My first Head-Fi review. Pledged for these on Kickstarter this year. I own full range electrostatic speakers (Acoustat 3) and electret headphones (Audio Technica AT706).
The Mitchell & Johnson GL2SE use a dynamic low frequency driver and a electret midrange/ high frequency driver. They have a 2 way crossover built in like a home loudspeaker. Normally electret and electrostatic speakers need special adapter boxes or amps to function. The M&J GL2SE have permanently biased electret panels with matching transformers built into each ear cup. You can plug them into any 3.5mm standard headphone jack! Even a cell phone will play them easily!
WARNING!
If you want rough, spitty mid and high frequencies with very forward, laser focused sound, and sledge hammer bass...forget these headphones. They're not for you. The M&J have a refined and balanced sound.
CONSTRUCTION/ COMFORT
High quality plastic and metal are used in the headband and ear cup supports. This keeps the headphones light weight. The ear cups are solid wood, and the audio cable enters the left ear cup. The cable is detachable, using the same stereo 3.5mm trs connections as the source end.This is the first electret/electrostatic headphone I have seen with interchangeable cables. This allows a short cable for portable use and a longer cable at home. If buying a different cable, take care there is enough clearance in the wooden ear cup entry hole. There isn't a lot of room. The headphones are not set up for balanced drive with a balanced capable DAP or amp.
The ear pads are soft and supple. The cups are medium size (smaller than Sennheiser HD600/650) and fit my average size ears. They are more compact than full size headphones which aids portability.They do not fold and they do not swivel in and out when wearing. This did not affect comfort or bass. The transducers are very close to the head and the driver grills may touch larger ears. I wear these for hours and find them near the top in comfort. Velour ear pads would make them a little cooler to wear.
SOUND QUALITY
These are ultra low distortion headphones.They have a neutral to slightly warm tonal balance. The high frequencies are sweet, fast, and extended. The Mitchell & Johnson GL2SE have a large soundstage and are capable of imaging outside the head. The tonal balance is very smooth and even. No extreme peaks or dips. The dynamic bass is nice and full, but it isn't quite as fast as the Electrostatz driver. I don't notice a crossover between the dynamic and electret drivers. There is a little loss of precision as notes descend in frequency. I have heard headphones with more focus and etched instrument outlines.They are usually more exciting in the beginning, then fatiguing. The dynamic and electret drivers sound remarkably coherent. Phenomenal performance for a sealed back headphone.
The GL2SE sound fabulous with the Pono Player and hi res files. They reproduce subtle details without being analytical. I love the sound of these headphones and can listen to them all day. Don't know of any similar sounding headphones anywhere near this price. Highly recommended.
The Mitchell & Johnson GL2SE use a dynamic low frequency driver and a electret midrange/ high frequency driver. They have a 2 way crossover built in like a home loudspeaker. Normally electret and electrostatic speakers need special adapter boxes or amps to function. The M&J GL2SE have permanently biased electret panels with matching transformers built into each ear cup. You can plug them into any 3.5mm standard headphone jack! Even a cell phone will play them easily!
WARNING!
If you want rough, spitty mid and high frequencies with very forward, laser focused sound, and sledge hammer bass...forget these headphones. They're not for you. The M&J have a refined and balanced sound.
CONSTRUCTION/ COMFORT
High quality plastic and metal are used in the headband and ear cup supports. This keeps the headphones light weight. The ear cups are solid wood, and the audio cable enters the left ear cup. The cable is detachable, using the same stereo 3.5mm trs connections as the source end.This is the first electret/electrostatic headphone I have seen with interchangeable cables. This allows a short cable for portable use and a longer cable at home. If buying a different cable, take care there is enough clearance in the wooden ear cup entry hole. There isn't a lot of room. The headphones are not set up for balanced drive with a balanced capable DAP or amp.
The ear pads are soft and supple. The cups are medium size (smaller than Sennheiser HD600/650) and fit my average size ears. They are more compact than full size headphones which aids portability.They do not fold and they do not swivel in and out when wearing. This did not affect comfort or bass. The transducers are very close to the head and the driver grills may touch larger ears. I wear these for hours and find them near the top in comfort. Velour ear pads would make them a little cooler to wear.
SOUND QUALITY
These are ultra low distortion headphones.They have a neutral to slightly warm tonal balance. The high frequencies are sweet, fast, and extended. The Mitchell & Johnson GL2SE have a large soundstage and are capable of imaging outside the head. The tonal balance is very smooth and even. No extreme peaks or dips. The dynamic bass is nice and full, but it isn't quite as fast as the Electrostatz driver. I don't notice a crossover between the dynamic and electret drivers. There is a little loss of precision as notes descend in frequency. I have heard headphones with more focus and etched instrument outlines.They are usually more exciting in the beginning, then fatiguing. The dynamic and electret drivers sound remarkably coherent. Phenomenal performance for a sealed back headphone.
The GL2SE sound fabulous with the Pono Player and hi res files. They reproduce subtle details without being analytical. I love the sound of these headphones and can listen to them all day. Don't know of any similar sounding headphones anywhere near this price. Highly recommended.
