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
- Wide soundstage, unusually large for a closed-back headphone
- Good mid-bass impact and punch
- Comfortable design, similar to the HE1000 series, despite being heavier
- Detailed sound, especially in the midrange
- Good imaging and separation of instruments
Product Considerations
- Isolation is not strong, described as not much better than an open-back
- Frequency response can be erratic, with peaks and dips, leading to a potentially wonky sound
- Some reviewers noted a shouty, honky, or hollow timbre in the midrange
- Treble can be crisp but potentially harsh or sibilant for some listeners
- Weight can become a comfort issue over longer listening sessions for some
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Dan Clark Audio Stealth, the Audivina has a bigger soundstage
- Versus ZMF Atrium Closed, the Atrium Closed has a thicker, richer sound and better bass extension, while the Audivina has a larger soundstage; the Atrium Closed has a more natural midrange
- Versus HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth, the Audivina has better midrange detail, but the HE1000 Stealth has a warmer and richer sound
- Versus HIFIMAN Arya, the Audivina is more balanced with a fuller midrange, and the Arya has a wider soundstage and is brighter
- Versus Meze Lyric, the Audivina has a wider soundstage, while the Lyric has stronger sub-bass performance
Takeaway: The Audivina is a unique closed-back headphone with a spacious soundstage and detailed sound, which makes for a great listening experience. If looking for something different from a traditional closed-back, this could be a good choice.
All
Audivina
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
- Impedance: 20 Ω
- Sensitivity: 97 dB
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 55 kHz
- Weight: 470 g (16.57 oz)
Manufacturer product description (from their site)
AUDIVINA — Closed-Back Planar Headphones delivering spacious, high-fidelity sound through Stealth Magnet technology in a stunning, ergonomic design.
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:
- HIFIMAN offers a wide range of headphone models, varying in tonality from warm to neutral to balanced, allowing for different listening preferences and catering to various audiophile tastes.
- The brand is known for their "Stealth Magnet" design which reduces wave diffraction turbulence to lower distortion and improve transparency.
- They incorporate planar magnetic drivers in many of their headphones, known for their speed, detail, and impactful bass response.
Select products
Product lineup breakdown
Every model uses a planar magnetic driver with a nanometer-thin diaphragm, so music reaches you with low distortion. The HE400se, under $500, is the entry model and brings that driver within reach. The Arya Stealth Magnets add the Stealth Magnet array, letting sound pass with less turbulence, so voices and imaging come through clearer. The HE-R10P at the top is a closed-back planar, so it keeps room noise out.
- Start here. Choose the HE400se if you have a tight budget and want to experiment with modifications, since reviewers say it suits exactly that.
- Sweet spot. The Arya Stealth Magnets give you the airy imaging, transparency and clarity reviewers praise, a step beyond the cheaper models that lack that array.
- All in. The HE-R10P is priced far above the Isvarna, and it gives listeners who share a room remarkable imaging and detail with a spacious feel from a sealed design.
All products from this brand
Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
286
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
91
Founding Year
2005
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both 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?
From our interview with
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Brand page
Used
HIFIMAN
All the brand's used products, not just this one
What if you spend more?
HIFIMAN
Isvarna
2899
2899
/
8
Reviews
HIFIMAN is the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Expand Details
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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 the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Product Page
Product Page
Dan Clark Audio
Stealth
3999
3999
/
13
Reviews
STEALTH is Dan Clark Audio’s closed flagship headphone, and its striking matte black and red design offers a teaser of its stunningly smooth, rich and spacious sound. STEALTH is a closed-back headphone that delivers great isolation, while our proprietary Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) works with our all-new 4th generation driver to create a huge, wide-open soundstage. STEALTH features a self-adjusting headband and an emphasis on ergonomics that make extended listening comfortable. This is our most exciting project to-date, with novel technology never before seen on any audio market - ready to dive in?
Dan Clark Audio is an American headphone maker, founded in 2012 by Dan Clark. It builds open and closed planar magnetic headphones and holds six patents. Its Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System uses waveguides and resonators to control standing waves and shape the treble, and its V-Planar drivers have textures molded into the diaphragm to improve bass and stability. Some models fold to half their size on a Nitinol memory-metal gimbal for travel. The Corina Reference is electrostatic, and the Stealth, Noire X and E3 are on our Best Planar Magnetic Headphones list.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a combination of dynamic driver, planar magnetic, and electrostatic qualities, providing impressive bass, speed, treble reach, and broad frequency resolution
- Exceptional clarity and resolution across the frequency spectrum
- Has a natural and immersive sound, very refined, with exceptional staging, positioning, layering, relative spacing, and image stability
- Very comfortable, lightweight (415g), and foldable for portability
- The Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) delivers smooth, accurate, and detailed high frequencies, while minimizing unwanted distortions
Product Considerations
- Requires a good seal to be effective, and the seal can be easily broken by movement or glasses
- The Stealths require a bit of power to sound their best, marginal efficiency at 86-89dB
- Less sensitive than other headphones, requiring higher volume settings and more powerful amplification
- Revealing of poor recordings and distortion in the system
- Can lack slam or macro contrast
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Stealth is more comfortable, better built, more isolating, has amazing quality control, and is more resolving and fun, while sounding more accurate due to the AMTS, compared to the Dan Clark Audio Ether 2
- The Stealth has better balance, with the Focal Stellia having too much bass, smoother treble, and better instrument separation, though the Stellia has better punchiness
- The Stealth is lighter, has better instrument separation, and better tuning without needing EQ, compared to the Audeze LCD-XC
- The Stealth gives a more tonal 'normal' presentation, wins for instrument separation, and has excellent design, compared to the ZMF Verite
Takeaway: The Dan Clark Audio Stealth headphones combine excellent sound quality with a comfortable, portable design, making them a good choice for audiophiles who want a high-end listening experience at home or on the go. It is a good all-arounder that does everything well with its design.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Dan Clark Audio is an American headphone maker, founded in 2012 by Dan Clark. It builds open and closed planar magnetic headphones and holds six patents. Its Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System uses waveguides and resonators to control standing waves and shape the treble, and its V-Planar drivers have textures molded into the diaphragm to improve bass and stability. Some models fold to half their size on a Nitinol memory-metal gimbal for travel. The Corina Reference is electrostatic, and the Stealth, Noire X and E3 are on our Best Planar Magnetic Headphones list.
Product Page
Product Page
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Softears
enigma
3699
3699
/
7
Reviews
Softears is a Chinese maker of in-ear monitors, founded in 2017. It began as a studio in Shenzhen and in 2019 opened an R&D lab and factory in Chengdu, where it develops and tunes its drivers. The range mixes balanced armature, dynamic and electrostatic drivers, and the Cerberus combines two electrostatic, four balanced armature and one dynamic driver. Reviewers hear the tuning as natural. The Studio2 is designed for monitoring on stage and in rehearsal, while the Twilight is tuned for music listening with a 10mm dynamic driver in an aluminum alloy shell.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Beautifully balanced tonal quality
- Excellent and innovative shell design
- Unique unboxing and premium accessories
- Comfortable fit despite the larger shells
- Wide stereo separation
Product Considerations
- Treble might seem too controlled for some
- The sound is source dependent
- More mid-treble and air up top, lesser fullness in lower-midrange, and less of the mid-bass boost would be ideal
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to 64 Audio’s Fourte and the Vision Ears Phonix, the Enigma competes with them in the summit-fi range
- Compared to Softears Twilight, the bass is tighter and more focused, with better detail, also the Enigma has a more precise and layered soundstage
- Compared to Elysian Annihilator, the Enigma trades the sharp precision of the Annihilator for a smoother and more forgiving presentation
- Compared to Empire Ears Odin, the Enigma is easier and more laid back to listen to, whereas the Odin grabs attention with its bold dynamics
- Compared to Lime Ears Anima, the Enigma feels more refined in comparison, excelling in accurate ear gain/upper-midrange, which results in it sounding more linear and natural
- Compared to Kinera Loki Emerald, the Enigma outshines the Loki in mids, offering a more natural and emotive presentation
Takeaway: The Softears Enigma is a well-balanced high-end IEM, with craftsmanship and attention to detail evident in its distinctive design and thoughtful packaging. If one favors a sound that leans toward musicality with a relaxed tuning, the Enigma is sure to please.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Softears is a Chinese maker of in-ear monitors, founded in 2017. It began as a studio in Shenzhen and in 2019 opened an R&D lab and factory in Chengdu, where it develops and tunes its drivers. The range mixes balanced armature, dynamic and electrostatic drivers, and the Cerberus combines two electrostatic, four balanced armature and one dynamic driver. Reviewers hear the tuning as natural. The Studio2 is designed for monitoring on stage and in rehearsal, while the Twilight is tuned for music listening with a 10mm dynamic driver in an aluminum alloy shell.
Product Page
Product Page
ZMF
Caldera Closed
3499
3499
/
7
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.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality and visually stunning design with unique wood cups, making each unit unique
- Good bass response with well-balanced tonality, texture, definition, speed, and dynamics
- Treble presentation is excellent, smooth, bright, and airy without being overly forward or fatiguing
- The Caldera Closed uses Atrium Damping System (ADS) for a more natural sound decay
- Very resolving with class-leading dynamics
Product Considerations
- Mid-range tonality may be uneven and forward for some listeners, potentially causing fatigue or a 'hollow' timbre
- Soundstage is relatively narrow compared to some other closed-back headphones
- Can be moderately difficult to drive, not suitable for all portable amplifiers
- Weight might be an issue for some users, though well-distributed
- Requires high-quality audio tracks to sound its best
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Caldera Open, the closed version has a superior treble presentation, the open is preferable in the mid-range
- Versus the Dan Clark Audio E3, the Caldera Closed is easier to drive and has better dynamics, the E3 has a wider soundstage and is more comfortable
- The Caldera Closed is more spacious sounding than the Atrium Closed
- The Caldera Closed is better than the Verite Closed for all-day listening
Takeaway: The ZMF Caldera Closed is a beautifully crafted, high-performance closed-back headphone with excellent bass and treble, making for a fun and engaging listening experience. The versatility to use it with most amps makes it a great choice.
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
What competes at this price?
HIFIMAN
Svanar
1999
/
Released
2023
SVANAR — HiFiMAN's Flagship Single Dynamic Driver IEM with Over-Ear Detail.
HIFIMAN is the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Captures the sound of the original Svanar, with a balanced tuning emphasizing bass and treble while maintaining the mids
- Incredible imaging performance, offering a wide, well-rounded, three-dimensional soundstage with excellent positioning and separation—highly competitive, even compared to non-TWS IEMs under $1000
- Has an R2R DAC which permits unreachable technical performance
- Very light and comfortable
- Excellent connectivity and usability
Product Considerations
- LDAC connectivity issues with invasive intermittence and noise cutting
- ANC and Transparency mode aren’t very useful and lack dynamic, delivering leaner dynamic, less musicality
- Plastic build might not be most durable if dropped
- High-frequencies are quite sensible to the source, making it one of the least forgiving TWS
- Hiss is also present
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Svanar Wireless is punchier, with better bass detail and imaging, and a wider soundstage, while the Final ZE8000 has a warmer, more neutral sound
- The Svanar Wireless has stronger imaging performance, a wider soundstage, and a better balance between separation and cohesion
- The Svanar Wireless is superior in technicalities and tonal balance, as well as timbre and tone naturalness, and ultimately musicality
- The Svanar Wireless' soundstage is taller and wider but not as deep, since clarity isn’t as sharp and clean, silence being more "noisy"
- The Svanar Wireless has better sound and performs better technically
- The Sony TWS has bloated bass that overwhelms everything else; in comparison, the soundstage and treble performance of the Svanar Wireless is miles ahead, presenting a much more detailed, natural, and sophisticated kind of sound
Takeaway: The Svanar Wireless sounds impressive for wireless earbuds, and it has great connectivity and features. For those seeking high-end wireless sound, these are worth considering.
Video review
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is the reason planar magnetic headphones are no longer exotic. Started by Dr. Fang Bian in 2005, the Chinese company builds planars with nanometer-thin diaphragms and open "Stealth Magnet" arrays shaped so sound passes through with less turbulence and distortion, and it also makes electrostatic headphones at lower prices than the category usually asks. The tuning varies from warm to neutral across the range, so it pays to choose a model by sound, and the Sundara and the Arya are both on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Product Page
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DALI
IO-12
1300
/
Released
2023
The state-of-the-art DALI IO-12 Hi-Fi headphones offer you hours of listening pleasure in sumptuous comfort. From the real leather headband and ear pads to the 50 mm paper fibre cone and groundbreaking SMC drivers, the IO-12s reveal every musical detail.
DALI's idea is wide dispersion, with speakers designed to spread sound evenly across the whole listening area. The Danish company, founded in 1983, makes its own drivers in-house, including its wood fiber cones, and uses its patented SMC (Soft Magnetic Compound) material to lower distortion. Many models pair a soft dome with a ribbon tweeter in a hybrid module. The Oberon 1 C is an active wireless speaker that needs no separate amplifier, and the range climbs through Rubikore and Epikore to the Kore flagship.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Incredible sound quality, with neutrality, detail, and balance across the frequency range
- Excellent build quality with premium materials and comfortable, luxurious design, making them suitable for extended listening sessions
- Adequate battery life, with reviewers reporting around 35 hours of wireless playback with ANC
- Effective active noise cancellation reduces low-frequency sounds without significantly impacting sound quality
- Versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth, USB-C for high-resolution audio, and a 3.5mm analog input that can be used passively
Product Considerations
- High price point puts them out of reach for many consumers
- Lack of a companion app limits customization options like EQ settings, firmware updates via mobile, and custom control settings
- Large earcups and overall weight may not be suitable for those with smaller heads, and the headband may slip
- Included travel case is large
- Some reviewers found the dark chocolate color scheme unappealing
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The DALI IO-12 has better ANC than the Focal Bathys
- The IO-12 is similar in sound signature to the Mark Levinson No. 5909
Takeaway: The DALI IO-12 is a high-end wireless headphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, comfort, and versatility, making it a great choice for audiophiles who want a premium listening experience on the go. Its blend of wired and wireless capabilities, combined with a mature design, makes it an excellent all-around performer.
Video review
Our take on the brand
DALI's idea is wide dispersion, with speakers designed to spread sound evenly across the whole listening area. The Danish company, founded in 1983, makes its own drivers in-house, including its wood fiber cones, and uses its patented SMC (Soft Magnetic Compound) material to lower distortion. Many models pair a soft dome with a ribbon tweeter in a hybrid module. The Oberon 1 C is an active wireless speaker that needs no separate amplifier, and the range climbs through Rubikore and Epikore to the Kore flagship.
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T+A
Solitaire T
1700
/
Released
2022
From the first day the Solitaire T was developed with a single goal in mind: to blur the distinctions between audiophile, working and travel headphones by making the values and convictions which are the hallmark of every T+A product accessible in almost every situation in life. Their transducer system is a completely new development, capable of reproducing the most subtle nuances in audiophile quality in active and passive mode alike, while the passive insulation on its own is sufficient to push the outside world into the background.
T+A is a German hifi company in Herford, founded in 1978, whose name stands for Theorie und Anwendung, or theory and application. It designs and produces its own amplifiers, players, speakers and headphones. The HV-Series and R-Series use high-voltage power supplies to give solid-state circuits a tube-like response, and select DACs and players use a True 1-bit converter that keeps DSD native instead of converting it to PCM. The Caruso series puts streaming, CD and radio in one box with a touchscreen, and the Solitaire P is on our Best Planar Magnetic Headphones list.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive sound quality bridges the gap between wired and wireless performance
- It is a versatile product that can be used as a passive headphone, a USB DAC, or a Bluetooth headphone
- High build quality, with premium materials like milled aluminum contributing to a robust and luxurious feel
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods
- Long battery life, especially in standard mode—up to 70 hours
Product Considerations
- The fit may not be ideal for those with wider heads
- The treble response could be sweeter
- The active noise cancellation may not be class-leading compared to some competitors
- The volume in wireless mode may not be loud enough for some listeners
- Soundstage presentation feels intimate compared to full-sized reference headphones
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Mark Levinson No.5909: The Solitaire T has more detail and better organization, though the No. 5909 has a bigger, more spacious presentation
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The noise cancelling of the PX8 is better
- Vs Focal Celestee: The Solitaire T is comparable when used as a passive wired headphone
Takeaway: The T+A Solitaire T is a versatile and well-built headphone that offers high-quality sound in both wired and wireless modes, making it a great choice for audiophiles on the go or those who want one set of headphones for all situations. Listeners can enjoy music in a lot of different ways with these, and they sound very good.
Video review
Our take on the brand
T+A is a German hifi company in Herford, founded in 1978, whose name stands for Theorie und Anwendung, or theory and application. It designs and produces its own amplifiers, players, speakers and headphones. The HV-Series and R-Series use high-voltage power supplies to give solid-state circuits a tube-like response, and select DACs and players use a True 1-bit converter that keeps DSD native instead of converting it to PCM. The Caruso series puts streaming, CD and radio in one box with a touchscreen, and the Solitaire P is on our Best Planar Magnetic Headphones list.
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Meze
Liric
2000
/
Released
2021
The 2nd Generation LIRIC represents a new chapter in our quest to evolve, featuring a new and refined sound profile, detachable magnetic ear pads, sublime Macassar ebony ear cups, and one of our premium hand-braided copper cables.
Meze Audio is a Romanian headphone maker known for natural materials, with wood ear cups and leather on many models. Its headphones are held together with screws and metal fixings, so they come apart easily and parts can be replaced. Self-adjusting headbands and carefully chosen pads keep the range comfortable. The flagship Elite Tungsten and the closed-back Liric use the Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver. The closed-back 99 Neo has foam pads that isolate well, which suits listening at home. The 109 PRO and Empyrean II are on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Features a gorgeous and classy design with premium materials like magnesium, leather, aluminum, and steel, resulting in a luxurious and well-engineered feel
- Impressive clarity and detail resolution, along with sonic control and precision
- Easy to drive, making them suitable for use with portable devices
- Provides excellent sound isolation for a closed-back headphone
- Features a comfortable headband system and well-designed ear pads, though some may find the earcups narrow
Product Considerations
- Treble can sound slightly metallic at times
- Bass might lack punch and weight for some listeners
- Intolerant of poor-quality audio sources
- Earpads are not user-detachable and are instead glued onto the headphones
- Fit can be very dependent on the shape of the user's head, and not all users will find the narrow earcups comfortable
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Meze Audio Empyrean and Elite: The Liric gives up a bit in terms of resolution and dynamic range, but in return offers a more immediate and fun listening experience, also offering a smaller soundstage
- Vs Focal Stellia: The Liric is not as resolving as the Stellia
- Vs Meze 109 Pro: One reviewer preferred the 109 Pro to the Liric due to its fuller bass and slightly better sound signature
Takeaway: The Meze Audio Liric are beautifully crafted headphones that provide great clarity and isolation in a portable design. If one wants a sophisticated and detailed sound, the Liric could be the right choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Meze Audio is a Romanian headphone maker known for natural materials, with wood ear cups and leather on many models. Its headphones are held together with screws and metal fixings, so they come apart easily and parts can be replaced. Self-adjusting headbands and carefully chosen pads keep the range comfortable. The flagship Elite Tungsten and the closed-back Liric use the Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver. The closed-back 99 Neo has foam pads that isolate well, which suits listening at home. The 109 PRO and Empyrean II are on our Best Open-Back Headphones list.
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Symphonium
Helios - Technical Reference
1099
/
Released
2021
A compact balanced armature IEM featuring PHAT™ (Phase Harmony Attenuation Technology) for enhanced treble extension in a small shell, a visceral U-shaped sound signature with punchy bass and extended treble, and built from durable T6 heat-treated AL6061 aluminium. Includes a custom Nightjar Acoustics cable tuned to match its sound profile.
Symphonium is an in-ear monitor maker from Singapore, where it designs and assembles every IEM in house. Its first two models appeared at CanJam Singapore in 2018. The Helios followed in 2021 with FLAT technology co-developed with Subtonic and took the brand into high-end IEMs. Reviewers point out how much Symphonium gets from low driver counts, and the company works closely with reviewers and enthusiasts on product development. The Titan is the bass-forward model and the Meteor is the compact one. The Helios is tuned as a technical reference.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass and treble response.
- Impressive dynamics and imaging.
- Has excellent treble extension.
- The Helios delivers an immensely deep-reaching sub-bass, accompanied by exceptionally clean articulate treble, with no overdone mid-bass to muddy things up.
Product Considerations
- Large angular shell that may be hard to fit.
- Needs a reasonably powerful source, because many dongles will not be able to run these.
- Midrange is somewhat mixed and quite pushed back.
- Some found the stock cable annoying to deal with.
- There is a lack of mid-bass.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020: Helios has a leaner sound and demands attention, sporting aggressive dynamics, sharper resolution, and BA bass that actually slams.
- Vs Hidition Viento-B: One can consider the Helios a Viento-B on steroids with more bass, a more balanced midrange, and a more linear, extended treble response.
- Vs Moondrop S8: The Helios clearly pulls ahead in its impactful dynamics and standout BA bass.
- Vs Sony IER-M9: The Helios has far better dynamics and a smoother, more airy treble response.
- Vs Thieaudio Monarch: The Helios has more treble extension and presence in those final octaves, and for technical performance outdoes the Monarch all around, particularly in the staging and imaging presentation.
- Vs Unique Melody MEST/MK2: The Helios doesn't make compromises, as it sports comparable resolution to the OG MEST and outclasses both IEMs in the dynamics department, and the Helios' treble is a step ahead of the ESTs being used in the MEST IEMs.
Takeaway: The Symphonium Helios is worth consideration for those seeking high-quality sound with great bass and clear highs. It is designed to sound good with diverse musical genres, so listeners can enjoy what they are hearing.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Symphonium is an in-ear monitor maker from Singapore, where it designs and assembles every IEM in house. Its first two models appeared at CanJam Singapore in 2018. The Helios followed in 2021 with FLAT technology co-developed with Subtonic and took the brand into high-end IEMs. Reviewers point out how much Symphonium gets from low driver counts, and the company works closely with reviewers and enthusiasts on product development. The Titan is the bass-forward model and the Meteor is the compact one. The Helios is tuned as a technical reference.
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