Before I start my review, I would like to Thank Noontec for providing me with a review sample of your Hammo S headphones.
Still fresh in my mind how I almost missed an opportunity to review Noontec Zoro II HD on-ear headphones, so when opportunity knocked again to review their full size Hammo S over-ear headphones – I didn’t hesitate! Noontec is one of those less known brands with colorful selection of headphones that some might pass by thinking it’s going to be another “Beats” look-a-like with a common folding design. Instead, these headphones surprise you with a quality build, great selection of materials, comfortable fitment, and their own custom driver design. I’m not hyping them up because even Tyll at InnerFidelity was impressed with Zoros. With Hammo S being one of their flagship models featuring an updated 50mm driver and a refreshed design, here is what I found when I got a chance to test them.
Arrived in a sturdy packaging box, I was a bit surprised to see a cover with a half dressed guy with his eyes closed in ecstasy while listening to Hammo S. Perhaps this is Noontec’s marketing technique to attract ladies to the male dominated audiophile world, especially when it comes to full size headphones. On the back of the box you can see all the available Hammo S colors, and I have been told that initial launch of this model is going to be in blue, while white/black/red are going to be introduced a little bit later. As a side comment about colors, judging by a blue/orange one I received – this is not a tacky bright color, but rather a nicely toned down shade. Though most of my headphones come in black, I actually wouldn’t mind wearing these blue ones outside.
Unboxing.
With a box open, here comes the first big surprise. While Noontec website mentions a drawstring storage bag, inside I found a hard shell case! Not sure if it was a last minute decision or just a typo on their website, but I’m very pleased they decided to include a quality case with an attached carabiner to accommodate their Hammo S model. Due to a foldable headphone design, the case is very compact and great for both storage and traveling. The case has a modern 3D carbon fiber look under a scratch resistant plastic-y finish hard shell. Inside of the case, you will find a folded Hammo S and removable oval-shaped accessories insert with an elastic pocket. Ironically, this storage insert is flat, just like the included flat removable cables that come bundled with these headphones.
Having removable cables is always a plus, and 3.5mm universal connection opens a door to a lot of 3rd party alternatives. Here, one cable comes with inline remote/mic and universal multi-function button control (no volume) with a single click for Play/Pause/Call and double click to skip to the next track. Using it for phone calls was not bad at all, though I find it a bit awkward in general making phone calls with full size headphones on. But with DAPs such as FiiO X1 or X3ii (or upcoming X5ii), inline remote is supported and will come handy for a remote play/pause and track skipping. Also included was an "audio" flat cable without remote. Though I'm usually not a big fan of noodle flat cable, I actually liked this cable a lot because of its thicker shielding and sturdier connectors.
Accessories.
Thought the look of Hammo S might remind you a bit of Beats, these are actually more durable and feature their own original design elements, especially around earcups. The exterior plastic shell of headband goes all the way around and blends in with extendable end-pieces. Noontec mentions it’s made of a combination of ABS, PC, and nylon, and I found it to provide a nice flexible structure with a comfortable clamping force. Noontec also states that all bendable parts are made out of aluminum and stainless steel material for added reinforcement. There are not creaks or squeaks as you bend or twist the headband. While the color theme is blue outside, on the inside it’s orange, making it a cool combo. At the top arc of the headband you have a soft padding covered with some kind of a breathable vinyl material (sweat resistant and easy to clean/wipe) for a headband to rest comfortably on top of your head. Right at the folding joint, you also have an aluminum bracket with latching steel mechanism on the inside.
Height adjustment of the headband has a nice clicking action. The earcup is attached to a floating plate which has some degree of movement to self-adjustment along y-axis, and the earcup itself can swivel a little bit along x-axis. Between this double-joint adjustment and comfortable soft earpads covered with protein cotton (breathable material), you can get a very comfortable fitment and actually a noticeable passive noise isolation. I definitely found these headphones to be great for extended period of listening without my ears getting too hot. They were also comfortable when placed around my neck when not in use.
Design.
In my opinion, the build and the quality of full size Hammo S is a notch above on-ear Zoro II HD, which is expected from a flagship model. But the big question is how do they sound? After about 50+ hours of burn in to give their 50mm dynamic drivers a proper exercise, here is how I hear it.
I found Hammo S to have a balanced warm sound with a slightly v-shaped signature. In more details, bass extends down to a moderate quantity sub-bass with a nicely textured layer underneath of a less aggressive mid-bass punch. Don’t get me wrong, mid-bass does has a nice punch but the attack is a bit slower. Mids are slightly recessed with thicker warmer lower mids and smooth clear upper mids. I wouldn’t consider upper mids to be very detailed, but they do have a good level of clarity. Vocals presentation was smooth and organic. Treble has a nice extension, but it's not too bright or harsh, still very smooth and clear.
Soundstage is a little above average, being a bit wider than deeper. Imaging was above average as well, the same with separation and layering of sounds where I felt it being better at higher volume versus a little more congested at lower volume level. These are clearly not analytical bright headphones, but rather smooth and relaxed listening headphones. I actually found their tuning to hit the right sweet spot for my taste, and they would be great for everyday listening of any music genre, but pair up better with a neutral/bright source versus a warmer source.
Next to some of my other headphones, here is what I found.
- vs Hammo S, ATH-M50x sub-bass doesn't extend as deep and mid-bass is snappier with a faster punch, lower mids are a bit thinner in comparison and upper mids are a little more forward (with the same level of clarity), treble is a bit more detailed and has the same level of extension; I found soundstage to be similar.
- vs Hammo S, ATH-MSR7 has a lot less sub-bass and mid-bass has a faster punch, lower mids are thinner, upper mids have a lot more clarity and details, treble is brighter and with a better extension; soundstage is wider.
- vs Hammo S, Don Scorpio Dolphin has a similar low end extension with even more aggressive sub-bass (boosted) and a similar mid-bass, lower mids are similar while upper mids are a little more forward and brighter, treble has a better extension; also I found soundstage to be a little bit wider.
Conclusion.
I think it’s another solid release for Noontec. It’s easy to be deceived by its bi-color look thinking you are dealing with another pair of headphones that trying to imitate Beats in looks while using a generic off-the shelf driver. They are clearly trying to appeal more to a younger crowd with its colorful easy on your eyes and wallet design, but they are not pushing too far the agenda of L-shaped or deep V-shaped sound tuning with overwhelming exaggerated bass. The sound tuning is not as aggressive and more relaxed, warmer and smoother sound with mid-bass being not as fast/punchy and upper mids/treble being not as hot. In my opinion, they stand comfortably being compared to iconic M50, or actually M50x since cables are removable. Overall, if you are not a basshead but like a nice sub-bass layer, and if you want a clear smooth sound for extended listening without dealing with sibilant or harsh upper frequencies – you will definitely enjoy Hammo S. They can’t replace my MSR7 in everyday listening. When watching movies I usually reach out for either M50x or Dolphins, but I think the next time it’s going to be Hammo S
Listening == subjective. Measurements == objective. I don't doubt for a second that the Hammo is the brighter sounding of the two, but it still measures better overall than the M50X.
The brightness you're talking about is almost definitely the ringing on the impluse response. You could probably get rid of it if you wanted to. Different pads, open-cell foam, felt, and creatology foam surrounding the driver on the baffle plate are all things that could help tame that ringing. You could also try some internal (inside the earcup) tinkering too, provided you're allowed to keep the review sample. Mass loading the back of the baffle with blutak can reduce the amount of enclosure resonation. Surrounding the driver with it where it mounts to the baffle with blutak might help too, if the ringing is driver-borne.
Cheers.