After 3 years of development, HEDDPhone TWO has finally hit the market. However, these headphones are not just a rehash of the HEDDPhone V1: they are lighter, equipped with a new AMT unit, and feature a more versatile fitting and support system, all at a slightly higher price: €2,060.
In my review of the original HEDDPhone V1, I've already explained the groundbreaking technology behind these German headphones. The key is a single Air Motion Transformer (AMT) ribbon unit capable of reproducing the entire frequency spectrum. Therefore, you may consider this review as a follow-up that further explores the changes that set the HEDDPhone TWO and the V1 apart.
The AMT Approach
The HEDDPhone TWO defies convention like its predecessor, the V1. Unlike traditional dynamic drivers or planar magnetic technology, it relies on a full-range AMT unit to create sound. This unique feature places it in a league of its own within the audio market.
AMT diagram: in yellow, the pleated diaphragm.
What Is AMT?
AMT stands for Air Motion Transformer, a transducer born from the ingenuity of Oskar Heil—a German Jew with Russian roots who found refuge in the United States during World War II. But what sets AMT apart?
- Inductive Magic: Like electrostatic headphones (think Stax) and planar magnetics (such as Hifiman and Audeze), AMT operates through induction: electric fields and magnetic forces turned into wonderful music.
- The Pleated Membrane: Imagine an accordion—an ultra-thin Kapton pleated membrane that expands and contracts, and works as a dipole unit. But here’s the twist: The AMT membrane “shoots” air at four times the speed of conventional diaphragms.
A single AMT unit reproduces the full audio spectrum and above.
From Tweeter to Full-Range Wonder
Originally designed as a broadband tweeter, the AMT could already handle frequencies from 700 Hz to 40 kHz. But now there’s more to the story. Klaus Heinz—a faithful disciple of Dr. Oskar Heil—took the AMT concept further, creating the world’s first full-range AMT unit under the banner of HEDDphone, Heinz Electromagnetic Design.
Variable Velocity Transform (VVT)
Heinz’s stroke of genius lay in replacing the AMT’s fixed geometric structure with a technology called Variable Velocity Transform (VVT) where the diaphragm folds vary in both width and depth. This innovation expanded the AMT’s capabilities, allowing it to span an impressive frequency range from 10 Hz to 40 kHz.
Tne new HEDDband contraption is lighter and more comfortable to wear.
Sound, Size, and Weight
In my previous detailed review, I praised the HEDDPhone’s harmonic structure, natural midrange, and impactful bass. But size and weight were sticking points. Klaus Heinz tackled these challenges head-on:
- Lighter Materials: The new carbon headband, affectionately dubbed the HEDDband, dispensed with some unnecessary weight.
- Slimmer Earcups, Thinner Pads: The HEDDPhone TWO now boasts smaller earcups with thinner pads, enhancing comfort without compromising sound quality.
- Redesigned AMT Unit: Heinz’s engineering ingenuity also reduced the AMT unit’s size while improving the sensibility.
- Less weight: from 711g to 550g—a significant drop of almost 200g.
- Carrying Case: And there’s a bonus—the HEDDPhone TWO arrives with a sleek carrying case, and two sets of cables, all at a slightly higher price.
The HEDDPhone TWO feels lighter on the head and more comfortable than its predecessor.
Comfort and Design
The HEDDPhone TWO feels lighter on the head and more comfortable than its predecessor. Dual height and grip adjustments via leather straps may initially puzzle you, but once settled, these headphones embrace your head like a well-worn hat.
However, there’s a caveat: the new earcup size and shape, although still designated as circumaural, doesn’t quite allow for a gap around the ears. Unlike the more spacious cushions of the V1 model, the TWO’s earcups make intimate contact with your ears, pressing them.
HEDDPhone TWO: a transparent and natural sound. Listen to the sound of the sea as if through a seashell.
Sound Signature
Do you still remember what I wrote about the V1 version? Its fleshy, natural mid-range set it apart from the magnetic planar crowd. Now meet the TWO—a sibling that doesn’t replace but complements it. Picture them as musical yin and yang, each beckoning a different type of listener.
The TWO’s sound signature is fuller, richer, and unabashedly bold. The lower mids take center stage, delivering an impact that reverberates through your body too. This creates an incredible listening experience. The bass is pumped up yet disciplined. Curiously, the extension below 60 Hz is relatively limited.
The midrange is also sweeter, less upfront, between, say, 3 and 8 kHz, which is perhaps why the lower mids stand out so much as soon as you start listening. In general, the sound is so physical, so muscular that no one can remain indifferent to its merits.
Top speed and timbre resolution
The TWO flaunts top-end speed and timbre resolution akin to high-end electrostatics like the Stax SR9000. But close your eyes, and you’ll notice a difference. The soundstage is not as sprawling and airy; it feels more intimate—like a private concert inside your head. The sound carries weight, offering more density, texture, and a physical impact similar to that of a loudspeaker.
For studio pros, the Audeze MM500 sound is akin to the TWO’s, bridging the gap between precision and soul. Drums thump, bass guitars growl, all with an intensity that holds you captive.
Before purchasing these headphones, it’s crucial to ensure they are compatible with both your sound system (Impedance: 42 ohms; Sensitivity: 89 dB) and your personal hearing preferences. If they meet both criteria, they should be a top consideration.
For further information, please contact EXAUDIO or your local dealer.