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

  • Comfortable for extended wear, with reviewers sometimes forgetting they are wearing headphones
  • Sound reproduction is transparent and reliable, providing an accurate monitoring experience
  • Good at isolation, making it easier to identify unwanted sounds in recordings
  • Excellent build quality and handsome design using aluminum
  • Midrange accuracy is a strong point, potentially comparable to the HD600

Product Considerations

  • The bass can be a little bloated
  • Some find the earpads stiff and uncomfortable initially
  • Treble may be a bit too recessed
  • Cable microphonics can be an issue

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Focal Allegias, the NDH 20 offers a more neutral tuning
  • Compared to the Sennheiser HD 650, both models convey the midrange accuracy about the same, but the Sennheisers are lighter in the bass and a little brighter in the upper mid/treble area

Takeaway: The NDH 20 offers a combination of comfort, isolation, and accurate sound, making it a solid choice for studio use. It is a well-built and reliable tool for those needing a focused monitoring 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

NDH 20

reviews

[{"title":"Neumann NDH 20 Headphones Review/Rundown for Home Studio Voiceover & Audiobook Narration","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FBEmGKdZsQ","source":"Jay Myers Voiceover","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Neumann NDH 20 And NDH 30 Are Terrible For Mixing And Mastering","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2Xrg9zxzGE","source":"Sanjay C","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"Neumann NDH20 Headphone Review: Closed back hype","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbieF22XgO8","source":"Sweetwater","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Neumann NDH 20 Headphones (Unboxing/Review)","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2kj36cLPtY","source":"Chrys Gringo","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Neumann NDH 20 Studio Headphone Review","link":"https://www.sonarworks.com/blog/reviews/neumann-ndh20-headphone-review","source":"sonarworks.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Neumann NDH 20 Headphones Review","link":"https://tapeop.com/reviews/gear/132/ndh-20-headphones","source":"tapeop.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Neumann NDH 20","link":"https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/neumann-ndh-20","source":"soundonsound.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"You get what you pay for…Neumann NDH 20 Review","link":"https://jaymyersvoiceover.com/blog-ideas/you-get-what-you-pay-forneumann-ndh-20-review","source":"jaymyersvoiceover.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Acoustic principle: Dynamic Closed
  • Transducer diameter: 38 mm (1 1/2")
  • Nominal Impedance: 150 Ohms
  • Frequency response: 5 - 30,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: 114 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 Vrms)
  • Max input power handling: 1000 mW
  • THD: <0.10% at 1 kHz and 100 dB SPL
  • Sound isolation: >34 dB (>4 kHz)
  • Cable length: Spiraled 1.5 - 3.0 m (5' - 10'), Straight 3.0 m (10')
  • Weight excluding cable: 390 g (13 3/4 oz)
The Neumann NDH 20 is a closed-back headphone combining excellent isolation with the carefully balanced sound image and outstanding resolution you'd expect from a Neumann product. The NDH 20 is thus ideally suited to monitoring and mixing tasks, even in loud and noisy environments. Circumaural memory foam ear pads offer high long-term comfort.
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:

  • Neumann headphones are designed with a focus on professional use, aiming to provide a neutral and accurate reference for mixing and mastering, mirroring the sound signature of their studio monitors.
  • Neumann headphones are designed to deliver high technical performance, with low distortion and a detailed sound, making them suitable for critical listening and identifying subtle issues in audio.

NDH 20

  • Positioning: An entry-level closed-back headphone designed for reliable isolation in daily studio tasks.
  • Description: Delivers a balanced sound signature with clear mids and good noise isolation, making it best for users in smaller working spaces or those with limited budgets. In contrast to the open-back NDH 30 series, its simpler design favors portability and effective isolation without extra premium features.

NDH 20 Black Edition

  • Positioning: A premium closed-back variant that offers enhanced build materials and refined aesthetics.
  • Description: Features a sturdy aluminum and spring steel construction that adds durability and a sleeker look. Compared to the standard NDH 20 and open-back models like the NDH 30, its improved physical design offers a subtle upgrade for those needing extra resilience in demanding studio environments.

NDH 30

  • Positioning: A professional open-back headphone built for mixing and mastering in spacious or controlled acoustic setups.
  • Description: Provides high-resolution stereo imaging and an extended frequency range that supports detailed audio work. Unlike the NDH 20 series, its open design contributes to a natural soundstage and greater comfort during long sessions, though it lacks the enhanced aesthetics of the Black Edition models.

NDH 30 Black Edition

  • Positioning: The flagship open-back headphone that combines advanced engineering with a superior, refined construction.
  • Description: Features a premium metal grille and lightweight design that bring state-of-the-art technical performance and durability for professionals with comprehensive functionality needs. In comparison to all other models in the lineup, the NDH 30 Black Edition stands out with heightened technical sophistication and a build quality that justifies its position as the top choice for demanding studio applications.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
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Brand Popularity
807
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Products Listed
4
Founding Year
1928

Our take on the brand

Neumann pioneered studio recording technology by creating the first mass-produced condenser microphone in 1928 and introducing then-novel features like remotely switchable polar patterns. The company also manufactured the record-cutting lathes that defined vinyl mastering—a rare dual legacy. The brand offers faithful reissues of historic microphones built from original blueprints and studio monitors with phase linearization DSP, serving professional recording engineers and classical music producers who demand period-correct sonics and precise acoustic control.

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?

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From our interview with
.
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What if you spend more?

Product image
Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay H95
1250
1250
/
10
Reviews
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.
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Expand Details

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
HIFIMAN
Audivina
1999
1999
/
9
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

  • 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
Product image
Fostex
TH900mk2(BP)
1529
1529
/
8
Reviews
Fostex is a hifi headphone brand known for its proprietary 4th-generation RP planar-magnetic drivers, developed over 50+ years, BioDyna biocellulose diaphragms, and hand-finished Urushi lacquered housings on Japanese birch wood. With deep DIY speaker heritage, their T50RP platform has earned unique renown as a modding canvas, supported by extensive community documentation that treats it as a baseline for higher-end builds.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality and durability with high-quality materials like Japanese cherry birch wood and metal components
  • Comfortable to wear for extended periods due to well-distributed weight, and plush, well-padded leather earcups and headband
  • Strong and capable bass response, delivering both sub-bass extension and textured mid-bass impact, without bleeding into the midrange
  • Produces a large soundstage for a closed-back headphone, with strong imaging qualities
  • Excellent quality cable with good flexibility

Product Considerations

  • The headband design may fray over time with prolonged use
  • Some reviewers found the treble to be 'spicy' or piercing, potentially harsh on certain recordings
  • The sound signature is V-shaped, with a scooped midrange that may not be ideal for genres requiring a flat mid-range response like classical, or jazz
  • The cable is not detachable in some models

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Audeze LCD-XC: The TH900mk2(BP) offers stronger low-end texture and deeper visceral kick, while the LCD-XC has better-controlled bass at all times
  • Vs Mr. Speakers Ether C: Ether C has a more uniform top-to-bottom balance, non-fatiguing sound, and polished upper treble smoothness, the TH900mk2(BP) is more lively and upfront
  • Vs beyerdynamic T5p: The TH900mk2(BP) offers a grander soundstage with more life in the low end and is smoother overall, while the T5p has a sharper edge and potentially more detail
  • Vs Sennheiser HD800S/HD820: HD800S and HD820 have better mid-centric performance

Takeaway: The Fostex TH900mk2(BP) is a beautifully crafted and comfortable headphone that delivers powerful bass and a dynamic sound signature, making it an enjoyable listening experience. Its build quality ensures long-term use and enjoyment for those who appreciate a closed-back design with a wide soundstage.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Fostex is a hifi headphone brand known for its proprietary 4th-generation RP planar-magnetic drivers, developed over 50+ years, BioDyna biocellulose diaphragms, and hand-finished Urushi lacquered housings on Japanese birch wood. With deep DIY speaker heritage, their T50RP platform has earned unique renown as a modding canvas, supported by extensive community documentation that treats it as a baseline for higher-end builds.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
ZMF
Vérité Closed
2499
2499
/
8
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

  • Incredible level of craftsmanship that blends premium materials and exotic woods in a visually striking, heirloom-quality headphone
  • Comfort is nearly the best experienced in a headphone, feeling light, and the headband's comfort strap, in combination with the pads, distributes the weight perfectly
  • Characterized by fast, snappy transients and natural decay
  • Very good balance, and the Vérité Closed is a marvelous design feat that shows the true potential of closed-back headphones
  • Soundstage is very spacious and open-sounding

Product Considerations

  • The tonality and presentation will change drastically depending on the pads used
  • A little bit forward by maybe 2-3dB, which adds just a little bit of sibilance in the lower treble

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Stellia, the reviewer keeps only the Vérité Closed
  • Compared to the Focal Utopia, the Vérité Closed beats it in terms of tonality, timbre, staging, and imaging
  • Compared to the HD800, the reviewer prefers the Vérité Closed, and most would agree

Takeaway: The Vérité Closed is a well-built headphone with a unique and versatile sound, superb comfort, and sturdy build—a marvelous design feat that shows the true potential of closed-back headphones. Its excellent sound isolation and enjoyable sound signature make it great for office, desk use, or musical enjoyment at home.

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?

Neumann
NDH 20 Black Edition
599
/
Released
2022
The Neumann NDH 20 is a closed-back headphone combining excellent isolation with the carefully balanced sound image and outstanding resolution you'd expect from a Neumann product. The NDH 20 is thus ideally suited to monitoring and mixing tasks, even in loud and noisy environments. Circumaural memory foam ear pads offer high long-term comfort. Now also available in a Black Edition.
Check Amazon
Neumann pioneered studio recording technology by creating the first mass-produced condenser microphone in 1928 and introducing then-novel features like remotely switchable polar patterns. The company also manufactured the record-cutting lathes that defined vinyl mastering—a rare dual legacy. The brand offers faithful reissues of historic microphones built from original blueprints and studio monitors with phase linearization DSP, serving professional recording engineers and classical music producers who demand period-correct sonics and precise acoustic control.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent build quality and ergonomically amazing, comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Frequency response is even end to end, even when the volume is cranked up or turned down
  • So good that they can substitute for near field monitors
  • Cancels out sound well without pressure mounting on the head

Product Considerations

  • Earpads are memory foam, but they also happen to be very stiff
  • Proprietary locking mechanism for the headphone side of the jack, and that might make finding aftermarket cables a little bit difficult
  • The treble is a little bit too recessed, which is a problem that's further exacerbated by the fact that the bass is a little bit bloated
  • Soundstage is quite intimate, and imaging is good, but not spectacular

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Focal: Focal has better resolution, dynamics, and soundstage overall
  • Vs Sennheiser: NDH20 has a very similar build quality

Takeaway: The Neumann NDH 20 is an extremely well-built headphone with a comfortable design and clear sound. It is worth a listen for anyone looking for a warm, neutral closed-back headphone for monitoring and music enjoyment.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Neumann pioneered studio recording technology by creating the first mass-produced condenser microphone in 1928 and introducing then-novel features like remotely switchable polar patterns. The company also manufactured the record-cutting lathes that defined vinyl mastering—a rare dual legacy. The brand offers faithful reissues of historic microphones built from original blueprints and studio monitors with phase linearization DSP, serving professional recording engineers and classical music producers who demand period-correct sonics and precise acoustic control.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Bang & Olufsen
Beoplay HX
749
/
Released
2021
Wireless over ear headphones. Listen in comfort whether you're on a call, working from home or taking a moment for yourself.
Check Amazon
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

  • Exquisite build quality with premium materials, like anodized aluminum, memory foam, lambskin leather, and high-quality polymer
  • Very comfortable, generously padded with memory foam wrapped in lambskin, and the headband distributes pressure evenly
  • Long battery life, up to 35 hours with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off
  • Sound quality is rich, refined, spacious, balanced, and impressively detailed
  • Good voice pickup and decent noise suppression in moderately noisy environments
  • Connectivity options are available

Product Considerations

  • Round ear pads may pull down on ear cartilage and rest on ear lobes
  • The HX can only be laid down flat, they are not fully collapsible
  • ANC is good, but not quite at the level of industry leaders
  • Touch panel is awkward to use, and touches are often not registered properly

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sony 1000XM4/XM5 and Bose 700, ANC on the HX is not quite at the level of these industry leaders
  • Vs the H95, the HX are more sensible, and noticeably cheaper
  • Vs the Sony XM3, the HX looks far more refined
  • Vs the Apple AirPods Max, the HX has up to 15 hours of additional battery life, and are also 100g lighter
  • Vs the Bowers & Wilkins PX7, the HX brings a slightly higher level of refinement, showcasing detail and nuances that are missed

Takeaway: The Beoplay HX are beautifully made headphones that deliver excellent sound quality and are highly comfortable. If the user values aesthetics as much as audio and is willing to pay a premium for quality, then the HX is worth consideration.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Audio-Technica
ATH-WP900
699
/
Released
2020
The ATH-WP900 portable over-ear headphones feature beautiful flame maple housings for high-fidelity on-the-go listening and high aesthetics. Maple is a stiff, dense wood often used to make string instruments such as guitars and violins. Here, we've fused a thin slice of flame-grain maple on top of solid, machined maple to produce housings that ensure clear, natural sound quality. The flame maple finish, provided by Japanese guitar manufacturer Fujigen, brings out the unique grain of each housing for a one-of-a-kind beauty that will deepen with age.
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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

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Flame maple housings are crafted with precision and look premium, adding both durability and aesthetic value
  • Delivers exceptional clarity with detailed highs and a balanced mid-range
  • Lightweight and comfortable, making them easy to wear for extended periods
  • Offers a fast, tight, clean, and well-separated sound signature with a colorful and multidimensional soundstage
  • Easy to drive, making them suitable for use with various portable sources

Product Considerations

  • Bass response may feel a little too neutral for some listeners who prefer more emphasis on the low end
  • The low midrange is somewhat recessed, which might rob male vocalists of presence and richness
  • The included soft case may not be sufficient for protecting the headphones

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Focal Stelia or Sennheiser HD800S, the ATH-WP900 excels in build quality and high-frequency clarity, but those alternatives might be better for bass enthusiasts
  • The WP900 has a natural sense of detail and energy, similar to Grado mids, but unlike a Grado, it delivers a fun, thumping bass line
  • Compared to the Sennheiser HD-660S or the Beyerdynamic DT-1990 Pro, those alternatives offer a bit more warmth and bass presence, albeit with different designs

Takeaway: The ATH-WP900 headphones are a great choice for audiophiles who value clarity and a unique aesthetic design. The build quality and easy portability make them a set of headphones that is fun to use.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
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.
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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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Master & Dynamic
MW75
599
/
Released
2022
The MW75 Active Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones deliver detailed, serious acoustics and custom-tailored sound with 40mm Beryllium drivers and Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation for the perfect combination of sound and silence. Choose to listen in Adaptive, MAX, or All Day ANC modes for more tailored listening.
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Master & Dynamic is a hifi audio brand that uses unconventional materials, including beryllium drivers across their entire lineup, tempered glass ear cups on headphones, and sapphire glass on earbuds, with handcrafted acetate shells reminiscent of luxury eyewear. They've also created unique products, such as a 35-pound wireless speaker with a concrete composite enclosure, and integrated EEG sensors into headphones to track focus and trigger brain-break prompts.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Premium build quality with materials like lambskin leather, aluminum, and tempered glass, gives it a solid and luxurious feel
  • Comfortable for extended wear, due to soft memory foam padding on earcups and headband, and a balanced headband
  • Balanced sound signature with warm bass, clean mids, and well-defined treble, making it suitable for various music genres
  • Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) significantly reduces low-frequency sounds
  • Comprehensive package includes various adapters for different connections, and a hard-shell carrying case for protection

Product Considerations

  • The earcup size might be too small for some users, potentially affecting comfort and seal
  • Some reviewers found the clamping force to be loose, which could be an issue for active use
  • Audible hiss can be noticeable when ANC is activated
  • The app lacks a customizable graphic EQ
  • Ambient mode is subtle and might not let in as much surrounding sound as competing models

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5, the Master & Dynamic MW75 delivers above-average ANC performance, but it is not class-leading
  • Compared to the Bose QuietComfort 45, the Master & Dynamic MW75 has an audible ANC hiss

Takeaway: The Master & Dynamic MW75 are stylish and comfortable headphones that deliver excellent audio quality and decent noise cancellation. They are a great choice for those looking for a premium listening experience and appreciate high-quality materials.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Master & Dynamic is a hifi audio brand that uses unconventional materials, including beryllium drivers across their entire lineup, tempered glass ear cups on headphones, and sapphire glass on earbuds, with handcrafted acetate shells reminiscent of luxury eyewear. They've also created unique products, such as a 35-pound wireless speaker with a concrete composite enclosure, and integrated EEG sensors into headphones to track focus and trigger brain-break prompts.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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