HEDDphone - Now Available for Pre-Order

[Random Lunatic]

Those look ridiculous, like someone has taken two desktop speakers and glued them to a pair of earmuffs. Weigh about the same as well, lol...

I mean, that IS basically how they started out, by the looks of it, so you're not entirely wrong

 

[DecentLevi]

To me it just seems the product development is not quite finished yet. They need to shave off 200-250g, use higher quality materials and employ a good designer. IF (!) the sound is really as exceptionally good as they claim, people will be willing to pay a slightly higher price. The new technology is exciting and we haven't heard any sound impressions or comparisons yet, so let's wait and see. I truly respect every new approach and effort in this hobby. Well done for that!

Actually HEDD Audio spent the last 6 months doing just that, endless hours trying to shave off weight and improving the design. To my understanding, in the end they finally realised that the weight is absolutely vital to sonic performance and I applaud them, putting sonic virtues ahead of form. The speacial VVT AMT transducers weigh a fair amount, and the earpad has a certain width in order to achieve optimal soundstage. At least they're not like these Chinese companies using only plastic and calling it the best out there. Also I implore you to explain precisely what material is not high enough quality?! It looks like a robust tank with stealth technology to me, and I personally had no qualms whatsoever even when trying and carrying around the initial prototype.

Exactly! If these sound so good that they can rival the Utopia and LCD 4, then their MSRP is an absolute steal.

Coming from someone who's tried all the above including the HEDDphone, to me these outperform the LCD-4 in every way to the point they're not even in the same galaxy, and the Utopia by a large margin (better detail, extension and a more lifelike sound), not to mention all other flagships except the Orpheus and perhaps the Stax SR-007 and 009 (could be better than those Stax but would have to directly compare)

 

[betula]

Actually HEDD Audio spent the last 6 months doing just that, endless hours trying to shave off weight and improving the design. To my understanding, in the end they finally realised that the weight is absolutely vital to sonic performance and I applaud them, putting sonic virtues ahead of form. The speacial VVT AMT transducers weigh a fair amount, and the earpad has a certain width in order to achieve optimal soundstage. At least they're not like these Chinese companies using only plastic and calling it the best out there. Also I implore you to explain precisely what material is not high enough quality?! It looks like a robust tank with stealth technology to me, and I personally had no qualms whatsoever even when trying and carrying around the initial prototype.

It just seems like a lot of plastic for the price. DIY speakers made into a headphone instead of a proper headphone design. The technology is more than interesting, perhaps it will give a new, fresh spin to the whole industry. But being one of the heaviest options out there won't help.

 

[Pale Rider]

It just seems like a lot of plastic for the price. DIY speakers made into a headphone instead of a proper headphone design. The technology is more than interesting, perhaps it will give a new, fresh spin to the whole industry. But being one of the heaviest options out there won't help.

I would like to hear more on this assessment:
1. betula, have you demo'ed any of the prototypes? If so, which parts do you see as "a lot of plastic for the price" and not enough [fill in the blank] wood, leather, etc.? One could look at a Senn HD800 and see a lot of plastic as well, but I think it's put to pretty good use. I love my Audi cars, and they've got a fair bit of plastic in and around them as well, also put to good use.
2. "DIY speakers" is based on what? There's no question the AMT transducers could be thought of as DIY, inasmuch as HEDD claims they hand-build each one. But that's the kind of craftsmanship I don't mind paying for, so long as it's not at the sacrifice of QC. None of the pics look DIY to me.
3. What is a "proper headphone design" in your opinion? I look at my collection of headphones, ranging from Darths to the SR1a, and not a one of them looks like the other. Which of them is "proper"? If anything, the chamber demands of the AMT driver that DecentLevi mentioned may necessitate this design, and it may be viewed as just as "proper" as anything else. I am sure Abyss could tell me the merits of their design and why it is quite proper, though I currently believe otherwise.
4. You may be correct in this assessment: "But being one of the heaviest options out there won't help." Personally, I doubt it. Weight did not seem to impede Audez'e's success, and with a price tag of half of the LCD-4, the early impressions of the HEDD suggest a real potential upside of success [if they can meet demand].

Not trying to flame or flame-bait here. I am genuinely curious where these assessments originate. I am asking because, when I look at the little bits of info we have so far [mostly marketing and a few impressions], the design appears reasonably "clean," and the technology seems intriguing. I acknowledge design is often a matter of personal taste. For example, I find the Abyss TC preposterously ugly and ungainly, but that's just me, and it's kept me from enjoying a headphone that I agree sounds marvelous. Others find the SR1a's appearance quite odd. Unlike DecentLevi, I haven't had the opportunity to see, feel, or hear the HEDD in person. It's not clear to me if you have. But until any of us does, we're all just speculating. [And that includes me.]

 

[BrowChan]

Actually HEDD Audio spent the last 6 months doing just that, endless hours trying to shave off weight and improving the design. To my understanding, in the end they finally realised that the weight is absolutely vital to sonic performance and I applaud them, putting sonic virtues ahead of form. The speacial VVT AMT transducers weigh a fair amount, and the earpad has a certain width in order to achieve optimal soundstage. At least they're not like these Chinese companies using only plastic and calling it the best out there. Also I implore you to explain precisely what material is not high enough quality?! It looks like a robust tank with stealth technology to me, and I personally had no qualms whatsoever even when trying and carrying around the initial prototype.


Coming from someone who's tried all the above including the HEDDphone, to me these outperform the LCD-4 in every way to the point they're not even in the same galaxy, and the Utopia by a large margin (better detail, extension and a more lifelike sound), not to mention all other flagships except the Orpheus and perhaps the Stax SR-007 and 009 (could be better than those Stax but would have to directly compare)

How do they stack up against Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC? I'm baffled as you're saying that they outperform the LCD-4 and Utopia. How is the bass compared to the LCD-4?
I hope they don't disappoint. I plan on running them on my Emotiva BasX A-100 once I get them. Will get a better amp later in the future.

 

[PeteSTRADAMUS]

How do they stack up against Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC? I'm baffled as you're saying that they outperform the LCD-4 and Utopia. How is the bass compared to the LCD-4?
I hope they don't disappoint. I plan on running them on my Emotiva BasX A-100 once I get them. Will get a better amp later in the future.

I would like those impressions too. Vs the TC.

 

[Hifiearspeakers]

I would like those impressions too. Vs the TC.

I know price-wise, they’re 2.5X cheaper than the TC...

 

[PeteSTRADAMUS]

I know price-wise, they’re 2.5X cheaper than the TC...

I’m at the point where I don’t care what they cost. I want the best, and won’t settle for less.

 

[Mark Up]

HEDD studio monitors are amazing. I trust the sound quality and it is their first run. Being one of the heaviest headphone out there, it will hold them back as will the price. The second run with a lot less weight (carbon fiber vs. metal, light weight Dan Clark Audio style headband strap vs. heavier strap, and so on) at a lower price could be something happening for a Version 2 a few years from now, I'd consider those.

 

[kumar402]

It’s not just about the weight but it’s also about how the weight is distributed across the headband, clamping force etc. So just refuting the product based on its weight is not right I feel. Only once we try it we will know for sure.
I own VC Ironwood and it’s very heavy however due to good weight distribution and clamp I don’t feel uncomfortable.

 

[BrowChan]

I’m at the point where I don’t care what they cost. I want the best, and won’t settle for less.

I’m in a different boat but heading in the same direction as well. Hoping used cans might help save a ‘lot’ of money.

 

[matthewhypolite]

Anyone compared the hedd agaisnt the susvara or abyss yet?

 

[Earbones]

LOL three things never change- death, taxes, and headfi threads about polarizing new products...

Some new expensive bobble lands, and it has a few bits not entirely sorted out... In this case, a few more plastic parts than is generally considered sexy, and a rather portly weight.

Some people point out these flaws, and express reticence. Other people attack them for doing so and defend the bobble like they built it by hand out of their own teeth.

Three years pass.

Those who aggressively defended the bobble now aggressively defend some new bobble- often contradicting their original points in the process. "The new bobble is too flimsy? No, it's just lightweight... What do you want, some overweight pig like that bobble from three years ago? This new bobble is the greatest thing ever made, and how dare you question any aspect of the thing that will completely fix my life once I buy it!"

Anyway. Who knows about his Hed thing. Maybe it will be great. It is absurd-looking, and a total fatso, but maybe it will be a fantastic-sounding absurd fatso. Plastic stuff doesn't bug me if it is durable and functional.

 

[DecentLevi]

I would like to hear more on this assessment:
1. betula, have you demo'ed any of the prototypes? If so, which parts do you see as "a lot of plastic for the price" and not enough [fill in the blank] wood, leather, etc.? One could look at a Senn HD800 and see a lot of plastic as well, but I think it's put to pretty good use. I love my Audi cars, and they've got a fair bit of plastic in and around them as well, also put to good use.
2. "DIY speakers" is based on what? There's no question the AMT transducers could be thought of as DIY, inasmuch as HEDD claims they hand-build each one. But that's the kind of craftsmanship I don't mind paying for, so long as it's not at the sacrifice of QC. None of the pics look DIY to me.
3. What is a "proper headphone design" in your opinion? I look at my collection of headphones, ranging from Darths to the SR1a, and not a one of them looks like the other. Which of them is "proper"? If anything, the chamber demands of the AMT driver that DecentLevi mentioned may necessitate this design, and it may be viewed as just as "proper" as anything else. I am sure Abyss could tell me the merits of their design and why it is quite proper, though I currently believe otherwise.
4. You may be correct in this assessment: "But being one of the heaviest options out there won't help." Personally, I doubt it. Weight did not seem to impede Audez'e's success, and with a price tag of half of the LCD-4, the early impressions of the HEDD suggest a real potential upside of success [if they can meet demand].

Not trying to flame or flame-bait here. I am genuinely curious where these assessments originate. I am asking because, when I look at the little bits of info we have so far [mostly marketing and a few impressions], the design appears reasonably "clean," and the technology seems intriguing. I acknowledge design is often a matter of personal taste. For example, I find the Abyss TC preposterously ugly and ungainly, but that's just me, and it's kept me from enjoying a headphone that I agree sounds marvelous. Others find the SR1a's appearance quite odd. Unlike DecentLevi, I haven't had the opportunity to see, feel, or hear the HEDD in person. It's not clear to me if you have. But until any of us does, we're all just speculating. [And that includes me.]

You sir are a master debater - a champion with words. I've tried the HEDDphone a few times throughout that special day at CanJam, one I'll remember forever and I couldn't agree more about what you said on
@betula 's comments... I sure as heck don't see any poor use of plastics here, and for all we know it could be carbon fiber. It is quite the opposite of DIY speakers simply because these unique VVT AMT transducers were custom designed for headphones, which also negates the claim these are not a "proper headphone design".

Maybe you just hate the design and that's your opinion... well anyway all the more for the rest of us then .

 

[Pale Rider]

It's just headphones. I suppose we all tend to get a bit carried away. But I don't think there is anything wrong with questions, criticisms, speculations, passion, and high dudgeon! It's all for fun. And the great thing is that for each of our sets of ears [and wallets], there is only one final judge: the owner of the ears. What a great hobby: the pursuit of a perfection that cannot be achieved.