HEDD Audio HEDDphone TWO GT Review

The HEDDphone TWO GT is a fascinating follow-up to the original HEDDphone, aiming to deliver exceptional analytical sound with cutting-edge technology. Priced at $2,199, these open-back headphones cater to audiophiles and professionals who prioritize detail and accuracy. In this review, we’ll dive into the unboxing experience, aesthetics, technical features, and, most importantly, the listening experience to determine whether this high-end offering justifies its price tag.

What Comes In The Box

• HEDDphone® TWO GT
• Travel case for HEDDphone® TWO GT and Accessories
• 2x sets of ear pads finished in velour and sheep leather
• 1x unbalanced cable with 6.35mm termination (1.6m)
• 1x unbalanced adapter, from 6.35mm to 3.5mm
• 1x balanced cable with 4.4mm termination (1.6m)
• 1x balanced adapter, from balanced 4.4mm to XLR

Aesthetics and Functionality

The HEDDphone TWO GT sports a utilitarian aesthetic that emphasizes function over flair. Its all-black design is understated yet distinctive, thanks to its unique boxy frame softened by rounded edges. It’s clear that the primary focus here is on audio performance rather than luxury styling. The build feels solid and robust, befitting a headphone designed for studio use and serious audiophiles. At 550g, it is undeniably heavy, a consequence of the AMT driver technology housed inside. While the weight lends an impression of durability, it can also become a drawback during extended use.

Comfort is a mixed bag with the HEDDphone TWO GT. The clamp force is quite strong, which is reassuring in terms of stability—it won’t shift around during use—but it also becomes fatiguing over time, particularly for glasses wearers. The adjustable headband uses a dual-notch system that allows for precise customization, accommodating different head sizes and shapes effectively. Still, the combination of weight and clamp force makes long listening sessions difficult, which is disappointing for headphones designed for critical and immersive listening.

One area where the HEDDphone TWO GT excels is in its practical considerations. The included travel case and variety of cables make it a versatile and ready-to-go package for both professional and personal use. While the headphone’s size and open-back design make it less suited for portable use, the accessories help mitigate these limitations by ensuring seamless integration into any home or studio environment.

Tech Specs

• Concept: Open-back over-ear
• Driver: Full-range Air Motion Transformer (AMT)
• Diaphragm: Multi-layered Kapton polyimide film
• Frequency range: 10 Hz – 40 kHz
• Sensitivity: 88 dB/W
• Impedance: 41 Ω
• Weight: 550g
• Power Requirements: 200mW (minimum), 1000mW+ (recommended)
• Cables: High-purity and silver-plated copper with nylon braids
• Ear Pads: Velour and sheep-leather

Listening Review

Soundstage

The HEDDphone TWO GT offers a soundstage that feels narrower than one might expect from an open-back design. Sounds are positioned close to the listener, creating a front-heavy presentation that some may find intimate, while others may perceive as somewhat constricted. This narrow soundstage contrasts with its excellent imaging capabilities — every instrument and effect is precisely placed in the sound field, allowing for a highly analytical listening experience. In genres like jazz or acoustic music, the imaging allows for an almost surgical level of detail, making it easy to pick apart individual instruments in a mix. However, for those seeking a wide, expansive soundstage that envelops the listener, these headphones might not meet expectations.As an open-back headphone, isolation is minimal. Ambient noise bleeds in freely, so these are best suited for quiet, controlled environments.

Low Frequencies

The bass response of the TWO GT leans toward a detailed, analytical presentation rather than outright impact or warmth. The low frequencies are clean and textured, avoiding any muddiness or overemphasis. However, bass enthusiasts may find the sound lacking in weight and physicality. There is a certain level of punch in the lower registers, but it stops short of delivering the visceral, hard-hitting bass that some listeners crave. Instead, the focus is on precision and clarity, making these headphones better suited for those who prioritize detail over raw power.

Midrange Frequencies

The midrange is undoubtedly the highlight of the HEDDphone TWO GT’s sound signature. Vocals come through with a natural, lifelike presence that puts them center stage. Instruments in this range, such as guitars and strings, are rendered with remarkable clarity and separation. One of the standout qualities is the layering within the midrange—ensembles and complex arrangements are easy to dissect, making these headphones an excellent tool for critical listening. Whether it’s an intricate orchestral piece or a vocal-heavy ballad, the mids consistently deliver an engaging and precise experience.

High Frequencies

The high frequencies are a double-edged sword. On one hand, the treble is exceptionally detailed, with an airy quality that brings out the space and ambiance in recordings. Reverb tails and micro-details are reproduced with impressive accuracy, giving the sound an analytical edge. On the other hand, the treble can occasionally come across as overly sharp, especially in tracks that are already bright. The lack of bass to balance out the brightness exacerbates this issue, making the headphones prone to sounding fatiguing during long listening sessions. Listeners who are sensitive to treble or who enjoy bass-heavy genres may find this characteristic off-putting.

Summary

The HEDDphone TWO GT is a highly specialized headphone that prioritizes precision and analytical performance. It excels in midrange clarity, imaging, and treble detail, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles and professionals who demand exceptional accuracy. However, it comes with notable trade-offs, including a narrow soundstage, lean bass response, and limited comfort due to its weight and clamp force.

For those who value detail and insight over comfort and tonal balance, the HEDDphone TWO GT offers a unique and rewarding listening experience. But for casual listeners or those seeking a more universally enjoyable sound signature, the compromises may outweigh the benefits. At $2,199, this is a niche product designed for a niche audience — and within that niche, it truly shines.

The HEDDphone TWO GT is available today at Audio46.