Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Top-shelf build quality with high-quality materials like leather and metal
- Comfortable to wear for long periods—the third iteration is the most comfortable yet
- Detailed sound, particularly excelling at treble detail—reveals nuances in recordings
- Wide soundstage, with improved transparency and detail retrieval
- Easy to drive with mobile sources due to manageable 32-ohm impedance (third generation), making it versatile
Product Considerations
- Cable is not detachable (first generation)
- Treble response can be bright and fatiguing for some listeners (first generation)
- Simplistic package and lack of included balanced cables, given the price (third generation)
- Can reveal flaws in poorly recorded music, and may not be forgiving with harsh or sibilant recordings (first generation)
- Velour earpads can feel itchy to some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rosson RAD-0: T1 offers a larger soundstage and analytic power, while RAD-0 offers a thick, smooth, and warm sound
- Vs Kennerton Thror: T1 is brighter and more analytic, Thror offers a more natural midrange and smoother treble
Takeaway: The T1 is a well-built, comfortable, and detailed headphone offering excellent sound quality. With its improved efficiency, it is a versatile option that can be enjoyed in various listening environments.
All
T1
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
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Manufacturer's details
Features
Specifications
- Wearing Style: Over-ear
- Operating principle: Open
- Transmission Type: Wired
- Earpad material: Velours, memory foam
- Remote: Without Remote
- Nominal impedance headphones: 32 ohms
- Weight headphones without cable: 360 g
- Headphone frequency response: 5 - 50,000 Hz
- Nominal sound pressure level: 100 dB (1mW)
- Sound coupling to the ear: Circumaural (around the ear)
- Cable & Plug: double-sided detachable cable, 3 m length, gold-plated mini stereo jack (3.5 mm) & 1/4" adapter (6.35 mm)
- Article No.: 717924
- EAN: 4010118717925
Manufacturer product description (from their site)
The T1 marks a new milestone in beyerdynamic's flagship model. Now in its third generation, we have raised the bar once again in both standards of sound and design. Handmade by beyerdynamic in Heilbronn, Germany, the T1 looks, feels and sounds one step closer to perfection.
T1 High-EndTesla headphonesWhatever we do at beyerdynamic, we continue to focus on doing it better with only the highest standards inspiring our strive for perfection. The new T1 marks a new milestone in beyerdynamic's flagship model. Now in its third generation, we have raised the bar once again in both standards of sound and design. Handmade by beyerdynamic in Heilbronn, Germany, the T1 looks, feels and sounds one step closer to perfection.
Overall product release timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
We analyzed reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—and what stands out most is the following:
- Beyerdynamic emphasizes durable, high-quality construction in its products, with replaceable parts ensuring a long product lifespan that stands out from competitors.
- The brand's open-back headphones are known for their exceptional spatial audio, creating a realistic and immersive soundstage prized for single-player gaming and critical listening.
- Comfort is a key focus, with Beyerdynamic utilizing plush velour earpads and padded headbands designed for extended listening sessions, making them a top choice for those prioritizing comfort.
- They often provide a neutral and analytical sound signature, prized by audio professionals for mixing and mastering, though this can sometimes result in a more clinical or less "fun" listening experience compared to some consumer headphones.
Select products
Product lineup breakdown
Many beyerdynamic models share a neutral, analytical sound and velour pads, which suits long mixing sessions. The DT 770 PRO Limited is the entry, a closed back at 80 ohms that keeps a tracking room quiet. The DT 1990 Pro MKII adds a TESLA.45 driver at 30 ohms in an open back, so mastering works from a laptop interface without a big amplifier. The T1 tops the range with tilted Tesla drivers at 32 ohms, giving a wider, more spatial stage.
- Start here. Choose the DT 770 PRO Limited if you are recording in a small room on a tight budget and need the cups to isolate.
- Sweet spot. The DT 900 PRO X gives a home mixer an open back with a 48 ohm STELLAR.45 driver that plays at volume from a laptop, plus a swappable cable.
- All in. The T1 is priced well above the DT 1990 Pro MKII, and its tilted Tesla transducers give a quiet room finer spatial detail and a wider stage.
All products from this brand
Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
38
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
32
Founding Year
1924
Our take on the brand
beyerdynamic is a German maker of headphones and microphones, founded in 1924. Its T1 and T5 use the company's Tesla drivers and are made at its own site in Heilbronn. Many models have a neutral, analytical sound that audio professionals prize for mixing and mastering. Velour earpads and padded headbands are made for long sessions, and replaceable parts give the headphones a long working life. The open-back models suit critical listening and single-player gaming for their wide soundstage, and the DT 990 PRO is on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
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Used
beyerdynamic
All the brand's used products, not just this one
What if you spend more?
ZMF
Atrium
2499
2499
/
13
Reviews
ZMF is an American headphone maker that builds its earcups by hand from wood, in many species, so each pair looks different. The Vérité uses a vapor-deposited beryllium driver and the Atrium a biocellulose one. The Caldera is a closed planar magnetic design with the Atrium Damping System. The Vérité, Atrium and BOKEH each come in open and closed versions, and the Atrium is on our Best Open-Back Headphones list. The Auteur Classic Upgrade gives an existing Auteur Classic a new driver set and wood baffle, so owners can update without replacing the headphone.
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Product Strengths
- Stunning aesthetics and high-quality craftsmanship with various wood options and grill designs available
- Creates a wonderful sense of space with a great spherical soundstage and natural depth
- Has an amazing ability to be both smooth and detailed at the same time
- Provides a deep reaching and encompassing bass sound with a punchy and impactful profile
- Natural and lifelike tonal quality with vibrant midrange and textured vocals
Product Considerations
- Not ideal for those seeking maximum detail retrieval or a reference-level sound
- May not be the best choice for music that relies heavily on aggressive, distorted electric guitars due to potential mid-range harshness
- Bass extension may not reach as deep as some planar headphones
- The stock cable has shape memory, and some may prefer aftermarket options
- It's a heavier headphone, so comfort may be a concern for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ZMF Verite: The Atrium sits alongside it, and is a significant step above the Auteur, in the sense that it is competing absolutely with the Verite, whereas the Auteur doesn't quite reach the heights of the Verite
- Vs Sennheiser HD650: The Atrium overall tuning is very reminiscent of the Sennheiser HD 650, where it is still fairly neutral, but it tends towards a little bit of warmth
- Vs HIFIMAN HE1000 V2: The HE1000 V2 has a bigger soundstage, but the imaging and the separation handle spatial reproduction much better than the Atrium does
Takeaway: The ZMF Atrium offers a beautiful design and a unique sound signature that combines smoothness and detail, making it a very enjoyable listening experience across many genres. Its ability to create a lifelike and engaging soundstage makes it a worthwhile option for those looking for something special.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ZMF is an American headphone maker that builds its earcups by hand from wood, in many species, so each pair looks different. The Vérité uses a vapor-deposited beryllium driver and the Atrium a biocellulose one. The Caldera is a closed planar magnetic design with the Atrium Damping System. The Vérité, Atrium and BOKEH each come in open and closed versions, and the Atrium is on our Best Open-Back Headphones list. The Auteur Classic Upgrade gives an existing Auteur Classic a new driver set and wood baffle, so owners can update without replacing the headphone.
Product Page
Product Page
Mod House Audio
Tungsten
1699
1699
/
11
Reviews
Mod House Audio is an American headphone workshop that specializes in modifying headphones and making the parts to do it. Its Argon models rework Fostex headphones with a modified driver, baffle and cups. Owners can buy the Argon Mk3 complete, or order the Argon Mk3 Conversion for a Fostex they already own. The Tungsten is the company's first headphone designed from the ground up, after more than three years of development. Buyers choose single-sided or double-sided magnet drivers and pick aluminum or carbon fiber grills.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Nice cable made in partnership with Viking Wave
- Attractive design with some components being 3D printed
- Comfortable to wear with well-distributed weight and ZMF earpads
- Stands out with its 'warm yet balanced' sound signature, described as having flat bass extension and an emphasized lower mid-range
- Delivers instrument separation, and sounds reasonably spacious
Product Considerations
- Build quality can feel a little rough around the edges, which may be noticeable
- Requires a dedicated headphone amplifier
- The dual-sided version is more expensive, while the single-sided version is affected by pressure changes inside the pad
- Sound can come across a little bit crunchy and trebly
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Against Audeze MM500, the MM500 has better build quality
- Against Meze Empyrean 2, the Empyrean 2 is more comfortable
- Against Dan Clark Audio E3, the E3s overall sound more competent
Takeaway: The Modhaus Tungsten is a unique headphone built with care. It's enjoyable to listen to, has good bass extension, and the sound can be customized by swapping earpads.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Mod House Audio is an American headphone workshop that specializes in modifying headphones and making the parts to do it. Its Argon models rework Fostex headphones with a modified driver, baffle and cups. Owners can buy the Argon Mk3 complete, or order the Argon Mk3 Conversion for a Fostex they already own. The Tungsten is the company's first headphone designed from the ground up, after more than three years of development. Buyers choose single-sided or double-sided magnet drivers and pick aluminum or carbon fiber grills.
Product Page
Product Page
HEDD
HEDDphone TWO
1999
1999
/
11
Reviews
HEDD is a German maker of studio monitors and headphones, founded in 2015. Every product is built by hand in Berlin. Co-founder Klaus Heinz studied under Oskar Heil, inventor of the Air Motion Transformer, and AMT drivers are at the center of the range. HEDD calls the HEDDphone the world's first full-range AMT headphone. Owners can switch the monitors between closed and ported modes and between Lineariser and natural voicing to suit the room. The HEDDphone TWO has the HEDDband, which adjusts height, width, curvature and clamping pressure.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Improved ergonomics and comfort compared to the original HEDDphone, largely due to a significant weight reduction and the innovative HEDDband system for adjustable fit
- Highly detailed and resolving sound, particularly in the midrange, with excellent timbral resolution and microdynamic control
- Unique and expansive soundstage that doesn't restrict the sonic image to inside the head, resembling a good pair of speakers in a well-tuned room
- High-quality build with premium materials and a 5-year warranty inspires confidence
- Excellent accessory package including a carrying case, spare earpads, and multiple cable options
Product Considerations
- Can be picky with recording quality, performing best with well-recorded tracks and less impressive with lower-quality productions
- Some reviewers find the clamping force of the headband to be too strong, even on the lowest setting
- Bass response may lack sub-bass extension or 'oomph' for some listeners, especially those craving a strong low-end rumble
- The treble might be perceived as bright or sibilant by some listeners, particularly due to an elevation in the upper treble region
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HEDDphone One: The Two is lighter, more comfortable, and has a more neutral and technical sound, while the original has more bass impact and a unique timbre
- Vs Audeze MM-500: Both are aimed at professionals with a neutral tuning, but the HEDDphone Two has greater technical performance, microdynamic control, and detail retrieval
- Vs Sennheiser HD800S: The HD800S has a greater sense of soundstage, openness, and instrument separation, while the HEDDphone Two has better low-level detail for individual instruments and microdynamics
- Vs HIFIMAN Arya: The Arya has more midbass punch and upper treble energy, while the HEDDphone Two offers greater technical performance
- Vs Meze Elite: The Elite offers a more rich and entertaining signature, where the HEDDphone Two is more neutral and reference-like
Takeaway: The HEDDphone Two is an innovative headphone with impressive sound and design, offering improvements over the original and it is worth buying if one is looking for excellent sound quality and detail. While its aesthetics may not be its strongest attribute, it delivers on technical sound and offers an enjoyable listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
HEDD is a German maker of studio monitors and headphones, founded in 2015. Every product is built by hand in Berlin. Co-founder Klaus Heinz studied under Oskar Heil, inventor of the Air Motion Transformer, and AMT drivers are at the center of the range. HEDD calls the HEDDphone the world's first full-range AMT headphone. Owners can switch the monitors between closed and ported modes and between Lineariser and natural voicing to suit the room. The HEDDphone TWO has the HEDDband, which adjusts height, width, curvature and clamping pressure.
Product Page
Product Page
Sendy
Peacock
1499
1499
/
10
Reviews
Sendy Audio is a Chinese maker of planar magnetic headphones with hand-finished solid wood earcups. Each housing is cut, carved, polished and dried repeatedly, so no two share the same color and grain. Even the screws are designed in-house. The Aiva pairs a 3-micron diaphragm with zebra wood, aviation aluminum and a fish-scale grille, and it won a Japanese VGP award in 2019. Reviewers describe the sound as fast and precise. The Apollo is the entry open-back over-ear model, with a 68mm driver, and the Peacock is the flagship, with an 88mm composite diaphragm.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The Peacock uses long-lasting, high-quality materials in its construction, with minimal plastic, and has a handmade feel
- Comfortable to wear for long listening sessions due to its soft leather headband, memory foam earpads, and suspension strap system
- Good left-to-right soundstage and spatial qualities, with precise imaging
- Natural sound, focusing on the bass and midrange regions
- Easy to drive and has high sensitivity (103 dB per milliwatt), meaning it sounds good even with ordinary headphone jacks
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers describe the treble as metallic and unnatural, with an unwanted ringing or resonance that can be fatiguing
- Soundstage depth and imaging are not as impressive as its width, creating a 'tunnel-like vision' or 'b-dimensional' sound
- Detail retrieval and transparency are lacking compared to other headphones in its price range
- Heavy (578-580g), which may be a challenge for some listeners
- Aesthetics may not appeal to everyone due to mismatched design elements, resulting in a lack of cohesion in its appearance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audeze LCD-X: Has a wider soundstage, but the LCD-X is more resolving, detailed, and technically proficient
- Vs HIFIMAN Arya Stealth: Has more impactful bass and a fuller midrange, while the Arya has clearer treble and greater detail retrieval
- Vs Audeze LCD-2: Vocals are more emphasized and engaging, but the LCD-2 is clearer and more detailed
- Vs Focal Clear MG: The Clear MG's are warmer with more bass impact, more even and forward mids, and darker, less peaky treble
- Vs Sendy Audio Aiva: Offers better looks, build quality, comfort, clarity, transparency and more details compared to the Aiva
Takeaway: The Peacock is a stylish and comfortable headphone that offers a warm, smooth, and enjoyable listening experience, especially for those who prioritize musicality over technical precision. Its easy-to-drive nature and wide soundstage make it a good option for relaxed listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sendy Audio is a Chinese maker of planar magnetic headphones with hand-finished solid wood earcups. Each housing is cut, carved, polished and dried repeatedly, so no two share the same color and grain. Even the screws are designed in-house. The Aiva pairs a 3-micron diaphragm with zebra wood, aviation aluminum and a fish-scale grille, and it won a Japanese VGP award in 2019. Reviewers describe the sound as fast and precise. The Apollo is the entry open-back over-ear model, with a 68mm driver, and the Peacock is the flagship, with an 88mm composite diaphragm.
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What competes at this price?
beyerdynamic
DT 1990 Pro MKII
599
/
Released
2024
The DT 1990 PRO MKII open-back studio headphones are the second generation of the popular premium model. They boast improved sound, increased comfort and industry-leading workmanship made in Germany. At the heart is the newly developed TESLA.45 driver technology. Suitable for mixing, mastering and editing, they are the perfect choice for discerning users who want to take their tracks to the next level.
beyerdynamic is a German maker of headphones and microphones, founded in 1924. Its T1 and T5 use the company's Tesla drivers and are made at its own site in Heilbronn. Many models have a neutral, analytical sound that audio professionals prize for mixing and mastering. Velour earpads and padded headbands are made for long sessions, and replaceable parts give the headphones a long working life. The open-back models suit critical listening and single-player gaming for their wide soundstage, and the DT 990 PRO is on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Features the Tesla .45 drivers, providing crisp and precise sound
- The soundstage is spacious and precise, making it easier to localize individual sound elements
- Has a dynamic bass response that is balanced and realistic
- Offers vibrant details and clarity in the midrange
- Low impedance makes it easier to drive with various devices
Product Considerations
- The treble can be bright, and may cause sibilance
- Some may find the mid-range needs some tweaks
- An older review mentioned that some users may find it too bright
- Not ideal for noisy environments due to open-back design
- Might sound slightly muffled due to thicker foam inserts in the earpads, compared to version one
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs the Original DT 1990 Pro: DT has reduced sharpness in the 8kHz range and improved vocals
- Vs the beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X: DT has more treble
- Vs the Sennheiser HD 600: DT has stronger bass
- Vs the Focal Clear: Focal Clear may be better for hifi listening
- Vs the beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro: DT offers a more natural sound
Takeaway: The DT is a studio-quality headphone with precise sound and a spacious soundstage, making it a strong choice for audio professionals. Despite some considerations, its detailed sound and comfortable design make it an enjoyable experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
beyerdynamic is a German maker of headphones and microphones, founded in 1924. Its T1 and T5 use the company's Tesla drivers and are made at its own site in Heilbronn. Many models have a neutral, analytical sound that audio professionals prize for mixing and mastering. Velour earpads and padded headbands are made for long sessions, and replaceable parts give the headphones a long working life. The open-back models suit critical listening and single-player gaming for their wide soundstage, and the DT 990 PRO is on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Product Page
Product Page
Focal
Hadenys
754
/
Released
2024
Open-back headphones for the home, Hadenys combines contemporary design with hi-fi quality. Fitted with exclusive Focal speaker drivers, they deliver warm sound with remarkable depth and precision. In addition to its acoustic performance, Hadenys stands out for its comfort and elegant aesthetics.
Focal's idea is the inverted dome tweeter, in aluminum and magnesium or, higher up the range, beryllium, shaped for wide dispersion and low distortion. The French company has made speakers since 1979 and builds its top models in Saint-Étienne, with cabinets from its own workshop in Bourbon-Lancy. Many of its mid-bass drivers use light, rigid flax or W composite sandwich cones. The range climbs from Theva through Aria Evo X, Kanta and Sopra to the Utopia line. Listeners who want a studio monitor at home can start with the Shape 65.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautiful design and build quality with premium materials, like a magnesium yoke and genuine leather headband
- Good comfort with memory foam earpads and breathable cloth, though some find the pads shallow
- Well-rounded tonal balance with surprisingly strong bass for an open-back headphone
- Easy to drive and forgiving with different audio sources
- Clear and spacious sound presentation, with accurate imaging
Product Considerations
- The price point may be higher than some consumers want to pay
- The relatively small size might not fit all head shapes comfortably
- Stock cable is reported to have memory and be unwieldy
- Sound staging isn't the widest
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Azurys: Some prefer the sound of the Azurys for some songs and use cases
- Vs Sennheiser HD600: Hadenys has improvements in the bass and treble response, and there's more oomph and weight in the bass
- Vs Focal Clear MG: Hadenys manages to provide a remarkable amount of Clear MG for a lower price
- Vs Focal Elex: dynamics are not on par with the Focal Elex
- Vs Sennheiser HD 660S2: The Focal manages to feel as solid, while looking better, wearing better and sounding better
Takeaway: The Hadenys offers a stylish design, comfortable fit, and well-rounded sound, making it a versatile headphone for enjoying music at home. Its solid construction and easy-to-drive nature make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a premium listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Focal's idea is the inverted dome tweeter, in aluminum and magnesium or, higher up the range, beryllium, shaped for wide dispersion and low distortion. The French company has made speakers since 1979 and builds its top models in Saint-Étienne, with cabinets from its own workshop in Bourbon-Lancy. Many of its mid-bass drivers use light, rigid flax or W composite sandwich cones. The range climbs from Theva through Aria Evo X, Kanta and Sopra to the Utopia line. Listeners who want a studio monitor at home can start with the Shape 65.
Product Page
Product Page
FIIO
FT7
699
/
Released
2025
The FT7 features a 106mm large planar driver with a patented gold + silver multi-layer coating, 1μm thin special diaphragm, zebrawood grille, and uniform magnetic field. It employs a dual-sided neodymium magnet push-pull magnetic circuit system, weighs 427g with carbon fiber construction, includes lambskin/breathable fabric ear pads, and comes with a liquid nitrogen frozen monocrystalline copper cable and custom Yaoli linen storage bag.
FIIO's stated aim is hifi with style at favorable prices, spread across portable players, Bluetooth DAC/amps, desktop units and in-ear monitors. The Chinese company was established in 2007, and its name joins the Fi of fidelity with the 1 and 0 of digital. Its portable DAC/amps combine Bluetooth, high output power and a desktop mode, and its control app adds parametric EQ. The K11 R2R uses a 24-bit R2R resistor ladder, and the K17 uses two AK4499 DAC chips. Owners with demanding headphones can look at the K19, built for high current output.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Uses premium materials like carbon fiber, metal, sheep lambskin earpads, and zebra wood faceplates for a luxurious feel, with excellent build quality
- Has a mostly neutral sound signature, with lambskin pads bass response is very good with a tasteful emphasis placed on the sub-bass region, and a decent midrange
- Provides good detail retrieval, resolution, and transparency of sound, the drivers can show plenty of information and micro detail
- A pad swapping system allows changes to sound characteristics, with lambskin pads and breathable fabric pads included
- Comes with a quarter-inch adapter and a 4-pin XLR adapter for use with portable or desktop devices
Product Considerations
- The stock cable is 3 meters long, which is too long for desktop use
- Headband adjustment can be a little stiff to move
- With leather pads, the highs can get slightly sharp
- There is a slight sharpness in the upper treble that might pose a problem for some listeners, using fabric pads can mitigate this
- Weight distribution could be better, there's not enough padding on the headband, and the clamp force is low, this distributes all the weight across the top of the head, which can be bothersome after 40-50 minutes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Susvara: Has a similar driver structure
- Vs HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled: Is close in terms of technical performance like resolution, transient response, soundstage, depth, and openness
- Vs HiFiMan Arya Stealth: Has a better build quality and bass response
Takeaway: The FiiO FT7 is a well-built, comfortable headphone that offers a neutral-leaning-warm sound that can be tailored with different earpads. The FT7 competes with other headphones that cost significantly more, making it a great pick at its price point.
Video review
Our take on the brand
FIIO's stated aim is hifi with style at favorable prices, spread across portable players, Bluetooth DAC/amps, desktop units and in-ear monitors. The Chinese company was established in 2007, and its name joins the Fi of fidelity with the 1 and 0 of digital. Its portable DAC/amps combine Bluetooth, high output power and a desktop mode, and its control app adds parametric EQ. The K11 R2R uses a 24-bit R2R resistor ladder, and the K17 uses two AK4499 DAC chips. Owners with demanding headphones can look at the K19, built for high current output.
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Neumann
NDH 30
649
/
Released
2022
The NDH 30 is a circumaural, open-back headphone with outstanding detail resolution and high-precision stereo imaging with razor-sharp localization. Its linear soundstage and superior transient response recommend it for the most demanding applications such as mixing and mastering.
Neumann is a German pro audio company, founded in 1928, known in recording studios for its microphones and studio monitors. Its headphones come out of the same studio work. They are tuned as a neutral reference for mixing and mastering that matches the sound of Neumann's monitors, with low distortion for hearing small problems in a recording. The closed-back NDH 20 isolates well in a small working space, and the open-back NDH 30 adds a natural soundstage and comfort for long sessions. The NDH 20 Black Edition is built from aluminum and spring steel.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent stereo separation for mixing and monitoring
- Built with aluminum, it has a durable feel
- Designed for reference listening
- Clean, linear, and very detailed mids
Product Considerations
- Sound can be considered somewhat restrained, lacking upper midrange and low to HF 'hype'
- Cloth ear pads may not feel as soft or luxurious as velour pads on some other headphones
- Lacks impact and bite
- Headband padding is uncomfortable
- Single-entry cable is on the right side, which is an unusual placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HD650: Differences come down to something similar to a full-range studio monitor versus a full-range hifi speaker of equal build quality and similar design, Sennheisers are geared more towards enjoying the brain-pleasing sounds of music, while you probably want to mix with the Neumanns
- Vs Sennheiser HD600/650: The HD600 and HD650 are more comfortable, with a better industrial design than the NDH-30
Takeaway: The Neumann NDH 30 is a tool that can be very helpful for mixing sessions, especially for identifying details in the mid-range of a mix. Its design and build quality also make it a lasting product.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Neumann is a German pro audio company, founded in 1928, known in recording studios for its microphones and studio monitors. Its headphones come out of the same studio work. They are tuned as a neutral reference for mixing and mastering that matches the sound of Neumann's monitors, with low distortion for hearing small problems in a recording. The closed-back NDH 20 isolates well in a small working space, and the open-back NDH 30 adds a natural soundstage and comfort for long sessions. The NDH 20 Black Edition is built from aluminum and spring steel.
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THIEAUDIO
Wraith
549
/
Released
2022
The original Phantom planar magnetic headphone from THIEAUDIO was an instant success when it launched three years ago. It was a revolutionary community-based product that set the standard for Hi-Fi audio at an affordable price range. From those baselines, the THIEAUDIO team has spent the last three years developing an upgraded planar magnetic driver that redefines technical performance and tonal balance.
Thieaudio is a Chinese maker of in-ear monitors, launched in 2019. It grew out of a group of DIY enthusiasts and specializes in tribrid designs that mix dynamic, balanced armature and electrostatic drivers in one shell. The Prestige LTD, for example, uses nine drivers of three types and a five-way crossover. The Legacy 2 and Legacy 4 are the entry models, and the V16 Divinity and Valhalla are at the top of the range. The Monarch MKIII heads our Best IEMs list, and the Oracle is on it too.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Wraith features an all-metal alloy body that feels sturdy and durable
- The earcups feature a rotating mechanism, making it convenient to rest the headphones around the neck
- The design is considered stylish, industrial, and unique
- The suspension headband design distributes weight evenly, making it comfortable to wear for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- The Wraith's headband adjustment system is not very practical and requires a screwdriver to adjust
- Stock pads may not create the best seal, impacting sound isolation
- The soundstage is intimate, and the resolution is average
- The 2.5mm connectors on the earcups might limit replacement cable options
- Sub-bass can roll off with stock pads
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Edition XS: The Edition XS has better resolution, clarity, and sub-bass response out of the box, but the Wraith has superior build quality, materials, robustness, and comfort
- Vs Sendy Audio Aiva: The Wraith and Aiva share a similar bass roll-off
- Vs Moondrop Venus: The Moondrop Venus costs slightly more and provides a wider soundstage and more refined sound
Takeaway: The ThieAudio Wraith has excellent build quality and a unique design, making them durable and comfortable for many users. The sound is warm and laid-back, making them suitable for casual listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Thieaudio is a Chinese maker of in-ear monitors, launched in 2019. It grew out of a group of DIY enthusiasts and specializes in tribrid designs that mix dynamic, balanced armature and electrostatic drivers in one shell. The Prestige LTD, for example, uses nine drivers of three types and a five-way crossover. The Legacy 2 and Legacy 4 are the entry models, and the V16 Divinity and Valhalla are at the top of the range. The Monarch MKIII heads our Best IEMs list, and the Oracle is on it too.
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