In my time reviewing closed-back headphones, I’ve found that it usually leads to a smaller and more condensed soundstage; I was astounded when I first heard the TH2s. The TH2s are actually only the second closed-back pair of headphones I have ever reviewed. The first were the Edition 8 headphones by Ultrasone, which sound by comparison minimalist and cool in texture. They also have no features that allow you to use them other than as standard cans.You can tell from my previous reviews that my affinity for Audeze and Grado with their open-back models for the audiophile. I did not think it was possible for any company to build a closed-back headphone that an audiophile could be satisfied with until now. All I had to see was they had a tube stage in the pre-amp and were a dual mono design, and I was hooked. I begged Andy Regan, the world renowned high-end audio specialist, distributor, and President of Écoute Audio to send me a pair.
Specifications and features
FEATURES
Noise Cancellation: Active Hybrid Noise Cancellation (ANC) (FF + FB)
Transparency mode
Voice Assistant Compatibility: Siri and Google Assistant
On-Ear Controls: volume, track, telephonic control
Microphone: Built-in
Preamp: Nutube 6P1 Dual Triode Vacuum TubeAmplifier: High-Bias Class A/B Dual-Mono Amplification
DAC: High-res 32-bit / 384 kHz capable Dual-core, Built-in
Transducer: 40mm Titanium-Coated Mylar
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Weight: 424 grams
WIRED CONNECTIVITY
Analog: 3.5 mm
Digital: USB-C
WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY
Bluetooth Version: 5.3
Supported Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP
Codecs Supported Natively: SBC, AAC, LDAC
Wireless Range: Up to 10 meters (33 feet)
BATTERY
Playtime: 20 hours at maximum volume
Charging Time: 3.5 hours
Standby Time: 30 hours
Charging Port: USB-C
There are 4 ways to listen to these headphones each offering its own sonic signature. The way I find to be the most audiophile in nature and to be the most neutral is to use high-quality analog cables from a quality head-amp to the TH2s. I utilized the Kimber Kable Axios copper interconnect 3.5mm stereo jack. I switched the internal equalizer to its flat setting. You have 8 curve preset choices, so knock yourself out! I then engaged the headphone amplification minus the DAC. In this configuration, you are converting your source to a giant pre-amp and utilizing the tube amplification on the headphones. When run in this manner the headphones are truly dynamic, neutral, extremely musical, and offer the widest sound stage in the industry, regardless of headphone type.
Utilizing the same configuration I just described, you can also turn off the amplification on the headphones and use your headphone amplifier to drive them directly. I liked the neutral sound and excellent definition when doing this, but the TH2s lost their authority and attack without theirMown internal tube amplifiers engaged. If you run out of battery power the TH2s will still work as standard headphones. This is a cool and helpful feature.
Another way to listen to these headphones is the “traditional way” using Bluetooth. They are advertised to be able to get 10 meters or 33 feet away and still play via Bluetooth. I can report that I was able to get over 30 meters away for just over 100 feet and still get full definition. There appears to be a sonic flavor to the DACs used that enhance the bass and lower mid range when used in the flat setting. I recommend using one of the many curves available to suit your taste.
The final way you may listen is via the braided USB-C cable provided with the headphones. This allows you to listen through your phone or computer at maximum digital resolution. Approaching the direct analog input method I described, I find that it is just not quite as neutral and balanced from top to bottom.
Remember I am not an electrical engineer, I am an audiophile, and love these headphones based on their ability to be maximized in ways that other closed-back headphones have never been for me
The additional methods you might use to listen to these TH2s are icing on the cake. My Astell & Kern AK380 DAP powered these headphones beautifully, and offered very high resolution when wired directly in analog fashion with a stereo 3.5mm plug.
I can report the noise canceling feature and the ability to answer and respond to phone calls work admirably. These are features you need today on cordless headphones, but do not get in the way of the audiophile sound whatsoever.
For tubophfiles like me who want to know everything, the TH2s utilizes a Korg Nutube 6P1 dual-triode tube in each channel, along with class A/B analog amplifiers. How they managed to pack,all of this plus dual high resolution DACs in these cans and keep them under 500 grams is a technological tour de force.
One additional comment: these headphones are super quiet, regardless of which manner you use them. Their ability to maintain a black background to the music is awesome considering the tube amplification. They are most comfortable, do not clamp in any way, and are provided with very soft textured foam ear-cups. For small to medium ears
they are circumaural. Larger ears may be pressed slightly but not uncomfortably. I found them very nice to wear for long listening sessions with no ear fatigue…and I have large ears, of course.
SUMMARY
Offering unprecedented flexibility, high definition, and wonderful musicality, the Écoute TH2 are a fantastic offering at their retail price of $999. The dimensionality and high-definition sonic virtues, done without squeezing the soundstage in a closed-back design, is a first. Plus, it is hard to beat the,bling and fun factors associated with wearing them. I may not return them.
I recommend these Écoute Audio TH2 headphones particularly if you don’t want disturb the person sitting next to
you when listening to Pink Floyd or Richard Strauss.
My congratulations to Andy Regan and his team for developing the best closed-back headphones I have ever heard.
Écoute Audio TH2
Retail: $999
Contact:
Andy Regan, President
https://ecouteaudio.com/pages/contact
Photos taken and edited by: Garrett L. Priluck
