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
Model I
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Style: Over-ear, closed back
- Transducer type: Planar magnetic
- Magnetic structure: AUDEZE Proprietary magnet array
- Frequency response: 20 Hz to 45 kHz
- Phase management: Non-Fazor
- Magnet type: Neodymium N50
- Diaphragm type: Ultra-thin
- Transducer size: 106 mm
- Maximum power handling: 5W RMS
- Maximum SPL: >130dB
- THD: <0.1& @ 100dB
- Impedance: 70 ohms
- Sensitivity: 101 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point)
- Minimum power requirement: >100mW
- Recommended power level: >250mW
- Weight: 612g
Description
It is often a challenge to find a portable monitoring solution. It is great when you can take real traditional speakers and have a space for monitoring, however this is much more equipment to carry and not all spaces can accomodate this. After surveying the market, the Nagra team sought a custom solutions for its loyal customers. Portable audio recorders that operate on batteries cannot accomodate a full-scale headphones amplifier. Thus Nagra and the AUDEZE team joined forces to design unique Nagra headphones.
It is often a challenge to find a portable monitoring solution.
It is great when you can take real traditional speakers and have a space for monitoring, however this is much more equipment to carry and not all spaces can accomodate this.
After surveying the market, the Nagra team sought a custom solutions for its loyal customers.
Portable audio recorders that operate on batteries cannot accomodate a full-scale headphones amplifier. Thus Nagra and the AUDEZE team joined forces to design unique Nagra headphones.
Nagra Model I – closed-back monitoring headphonesShareNagra Model I front headphones monitoring studio closed design
It is a closed-back model which provides enough isolation to focus on the recording. The Nagra Model I monitoring headphones offer a very wide bandwidth, super acurate timbre.
Images are 3D with instruments and voices appearing in front rather than above one's head, as is often the case with other headphones .
Delivered in a rugged case to bring around the world for your most demanding sessions.
It is great when you can take real traditional speakers and have a space for monitoring, however this is much more equipment to carry and not all spaces can accomodate this.
After surveying the market, the Nagra team sought a custom solutions for its loyal customers.
Portable audio recorders that operate on batteries cannot accomodate a full-scale headphones amplifier. Thus Nagra and the AUDEZE team joined forces to design unique Nagra headphones.
Nagra Model I – closed-back monitoring headphonesShareNagra Model I front headphones monitoring studio closed design
It is a closed-back model which provides enough isolation to focus on the recording. The Nagra Model I monitoring headphones offer a very wide bandwidth, super acurate timbre.
Images are 3D with instruments and voices appearing in front rather than above one's head, as is often the case with other headphones .
Delivered in a rugged case to bring around the world for your most demanding sessions.
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:
- Nagra products draw heavily from their professional audio recording heritage, evident in their rugged build quality, compact form factor, and the inclusion of the iconic Modulometer.
- The company meticulously handcrafts its own components, including transformers and custom capacitors, often exceeding industry standards by rejecting a significant portion of sourced parts to maintain exceptional quality control.
- Nagra integrates sophisticated solid-state electronics with vacuum tubes, achieving a balance of modern performance with the desirable sonic characteristics of tubes, often described as a musical and emotionally engaging experience.
- They offer a modular system approach, where external power supplies and vibration-free systems can significantly enhance the performance of their components, allowing for a scalable upgrade path.
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Nagra Classic Amp
- Positioning: The entry-level high-end amplifier in Nagra's lineup, suitable for high-quality installations.
- Description: Features pure class A operation over a large power band. Uses tandem MOSFET transistors, which are simpler than the more complex designs in the Reference and HD lines. Its power supply concept with an overdimensioned transformer ensures stability, but it lacks the advanced mechanical damping and larger power supplies found in the more expensive models. Making it ideal for smaller rooms or those with a moderate budget.
Nagra HD Amp
- Positioning: A high-end model designed for ultimate performance in large rooms with demanding speakers.
- Description: Features a 1600 VA transformer and a dual Pi filter for stable power delivery. Offers more power and a larger chassis compared to the Classic Amp, making it suitable for larger spaces and those seeking a more powerful soundstage. However, it does not have the latest mechanical and electronic improvements of the Reference Amp.
Nagra Reference Amp
- Positioning: The flagship model, representing the pinnacle of Nagra's amplifier technology.
- Description: Distinguished by its new power supply, 25% larger than the HD Amp, and features like adjustable resonance decoupling feet and new input circuits. Offers the most refined sound with increased class A operation and advanced mechanical damping. Compared to the HD Amp, it provides even greater sonic detail and flexibility in matching with various speakers and room acoustics.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
14
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
183
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
19
Founding Year
1951
Our take on the brand
Nagra Audio, a Swiss brand with roots in professional recording and film (including two Oscars for soundtracks), brings watchmaking-level precision to their hifi equipment through extensive in-house manufacturing of components like transformers. Their HD Preamp and Classic DAC showcase unique technologies, including virtual battery power supplies and PCM-to-DSD conversion, while their commitment to quality is demonstrated by rejecting over half of their tested valves to maintain exceptional standards.
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What if you spend more?
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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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 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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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
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.
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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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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 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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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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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.
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What competes at this price?
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 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.
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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.
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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 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.
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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.
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HIFIMAN
Svanar
1999
/
Released
2023
SVANAR — HiFiMAN's Flagship Single Dynamic Driver IEM with Over-Ear Detail.
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.
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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 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.
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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.
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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 a hifi audio brand best known for headphones that use FLAT (Filtered Linear Attenuation Tuning) to maintain frequency response consistency across different sources, and PHAT (Phase Harmony Attenuation Technology) to deliver exceptionally smooth treble extension until 20 kHz.
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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 a hifi audio brand best known for headphones that use FLAT (Filtered Linear Attenuation Tuning) to maintain frequency response consistency across different sources, and PHAT (Phase Harmony Attenuation Technology) to deliver exceptionally smooth treble extension until 20 kHz.
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