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
- 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.
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
Vérité Closed
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
- Impedance: 300 Ω
- Driver: Vapor-deposited beryllium (PEN diaphragm with beryllium coating)
- Weight: 430 g ± 30 g (wood dependent)
- Sensitivity: ~99 dB/mW
Description
Vérité [veri'tā] is a term often used in film and television as a style that emphasizes reality, naturalism, and a sense of truth. The Vérité closed headphone creates a wider/deeper sound than traditional closed-back headphones with our unique damping system and acoustic design, while retaining all the characteristics owners love from the Vérité Open. Utilizing airflow porting for the construction of three-dimensional soundscapes of the acoustic image, our designs provide a natural, deep, and rounded stage without accentuating any single dimension.
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:
- ZMF Headphones are hand-crafted, using a wide array of wood choices, some of which are limited edition, making each headphone visually unique and potentially contributing to subtle sonic differences in decay and impact.
- The brand is committed to providing a personalized audio experience, offering a variety of interchangeable pads, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences.
- They offer a lifetime driver warranty on many of their products.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Auteur Classic Upgrade
- Positioning: An affordable retrofit option designed to enhance the original headphone's soundstage and resolution.
- Description: Offers a refreshed driver set with a larger stage, improved linear sub-bass, and lower distortion through features like the new wood baffle and Atrium Damping System. Stands apart from stock models by providing a cost‐effective, engineering driven upgrade that boosts performance without replacing the entire headphone system.
BOKEH Open
- Positioning: An open-back, semi-portable headphone made for easy driving and versatile listening environments.
- Description: Features a unique design with solid wood grilles made from SpectraPly, an exclusive oval cup formation, and the Atrium Damping System paired with specially developed Caldera pads for a balanced soundstage. In comparison to upgrade offerings and fully closed designs, it prioritizes portability and natural material aesthetics while retaining a refined open acoustic profile.
Vérité Open
- Positioning: A high-fidelity open headphone that emphasizes natural sound reproduction and dynamic range.
- Description: Uses an angled, deeply inset vapor-deposited beryllium driver design paired with premium sapele wood construction to deliver a true-to-life musical decay and heightened dynamics. Compared to the Auteur and BOKEH models, its focus is on delivering a transparent and authentic acoustic reproduction.
Atrium Closed
- Positioning: A closed-back headphone engineered to create a well-controlled, intimate listening space with precise damping.
- Description: Uses an atrium-tuned biocellulose driver along with a patent-pending damping system and carefully chosen wood accents like Cherry or Canarywood to maintain clarity without deadening the sound. In contrast to open designs such as the Vérité and BOKEH, it offers enhanced isolation and a controlled acoustic environment tailored for private or noisier settings.
Caldera Closed
- Positioning: The premium fully closed planar headphone that integrates advanced damping and patented technologies.
- Description: Features a 2 µm thick planar magnetic driver with CAMS technology, the patented Atrium Damping System, and an innovative Caldera Pad design that enhances sub-bass performance and isolation. Compared to the other models, it delivers a flagship level closed-back experience.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
6
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
448
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
12
Founding Year
2014
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.
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?
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
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Used
ZMF
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
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.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
ZMF
BOKEH Closed
1099
/
Released
2025
[BOH-kay] [BOW-kuh] is ZMF's closed, semi-portable, easy-to-drive, 80-ohm closed-back headphone. It incorporates trickle-down acoustic technology and the form factor from the rest of the ZMF line.
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
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Handmade with attention to detail, creating a sense of pride of ownership and a unique aesthetic experience
- Sound is immersive and enjoyable, with a warm and slightly dark signature and a pleasant texture, making it great for losing oneself in the music
- Easy to drive, scaling well with better equipment, making it versatile for different listening setups
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods due to good weight distribution and padding
- Build quality is rock solid, ensuring longevity with proper care
Product Considerations
- Pad rolling can be challenging and frustrating
- Treble is not super extended, which might not appeal to those who prefer a brighter sound signature with a lot of detail
- May be on the heavier side for some users
- Stock cable is noted as being a little on the stiffer side
- Sound isolation is only okay, and there are more effective headphones available at blocking out ambient sounds
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Clear: The Bokeh is more geared towards a certain audience, while the Clear does everything really well for the money
- Vs HiFiMan Arya Stealth: As much as the reviewer enjoys the Arya, and as much as they tend to prefer open-backed headphones over closed-back ones, they prefer the Bokeh’s sound profile to the Aryas
Takeaway: The ZMF Bokeh Closed offers a unique and enjoyable listening experience with its handcrafted design and warm, immersive sound. It is a versatile headphone that is easy to drive and comfortable, making it a great option for those seeking a special and personal audio experience.
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
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ZMF
Atrium Closed
2499
/
Released
2023
Atrium Closed is our answer to finding that special personal listening room that is damped to perfection. With closed headphones - the listener gets a finite space that is separate from the world, and all the trifles that come with it. In that closed acoustic space, is an age old engineering issue that needs to be carefully considered, so that the listener doesn't get the "dead" sound of an anechoic chamber, or the "deep space" sound of a cave. With PRODUCT: Atrium Closed featuring ADS Patent Pending tech - we've found that ultimate nirvana of closed back headphone sound, that is deep, wide, and punchy with euphonic control. Once inside, you'll never want to leave.
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
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Handcrafted with unique wood grain, making each headphone one-of-a-kind
- Solid build quality using high-end materials
- Wide soundstage for a closed-back headphone, offering a spacious listening experience
- Deep, hard-hitting bass that can be felt, while maintaining audiophile sound quality
- Vocals sound organic and lifelike, making them addictive to listen to
Product Considerations
- The stock cable may need to be upgraded to the pro cable for better quality and reliability
- The weight might be a concern for those sensitive to heavier headphones
- Some reviewers found the mid-range a little recessed, although enjoyable
- The Atrium Closed isn't particularly isolating
- The olive wood edition may be sold out
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Verite Closed, the Atrium Closed has a more even tuning and better resolution
- Compared to the MZ Lyric 2, the Atrium Closed is more dynamic and engaging with more impact, and is also less source picky
- Compared to the Dan Clark Audio E3, the Atrium Closed has more dynamic impact and is more enjoyable, but may not be as technically proficient
- Similar to the Atrium Open, but with more bass
- The Atrium Closed and Verite Open have very similar sound signatures
Takeaway: The Atrium Closed is a beautiful, well-built headphone that offers a fun, engaging sound with a wide soundstage for a closed-back design. It is a great choice if one wants something that looks as good as it sounds.
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
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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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Fostex
TH900mk2(BP)
1529
/
Released
2020
Premium model with Japanese Cherry Birch housings finished by Japanese traditional "Urushi" lacquer and silver foil. High-end closed headphones with the most acclaimed lacquered housing in the history of Fostex headphones. The "Urushi" lacquer Bordeaux-finished housing satisfies the pleasure of ownership along with high quality sound. These high-end sealed stereo headphones feature a newly developed driver unit with a magnetic flux density of 1.5 Tesla, a BioDyna diaphragm, and a 7N (OFC) cord with an optimized wire diameter.
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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Our Summary
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.
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Kennerton
Rognir
1390
/
Released
2021
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.
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, comparable to open-back headphones, is unusual for a closed-back design
- Clarity and impact with excellent separation of instruments and elements within music
- High build quality, often using wood in the earcups
- The mid-range is accentuated and colored, providing a unique sound signature
- Good isolation
Product Considerations
- The high-end may be bright for some listeners
- Relatively large and bulky, it may not be ideal for on-the-go use
- Shallow ear cups may cause discomfort for people with larger ears
- Can be source-dependent, performing best with warmer sources
- May be too intense or aggressive for some listeners or genres of music
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Rognir has similar mid-range color and bass handling to the Kennerton Valley or Gjallarhorn, but with more unique coloring and extreme sound separation
- Sounds similar to the LSA HP2 but better in every way
- Has less mid-bass weight and punch than the HiFiMan Arya Stealth with stock pads
- Produces equal or better female vocals than the Kennerton Odin and ZMF Vérité with tapered, non-perforated earpads
- Offers something even the Meze Empyrean didn't, which is that music can be enjoyed at full volume while someone else is sleeping nearby
- More fun to listen to than the Audeze LCD-4, while still offering great detail
Takeaway: The Rognir is a unique, high-end headphone that provides a clear and immersive listening experience with a wide soundstage and impressive detail. With good build quality and a comfortable fit, it is a great choice for audiophiles looking for a detailed, enjoyable listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.
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