Dekoni Audio x SKB Headphone Hero Travel Case

General Information

Waterproof and dust tight design (MIL-STD 810G)

Molded-in hinge for added protection

Trigger release latch system

Snap-down rubber over-molded cushion grip handle

Ambient pressure equalization valve (MIL-STD 810G)

Resistant to UV, solvents, corrosion, fungus and impact damage (MIL-STD 810G)

HERO-4-600x600.jpg

Latest reviews

jurumal

100+ Head-Fier
“Knight in Not-so-Shiny Ultra High-Strength Polypropylene Copolymer Resin”
Pros: * Included Omega headphone stand
* IP67 Rated Protection
* Airplane/TSA-friendly design
* Security features
* Ergonomics
* Ability to accommodate most headphones
Cons: * May need to remove Omega headphone stand to fit some headphones
* Incompatible with Abyss AB-1266 (but what is)
IMG_1146.jpg


Intro / CanJam

In the headphone hobby, we are always seeking to try the next best thing in order to find the Goldilocks sound we perpetually search. In this pursuit, we are required to take our personal headphones out into the community either to try them with new source gear or compare to other headphones. This was my exact predicament this year at CanJam SoCal 2021. I wanted to bring my Arya V2 to compare the new V3. The only problem was, in it’s manufactured configuration, the Arya does not come with a case for travel. I would have to take my headphone around exposed and unprotected to any potential harm. Enter Dekoni Audio.

For transparency, Dekoni Audio provided this unit for review. I am not being paid or coached to provide a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

IMG_1082.jpg

Dekoni / SKB

Dekoni Audio is a purveyor of fine audio products, most-notably their wide selection of high-quality earpads designed to fit several different headphones. Among their products are two headphone case products, the Savior V2 and Hero. This review will focus on the Hero; their heavy-duty travel case created in collaboration with SKB Cases.

Based out of Orange, CA, SKB Cases is an industry veteran in the making of transport cases. They specialize in transport cases for pro audio, sports (bow/rifling), and even military applications. Suffice to say, they have the experience to craft a product effective in protection. SKB’s offices are are located only 11 mi from Irvine, where CanJam SoCal was held. I definitely have a local pride in SKB Cases as products, like their Hero, were conceptualized here in SoCal.

IMG_0955.jpg

Features and Specs
  • TSA approved latches
  • Trigger release latch system
  • Automatic pressure valve
  • Snap-down rubber grip handle
  • IP67 water resistance
  • Reinforced holes for padlocks (x2)
  • High-density foam padding for protection inside
  • Soft eggshell foam padding inside case lid
  • Removable Omega stand
Dimensions 14 9/16 x 11 9/16 x 7 5/16 in.
Weight 5.2 lbs

Hero is based on SKB’s 3i 1309-6, which typically comes with cubed foam lining, but the Dekoni collaboration comes with a killer feature exclusive to Hero, a removable Omega headphone stand. This is a perfect addition that any headphone hobbyist would truly enjoy, especially in environments that don’t offer any soft surfaces to place your headphone on. For example, the desk in my hotel room at the Marriott had a granite surface that I wouldn’t want to place my headphones on. Thankfully the Omega stand comes in clutch for this type of scenario.

IMG_0969.jpg

A notable feature among those listed above, are the TSA approved latches and automatic pressure valve, which make it safe for airplane travel. No longer would you be required to place the case in a suitcase or luggage due to the latches. You could simply stow it overhead or under your seat. The automatic pressure valve will regulate the ambient pressure in the case. This should alleviate any concern about any pressure-related damage to your headphones.

Living with Hero

Returning back to CanJam, it was now the moment of truth to see if Hero could accommodate the taller stature of the Arya. Thankfully, it works! The case had just enough headband space. No cuts to the foam are necessary to accommodate the Arya.

IMG_0960.jpg

Lugging the Hero around for the weekend, I could get a sense for the ergonomics. With the handle disengaged from the locked position, the handle has some play which help reduce arm fatigue when walking with it. The comfort is helped by the rubberized material on the handle and it’s rounded shape. Hero touts fantastic ergonomics.

IMG_1093.jpg
ZMF Verite

IMG_1103.jpg
Hifiman Arya with two cables

At home, I was able to try fitting different headphones in the case. All of my large headphones fit, but with a caveat for one. The LCD-GX was only able to fit if the omega stand was removed. Although the space inside the Hero is larger than Audeze’s Premium case, the omega stand required the GX’s cups to be pulled apart, thus making the GX’s overall profile wider. This extra wide profile just barely prevented the headphone from fitting in the case. In order to fit the GX and the omega stand together, one may be able to cut out a small space from the foam in order to fit that last bit of the yokes that’s causing the obstruction. Of note are pictures in a user review on Dekoni’s website that shows an LCD-XC with the old Audeze-style headband that seems to fit perfectly in the case with the stand.

IMG_1094.jpg
LCD-GX with extended rods at mid height adjustment

IMG_1096.jpg
LCD-GX with extended rods at max height adjustment

IMG_1095.jpg
LCD-GX without Omega Headphone Stand

Save for an Abyss AB-1266, Hero can fit virtually any headphone.

Comparisons

I got to make better comparisons with all the cases I own once I was home. For comparison to Hero are the Audeze LCD Premium Travel Case and ZMF Seahorse Headphone Case. I’ve obtained the following measurements using the only measurement device available to me, my Fibit Aria bathroom scale. I took measurements of myself, then myself holding each case, repeated measurements three times over, then calculated the averages for each.

Measurement Averages
Me: 169.5, 169.4, 169.2 = 169.4 lbs
ZMF: 173.5, 173.4, 173.3 = 173.4 lbs
Audeze: 174.0, 173.9, 173.7 = 173.9 lbs
Hero: 174.6, 174.5, 174.8 = 174.6 lbs

Weight (Approximate)
ZMF: 4.0 lbs
Audeze: 4.5 lbs
Hero: 5.2 lbs

Dimensions (L x W x H)
ZMF: 13 9/16 x 10 6/16 x 6 4/16 in.
Audeze: 14 4/16 x 11 15/16 x 6 10/16 in.
Hero: 14 9/16 x 11 9/16 x 7 5/16 in.

IMG_1083.jpg

From heaviest to lightest, Hero is definitely the heaviest of the three cases for comparison at about 5.2 lbs. It’s followed by Audeze’s case at roughly 4.5 lbs, then ZMF’s Seahorse case at about 4 lbs. There’s about a 1.2 lb difference between Hero and ZMF, but the Hero was perceptually more comfortable for travel due to the more ergonomic handle. It’s larger overall size might make it slightly more difficult to stow away. I personally didn’t have any issues placing Hero with my luggage and ZMF case in my trunk with its measly 25.7 ft³ of space.

IMG_0978.jpg

Latches are a notable topic to examine as well. The following ranking is in order of most secure to least secure for latches: ZMF, Hero, then Audeze. ZMF have latches that require a turn of the locking mechanism in order to lift the latches. Hero comes with a trigger mechanism that needs to be engaged to lift the latches, otherwise the latches will not budge. Audeze’s latches, on the other hand, can easily be lifted as it’s trigger mechanism encompasses the entire lower part of the latch. This latch has the greatest potential to snag onto something and open easily, not that there’s really a great possibility of it happening in the first place. With that being said, all the cases compared here all seem secure overall and I would feel comfortable traveling with any of them.

IMG_1088.jpg

Summary

In collaboration with industry veterans SKB, Dekoni has created a winning product in their Hero as it offers optimal protection and it’s exclusive creature-comfort feature, the Omega headphone stand. Normal retail price of $199.99, but can currently be found on Dekoni’s website for $149.99. It may be found for $139.99 on Drop. This package offers an excellent value for the headphone enthusiast seeking the utmost protection and convenience.

IMG_1144.jpg

Links

https://dekoniaudio.com/product/dekoni-audio-x-skb-headphone-hero-heavy-duty-travel-case/

https://drop.com/talk/94213/dekoni-hero-case

SKBcases.com

Attachments

  • IMG_1055.jpg
    IMG_1055.jpg
    2.8 MB · Views: 0
  • IMG_1087.jpg
    IMG_1087.jpg
    3.6 MB · Views: 0
Last edited:

gc335

Headphoneus Supremus
Great case for any headfier on the go
Pros: Quality build, light for its size, reasonably priced and a must have for meets
Cons: Some large headphones don’t fit that well with the foam insert in place
Intro:

I was sent the Hero case in exchange for an unbiased review.

That said, I’m a big fan of the Hero case! I’ve owned several Dekoni products and I have never been disappointed. When I saw the Hero announcement, I was very excited because I think something like this was overdue. The Hero is scheduled to go one sale soon and sell for $149.

IMG_3090.jpgIMG_3091.jpg

Build:

The Hero case is Pelican quality. The latch is very durable and has a lock. The hinges look and feel really solid and the foam feels like it will hold up well. I have zero issues or complaints about the feel or build of the Hero.

IMG_3102.JPGIMG_3103.JPGIMG_3104.JPG

Size and weight:

The Hero is a little bit bigger and lighter than I expected. That’s not a bad thing but more of an observation. I don’t feel like you’re sacrificing any protection. It’s a slightly larger than the Pelcan 1400 case (pictured on top).

IMG_3095.jpg


Features:

Waterproof and dust tight design (MIL-STD 810G)

Molded-in hinge for added protection

Trigger release latch system

Snap-down rubber over-molded cushion grip handle

Ambient pressure equalization valve (MIL-STD 810G)

Resistant to UV, solvents, corrosion, fungus and impact damage (MIL-STD 810G)

Uses:

If anyone has ever gone to a headphone meet they already know how useful the Hero could be. Stuff gets thrown around and hastily packed up in your trunk. You don’t want to worry about your gear getting damaged. Plus, the size helps to reduce the risk of stuff getting lost or misplaced.

There is also a very convenient place for either a cable or even a small dap making the Hero a great solution for mobile rig transport. I put my DX150 into the space and it closed. It compressed the lid foam a bit when I closed it but it worked fine.

IMG_3092.jpg
IMG_3106.jpg

Part of the foam is removable and makes for an awesome headphone stand while you are on the road. I’m not sure if that was intentional but it works great. Out of a wild coincidence, I received the Hero right before a 5 day business trip. I took my EL-8C along for the ride. The EL-8 fit perfectly into the case. I pulled out the foam at the hotel and was able to store the headphones on the desk. Great feature in my opinion.

IMG_3093.jpg

Compatibility:

Here is where I encountered my only issues with the case. Some larger headphones don’t fit all that well. My EL-8C fit perfectly along with my Cascade and Mobius. My LCD-2 and Atticus didn’t fit as well. I had to fully extend the headband on both headphones and the pads were getting a bit crushed. You can remove the foam insert and then there are no issues. I would just put something between the pads to keep the headphone from moving too much while on the go. My suggestion to Dekoni would be to include another thinner foam insert for larger headphones. For short-term storage, this should not be an issue. I'd avoid long-term storage when the pads get compressed to avoid damage.

Audeze Mobius
IMG_3100 2.jpg

Campfire Audio Cascade
IMG_3101 2.jpg

Audeze EL-8C
IMG_3092.jpg

ZMF Atticus
IMG_3094 2.jpg

Audeze LCD-2
IMG_3096.jpg

ZMF Atticus w/out insert
IMG_3108 2.jpg

Audeze LCD-2 w/out insert
IMG_3109.jpg

Conclusion:

I travel a lot and I like taking my gear on the go and that means having something to protect it. A few of my headphones come with Pelican style cases but not all. One of my favorite headphones to travel with are my EL-8s. The stock Audeze case is not great. There isn’t a ton of protection and the pads tend to get crushed. The Hero is the answer to this issue.

The Hero is a great product. Dekoni should take this idea one step farther and make a case that has room for a DAP and a cable to make it the complete full sized mobile rig storage and travel solution. Great job!!!
Last edited:

Comments

There are no comments to display.
Back
Top