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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, 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.
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
Rognir
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
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Acoustic Design: Closed-back
- Driver Type: Planar Magnetic
- Driver Size: 80mm
- Membrane Material: 20μm Polyimide
- Sensitivity: 115 dB/1V
- Impedance: 32Ω ± 5%
- Cable Connection: Dual-sided
- Connectors: 2 x miniXLR to 6.3mm jack
- Weight (without cable): 420g
Description
This model is designed for discerning audiophiles, combining outstanding sound characteristics and innovative technical solutions with the highest level of listening comfort and striking design that emphasizes the headphones' premium segment status. The appearance of Rognir revolutionized the concept of how closed planar magnetic headphones can sound.
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
$1,001-$2,500
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?
What other products pair best with yours?
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Used
Kennerton
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
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.
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 a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Product Page
Product Page
ZMF
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.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
Spirit Torino
Radiante
2756
2756
/
4
Reviews
Spirit Torino is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered the Twin Pulse Isobaric System, which uses two synchronized drivers working as one to deliver speaker-like dynamics and weight uncommon in headphones. The brand follows an "inertial frame" philosophy with heavy, mass-loaded aluminum shells and user-tunable mechanical filters that allow listeners to adjust sound signatures without EQ.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Superb build quality with high-quality materials and Italian styling
- A large soundstage and good imaging create a sense of space beyond the ears
- A deep, full, fast, and refined sound is delivered with detail and energy
- Offers customizability through cable choices and a Partializer Filter to adjust frequency response
Product Considerations
- The Radiante are quite heavy, weighing 460-470g (without cable)
- The headband is poorly padded, making the Radiante uncomfortable for some users
- The passive radiator offers limited passive isolation
- The bass may be excessive for some listeners
- It can be a bit fiddly to adjust the Partializer filters
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMAN Jade II: The soundstage on the Jade II is larger, but it is deeper on the Radiante, which also offer better imaging
Takeaway: The Spirit Torino Radiante offers a luxurious and customizable listening experience with a well-crafted design and engaging sound. If someone wants a closed-back headphone that delivers above and beyond in terms of sound, engagement, style, and comfort with the ability to adjust sonic characteristics, the Radiante could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Spirit Torino is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered the Twin Pulse Isobaric System, which uses two synchronized drivers working as one to deliver speaker-like dynamics and weight uncommon in headphones. The brand follows an "inertial frame" philosophy with heavy, mass-loaded aluminum shells and user-tunable mechanical filters that allow listeners to adjust sound signatures without EQ.
Product Page
Product Page
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Audio-Technica
ATH-AWKG
4499
4499
/
2
Reviews
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Expand Details
Video review
Our take on the brand
Audio-Technica is a Japanese hifi brand that stands out with their Direct Power System phono cartridges, which place coils directly above the stylus tip for faster transients; their Pure Digital Drive wireless headphones that bypass internal DACs; and their proprietary A2DC connector system for more secure connections. The brand maintains exceptional in-house manufacturing depth, with hand-assembled wooden headphones crafted from Japanese woods in Tokyo and phono cartridge production at their Fukui plant.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Kennerton
Gjallarhorn GH50 JM Edition
1451
/
Released
2021
The Gjallarhorn GH50 is the world's first horn headphones. The main advantage of horn headphones is the ability to develop sound pressure and deliver excellent dynamics with minimal distortion. Gjallarhorn reproduces the finest musical nuances and most fully and accurately conveys the emotions of performers.
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
- 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
/
Released
2021
The Rognir Dynamic headphones are Kennerton Audio's first model based on their flagship planar magnetic design but equipped with dynamic drivers. While the choice of driver type comes down to individual audiophile preferences with each having unique sound transmission advantages, Kennerton Audio aimed to create a model that combines the best of both types.
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
Kennerton
Rognir Dynamic Valkyrie
1133
/
Released
2025
The Rognir Dynamic Valkyrie headphones are the newest version of the flagship Rognir Dynamic model. While the Rognir Dynamic is the choice of audiophiles who prefer neutral sound, proper balance between low, mid and high ranges, detail and speed, the Rognir Dynamic Valkyrie is designed for music lovers who equally value drive, liveliness and musical emotions.
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
Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay H95
1250
/
Released
2020
Immersive noise cancelling headphones. Hear every detail. Moving. Meticulous. Mesmerising. Immerse yourself with our adjustable noise-cancelling headphones that put a spin on grab-and-go-listening.
Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Gorgeous design and fantastic build quality with premium materials, like titanium, aluminum, lambskin leather, and cowhide leather
- Extremely comfortable and lightweight (around 323-333 grams), with oval-shaped earcups suitable for larger ears for long listening periods
- Intuitive controls, including a mix of touch and physical controls, like responsive touchpads and tactile dials for precise volume and ANC adjustments
- Sound quality is well-balanced and versatile, making them suitable for various music genres, with particularly good performance for classical music, podcasts, and rock
- Amazing noise cancellation performance, effectively blocking out mid- and treble-range noises
Product Considerations
- Very high retail price
- Earcups are not very deep
- Not very portable due to a bulky design
- A heavier side, which can develop a little bit of strain on the back of the neck
- The Bang & Olufsen app does not work well, spending a long time trying to connect to the H95 most of the time
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Bathys: The Focal Bathys is cheaper and better in sound quality
- Vs Bose QC45s: The Bose QC45s are a little bit more effective in cancelling the high end of mid-range frequencies that you would get from a busy cafe
- Vs AirPods Max: The H95 manages to separate all the layers very beautifully, the AirPods Max is not on par
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The PX8 is more muffled
- Vs Cambridge Audio P100: The P100 has more clarity and crisp sound to that treble without having that sibilance
Takeaway: If you want a luxurious pair of headphones with amazing build quality and very good noise cancellation, the Beoplay H95 could be a good option. The sound quality is great, and they are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bang & Olufsen is a luxury hifi speaker brand known for its Acoustic Lens Technology, which delivers 180° horizontal sound dispersion—features like the BeoLab 90's 18 individually amplified drivers offer user-selectable beam patterns. The Danish company distinguishes itself through vertically integrated aluminum manufacturing in Struer, a factory-led program that restores and modernizes its classic products, and transparent engineering documentation led by in-house tonmeister Geoff Martin.
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.
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.
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