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

  • Large internal ear cup space helps create a larger soundstage
  • Imaging is objectively excellent and genuinely holographic, with a real sense of placement in three-dimensional space
  • Energetic and punchy driver lends a warm sound to an otherwise fairly neutral headphone
  • Easy to drive, it can be powered by most mobile devices

Product Considerations

  • Some reviewers consider the build quality inexcusable for $1,300 headphones, particularly the headband
  • Isolation isn't as good as some other closed-back headphones
  • The HE-R10D has a slightly compressed sound, with roll-offs on the top and bottom sometimes
  • Treble can be a bit intense at times
  • The shape is odd and may not be aesthetically pleasing to everyone

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Soundstage is wider on the HE-R10D despite the Arya being open-back
  • HE-R10D has better imaging and especially instrument separation than the Ananda

Takeaway: The HE-R10D has superb imaging, a warm sound signature, and a physical bass response. The unique design contributes to a great sound experience for those looking for a closed-back headphone.

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

HE-R10D

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

Manufacturer details

  • Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 35 kHz
  • Impedance: 60 Ω
  • Sensitivity: 103 dB
  • Weight: 337 g
  • Driver: 50 mm dynamic driver with Topology Diaphragm and rare-earth magnets
  • Construction: CNC-carved wood earcups with aviation-grade aluminum frame
  • Inputs: 3.5 mm unbalanced, 6.35 mm unbalanced, XLR balanced
  • Optional Wireless: BlueMini Bluetooth module
Closed-Back Dynamic Headphones HE-R10D featuring HIFIMAN’s patented Topology Diaphragm for natural, detailed sound, all housed in CNC-carved wood earcups.
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:

  • 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.

EDITION XS:

  • Positioning: An entry-level headphone offering compact design and affordability.
  • Description: Features stealth magnets design with a frequency response from 8Hz to 50kHz and low impedance for basic home or portable use. Compared to the mid-range options like AUDIVINA and HE1000SE, it provides essential performance for smaller rooms.

AUDIVINA:

  • Positioning: A mid-range headphone balancing clear audio performance with a reasonable price.
  • Description: Uses refined driver technology to deliver a natural sound signature and balanced frequency response for typical home listening setups. Compared to the simple approach of Edition XS and the more precision-focused HE1000SE, it offers enhanced detail while keeping costs moderate.

HE1000SE:

  • Positioning: A mid-range headphone engineered for improved clarity and dynamic range.
  • Description: Offers an extended frequency response from 8Hz to 65kHz and higher sensitivity for clearer audio reproduction in critical listening. In contrast to AUDIVINA's balanced performance, HE1000SE emphasizes precise tuning and a robust build.

SUSVARA:

  • Positioning: A high-end headphone crafted for immersive and detailed sound reproduction.
  • Description: Incorporates advanced driver engineering that extends its frequency range from 6Hz to 75kHz, supporting a wider and more open soundstage. Compared to mid-range models like HE1000SE and AUDIVINA, it offers broader performance and refined tuning.

SUSVARA UNVEILED:

  • Positioning: A premium headphone representing the pinnacle of the brand's lineup.
  • Description: Features cutting-edge materials and driver technologies that produce exceptionally detailed sound across its wide frequency spectrum. When compared with SUSVARA and other models, it delivers superior engineering and an expansive performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
13
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
286
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
92
Founding Year
2007

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.

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

HIFIMAN

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What if you spend more?

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
Product image
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 sets itself apart with its patented Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, which uses waveguides and resonators to shape frequency response to uniquely close adherence to various targets, and a unique tensioning system that ensures consistent performance across their headphone units. Their summit-tier headphones feature an uncommon folding design for portability, and their self-adjusting headbands offer extended comfort during long listening sessions.
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Expand Details

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 sets itself apart with its patented Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System, which uses waveguides and resonators to shape frequency response to uniquely close adherence to various targets, and a unique tensioning system that ensures consistent performance across their headphone units. Their summit-tier headphones feature an uncommon folding design for portability, and their self-adjusting headbands offer extended comfort during long listening sessions.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Softears
enigma
3699
3699
/
7
Reviews
Softears creates reference-quality in-ear monitors for professional monitoring. The brand features passive driver modules that relieve ear pressure without compromising isolation, and complex 15-component crossover networks more akin to high-end loudspeakers. Known for extreme transparency that can even expose recording flaws, Softears delivers flat-impedance designs engineered for pro interface.
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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 creates reference-quality in-ear monitors for professional monitoring. The brand features passive driver modules that relieve ear pressure without compromising isolation, and complex 15-component crossover networks more akin to high-end loudspeakers. Known for extreme transparency that can even expose recording flaws, Softears delivers flat-impedance designs engineered for pro interface.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
ZMF
Caldera Closed
3499
3499
/
7
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.
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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 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

What competes at this price?

HIFIMAN
Svanar
1999
/
Released
2023
SVANAR — HiFiMAN's Flagship Single Dynamic Driver IEM with Over-Ear Detail.
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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

  • 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 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
HIFIMAN
Audivina
1999
/
Released
2023
AUDIVINA — Closed-Back Planar Headphones delivering spacious, high-fidelity sound through Stealth Magnet technology in a stunning, ergonomic design.
Check Amazon
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

  • 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.

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
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.
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DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
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 is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
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.
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T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
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 hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
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.
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Meze Audio is a hifi brand known for their unique Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver technology, which provides an immersive sound experience with a frequency range of 3 Hz to 112 kHz. Their headphones feature distinctive design elements like black walnut wood ear cups and detachable magnetic ear pads, setting them apart from typical plastic or metal designs in the premium headphone market.
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 hifi brand known for their unique Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver technology, which provides an immersive sound experience with a frequency range of 3 Hz to 112 kHz. Their headphones feature distinctive design elements like black walnut wood ear cups and detachable magnetic ear pads, setting them apart from typical plastic or metal designs in the premium headphone market.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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