HEDD Audio HEDDphone TWO GT

HEDDphone Two GT Review

1. Introduction & Overview​

HEDD has been a key player in the studio monitor space for a decade, known for their use of AMT (Air Motion Transformer) drivers as tweeters. In 2020, they brought this technology to the headphone world with the original HEDDphone—a full-range AMT headphone that quickly found its niche among audio professionals.

Fast forward to 2023, and HEDD released the HEDDphone Two: a lighter, smaller, and more comfortable successor, still tuned for studio use with a neutral-leaning signature. But they didn’t stop there. After gathering feedback from both professionals and audiophiles, many of whom wanted a warmer, more relaxed tuning, HEDD responded with the HEDDphone Two GT.

The GT version refines the tuning for more musical enjoyment while also tweaking comfort and aesthetics. It’s still a detail oriented headphone at heart, but with a broader appeal.

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2. Unboxing Experience​

The HEDDphone Two GT arrives in a package that strikes a great balance between premium feel and efficiency. The package has two compartments, one for the Headphones and one for Accessoires. Inside, the headphones are housed in a compact, well-built travel case with a dedicated, magnetically sealed compartment for cables. The layout is clean and purposeful—very German in design ethos—and it immediately gives the impression of a well-thought-out, high-quality product.

Package With Two compartments

Travel Case

Great fit, save storage

Cable compartment even seals magnetically!

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3. Build Quality & Design​

The GT shares the same robust construction as the HEDDphone Two, using a mix of carbon fiber and magnesium to manage weight. Pads and headband are made from vegan leather and Alcantara. One nice touch: the HEDD logo is now embossed on the headband, rather than printed. White stitching also adds contrast to the otherwise dark aesthetic—though personally, I preferred the subtler black stitching of the standard version.

The materials feel durable and pleasant to the touch, though perhaps not as premium as something like a T+A Solitaire P with its machined aluminum, or a ZMF headphone with its beautifully finished wooden cups. There’s a slight creak from the gimbals if pressed, though this never happens during normal use.

The HEDDband (genius name, really) deserves special praise. It offers traditional size adjustment plus separate clamping force control. Once dialed in, the comfort is excellent—even for long sessions exceeding 10 hours. At 550g it’s not lightweight, but the headband design distributes the weight very effectively.

The earpads come in two options: vegan leather or Alcantara. The unique thing is. theyy sound identical; the only difference is texture, so listeners can decide purely by comfort. Both are firm and may not be to everyone’s taste— some might prefer softer pads. The smaller cups are likely a deliberate choice to save weight (compared to the 730g original HEDDphone), though they do limit soundstage a bit and are a no go for those sensitive to the ears touching the pads.

Pad swapping is quick and intuitive—not magnetic like Meze, but just as seamless. Easily among the best designs in the industry.

The stock cable is another highlight. Each GT includes two cables (balanced and single-ended) and adapters for 3.5mm, 6.3mm, 4.4mm, and 4-pin XLR. The cable itself is lightweight, flexible, free of microphonics, and looks clean in its black sleeving. I do wish the thicker, upgraded cable came in black sleeving too, in fact I hope for another upgrade cable which is simply a much thicker and weightier version of the stock cable (e.g. like my Norne Silvergarde S4 8-wire)

Stock cable beside a Norne Silvergarde S4 8-Wire. I Wish their Aftermarket cable we're Something Like this.

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4. Sound Quality​

Overall Signature​

The HEDDphone Two GT offers a slightly warm tilt from neutral, with a focus on clarity, impact, and musicality. It plays well with virtually any genre.

Listening Setup used

Bass​

Bass impact is phenomenal—drums in particular sound especially satisfying. There’s a tasteful elevation in the midbass, and the extension is excellent, reaching deep without roll-off. That said, the subbass remains flat. Personally, I’d love to see the midbass lift extend down and peak around 30Hz, à la Audeze CRBN2 or the Raal 1995 Immanis. The bass is fast, tight, and controlled—and did I mention impactful?

Midrange​

Midrange clarity is a standout. Timbre is natural, with excellent weight and body—something rare in headphones that also deliver this level of detail and clarity. Vocals are intimate and upfront, with a realistic and engaging presence. Whether it’s male vocals, female vocals, or acoustic instruments, everything feels grounded and convincing.

Treble​

Treble is sparkly, extended, and clean—never harsh or sibilant. Despite being brighter than the Modhouse Tungsten, it retains a silky, refined quality. It’s currently my favorite treble tuning. Yes, I said that about the Tungsten not long ago—but this takes it a step further. There’s ample air and shimmer without any fatigue.

Soundstage & Imaging​

Soundstage starts intimate but can extend well. It’s not congested but leans toward the smaller side, similar to the DCA Expanse. This is likely a result of the compact earcups. Imaging, however, is exceptional—sharp, precise, and immersive within the available space.

Detail Retrieval​

Detail retrieval is one of the GT’s strongest suits—second only to the Immanis in my collection. Everything is laid bare without sounding clinical.

Transient Response​

Lightning-fast. Transients are rendered with remarkable precision, helping drive that mix of clarity and physicality that defines the GT’s character.

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5. Comparisons​

Vs. Raal 1995 Immanis​

Given the emphasis on detail and clarity, the Immanis is the obvious comparison. I even volume-matched with an SPL meter to ensure fairness.

The Immanis still holds an edge in clarity and black-background realism. It has a grander scale, with a larger stage and more satisfying subbass. However, the GT doesn’t feel outclassed—it trades a bit of that extreme clarity for added body and noteweight. Overall bass quantity is higher on the GT, unfortunately for me, focused on the midbass section. The GT’s treble is smoother and more relaxed like a silky veil but not in a negative sense (at least for me), while the Immanis leans brighter and dare I say, peakier in comparison. Trebleheads may prefer the Raal, but for me, the GT’s presentation is more enjoyable over longer sessions.

The fact that I’m even comparing this headphone to one that costs four times as much says a lot about its performance.

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6. Conclusion​

The HEDDphone Two GT is a revelation. In my opinion, it offers the best price-to-performance ratio in high-end headphone audio today. It combines estat-like clarity with the body and tone weight of dynamic drivers—something I’ve never heard executed this well and at the cost of only some added weight. (which I am basically immune to with my young and strong neck) It’s now my second-favorite headphone overall, and my top pick in several key areas.

I’m now a full-fledged AMT believer and a converted HEDD-fier.

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7. Where to Go From Here​

If I could make one wishlist for a future HEDDphone Three, it would include:

• Larger earcups: for both comfort and improved soundstage.
• Subbass emphasis: shift the bass peak lower and increase subbass.
• Keep the treble exactly as is—don’t touch it.

Even if that means the headphone ends up heavier again (even 800g+), I’d gladly make that trade. The sonic rewards would be worth it.

I know that Klaus Heinz, brings a new brand - ArcTec - which starts with a high end planar flagship. Planar instead of AMT Drivers, because of the weight. I hope that AMT will still be utilized in the future, as nothing else seems to be able to combine that level of clarity with noteweight.

Introduction to HEDD Audio
Before I start my review, I always like to tell something about the company behind the product. Which is just as interesting as the product itself.

HEDD Audio (Heinz Electrodynamic Designs) is a relatively new player in the hi-fi world, founded in Berlin, Germany. However, that doesn’t mean they lack experience. On the contrary, the team behind HEDD Audio brings decades of audio engineering expertise to the table. One of the key figures is Klaus Heinz, the former founder of Adam Audio and a true pioneer in Air Motion Transformer technology. With HEDD, he and his team channel their extensive knowledge into a new generation of high-performance audio products.

HEDD Audio is a family-run company, led by father Klaus Heinz and son Dr. Frederik Knop. In today’s global market, remaining privately owned is increasingly rare, making HEDD Audio really stand out. Physicist Klaus Heinz, previously CEO and co-founder of ADAM Audio, co-founded HEDD Audio in 2015 alongside his son. Dr. Frederik Knop, a mastering engineer and musicologist, now serves as CEO. He is responsible for the overall direction of the HEDD brand, its global presence, and product strategy.



The unique synergy between Klaus Heinz and Dr. Frederik Knop forms the backbone of HEDD Audio’s success. Klaus, a physicist with decades of experience in loudspeaker design and acoustics, brings deep technical knowledge and innovative engineering to the table. He is the mastermind behind HEDD’s signature technologies.

Dr. Frederik Knop, a trained mastering engineer and musicologist, provides the crucial artistic and practical perspective. His experience in audio production ensures that HEDD Audio products are not only technically advanced but also finely tuned to meet the real-world demands of music professionals. His deep understanding of how sound is perceived and shaped in the studio environment complements Klaus’s scientific approach.

Together they bridge the gap between scientific precision and musical creativity. A rare father-son collaboration where the technical meets the emotional, resulting in sound solutions that is as intelligent as it is inspiring.

Another key person at HEDD Audio is Dmitry Grigoriev, the Head of R&D, who joined the company in 2018. He is essentially the technical father of the HEDDphone TWO and HEDDphone TWO GT. Klaus Heinz, inspired the concept of AMT headphones and collaboratively designed the HEDDphone ONE together with Dmitry. Dmitry has since taken over the responsibility for developing the subsequent two models. Nowadays Klaus Heinz acts more in the background, providing foundational inspiration, while Dmitry leads the technical evolution of the products.

The company focus is on accuracy and quality, rooted in their original background of professional studio environments. HEDD’s philosophy emphasizes transparency, natural sound reproduction and the application of advanced driver technologies to bring listeners as close to the original performance as possible. They try to close the gap between high-end studio monitoring and personal audio.

The HEDD Audio HEDDphone TWO GT is a great new iteration on the former models. Their headphones represent a unique approach in headphone technology, primarily through its innovative Air Motion Transformer (AMT) drivers, which differs from dynamic drivers and planars. A design previously associated mostly with loudspeakers. This technology aims to deliver extraordinary transparency and detailed sound across the entire frequency spectrum.

Test equipment:
– Burson Soloist 3XR GT + Supercharger
– Eversolo A8 + upgraded LHY LPS
– Chord TT2 + Mscaler, both upgraded LPS
– (Portable) Mojo2+Poly


The HEDDphone TWO GT is finished with exceptionally high-quality and exquisite premium materials, like carbon-fibre and magnesium.


Build Quality and Comfort
The HEDDphone TWO GT has made notable improvements over its predecessor, now featuring a lighter, yet robuster construction. Using magnesium components for the chassis and integrating a carbon fiber headband, the headphone achieves a weight of about 550 grams. I listened to them for hours, I never had any issue with the weight or comfort. I am used to other high-end brands, that are around the same weight, or sometimes even heavier.

While significantly lighter! than the first-generation model, it still remains somewhat heavy compared to competitors in this category. The adjustable dual-strap headband system helps though for users customize both fit and pressure distribution.

In short.
– Redesigned AMT driver features new multi-layered Kapton polyimide film with even lower distortion
– Variable Velocity Transformation (VVT) allows reproduction of frequencies from 10 to 40kHz
– Two sets of changeable, soft ear pads: real leather & velour
– Hand-braided and nylon-woven high-grade cables (4-core 5N SPC, High-end GTC upgrade cable 8-core LC OFC available separately)
– HEDDband allows to adjust height, width, curvature, and clamping pressure
– Every possible cable for every type of connection, balanced or single ended.

All covered with an amazing 5 year warranty



Treble
Treble performance is crisp, detailed and most importantly never harsh. The HEDDphone TWO GT strikes a fine balance between smoothness and detail. It offers a slightly warmer tone compared to earlier models, which gives the highs a more organic and engaging character. It is well-suited for both analytical listening and pure musical enjoyment.

Mid
The midrange is where the TWO GT truly shines, offering an exceptional detail, clarity, and realism. Vocals have a natural richness and sit comfortably forward in the mix without sounding pushy or artificial. Instruments come through with clear separation, offering a sense of space and texture that makes acoustic recordings particularly enjoyable. The overall tone leans slightly warm, giving the sound a smooth and engaging character while preserving a high level of detail and balance. It’s a midrange that feels both refined and emotionally resonant.

Bass
The bass reproduction of the HEDDphone TWO GT is impressively articulate and well-defined. It delivers precision and clarity without unnecessary emphasis or exaggerated impact, appealing strongly to listeners who value accuracy over raw power.

However, bass enthusiasts looking for deep and impactful bass might find it somewhat reserved. That does not mean the bass is not powerfull, it is amazing!, it is there when called for, but it is very clean and controlled, but never overpowered or bleeding into the other frequencies. (exactly how it should be!)

Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage of the HEDDphone TWO GT is spacious and immersive, offering a sense of openness that draws you into the music. It doesn’t exaggerate width artificially but presents a natural, well-proportioned space around the listener. What truly stands out is the precision of the imaging, each instrument and vocal is placed with clarity and intent, making it easy to follow individual elements even in dense mixes. There’s a real sense of depth, allowing sounds to breathe and unfold in a three-dimensional way. The overall presentation feels expansive yet intimate, depending on the recording. the TWO GT is incredibly engaging across all genres.



Diana Krall – Peel me a grape
Listening to “Peel Me a Grape” was a masterclass in intimacy and detail. The headphone’s remarkable midrange brings Diana Krall’s smoky vocals right to the foreground, smooth and full of nuance. Every subtle inflection in her voice, gentle phrasing and even the slight breathiness is rendered with lifelike presence. The treble has air and is very refined. The piano notes have body and sparkle. The upright bass has just the right amount of texture and depth, tight and controlled, anchoring the performance without overwhelming it. The imaging is pinpoint-precise, allowing you to feel the placement of each instrument in this jazz ensemble.



Ella and Louis – Can’t we be friends
Listening to Can’t We Be Friends is like opening a time capsule of pure musical charm. Ella’s silky voice glides effortlessly, full of grace and subtle phrasing. Louis’s gravelly vocals add contrast and character, both are rendered with stunning realism and intimacy.

The headphone’s natural midrange tone lets their chemistry shine through. Ella’s vocals are velvety and pure, while Louis’s trumpet interjections sparkle with a touch of warmth and golden bite. You can almost hear the smile in their voices, the playful back-and-forth and the casual elegance of two legends enjoying the moment.
Instrumentally, the GT presents the gentle swing rhythm with a refined touch. The double bass hums softly and clearly in the background. The piano dances delicately and the brushes on the drums are light and airy, brought forward just enough to complete the atmosphere without ever intruding.

You don’t just hear the music, you feel like you’re in the room with them, seated at a small table in a cozy 1950s jazz lounge.



Robin McKelle – Alterations
Playing “Don’t Explain” by Robin McKelle it felt like being invited into a smoky, dimly lit jazz club where the performance is just for you. McKelle’s voice carries emotional weight and the GT captured every fragile nuance.

The headphone’s warm yet detailed midrange allows her vocals to bloom naturally, never recessed nor overly forward, just perfectly placed within the mix. Bass notes are tight and unobtrusive, offering a gentle pulse that supports rather than dominates. The treble doesn’t show any sharp edges, just smooth articulation that lets every whisper and echo hang in the air with grace.

The emotion of the performance is translated effortlessly!



Ray Brown Trio – F.S.R.
Listening to F.S.R. is like stepping into the heart of a live jazz performance, immediate, energetic and full of presence. The HEDDphone’s speed and precision give the track a vivid sense of realism. The bass is rendered with rich texture and clarity. The GT’s exceptional control in the low is full-bodied but the bass is never overwhelming. It sits in perfect harmony with the crisp piano lines and the lively ride cymbals. The treble is smooth and finely detailed, letting the cymbals shimmer without sharp edges, just the right amount of sparkle to capture the feel of a live setting.

It’s a dynamic, toe-tapping, front-row experience. Every note breathes, every nuance lives.



Jeff Hamilton Trio – Catch me if you can
Playing this track is a thrilling showcase of speed, swing and precision. The track’s brisk tempo and playful interplay demand a headphone that can keep up, the GT delivers with ease! Jeff Hamilton’s drumming is full of detail, every brush, snap and cymbal hit lands with clarity and finesse. The treble extension is smooth and lively. The HEDDphone’s lightning-fast driver response gives the snare and hi-hats a clean, articulate presence that captures Hamilton’s masterful touch.

The midrange is rich and open, letting the sound breathe with dynamics and subtlety. It grooves without muddiness, keeping the energy alive from start to finish.


Conclusion
The HEDD Audio HEDDphone TWO GT is an exceptional audiophile-grade headphone designed primarily for listeners and professionals who value musicality without loosing accuracy, resolution and technical detail.

It truly shines with its midrange clarity, pinpoint imaging and refined high-frequency detail. While its substantial build and revealing treble may take some getting used to, especially with lower-quality recordings. These headphones come really to life (and how!!) with well-produced tracks, offering an exceptionally rewarding and enjoyable listening experience.

If accurate listening and intricate detail retrieval matters to you, the Two GT offers a highly rewarding and distinctive auditory experience.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the HEDDphone TWO GT. It’s a significant leap forward compared to the previous two models. The sound is simply outstanding, with every detail effortlessly presented. While some brands tend to emphasize specific parts of the frequency range, the TWO GT offers a beautifully balanced and natural presentation. It’s musical, precise, and impressively comfortable to wear for extended listening sessions.

HEDD Audio has truly crafted something remarkable with this new release.

You can read more reviews on my website as well at: JJAZZIFI