MusicRadar Verdict
Lighter than its predecessor and arguably better looking, the HEDDphone Two is a much more comfortable proposition. But it's the wonderfully natural delivery that’s the star here.
Reasons to buy
- +
Accurate and balanced presentation
- +
Noticeably lighter than the previous model
- +
Excellent stereo imaging and frequency separation
- +
Comfortable fit
- +
Quality packaging and accessories
Reasons to avoid
- -
Headband adjustment somewhat fiddly
- -
Earcup backs are very open
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What is it?
Berlin-based manufacturer HEDD Audio is well known for its quality studio monitors, so the move into premium headphones with their original AMT driver HEDDphone came as no surprise. This was followed by the D1, a more affordable and more traditional driver based design. However, they have now added a new studio headphone design - HEDDphone Two - that aims to improve on the original HEDDphone.
Designed primarily for audio professionals, and with a price tag to match, the new model features a redesigned AMT (Air Motion Transformer) driver with VVT (Variable Velocity Transformation). This delivers excellent frequency extension (10Hz to 40kHz) and transient handling, and is also lighter than the original. Weight has been reduced using materials such as carbon fibre and magnesium, and the overall headphone weight comes in at roughly 75% of the original HEDDphone.
The headband design is also new, incorporating an adjustable strap system and padded headband. This and the newly-designed earpads both feature a faux leather finish for better comfort. Meanwhile the earcup mechanical attachment provides much better rotational flexibility.
The standard HEDDphone Two package includes a zip up hard shell case and a spare pair of earpads. There are also two 2.2m Y style cables - a regular cable with 6.35mm plug and a balanced cable with 4.4mm plug. Two corresponding adapters (3.5mm and XLR) support further connectivity. It’s worth noting HEDDphone Two is also available as a cable-free ‘Unplugged’ option, which at $1,699/£1,222 reduces the price considerably.
Performance
At this price point presentation is important and if you opt for the Standard package, HEDDphone Two arrives in a black desktop style storage cube comprising two slide-in boxes - one for the headphones and one for the accessories. This may seem a little over the top, but the latter does provide a suitable storage option for the rather fancy Kevlar infused braided cables and adapters. You’ll find the hard shell case can also accommodate one cable in its interior pocket.
As you may have deduced, HEDDphone Two uses detachable cables, and these follow a standard split design, connecting independently to each earcup. The included cables are clearly labelled, as are the earcups, so connecting up is self explanatory. Meanwhile, the plug connectors on the bottom of the earcups are angled forward, so orientating the headphones correctly when you put them on is straightforward.
HEDDphone Two is not a slimline design and at 550g not lightweight. However, the padded headband design, soft earpads and flexible earcup orientation make it an incredibly comfortable fit. You can also make some adjustment to the headband, although the unclipping process is somewhat fiddly.
HEDDphone Two is an open back design and undoubtedly one of the most open back headphones I’ve tested. What this means in the first instance is there’s very limited passive isolation from your surroundings. It also means that if you put your hands on the outside grilles of the earcups it influences the sound, and also that anyone nearby can hear the headphones pretty clearly. This last point is worth considering if you’re thinking of using them for recording in a microphone rather than DI’d scenario. The flipside of this is that the open back design contributes to a very comfortable and natural listening experience.
Sonically, HEDDphone Two is designed for critical listening and that’s exactly what it delivers. There’s no hyped low end, and the highs are crisp and detailed without sounding overly harsh at higher listening levels. The biggest win is in the mid-range which is easy to interpret, particularly with more complex or dense sounds such as electric guitars.
Collectively the design also delivers excellent stereo imaging. In essence HEDDphone Two is perfect for critical listening and is a fantastic audio tool, but is also a really enjoyable listen.
Verdict
HEDDphone Two offers improvements over its predecessor and noticeably better comfort, yet remains a task focused design that’s best suited to mixing, mastering and critical listening. It’s an expensive headphone, but in return you get balanced sonics, precise imaging, great dynamics and a wonderful listening experience.
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Specification
- Design: Open back over-ear
- Driver: Air Motion Transformer with VVT technology and Kapton polyimide diaphragm
- Impedance: 41 Ohm
- Frequency response: 10Hz to 40kHz
- Power: Min 200mW, recommended ≥1000mW
- Maximum SPL: 89dB at 1mW
- Pads: Faux leather ear pads and head cushion
- Cables: Two Kevlar-infused braided detachable cables - one with 6.35mm jack and one balanced with 4.4mm jack. Two corresponding adapters for 3.5mm and XLR connections.
- Accessories: Rigid carry case, two part presentation storage box, 5 year warranty
- Weight: 550g
- Contact: Hedd Audio
Hands-on demos
The Headphone Show
Super* Review
