Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Nota Bene
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Acoustic Design: Semi-open
- Driver Type: Dynamic
- Driver Membrane: Mylar-graphene composite
- Driver Diameter: 50 mm
- Sensitivity: 115 dB / 1V
- Impedance: 32 Ohm ± 5%
- Cable Connection: Dual-sided
- Connectors: 2 x miniXLR — 6.3 mm jack
- Weight (without cable): 370g
Description
Well-balanced across the entire frequency range, Nota Bene confidently handles various music genres - from classical and 70s rock to modern heavy and electronic styles. Our engineers found the perfect combination of driver settings with the acoustic chamber. Nota Bene turned out bright and musical, while maintaining clarity, bass dynamics and overall drive.
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:
- The brand employs planar magnetic drivers in many of their headphones, often custom-designed, with a strong emphasis on minimizing internal resonances and maximizing diaphragm control, resulting in detailed and accurate sound reproduction.
- Kennerton focuses on comfort and ergonomics, with features such as self-adjusting headbands and plush earpads designed for long listening sessions.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Gjallarhorn GH-40 Con Brio
- Positioning: The entry-level dynamic headphone aimed at users seeking compact design and ease of use in small spaces.
- Description: Offers a robust dynamic driver design with a well-tuned acoustic chamber that provides clear sound for everyday listening. Compared to the other models in the lineup, its simpler engineering and lower price make it attractive for users with modest budgets and basic functionality needs.
Heartland Dynamic
- Positioning: A dynamic headphone variant designed for users who need versatility and portability without sacrificing sound quality.
- Description: Features an updated dynamic diaphragm that improves clarity and driver response, providing a balanced sound signature that stands apart from planar offerings. When compared with the Gjallarhorn model, it offers enhanced mid-range performance and better portability.
Thekk Novel
- Positioning: An entry-level planar magnetic headphone aimed at delivering refined sound quality at an accessible price.
- Description: Uses a unique planar magnetic driver to impart precise detail and an even soundstage, setting it apart from the dynamic models in the range.
Heartland (Planar Magnetic)
- Positioning: A mid-tier planar magnetic headphone built to offer a refined listening experience with improved linearity and soundstage clarity.
- Description: Incorporates planar magnetic technology to deliver a clean, wide sound field that distinguishes it from the dynamic counterparts. In comparison with Thekk Novel and Vinneta, it strikes a balanced compromise between technical innovation and cost.
Vinneta
- Positioning: A high-end planar magnetic headphone designed for the most demanding audiophiles who expect top-tier performance.
- Description: Integrates planar magnetic innovations that deliver an expansive soundstage and meticulous imaging, marking it as the flagship in the lineup. When set against the other models, its superior build quality and refined performance demonstrate the highest technical sophistication.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
808
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
28
Founding Year
2011
Our take on the brand
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
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?
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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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From our interview with
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Used
Kennerton
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What if you spend more?
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Kennerton
Rognir
1390
1390
/
9
Reviews
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Expand Details
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Product Strengths
- Wide soundstage, comparable to open-back headphones, is unusual for a closed-back design
- Clarity and impact with excellent separation of instruments and elements within music
- High build quality, often using wood in the earcups
- The mid-range is accentuated and colored, providing a unique sound signature
- Good isolation
Product Considerations
- The high-end may be bright for some listeners
- Relatively large and bulky, it may not be ideal for on-the-go use
- Shallow ear cups may cause discomfort for people with larger ears
- Can be source-dependent, performing best with warmer sources
- May be too intense or aggressive for some listeners or genres of music
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Rognir has similar mid-range color and bass handling to the Kennerton Valley or Gjallarhorn, but with more unique coloring and extreme sound separation
- Sounds similar to the LSA HP2 but better in every way
- Has less mid-bass weight and punch than the HiFiMan Arya Stealth with stock pads
- Produces equal or better female vocals than the Kennerton Odin and ZMF Vérité with tapered, non-perforated earpads
- Offers something even the Meze Empyrean didn't, which is that music can be enjoyed at full volume while someone else is sleeping nearby
- More fun to listen to than the Audeze LCD-4, while still offering great detail
Takeaway: The Rognir is a unique, high-end headphone that provides a clear and immersive listening experience with a wide soundstage and impressive detail. With good build quality and a comfortable fit, it is a great choice for audiophiles looking for a detailed, enjoyable listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Product Page
Product Page
Kennerton
Wodan
2222
2222
/
5
Reviews
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Lightweight for a planar magnetic headphone, enhancing comfort
- Outstanding build quality with premium materials, including real wood cups
- Easy to drive, working well with portable devices
- Wide and natural soundstage
- Detailed and transparent sound
Product Considerations
- Stock cable is stiffer
- Treble might be a bit rolled-off
- Bass is neutral, so not suitable for bass heads
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Kennerton HP-1, the Wodan has better sub-bass extension and a more refined sound
- Compared to the Kennerton Odin, the Wodan is more analytical and detailed, whereas the Odin is warmer and bassier
- Compared to the Erzetich Phobos, the Wodan has better sub-bass, less grain, and a more controlled treble, though the Phobos has a wider soundstage
- Compared to the Audeze LCD-4, the Wodan delivers very similar midrange performance, but is easier to drive, though the LCD-4 wins in sub-bass performance
- Compared to the Hifiman Arya, the Wodan has a nicer bass and midrange performance, is easier to drive, and offers a more natural soundstage
Takeaway: The Kennerton Wodan is a comfortable, well-built headphone that provides a detailed and transparent sound. It is easy to drive, making it versatile for different listening setups and musical tastes.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Product Page
Product Page
Kennerton
Gjallarhorn GH50 JM Edition
1451
1451
/
3
Reviews
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Wide soundstage for a closed-back headphone, creating an airy and surround sound-like experience
- Beefy, boosted bass response that is well-balanced and clean, providing a cinematic feel
- Comfortable design with plush earpads that don't create unpleasant heat or friction
- Clear and transparent high end that blends well with the overall sound signature
- Unique driver design uses Graphene to instill qualities of planar magnetic headphones into a dynamic driver
Product Considerations
- Recessed high-midrange can make vocals sound more neutral
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to other Kennerton headphones, the GH50 JM Edition has the most bass and a more balanced sound
Takeaway: The Gjallarhorn GH50 JM Edition is a comfortable and interesting headphone. It has a wide soundstage and nice bass, so it is a great choice for someone looking for a different listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Product Page
Product Page
Kennerton
Rognir Dynamic
1390
1390
/
2
Reviews
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Expand Details
Video review
Our take on the brand
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Kennerton
Magni
835
/
Released
2020
Magni is Kennerton's most popular headphone model, proven by time. Based on 50mm drivers equipped with graphene-coated membranes, they provide balanced, extremely realistic sound.
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good build quality and finish, with attention to detail and craftsmanship.
- Natural, organic, and well-balanced sound, with good detail.
- Spacious soundstage for a closed-back headphone.
- Very easy to drive and efficient, suitable for portable sources.
- Very good mid-range, with up-front vocals.
Product Considerations
- Treble can be a bit recessed or rolled-off.
- Burn-in time may be required before the sound settles.
- Can be critical of poor recording quality.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Tone balance is as good as HiFiMan Aria, but more dynamic and better with female vocals.
- Wider soundstage than Focal Celesti.
- Audeze LCD2 is darker.
- More high mid than beyerdynamic DT1770 Pro.
Takeaway: The Magni headphones are well-built and comfortable, offering a natural and enjoyable sound, with a surprising soundstage for closed-back headphones. It is a great choice for someone who wants a well-rounded headphone without needing a powerful amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Product Page
Product Page
Kennerton
Gjallarhorn GH-40 Con Brio
956
/
Released
The latest version of GH-40 "Con Brio" is distinguished from the previous version by having tangible sub-bass in its sound, and more pronounced holographic musicality and soundstage. The horn creates a fully immersive musical experience, providing an impressively wide range of sound for closed-type headphones with a near-horizontal plane.
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Great width and natural spatial positioning for a closed-back headphone
- Mids have good warmth that brings a soothing texture to instruments, with vocals given roomy space in the midrange to properly showcase detail
- Treble is resolving and smooth, finding a middle ground between brightness and balance, with crisp details in the upper highs
- Fantastic wooden headphone build
- Fairly decent as a traveling headphone
Product Considerations
- Bass has a pretty surface-level appearance
- Isolation is not the best
- With the included cable, it's not terminated in a mobile-friendly way
- Comfort and build are fine, but nothing particularly special
- Soundstage is not super wide
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Kennerton Gjallarhorn GH50: The GH50 had one of the best soundstages on a closed-back headphone, while the GH40 is still great, the GH50 is more impressive in this range overall
- Vs ZMF Oturs: The Oturs outperform the GH40 significantly
- Vs AURALiC: The GH40 has similar difficulty with isolating external sounds, the AURALiC has better bass extension and presence
Takeaway: The Gjallarhorn GH 40 is a beautiful wooden headphone that offers a unique sound experience with a wide soundstage and warm timbre. It could be a worthy contender for those wanting a closed-back headphone that brings something different.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Product Page
Product Page
Kennerton
M12 Titan Meister
635
/
Released
M12 Titan Meister is an updated model of the well-proven Titan headphones, featuring improved sound characteristics. The new neutral tuning provides accurate localization of sound images, allowing listeners to better perceive spatial effects and music details. Engineers added emphasis on low frequencies, making the sound richer and fuller while maintaining clarity and expressiveness.
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
Product Page
Product Page
Edifier
Stax Spirit S5
569
/
Released
2024
With solid innovation and advanced techniques, STAX SPIRIT S5 incorporates upgraded planar magnetic drivers and the latest Bluetooth technology into a compact and portable form factor. The 2μm thin film and 2nd gen EqualMass™ wiring technology endow the product with a performance comparable to legendary electrostatic headphones.
Edifier, a hifi audio brand, horn-loaded ribbon tweeters to affordable active monitors through their Airpulse series. The brand achieved the first Hi-Res Audio certified true wireless earbuds with their NeoBuds Pro and in 2010 became China's first publicly listed audio speaker company.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent wireless sound quality with clarity, detail, and balanced, refined sound.
- Good technical performance, particularly soundstage width.
- Multiple hifi audio codecs are supported, including LDAC, aptX HD, and aptX Lossless.
- The Edifier ConneX app provides a customizable EQ.
- Long battery life is quoted at 80 hours.
Product Considerations
- Active noise cancellation is lacking.
- Some reviewers find the fit awkward, with inadequate clamping force.
- Treble can sound a little metallic or plasticky.
- The use of animal hide might deter some buyers.
- The volume on wireless mode isn't always loud enough.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sennheiser Momentum 4, the Spirit S5 offers a more audiophile-like presentation with better soundstage and clarity.
- The Spirit S5 destroys the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Sennheiser Momentum 4s in terms of sound quality.
- The S5 sounds better than the Stax Spirit S3, with improvements across the board and new features.
Takeaway: The Stax Spirit S5 is a great-sounding wireless headphone that is comfortable and offers modern convenience. It is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to enjoy music with detail and clarity.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Edifier, a hifi audio brand, horn-loaded ribbon tweeters to affordable active monitors through their Airpulse series. The brand achieved the first Hi-Res Audio certified true wireless earbuds with their NeoBuds Pro and in 2010 became China's first publicly listed audio speaker company.
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FIIO
FT7
699
/
Released
2025
The FT7 features a 106mm large planar driver with a patented gold + silver multi-layer coating, 1μm thin special diaphragm, zebrawood grille, and uniform magnetic field. It employs a dual-sided neodymium magnet push-pull magnetic circuit system, weighs 427g with carbon fiber construction, includes lambskin/breathable fabric ear pads, and comes with a liquid nitrogen frozen monocrystalline copper cable and custom Yaoli linen storage bag.
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Uses premium materials like carbon fiber, metal, sheep lambskin earpads, and zebra wood faceplates for a luxurious feel, with excellent build quality
- Has a mostly neutral sound signature, with lambskin pads bass response is very good with a tasteful emphasis placed on the sub-bass region, and a decent midrange
- Provides good detail retrieval, resolution, and transparency of sound, the drivers can show plenty of information and micro detail
- A pad swapping system allows changes to sound characteristics, with lambskin pads and breathable fabric pads included
- Comes with a quarter-inch adapter and a 4-pin XLR adapter for use with portable or desktop devices
Product Considerations
- The stock cable is 3 meters long, which is too long for desktop use
- Headband adjustment can be a little stiff to move
- With leather pads, the highs can get slightly sharp
- There is a slight sharpness in the upper treble that might pose a problem for some listeners, using fabric pads can mitigate this
- Weight distribution could be better, there's not enough padding on the headband, and the clamp force is low, this distributes all the weight across the top of the head, which can be bothersome after 40-50 minutes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Susvara: Has a similar driver structure
- Vs HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled: Is close in terms of technical performance like resolution, transient response, soundstage, depth, and openness
- Vs HiFiMan Arya Stealth: Has a better build quality and bass response
Takeaway: The FiiO FT7 is a well-built, comfortable headphone that offers a neutral-leaning-warm sound that can be tailored with different earpads. The FT7 competes with other headphones that cost significantly more, making it a great pick at its price point.
Video review
Our take on the brand
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
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