JM Audio XTC^2.5 Euphoric Xtreme Trip Limited Edition

John Massaria’s talent tuning headphones is no secret here at headfi. He continues to produce some of the best sounding headphones at any price. His latest closed back design, the XTC 2.5 has introduced to me to something I never thought I’d fall in love with…..a closed back headphone. Until I purchased the XTC 2.5 I hadn’t found a closed back that I kept for more than a week. I generally find that they sound artificial, very claustrophobic and severely lacking in the natural and gloriously huge sound of great open backs.

I have to admit that I had my doubts when John introduced me to this headphone. When it arrived I was excited but not looking forward to reporting what i thought was likely another letdown from a closed back. More on that later.


As many here know, ordering a headphone from JM Audio is quite a different experience from every other company out there. You have actual tuning options! And if the sound you want isn’t covered by JM’s extensive list of different tunings you just have a little chat with him and he’ll sculp the sound precisely as you’d like. I always choose ”Warm yet detailed” for my headphones and they’re always spot on for my preferences. I generally prefer the fuzzy pads but all the offerings are very high quality and comfortable. The golden cables are amazingly soft and supple.





When I first put my new XTC 2.5 in African Blackwood I was very pleased with the weight. These are not Titanic anchors like Audeze‘s offerings. They aren’t “light” but very comfortable and the weight is distributed very well. I can easily have a 2-3 hour session as they disappear on my head. The sound…..well they are unlike any other closed back headphone I’ve heard or owned. The stage is well outside my head with superb air and sparkle. Imaging is a blast….accurate and 3 dimensional. Vocals sound as if I’m middle stage 6 rows or so back. All instruments are where they should be. I get no feeling of confinement with XTC 2.5. They truly sound a lot like an open back headphone.

This brings me to bass. XTC 2.5 has some seriously well textured and DEEP junk in the trunk. Sub bass goes down..down…deep and LOW down on Béla Flec’s Flight of the Cosmic Hippo. This track will rattle your soul. Listening to it right now….hehehe.

Mid bass has terrific slam with no bloat and excellent texture. This headphone is a ton of fun folks. Mids are neither recessed or up front…just placed perfectly where they should be. Male and female vocals sound sweet and natural. Dave Matthews’ massive soulful high notes FEEL as if you’re there in Central Park in 2002. Adele’s ungodly alto vibrato is captured beautifully by XTC 2.5….abilities like these have always been specific to GREAT open back headphones for me. My partner is no longer forced to dig out her Beats ANC joints so she can hear her sitcom on tv. Sweet!



I find the XTC 2.5 an honest to goodness fabulous candidate for an all round everyday headphone. They’re very easy to drive and sound incredible on everything from my RME ADI 2 DAC fs to the Woo Audio WA7 gen 3 tube and heck, she even sounds darn good wit the Shanling UA5 dongle. I’d be remiss if I failed to mention what a revelation this headphone is with Woo’s new Mini Tube. Eye popping god tier stuff from those two. I’m addicted.

XTC 2.5 is by far my favorite closed back of all time and the proof is that it’s still sitting on my large noggin….with ZERO plans to move on.