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
- 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.
All
NDH 20 Black Edition
reviews

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: 3 m
- Ear cup contact pressure: 5.5-6.8 N
- Packed dimensions: 245 x 255 x 85 mm (9 5/8" x 10" x 3 3/8")
- Packed weight: 1.22 kg (2 lbs 11 oz)
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.
Select products
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.
Our take on the brand
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Used
Neumann
What if you spend more?
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
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
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
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
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
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.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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
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
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
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
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