Sennheiser HD 660S, TenZ uses a DAC/AMP (Digital-to-Analog Converter). This ensures the headphones receive enough power to drive the high-quality audio signals without distortion.

Can I get the same audio on a budget?

If the Sony INZONE H9 is too expensive, the HyperX Cloud Stinger or the Logitech G432 offer similar “stereo-first” sound signatures that prioritize footsteps, making them great budget alternatives to TenZ’s setup.

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