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
- Beautiful and unique aesthetics, including Japanese cherry birch ear cups with a Bordeaux lacquer finish made by Sakamoto Urushi Factory
- Engaging and fun sound signature, with a lot of positive energy emanating from the drivers
- Excellent and extended bass response—it is fast, articulate, and well-controlled
- Detailed and transparent sound, with a high level of resolution, especially in the treble
- Lightweight frame and comfortable design
Product Considerations
- Sound quality can be amplifier-dependent, varying significantly across different sources
- Treble may be perceived as slightly bright by some listeners
- Stock cable and accessories may be considered basic for a flagship headphone
- The headband may not be the most secure, potentially causing them to slide off with movement
- Some reviewers found the stock pads to be lacking in comfort and prefer to use replacement pads
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The TH909 is an open-back version of the TH900 MKII, with a more natural and balanced sound, less bass quantity, and a more forward midrange
- The TH909 is harder slamming and more impactful than the Quad Era One and Audeze LCD4
- The TH909 has a wider soundstage than the Sennheiser HD6XX line
- The TH909 outperforms the Kennerton Gjallarhorn in soundstage width
- The TH909 is at a similar level of detail retrieval as the beyerdynamic T1
- The TH909 has superior detail compared to the Meze Empyrean, Audeze LCD 2/3, and HIFIMAN Ananda
Takeaway: The Fostex TH909 offers a beautiful design and a fun, engaging sound signature with great bass. Finding the right amp is important to enjoy all the headphone offers.
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.
All
TH909
reviews
[{"title":"Fostex TH909 Review - Fun in its Purest Form!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAzRHTTPR3M","source":"Minidisc","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"BASS HEADS REJOICE! - Fostex TH909 Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1_zQu3TKuk","source":"xU2EDGEx","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Z Review - Fostex TH909 [Schizophrenia Embodied]","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs_FfMdhT8Q","source":"Moon Audio","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Fostex TH909 Review","link":"https://www.mimic-audio.com/blogs/reviews/fostex-th909-review","source":"mimic-audio.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Fostex TH909 Review – Fun in its Purest Form!","link":"https://soundnews.net/headphones/full-size/fostex-th909-review-fun-in-its-purest-form","source":"soundnews.net","datePublished":""},{"title":"Fostex TH909 Review","link":"https://headfonics.com/fostex-th909-review","source":"headfonics.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Fostex TH909 Review","link":"https://www.headfonia.com/fostex-th909-review/3","source":"headfonia.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Type: Open-back dynamic
- Driver: φ50mm neodymium magnet / Biodyna diaphragm
- Frequency response: 5 to 45,000 Hz
- Impedance: 25Ω
- Sensitivity: 100dB/mW
- Maximum input: 1,800mW
- Weight: Approx. 390g (excluding cord)
- Cable: 3m Y-type 7N-OFC wire (detachable)
- Detachable terminal: 2-pin (Terminal: gold-plated base, rhodium-plated specification)
- Plug: Φ6.3mm gold-plated stereo standard plug
Description
Fostex's highest model of open-back headphones. The housing, integrated with aluminum photo-etched parts, is made of premium Japanese cherry birch wood finished with traditional Japanese "Urushi" Bordeaux lacquer and silver foil inherited from the TH900. It is equipped with our own 1.5 Tesla Biodyna diaphragm driver unit, each unit carefully assembled one by one at our domestic factory and precisely acoustically tuned.
Release Timeline
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:
- Fostex integrates traditional Japanese artistry, such as Urushi lacquering and Aizome dyeing, into the design of their headphone housings, amplified by the acoustic properties of materials like Japanese cherry birch and maple wood.
- They leverage their "Biodyna" driver technology, optimized with high magnetic flux densities (often using neodymium magnets), enabling detailed, dynamic, and low-distortion sound.
- Their headphones are designed to be easily driven by a wide range of devices, often featuring a low impedance (25-32 ohms) and high sensitivity, increasing versatility and convenience for users.
Select products
Select product comparisons
TH616
- Position: The entry-level unit offering basic amplification and straightforward control.
- Description: Offers a simple design with clear controls suited for small room setups and limited connectivity, making it a budget-friendly option. Compared to the other models, it has a more basic feature set and lower output capabilities for users who do not require advanced performance or multiple functions.
TH808
- Position: A compact mid-range option focused on balanced performance.
- Description: Features a clean signal path and improved circuitry that supports better dynamic range and connectivity compared to entry-level models. Relative to the TH616, it delivers enhanced performance while maintaining a moderate price.
TH900MK2
- Position: A mid-range model with advanced digital control and refined tuning.
- Description: Incorporates digital tuning and smarter circuitry to boost clarity and responsiveness, making it well suited for varied room sizes and sonic goals. When compared with the TH616 and TH808, it provides a noticeable upgrade in audio detail and connectivity.
TH1100RP
- Position: A high-end integrated unit designed for higher resolution performance.
- Description: Offers robust processing and precise digital-to-analog conversion to deliver clean and powerful output for users with higher technical requirements. In contrast to the mid-range TH900MK2, it provides more detailed signal processing and expanded functionality.
T60RPMK2
- Position: A flagship model that brings premium control and complete feature integration.
- Description: Delivers groundbreaking performance with advanced components and a design focused on full connectivity and high-end sonic control. Compared to the lower-end models like the TH616 and TH808, it provides superior build quality and extensive functionality.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
780
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
16
Founding Year
1973
Our take on the brand
Fostex is a hifi headphone brand known for its proprietary 4th-generation RP planar-magnetic drivers, developed over 50+ years, BioDyna biocellulose diaphragms, and hand-finished Urushi lacquered housings on Japanese birch wood. With deep DIY speaker heritage, their T50RP platform has earned unique renown as a modding canvas, supported by extensive community documentation that treats it as a baseline for higher-end builds.
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?
From our interview with
.
Brand Page
Used
Fostex
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
.png){kind=small}
Fostex
TH1100RP
2732
2732
/
4
Reviews
Fostex is a hifi headphone brand known for its proprietary 4th-generation RP planar-magnetic drivers, developed over 50+ years, BioDyna biocellulose diaphragms, and hand-finished Urushi lacquered housings on Japanese birch wood. With deep DIY speaker heritage, their T50RP platform has earned unique renown as a modding canvas, supported by extensive community documentation that treats it as a baseline for higher-end builds.
Expand Details
.svg)
Product Strengths
- Very coherent sound
- Good soundstage and imaging
- Plenty of detail
- Great bass
Product Considerations
- May not be the last word in transparency
- Needs careful system matching
- The price may be prohibitive
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Not an inferior DAC to Gordon.
- Beats the Blackback at soundstage.
Takeaway: The TH1100RP offers a coherent and detailed sound signature with great bass and imaging, but system matching is important. It is a strong performer, but its price may be a barrier for some.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Fostex is a hifi headphone brand known for its proprietary 4th-generation RP planar-magnetic drivers, developed over 50+ years, BioDyna biocellulose diaphragms, and hand-finished Urushi lacquered housings on Japanese birch wood. With deep DIY speaker heritage, their T50RP platform has earned unique renown as a modding canvas, supported by extensive community documentation that treats it as a baseline for higher-end builds.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
.png){kind=small}
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.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
.png){kind=small}
final
D8000 Pro Edition
4799
4799
/
8
Reviews
Final is a hifi audio brand known for deep in-house manufacturing control by designing and building its own diaphragm-forming machines and assembly jigs, while engineering products like their D-series headphones for longevity through screw-fastened parts that enable user repairs and future upgrades.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass reproduction with well-textured low tones, exceptional definition, articulation, and clean, nuanced deep sub-bass extension.
- Detail retrieval and image clarity are remarkably good, competing with some of the very best headphones in the summit category.
- Outstanding build quality, featuring a precisely machined aluminum-magnesium alloy chassis, conveys sturdiness and care in assembly.
- The new pads are made from Toray Ultrasuede and are deeper and marginally firmer than the original memory foam cushions.
- Easy to drive, with 60-ohm impedance and 98 dB sensitivity.
Product Considerations
- A bit scooped out in the two kilohertz to three kilohertz range, almost like the ear gain has been taken and moved upwards in the frequency spectrum a bit.
- Comfort can be an issue, due to the circular earcups not fitting larger ears well and the headband lacking sufficient padding for the headphone's weight.
- The stock cable with the quarter-inch termination is heavy, potentially dragging the headphone down uncomfortably.
- The proprietary 3.5mm connectors with locking mechanisms can make finding aftermarket cables difficult.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the HIFIMAN Susvara, the Susvara is lighter, more comfortable, and also has better detail retrieval.
- Compared to the Audeze LCD4, the Final Audio D8000 Pro competes in many of the technical aspects that really matter, like detail.
Takeaway: The D8000 Pro is a well-built, detailed headphone with exceptional bass and a unique planar sound signature, perfect for audiophiles who want something different from standard planar sound profiles. Its high level of detail and solid dynamics create an engaging listening experience for those who appreciate nuanced sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Final is a hifi audio brand known for deep in-house manufacturing control by designing and building its own diaphragm-forming machines and assembly jigs, while engineering products like their D-series headphones for longevity through screw-fastened parts that enable user repairs and future upgrades.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Fostex
TH808
1025
/
Released
2024
This product is a premium headphone developed based on the TH909, Fostex's top-of-the-line open-type headphones. The housing is machined from solid black walnut, a high-grade wood, and equipped with a proprietary technology in-house made BioDyna diaphragm driver unit. The new premium headphones are carefully assembled one by one at a factory in Japan.
Fostex is a hifi headphone brand known for its proprietary 4th-generation RP planar-magnetic drivers, developed over 50+ years, BioDyna biocellulose diaphragms, and hand-finished Urushi lacquered housings on Japanese birch wood. With deep DIY speaker heritage, their T50RP platform has earned unique renown as a modding canvas, supported by extensive community documentation that treats it as a baseline for higher-end builds.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Uses the same Tesla 1.5 driver as the TH-909
- Easy to drive with a 25 ohm impedance and high sensitivity rating
- Premium build includes black walnut wood on the ear cups
- Comfortable to wear for hours due to its relatively light weight (around 370-397 grams) and comfortable leather pads
- Nimble, fast, and punchy bass
Product Considerations
- Stock cable may not be high quality, and the braiding can crease quickly; the quarter-inch jack is not sturdy
- The swivel of the earcups is a little bit loose
- Stock pads may cause a sibilant sound
- Small soundstage
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audeze LCD-X: The LCD-X has a safer mid-range tuning
- Vs Sennheiser HD 650: The TH808 sounds more impactful, and everything sounds sharper, clearer and cleaner
Takeaway: The Fostex TH808 is a beautifully designed headphone with premium materials that offers a unique sound signature with impressive detail and strong bass performance. With its comfortable design and ease of use, it could be a great option for those seeking an enjoyable listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Fostex is a hifi headphone brand known for its proprietary 4th-generation RP planar-magnetic drivers, developed over 50+ years, BioDyna biocellulose diaphragms, and hand-finished Urushi lacquered housings on Japanese birch wood. With deep DIY speaker heritage, their T50RP platform has earned unique renown as a modding canvas, supported by extensive community documentation that treats it as a baseline for higher-end builds.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
Questions? Ask the brand's dealers.
All Dealers
How to buy
Headphones
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
.png)
