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Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

Manufacturer details

  • Driver: ETA 8th Generation Transducer
  • Magnet: AlNiCo (Aluminum, Nickel, Cobalt with some iron)
  • Diaphragm: 50 mm Biocellulose Paper
  • Voice Coil: Proprietary silver–copper alloy, underhung
  • Impedance: 16 Ω @ 1 kHz
  • Headband: Stainless steel
  • Body: Fused nylon (Multi Jet Fusion)
  • Waveguide: Smooth Transition Waveguide
  • Mounting: Rear Bias Mounting system
  • Strap: Elastic polymer suspension strap
Now Accepting limited preorders via email or shop AlNiCo, The Golden Age of Audio in a headphone today. ULI features ETA Audios 8th generation driver. Featuring the exotic magnetic alloy AlNiCo offering our smoothest and most transparent sound.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

ETA Mini Semi-Closed

  • Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
  • Description: Offers a semi-open design that delivers a clear, spacious sound with a focused transient response ideal for smaller rooms and everyday use. In comparison to ADA, ULI, and O², it is best for buyers on a tighter budget and those needing portability without extra advanced functions.

ETA ADA

  • Positioning: Mid-range series built for balanced performance in daily listening.
  • Description: Features a unique driver design that ensures clear and smooth sound reproduction, providing a step up from basic entry-level offerings. When compared to the mini-semi-closed's compact approach and the advanced build of ULI and O², it caters to users seeking moderate cost with improved clarity and versatility.

ETA ULI

  • Positioning: Upper mid-range option aimed at enthusiasts seeking detailed sound accuracy.
  • Description: Uses innovative components that enhance sound imaging and offer tight control over dynamics, making it a notable upgrade in detail and precision. Compared with ADA and mini-semi-closed, which emphasize affordability and portability, and with O²'s flagship technologies, it serves those who are willing to spend a bit more for higher build quality.

ETA O²

  • Positioning: Flagship series offering top-tier performance with cutting-edge materials.
  • Description: Incorporates a graphene diaphragm, high-strength magnets, and an aluminum frame to achieve superior clarity and controlled dynamics suited for demanding audio setups. Compared to ADA, mini-semi-closed, and ULI, which address varying needs in budget and practicality, it represents the pinnacle of the lineup's technical capabilities.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
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Brand Popularity
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Founding Year

Our take on the brand

ETA Audio is a hifi headphone brand that implements horn-loading concepts inside headphones alongside their proprietary dynamic drivers such as their 50mm graphene-composite and 40mm biocellulose/PET diaphragm drivers. The brand also uses non-magnetic grills to reduce wavefront lensing, and individually matches and tunes each headphone before shipping, with their lead acoustic engineer personally verifying channel match and sonics.

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Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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ETA Audio

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What if you spend more?

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Austrian Audio
The Composer
2699
2699
/
10
Reviews
Austrian Audio, founded by the former AKG Vienna core team, manufactures its own ceramic CKR12 capsules and Hi-X headphone drivers in-house in Vienna. Their capsule consistency is so precise that any two microphones can be used as a stereo pair without matching. The brand's microphones feature unique tech, including dual-output mode for reshaping polar patterns in post-production, and real-time wireless polar pattern control via Bluetooth.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Built with premium, high-quality, sturdy materials with a solid feel
  • Very comfortable and relatively lightweight, suitable for long listening sessions
  • Easy to drive with low impedance and reasonable sensitivity
  • Delivers a reference-grade sense of clarity, balance, and vast soundstage
  • Excellent instrument separation and imaging
  • Easy to drive with low impedance and reasonable sensitivity

Product Considerations

  • Some reviewers found the range of headband adjustment limited, making it potentially unsuitable for those with smaller heads
  • The banana plug cable connectors are proprietary, limiting third-party cable options
  • The stock cable is acceptable, but not particularly premium feeling
  • The bass is a little lightweight and might require EQ adjustment for some listeners
  • A dip at 2kHz was noted by some reviewers

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sennheiser HD800S: The Composer has better bass extension, but the HD800S has better resolution and detail
  • Vs HIFIMAN Arya/HE1000 series: The Composer sounds more natural than some HIFIMAN planars, and it may have greater bass depth
  • Vs Meze Audio Empyrean II: The Composer goes deeper in the soundstage, with better layering and more sub-bass presence, but the Empyrean II is softer and more relaxed
  • Vs ZMF Outure Classic: The Composer has better bass response but is smoother and more tame in the treble

Takeaway: The Austrian Audio Composer is a well-built, comfortable, and easy-to-drive headphone with a balanced, clear, and detailed sound signature. It offers a reference quality that can be great for critical listening and casual enjoyment.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Austrian Audio, founded by the former AKG Vienna core team, manufactures its own ceramic CKR12 capsules and Hi-X headphone drivers in-house in Vienna. Their capsule consistency is so precise that any two microphones can be used as a stereo pair without matching. The brand's microphones feature unique tech, including dual-output mode for reshaping polar patterns in post-production, and real-time wireless polar pattern control via Bluetooth.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
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ZMF
Caldera
3499
3499
/
11
Reviews
ZMF is a boutique hifi headphone brand that crafts one-of-a-kind wooden headphones from stabilized resin-wood billets, each harvested, processed, and assembled in the USA. Their patented acoustic systems include the Atrium Damping System (ADS) and the Caldera's trapezoidal magnet structure. The brand offers lifetime driver warranties and maintains measurement transparency using professional B&K equipment. They have created a distinct enthusiast culture around their annual "ZMF November" limited-edition sales.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • The Caldera uses the same comfortable headband system as other ZMF headphones, which offers a good degree of adjustment
  • Lighter than expected, especially considering the planar magnetic drivers
  • Sounds natural and familiar, and is comfortable both ergonomically and sonically, providing body and fullness to notes
  • Beautiful craftsmanship with unique wooden earcups that give each unit its own identity
  • Exceptional build quality, and good support from ZMF

Product Considerations

  • Stock cable is fine, but could be softer with less shape memory
  • Can be polarising for ZMF house sound fans because the Caldera is very different
  • Tight clamp force can be an issue for some
  • Some found the mid-range forwardness can be fatiguing, especially the closed-back version

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Atrium, the Caldera is more resolving and lifelike, but the Atrium has more 'flavour' or colouration
  • Compared to the Hifiman Susvara, the Susvara is closer to neutral and more resolving, being a higher performance headphone, but the neutral presentation of the Susvara can be boring to some listeners
  • Compared to the Audeze LCD-5, the Caldera is similar to the LCD-5 in terms of low-end impact, but the Caldera’s treble is much more in line with personal preferences

Takeaway: The ZMF Caldera is a beautifully crafted headphone with a comfortable design, and also offers a natural, versatile sound that's somewhere in between the ZMF house sound and the Hifiman sound. It's technically competent and fun to listen to, which is an excellent package.

Video review

Our take on the brand

ZMF is a boutique hifi headphone brand that crafts one-of-a-kind wooden headphones from stabilized resin-wood billets, each harvested, processed, and assembled in the USA. Their patented acoustic systems include the Atrium Damping System (ADS) and the Caldera's trapezoidal magnet structure. The brand offers lifetime driver warranties and maintains measurement transparency using professional B&K equipment. They have created a distinct enthusiast culture around their annual "ZMF November" limited-edition sales.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Abyss
Diana MR
2995
2995
/
8
Reviews
Abyss is a hifi headphone brand that uses a patented single-sided planar-magnetic driver architecture and machines all-aluminum chassis with foamed-aluminum acoustics in their New York facility, targeting a "speakers-in-room" sound rather than typical headphone presentation. The brand offers granular fit adjustments through magnetic pad systems and interchangeable acoustic pads that allow owners to intentionally shift tonal balance, supported by a 10-year warranty and vertical integration from driver production to final assembly.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Delivers a beautifully smooth and refreshingly beefy tuning compared to previous Diana headphones
  • The most comfortable planar magnetic set of cans ever worn
  • Build quality is very impressive
  • Good mid-range

Product Considerations

  • Needs additional padding for optimal scalp comfort
  • Treble can become problematic

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Diana MR most remind reviewer of a super version of the HIFIMAN Edition XS
  • Spatial presentation is better from the HIFIMAN HE1000SE, and the midrange is better balanced as well

Takeaway: The Diana MR is the most accessible set of high-end open-back planar headphones to date from Abyss. It is a fun and impressive listen.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Abyss is a hifi headphone brand that uses a patented single-sided planar-magnetic driver architecture and machines all-aluminum chassis with foamed-aluminum acoustics in their New York facility, targeting a "speakers-in-room" sound rather than typical headphone presentation. The brand offers granular fit adjustments through magnetic pad systems and interchangeable acoustic pads that allow owners to intentionally shift tonal balance, supported by a 10-year warranty and vertical integration from driver production to final assembly.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
HIFIMAN
Isvarna
2899
2899
/
8
Reviews
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Combines planar magnetic and dynamic drivers to deliver both detail/speed and powerful bass response
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions, despite having two drivers per side and a crossover
  • Produces clean and detailed sound, with a decent sense of clarity
  • Relatively easy to drive compared to other planar magnetic headphones
  • Smooth transition between the dynamic and planar drivers, creating a coherent sound

Product Considerations

  • Has a mid-bass hump and a roll-off in the sub-bass region, which may not appeal to all listeners or genres
  • Treble response may be too energetic for treble-sensitive individuals
  • The tuning may not be suitable as an 'all-rounder' headphone for all music genres
  • Needs a solid-state amplifier to control the dynamic driver in the low end

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs HiFiMan HE-1000SE: The Isvarna has a wider soundstage, but less height and depth
  • Vs HiFiMan ARIA Organic: The Isvarna has more bass
  • Vs Kennerton Veneta: The HiFiMan is more bassy for bass heads

Takeaway: The HiFiMan Isvarna is a unique headphone that delivers a fun and engaging listening experience with its hybrid driver design, especially for those who enjoy bass. It is comfortable, relatively easy to drive, and offers a clean and detailed sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

HIFIMAN
Arya
1299
/
Released
2020
HIFIMAN’s breakthrough ultra-thin diaphragm—at the nanometer scale—minimizes mass for lightning-fast response and extremely low distortion, delivering natural, highly detailed sound.
An optimized magnetic structure with asymmetrical placement reduces interference, enhancing clarity and overall sonic precision.
A precisely engineered grille design prevents reflections and refractions, expanding the soundstage while improving imaging and detail retrieval.
Angled, user-replaceable 3.5 mm connectors provide ergonomic cable routing and easy replacement.
Crafted from a combination of metal and high-grade plastics, the Arya achieves strength, low resonance, and a refined matte-black aesthetic.
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HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent resolution and detail retrieval, making it a clear step up from mid-fi headphones
  • Wide and open soundstage with nuanced imaging, as well as excellent instrument separation
  • Comfortable design, with well-distributed weight, large earcups, and comfortable earpads
  • The Arya Organic is easier to drive than previous Arya versions and sounds better with various equipment, responding well to a decent system
  • Balanced and neutral sound signature, though some find the treble slightly bright

Product Considerations

  • Noted to lack dynamic weight and bass slam, which might disappoint bass enthusiasts
  • Treble response can be fatiguing depending on the music and is somewhat peaky
  • The 5kHz hump stretches vocals and make them timbrally thin at times
  • Some reviewers express concern about the delicacy of the headphones and caution against dropping them
  • The open-back design makes them unsuitable for noisy environments or situations where sound leakage is a concern

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Arya is sharper, clearer, and better resolved than the HiFiMan Ananda, with a more open soundstage, but the Ananda has more bass grunt
  • Both have large soundstages and effortless resolution, but the Arya has a more excited tuning while the Sennheiser HD800S is smoother
  • The Arya has a larger soundstage, but the Focal Clear has better punch and slam

Takeaway: The HiFiMan Arya is a technically impressive headphone that provides excellent sound clarity, a wide soundstage, and a comfortable listening experience. If you appreciate a neutral sound with great detail and aren't looking for heavy bass, the Arya could be a good choice.

Video review

Our take on the brand

HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
ZMF
Atrium
2499
/
Released
2022
The ZMF Atrium is our most open design, which features our patent-pending rear damping system that accentuates stage layering, depth, tactile "feel" with realistically natural timbre. The Atrium expands the range of spatial sound experience first incepted with the auteur (now the "auteur classic"), through its shared biocellulose driver heritage and linear ZMF tuning.
Check Amazon
ZMF is a boutique hifi headphone brand that crafts one-of-a-kind wooden headphones from stabilized resin-wood billets, each harvested, processed, and assembled in the USA. Their patented acoustic systems include the Atrium Damping System (ADS) and the Caldera's trapezoidal magnet structure. The brand offers lifetime driver warranties and maintains measurement transparency using professional B&K equipment. They have created a distinct enthusiast culture around their annual "ZMF November" limited-edition sales.
Expand Details

Our Summary

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 a boutique hifi headphone brand that crafts one-of-a-kind wooden headphones from stabilized resin-wood billets, each harvested, processed, and assembled in the USA. Their patented acoustic systems include the Atrium Damping System (ADS) and the Caldera's trapezoidal magnet structure. The brand offers lifetime driver warranties and maintains measurement transparency using professional B&K equipment. They have created a distinct enthusiast culture around their annual "ZMF November" limited-edition sales.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Sendy
Peacock
1499
/
Released
2021
Sendy Audio Peacock is an open-back planar magnetic headphone with an 88mm ultra-thin composite diaphragm, designed for natural mids, elastic bass, and extended transparent highs up to 40kHz within a wide soundstage.
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Sendy is a hifi headphone brand known for its Quad-Former planar driver architecture that uses four coils to drive the diaphragm, reducing distortion and enhancing transient response across models like Apollo and Peacock.
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 is a hifi headphone brand known for its Quad-Former planar driver architecture that uses four coils to drive the diaphragm, reducing distortion and enhancing transient response across models like Apollo and Peacock.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay H95
1250
/
Released
2020
Immersive noise cancelling headphones. Hear every detail. Moving. Meticulous. Mesmerising. Immerse yourself with our adjustable noise-cancelling headphones that put a spin on grab-and-go-listening.
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Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Gorgeous design and fantastic build quality with premium materials, like titanium, aluminum, lambskin leather, and cowhide leather
  • Extremely comfortable and lightweight (around 323-333 grams), with oval-shaped earcups suitable for larger ears for long listening periods
  • Intuitive controls, including a mix of touch and physical controls, like responsive touchpads and tactile dials for precise volume and ANC adjustments
  • Sound quality is well-balanced and versatile, making them suitable for various music genres, with particularly good performance for classical music, podcasts, and rock
  • Amazing noise cancellation performance, effectively blocking out mid- and treble-range noises

Product Considerations

  • Very high retail price
  • Earcups are not very deep
  • Not very portable due to a bulky design
  • A heavier side, which can develop a little bit of strain on the back of the neck
  • The Bang & Olufsen app does not work well, spending a long time trying to connect to the H95 most of the time

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Focal Bathys: The Focal Bathys is cheaper and better in sound quality
  • Vs Bose QC45s: The Bose QC45s are a little bit more effective in cancelling the high end of mid-range frequencies that you would get from a busy cafe
  • Vs AirPods Max: The H95 manages to separate all the layers very beautifully, the AirPods Max is not on par
  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The PX8 is more muffled
  • Vs Cambridge Audio P100: The P100 has more clarity and crisp sound to that treble without having that sibilance

Takeaway: If you want a luxurious pair of headphones with amazing build quality and very good noise cancellation, the Beoplay H95 could be a good option. The sound quality is great, and they are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Warwick Acoustics
Bravura
2190
/
Released
2021
From the Italian for brilliant performance, the BRAVURA headphone system brings you the music you love in the most exquisite detail.
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Warwick Acoustics specializes in electrostatic headphones featuring patented HPEL transducers that use a 15μm laminated film with no obstructive front grid, reducing diffraction and coloration. Unique also for their drastically higher bias voltage of 1800V compared to 230V or 580V in most other electrostatic headphones. Their BD-HPEL diaphragms use multilayer film with vapor-deposited 24-karat gold conductors and gold-plated stators. Each driver is built into rigid polycarbonate cassettes and software-tuned for precise resonances, delivering electrostatic speed with atypically physical bass and grounded imaging that departs from the usual airy electrostatic presentation.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to plush, soft earpads and a generously padded headband, although some found the clamping force substantial
  • Delivers a natural, transparent, and detailed sound, a hallmark of electrostatic headphones
  • Good bass response, with impact that is noticeably improved compared to the Sonoma M1
  • Excellent instrument separation is highlighted, creating a sense of sounds floating around the listener's head
  • The mids are a standout feature, with vocals presented right up front

Product Considerations

  • The complete system (headphones and amplifier) is required because of the unique voltage requirements, it's not possible to mix-and-match components with other systems
  • Some reviewers found the cable to be stiff and microphonic, although its unique character and design are a result of the system's electrostatic nature
  • The volume control on the Sonoma M1 energizer/amp offers only stepped adjustments, making fine-tuning volume levels difficult for some users
  • The power switch is located on the back of the Sonoma M1 amplifier, which is considered less convenient than a front placement
  • The headphone still retains some excess clamping force

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sonoma M1: The Bravura offers enhanced SPL, more robust bass, and increased resolution compared to its predecessor, the Sonoma M1
  • Vs Dan Clark Audio VOCE: The Bravura offers more impactful bass
  • Vs HiFiMan Shangri-La Jr.: The Bravura offers a smoother sound

Takeaway: The Bravura headphone system is a great option for those who value detailed and natural sound, especially for genres like classical, jazz, and vocals. It offers a complete listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Warwick Acoustics specializes in electrostatic headphones featuring patented HPEL transducers that use a 15μm laminated film with no obstructive front grid, reducing diffraction and coloration. Unique also for their drastically higher bias voltage of 1800V compared to 230V or 580V in most other electrostatic headphones. Their BD-HPEL diaphragms use multilayer film with vapor-deposited 24-karat gold conductors and gold-plated stators. Each driver is built into rigid polycarbonate cassettes and software-tuned for precise resonances, delivering electrostatic speed with atypically physical bass and grounded imaging that departs from the usual airy electrostatic presentation.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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