Introduction

HEDD Audio is a German speaker, and now also headphones, brand which was founded in 2015. However, there is a lot of history here to where calling it a newcomer to the audio world would be doing it a disservice. HEDD stands for Heinz Electrodynamic Design and was founded by physicist Klaus Heinz in 2015 who had previously founded ADAM to showcase his air motion transformer (AMT) drivers used in speakers. Klaus Heinz himself is the son of Physics Nobel Prize laureate Dr. Ernst Ruska and HEDD Audio is now run by Klaus' son Dr. Frederik Knop who has completed the family journey from physics to music. With so much science and engineering in the family, HEDD grew from strength to strength, including hiring a new head of R&D (Dmitry Grigoriev) with more science background who took on the project of translating AMT drivers into headphones. This itself is quite challenging given AMT drivers, which we will talk more about over the course of this review, are typically used as speaker tweeters only handling the higher frequencies. To make a full-range AMT driver and put it out in the aptly named HEDDphone resulted in a lot of attention a few years ago. It had specific strengths and weaknesses but clearly did well enough for HEDD to dedicate enough resources to a successor.


Today we take a closer look at the brand new HEDDphone TWO which has also resulted in the original HEDDphone now being referred to as HEDDphone ONE. For those wondering, the HEDDphone ONE debuted without any headband sizing and featured massive drivers and ear cups placed such that those with larger heads simply could not use it. The HEDDphone ONE was slightly updated after launch to add vertical sizing but it didn't change the part where it weighed a whopping 730 g and looked like it ate other headphones for dinner. The AMT drivers otherwise were quite ingenious to where we have since seen a few other audio brands put out their own versions of AMT headphones, so when HEDD started teasing the new HEDDphone TWO in time for CanJam London earlier this year I was glad to be among the first people in the world to try the new version and see how HEDD has addressed all the feedback and complaints from the previous model. It took a few seconds to realize the HEDDphone TWO had been designed from the ground up to have less bulk and mass alike. Not only does it feature different and premium materials throughout, there is also a novel suspension-style headband which allows for not only vertical sizing but, as far as I am aware, an industry first with adjustment for the clamp force too. The AMT drivers are also updated with the goal of providing a clean and detailed sound in a set of headphones which are supposed to be comfortable for hours on end. Thanks to Headphones.com—HEDD's launch partner for the HEDDphone TWO—for providing a review sample to TechPowerUp as we begin our coverage with a look at the product specifications in the table below.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

HEDD Audio had prepared a limited number of review samples to get the word out on the HEDDphone Two while it's still in the pre-order stage. As such, the unit I received did not come in the full retail packaging that paying customers would get. Thankfully, HEDD had just finished a photography session and sent over some photos so I can share what the final unboxing experience will be like. Expect a relatively large product box made of thick cardboard employing a monochrome color scheme. On the front is the product name and a render of the headphones on top of a large brand logo. The box is open from the side to reveal two pull-out compartments that come labeled for easy identification. The top compartment is a thinner cardboard box that houses the carry case with the headphones inside whereas the lower accessory box contains the cables and cable adapters neatly placed in individual slots in addition to a spare set of ear pads. This means that you don't have to worry about pad replacement for a good few years at least and I can certainly get behind this move. There's also paperwork in the form of a quick start guide going over the set up and use of the headphones as well as a warranty brochure reminding you to register the device and opt for as much as five years of extended warranty.


The storage/carry case for the HEDDphone TWO is my favorite of any such offerings I've experienced. It's not as utilitarian as the aluminium cases with the locks and gives you a personal touch with the fabric lining over the hard case and the HEDD logo embossed on the front. There's a handle on the top for functionality too and the rounded rectangular shape helps ensure uniform drop resistance as well as the ability to place it vertically or horizontally. I also appreciated the two sturdy zipper tabs associated with a self-sealing zipper for added dust and spill protection. The case is larger than the likes of the Focal and Sivga cases but there's a good reason for that—open it to reveal the headphones placed on one side and a dedicated compartment with a door to house the headphone cables, as well as a small portable DAC/amp, instead of having to place them in a mesh layer or carry them separately. Indeed, there is also some room on the other side to have a cable there and use this compartment for a larger portable DAC/amp or DAP.