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Erzetich Phobos 2024 Impressions Thread
- Added by andrewchoppa
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andrewchoppa
500+ Head-Fier
Pros: ✔ Clarity, separation, and dynamics are excellent
✔ Wide, spherical soundstage
✔ Well-controlled, present mid bass which hits when called for
✔ Industrial aesthetics and massive ear cups (a pro for some!)
✔ Surprisingly comfortable despite their weight
✔ Well-built and easy to drive
✔ Scales well with different gear
✔ Performs excellently on both solid-state and OTC tube amps
✔ Wide, spherical soundstage
✔ Well-controlled, present mid bass which hits when called for
✔ Industrial aesthetics and massive ear cups (a pro for some!)
✔ Surprisingly comfortable despite their weight
✔ Well-built and easy to drive
✔ Scales well with different gear
✔ Performs excellently on both solid-state and OTC tube amps
Cons: ✖ The design may not tick everyone’s box (I love it!)
✖ Vocals on a handful of tracks can be slightly forward for my taste
✖ Stock cable is stiff and lacks flexibility, though it seems high quality (I'd prefer a relaxed, braided cable)
✖ Vocals on a handful of tracks can be slightly forward for my taste
✖ Stock cable is stiff and lacks flexibility, though it seems high quality (I'd prefer a relaxed, braided cable)
Erzetich Phobos 2024 Review – 31/01/25
These headphones are on loan from YouTube reviewer Lachlan Fennen of Passion for Sound. I'll link his review of both the Phobos and the Erzetich Mania below:
Watch the review here:
Everything in this review is based on my personal experience—my ears, my gear, and my preferences.
About Erzetich:
Blaz runs a small, high-quality headphone operation in Slovenia, with a strong passion for nature and sustainability. His website highlights his commitment to eco-friendly production—no animal products are used, and his workshop is nestled within a Slovenian forest, utilizing natural materials and minimizing waste. Hats off, Blaz!
The 2024 Phobos retail for $1999 Euro, ($2070 USD), ($3325 AUD), and are driven by 100mm Planar Magnetic drivers. Not within everyone’s budget, but also cheaper than many many other headphones.
With the 2024 iteration “wooden cups have been replaced with resin for a more uniform design and enhanced inner geometry” (website).
---
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
✔ Clarity, separation, and dynamics are excellent
✔ Wide, spherical soundstage
✔ Well-controlled, present mid bass which hits when called for
✔ Industrial aesthetics and massive ear cups (a pro for some!)
✔ Surprisingly comfortable despite their weight
✔ Well-built and easy to drive
✔ Scales well with different gear
✔ Performs excellently on both solid-state and OTC tube amps
Cons:
✖ The design may not tick everyone’s box (I love it!)
✖ Vocals on a handful of tracks can be slightly forward for my taste
✖ Stock cable is stiff and lacks flexibility, though it seems high quality (I'd prefer a relaxed, braided cable)
---
Testing Setup:
Amps & DACs:
Burson Soloist 3X GT (fully upgraded)
Geshelli J2 DAC
Eversolo DMP-A6
Eufonika OTC Hybrid H32M (Prototype Tube Amp)
Build, comfort and aesthetics:
These things are HUGE!!!!!! I do NOT mean that negatively, but they are the biggest set of cans I’ve ever placed on my “normal” sized nut…… They are heavy to hold but surprisingly, not heavy at all on the noggin. There are no hotspots and weight is evenly distributed. I have listened to the Phobos for hours at a time for this review and for enjoying music too. Zero issues. They are very well made and extremely solid. They look industrial Steampunk in my opinion. This could divide some buyers but personally, I love the look and form factor.
Sound Breakdown:
Clarity:
Simply excellent. The Phobos lets you hear every breath, guitar pluck, maraca shake, and subtle detail that lesser headphones often miss.
Tuning:
For my aging ears, these seem fairly neutral with a slight warmth. There might be a mild lift in the mid-bass and mids, but nothing excessive. Treble is crystal clear and well-controlled, enhancing instrument separation and fine details.
Timbre:
Natural sounding, especially with stringed instruments and vocals. Vocals are prominent without being overwhelming. Occasionally, (and I mean only occasionally) they come a little forward for my taste but this can be also to do with how the song was mixed.
Soundstage & Separation:
A real strength of the Phobos—truly spherical. Sound feels immersive, with instruments appearing behind, in front, and all around my head. Separation is sharp and well-defined, making pinpointing instrument placement effortless.
Bass:
Mid-bass is punchy and well-quantified but does roll off slightly in the sub-bass. For a planar, these deliver impressive bass presence when the song calls for it.
Mids:
Well-balanced and forward, but not overbearing. On most tracks, they shine, though on a select few, they can lean forward just a smidge.
Treble:
Abundant and well controlled but never harsh. Lively with no sibilance, complementing the overall balance of the headphones.
Dynamics & Impact:
One of the Phobos’ standout strengths! They deliver serious punch and energy when called upon.
---
Track Impressions:
(Some tracks were suggested by friends—I think they’re implying I’m too metal/rock-focused…)
Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: IV: Sarabande – Abel Selaocoe
Breath sounds, cello slides, and micro-details shine. Exceptional clarity and separation.
Nemesis – Benjamin Clementine
Punchy, dynamic, and rich in mid-bass. The Phobos handle this track beautifully.
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day
Acoustic guitar sounds natural and lively. A detailed, fun listen.
Hotel California (Remaster) – Eagles
Deep, satisfying bass guitar. Instrument separation is outstanding, creating a truly immersive experience.
More Than Words – Extreme
Every string pluck and breath is crystal clear. Perfect balance between vocals and instruments.
Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
Fantastic separation and clarity. A great balance of all frequencies.
Dance the Night Away – Van Halen
Staging is a highlight here. Eddie’s guitar sits on the right, cowbell in the middle, drums rolling from right to left. Vocals are a tad forward once they kick in here but it’s just worth mentioning.
Baba O’Riley – The Who
Another staging showcase—sound wraps all around, making this a dynamic and exciting listen.
Money for Nothing – Dire Straits
That iconic drum and guitar intro hits hard! Dynamics and impact are in full force here.
Playing God – Polyphia
A powerful, engaging track for the Phobos. The clarity, slam, and separation shine. Instrumentals seem to be perfect for the Phobos.
Cream – Prince
Not a Prince fan, but this track was phenomenal—visceral bass, incredible staging, and top-tier clarity.
You Upset Me Baby – Joe Bonamassa
Rich, round, and engaging blues-rock sound. Phobos shines with mid-bass warmth and clear, well-balanced mids.
Shakey Graves – Roll the Bones
Natural and immersive. Background bar sounds give the illusion of a live performance.
Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow – Frank Zappa
Trippy as hell! The staging is wildly immersive and chaotic in the best way.
Sea Of Machines – Ayreon
I chose this track because of staging again. The sound is all around my head and placement of sounds is wonderful here. Again, clarity and punch in spades.
---
Comparisons:
Hifiman HE1000 Stealth
More V-shaped but let me explain. Mids are recessed on the Stealth. Bass is very good but not huge, and treble is a key strength for me here. The Stealth are almost more relaxed (never thought I’d say that!) than the Phobos.
Phobos is punchier, bassier, and more mid-forward. Both have similar clarity and staging, maybe Stealth is wider and Phobos rounder.
ZMF Verité Open
Surprisingly similar on solid-state in clarity, bass, staging, mids, and treble.
On an OTC tube amp, the Verité and Phobos are eerily alike in timbre, tuning and overall performance for my ears.
---
Amp Pairing: Solid-State vs Tube:
On the Burson Soloist 3X GT, the Phobos sound fantastic—clear, detailed, and well-balanced, with great mid-bass slam and punch.
On the Eufonika OTC hybrid tube amp, they transform— to me, they are more engaging, even punchier, and with deeper bass. Mids are still present but not quite as prominent as they were on the Burson. Treble is tamed slightly (not surprising for a tube amp), but the warmth just seems “right”.
Planars on tubes? I was skeptical, but the Phobos love OTC tubes. The experience was a huge surprise.
---
Final Thoughts & Rating:
I did most of my listening on the Burson Soloist 3X GT, where they sounded very good. But then I listened on the Eufonika OTC tube amp, and they really stepped up in enjoyment and fun, with a “wow” factor.
The only change I'd make? Swap the stiff stock cable for a braided silver/copper litz cable (I’m unsure of what current cable is made from), with an XLR termination.
Scores:
Using Burson Soloist 3X GT (Solid-State):
Overall: 8/10
Comfort, Build, Aesthetics: 8/10
Sound Quality: 8/10
Using Eufonika OTC Hybrid Tube Amp:
Overall: 9/10
Comfort, Build, Aesthetics: 8/10
Sound Quality: 9.5/10 (OTC tube synergy is very surprising—in the best way!)
For me, the Phobos is on par with the Hifiman HE1000 Stealth (quality, clarity, soundstage) and ZMF Verité Open, (tuning and quality).
So, is bigger necessarily better??? In this case, YES!
Thank you, Erzetich! Thank you Blaz!!!
These headphones are on loan from YouTube reviewer Lachlan Fennen of Passion for Sound. I'll link his review of both the Phobos and the Erzetich Mania below:
Watch the review here:
Everything in this review is based on my personal experience—my ears, my gear, and my preferences.
About Erzetich:
Blaz runs a small, high-quality headphone operation in Slovenia, with a strong passion for nature and sustainability. His website highlights his commitment to eco-friendly production—no animal products are used, and his workshop is nestled within a Slovenian forest, utilizing natural materials and minimizing waste. Hats off, Blaz!
The 2024 Phobos retail for $1999 Euro, ($2070 USD), ($3325 AUD), and are driven by 100mm Planar Magnetic drivers. Not within everyone’s budget, but also cheaper than many many other headphones.
With the 2024 iteration “wooden cups have been replaced with resin for a more uniform design and enhanced inner geometry” (website).

---
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
✔ Clarity, separation, and dynamics are excellent
✔ Wide, spherical soundstage
✔ Well-controlled, present mid bass which hits when called for
✔ Industrial aesthetics and massive ear cups (a pro for some!)
✔ Surprisingly comfortable despite their weight
✔ Well-built and easy to drive
✔ Scales well with different gear
✔ Performs excellently on both solid-state and OTC tube amps
Cons:
✖ The design may not tick everyone’s box (I love it!)
✖ Vocals on a handful of tracks can be slightly forward for my taste
✖ Stock cable is stiff and lacks flexibility, though it seems high quality (I'd prefer a relaxed, braided cable)
---
Testing Setup:

Amps & DACs:
Burson Soloist 3X GT (fully upgraded)
Geshelli J2 DAC
Eversolo DMP-A6
Eufonika OTC Hybrid H32M (Prototype Tube Amp)

Build, comfort and aesthetics:
These things are HUGE!!!!!! I do NOT mean that negatively, but they are the biggest set of cans I’ve ever placed on my “normal” sized nut…… They are heavy to hold but surprisingly, not heavy at all on the noggin. There are no hotspots and weight is evenly distributed. I have listened to the Phobos for hours at a time for this review and for enjoying music too. Zero issues. They are very well made and extremely solid. They look industrial Steampunk in my opinion. This could divide some buyers but personally, I love the look and form factor.


Sound Breakdown:
Clarity:
Simply excellent. The Phobos lets you hear every breath, guitar pluck, maraca shake, and subtle detail that lesser headphones often miss.
Tuning:
For my aging ears, these seem fairly neutral with a slight warmth. There might be a mild lift in the mid-bass and mids, but nothing excessive. Treble is crystal clear and well-controlled, enhancing instrument separation and fine details.
Timbre:
Natural sounding, especially with stringed instruments and vocals. Vocals are prominent without being overwhelming. Occasionally, (and I mean only occasionally) they come a little forward for my taste but this can be also to do with how the song was mixed.
Soundstage & Separation:
A real strength of the Phobos—truly spherical. Sound feels immersive, with instruments appearing behind, in front, and all around my head. Separation is sharp and well-defined, making pinpointing instrument placement effortless.
Bass:
Mid-bass is punchy and well-quantified but does roll off slightly in the sub-bass. For a planar, these deliver impressive bass presence when the song calls for it.
Mids:
Well-balanced and forward, but not overbearing. On most tracks, they shine, though on a select few, they can lean forward just a smidge.
Treble:
Abundant and well controlled but never harsh. Lively with no sibilance, complementing the overall balance of the headphones.
Dynamics & Impact:
One of the Phobos’ standout strengths! They deliver serious punch and energy when called upon.


---
Track Impressions:
(Some tracks were suggested by friends—I think they’re implying I’m too metal/rock-focused…)

Breath sounds, cello slides, and micro-details shine. Exceptional clarity and separation.

Punchy, dynamic, and rich in mid-bass. The Phobos handle this track beautifully.

Acoustic guitar sounds natural and lively. A detailed, fun listen.

Deep, satisfying bass guitar. Instrument separation is outstanding, creating a truly immersive experience.

Every string pluck and breath is crystal clear. Perfect balance between vocals and instruments.

Fantastic separation and clarity. A great balance of all frequencies.

Staging is a highlight here. Eddie’s guitar sits on the right, cowbell in the middle, drums rolling from right to left. Vocals are a tad forward once they kick in here but it’s just worth mentioning.

Another staging showcase—sound wraps all around, making this a dynamic and exciting listen.

That iconic drum and guitar intro hits hard! Dynamics and impact are in full force here.

A powerful, engaging track for the Phobos. The clarity, slam, and separation shine. Instrumentals seem to be perfect for the Phobos.

Not a Prince fan, but this track was phenomenal—visceral bass, incredible staging, and top-tier clarity.

Rich, round, and engaging blues-rock sound. Phobos shines with mid-bass warmth and clear, well-balanced mids.

Natural and immersive. Background bar sounds give the illusion of a live performance.

Trippy as hell! The staging is wildly immersive and chaotic in the best way.

I chose this track because of staging again. The sound is all around my head and placement of sounds is wonderful here. Again, clarity and punch in spades.
---
Comparisons:
Hifiman HE1000 Stealth

More V-shaped but let me explain. Mids are recessed on the Stealth. Bass is very good but not huge, and treble is a key strength for me here. The Stealth are almost more relaxed (never thought I’d say that!) than the Phobos.
Phobos is punchier, bassier, and more mid-forward. Both have similar clarity and staging, maybe Stealth is wider and Phobos rounder.
ZMF Verité Open

Surprisingly similar on solid-state in clarity, bass, staging, mids, and treble.
On an OTC tube amp, the Verité and Phobos are eerily alike in timbre, tuning and overall performance for my ears.
---
Amp Pairing: Solid-State vs Tube:
On the Burson Soloist 3X GT, the Phobos sound fantastic—clear, detailed, and well-balanced, with great mid-bass slam and punch.
On the Eufonika OTC hybrid tube amp, they transform— to me, they are more engaging, even punchier, and with deeper bass. Mids are still present but not quite as prominent as they were on the Burson. Treble is tamed slightly (not surprising for a tube amp), but the warmth just seems “right”.
Planars on tubes? I was skeptical, but the Phobos love OTC tubes. The experience was a huge surprise.
---
Final Thoughts & Rating:
I did most of my listening on the Burson Soloist 3X GT, where they sounded very good. But then I listened on the Eufonika OTC tube amp, and they really stepped up in enjoyment and fun, with a “wow” factor.
The only change I'd make? Swap the stiff stock cable for a braided silver/copper litz cable (I’m unsure of what current cable is made from), with an XLR termination.
Scores:

Overall: 8/10
Comfort, Build, Aesthetics: 8/10
Sound Quality: 8/10

Overall: 9/10
Comfort, Build, Aesthetics: 8/10
Sound Quality: 9.5/10 (OTC tube synergy is very surprising—in the best way!)
For me, the Phobos is on par with the Hifiman HE1000 Stealth (quality, clarity, soundstage) and ZMF Verité Open, (tuning and quality).
So, is bigger necessarily better??? In this case, YES!
Thank you, Erzetich! Thank you Blaz!!!
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andrewchoppa
Thanks @mike b!

andrewchoppa
Thanks @debussyj Great headphones can really immerse you into the music!