• These fancy headphones stick vacuum tubes in your cans for hi-fi audio Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit Flipboard Email Lumberton, Texas-based startupEcoute Audiomade a splash with its first-ever product back in 2023, when it unveiled itsTH1 headphones aimed at hi-fi enthusiasts. • That model was unlike anything else on the market at the time, with separate amplifier circuits for cleaner separation in each channel, and a vacuum tube preamp stage for analog smoothness and warmth - sort of emulating an audiophile’s full system setup. • Fromprofessionaland customer reviews,the TH1s were well receivedand the brand’s bet on packing high-grade componentry into its headphones paid off. • Ecoute’s decided to take things up a notch with the TH2 over-ears. • The new headphones borrow from the original recipe and improve upon it with a revamped design and upgraded audio. • If these sound half as good as they look, the company might well have another winner on its hands.
Article Summaries:
- Lumberton, Texas startup Ecoute Audio has launched its second flagship headphone, the TH2, on Kickstarter. Building on the 2023 TH1, the TH2 incorporates a Korg Nutube 6P1 vacuum‑tube preamp, dual Class A/B mono amps, and a 32‑bit/384 kHz dual‑core DAC driving 40‑mm titanium‑coated drivers. The design promises enhanced channel separation, richer analog warmth, and deeper bass with extended treble. Features include an 8‑band EQ app, USB‑C, 3.5‑mm, and Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC support, active noise cancellation, and a 1,600‑mAh battery for 20 + hours. The headphones retail at $999, with Kickstarter backers able to purchase them for $749, plus optional premium leather accessories.
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