HEDD Audio HEDDphone TWO GT
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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
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
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jjazzy
You’re welcome
milkdudd
Curious if anyone has any first hand knowledge of how these compare to my DCA Ether 2. I'd be using a Violectric V281 as my amp. I'd appreciate any opinions, thanks
jjazzy
I would love to help you, but never heared them, only the violectric, which is a very nice headphone amp.
