Website author headshot
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.

Product Strengths

  • Can be tweaked to the user's liking with switches to optimize the sound
  • AMT tweeter does not have hard edges, providing smoothness and ease of listening with good detail
  • The ability to switch between a closed or ported system is a great feature because that results in less bass, but there is a switch on the back to switch from closed to ported to get a really precise upper bass response while maintaining an overall great dynamic
  • Has a built-in Lineariser plugin which gives the possibility of a very linear sound without the problem of having a computer connected
  • Delivers impressive details and bass

Product Considerations

  • The top end can have a bit too much energy—being on the forward side—when used in a large room
  • Takes 30 seconds to wake up from sleep, requiring a boost in DAC volume for signal detection
  • The DSP in the mk2 creates a delay which makes it much harder to track live instruments
  • In extended mode, the monitor will be quieter because the overall volume is lowered
  • In ported design, a trade-off will give more bass but lesser transients response

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs KEF LS50W: The Type takes a different path in regards to sound, offering an interesting alternative, as the KEF LS50W may not be for everyone

Takeaway: The Type is a versatile speaker that provides impressive sound and detail. Its adjustable settings allow users to fine-tune the sound to their preference, making it a potentially worthwhile option for those seeking a customized listening experience.

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

Type 05 MK2

reviews

[{"title":"HEDD Type 05 MK2 Active Speakers and Bass 08 ...","link":"https://www.soundstagesimplifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/172-hedd-type-05-mk2-active-speakers-and-bass-08-subwoofer","source":"soundstagesimplifi.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"HEDD Type 05/07 Mk2 vs Neumann KH120 ii","link":"https://gearspace.com/board/so-much-gear-so-little-time/1423818-hedd-type-05-07-mk2-vs-neumann-kh120-ii.html","source":"gearspace.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"An audiophile active speaker! HEDD TYPE 05 MK2 Speakers review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uw6MoQ3qTg","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Even Better Now | HEDD Type 05 MK2 Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3G-_2pkOnU","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2021"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • 5" honeycomb woofer
  • High-definition Air Motion Transformer driver
  • 32bit SHARC DSP
  • Analog XLR and Digital AES connections
  • Supports AES/EBU with daisy-chaining
A monitor that can fit in small spaces and still delivers outstanding performance, the TYPE 05 is ideal for home studios or broadcast and video-editing suites. This compact 2-way monitor offers better clarity and control across the entire frequency range than most industry standards and comes with all the DSP-enabled features of our MK2 range. It's also a great addition to Atmos installations at the ceiling level, particularly in smaller rooms.
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:

  • HEDD headphones distinguish themselves by utilizing full-range Air Motion Transformer (AMT) drivers, a unique technology borrowed from their studio monitors, enabling faster air movement and potentially superior transient response.
  • The HEDDphone Two has a HEDDband system that allows for personalized adjustment of height, width, curvature, and clamping pressure, delivering a customized fit.
  • HEDD products have a sound that can be easily switched between ported and closed, or Linearised and natural to suit preferences and listening environment.
  • Durability and longevity are prioritized, offering an impressive 5-year warranty to ensure confidence in the brand's commitment to quality.

HEDDphone

  • Positioning: An accessible headphone solution offering a natural, open-back design for detailed sound reproduction.
  • Description: Features a high definition AMT driver with Variable Velocity Transformation that reproduces a wide frequency range up to 40kHz for clear, honest audio. Compared to the TWO and TWO GT, it offers a straightforward design suited for users needing portability and clarity while keeping the entry cost low.

HEDDphone TWO

  • Positioning: A refined upgrade focused on a lighter, better, and more adjustable headphone experience.
  • Description: Uses ultra-light materials and an improved adjustable HEDDband alongside a redesigned AMT driver for extended frequency response and vivid sound. Compared to the base HEDDphone, its enhanced comfort and build quality make it ideal for longer portable listening sessions.

HEDDphone TWO GT

  • Positioning: A premium headphone tuned for rich, emotionally engaging listening rather than critical monitoring.
  • Description: Features a redesigned AMT driver with a new multi-layered Kapton film for lower distortion and a warmer, more musical tuning paired with upgraded cables and refined aesthetics. Compared to both the HEDDphone and HEDDphone TWO, its added comfort and visual upgrades cater to users seeking enhanced luxury and non-critical, immersive enjoyment.

TYPE 30 MK2

  • Positioning: A professional-grade studio monitor engineered for mid to large recording and mastering environments.
  • Description: Uses a high-end 32-bit SHARC DSP with HEDD Lineariser and a three-way design that offers precise control and detailed sound across a wide frequency range. Compared to the headphone series, its robust tuning options, subwoofer integration, and customizable filters make it ideal for professionals needing detailed calibration in larger or acoustically complex spaces.

TOWER MAINS

  • Positioning: A flagship full-range main monitoring system designed for premium professional studios and high-end home setups.
  • Description: Uses custom AMT drivers combined with bespoke midrange and bass woofers in a multi-amp configuration to deliver powerful, realistic audio in both closed and extended modes. Compared to the TYPE 30 MK2 and headphone models, its advanced performance and flexible configuration provides extensive functionality for critical listening in large environments.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
1
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
227
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
10
Founding Year
2015

Our take on the brand

HEDD Audio, founded by physicist Klaus Heinz, pioneered Air Motion Transformer (AMT) technology. Typically reserved for tweeters only due to difficulty achieving low frequency output, HEDD was the first to achieve full 20hz-20khz in a headphone design with the HEDDphone, later refined and improved with the HEDDphone 2 and 2 GT. The brand hand-builds their products in Berlin, with their headphones particularly noted for exceptional detail retrieval and natural soundstage, making them suitable for both professional and audiophile use.

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
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Brand Page

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