Mid-Tier 80Ω Open-Back Dynamic Headphone
Specifications
| Category | Open Back Headphone |
|---|---|
| Brand | Reference Audio |
| Driver type | Dynamic |
| Driver size | 38 mm |
| Driver count | 1 per side |
| Impedance | 80 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW |
| Frequency response | 12 Hz – 38 kHz |
| THD | 0.08 % |
| Cable termination | detachable |
| Recommended amp power | 80 mW |
| Tuning target | warm-neutral, vocal-forward |
| Weight | 240 g |
| Price (USD) | $449 |
| Release year | 2024 |
Overview
A 38 mm dynamic-driver open-back headphone tuned for vocal-forward listening. The 80 Ω impedance / 98 dB/mW efficiency target sits in the sweet spot for portable amps and desktop amps alike — drivable from a phone dongle but scales meaningfully with a proper desktop amp.
Sound signature is slightly warm in the lower-mids and naturally extended in the upper-mids. The bass extension is modest by planar standards (-3 dB at 30 Hz) but tactile and well-controlled — the trade-off open dynamics make.
Comfortable for multi-hour sessions thanks to a 240 g chassis weight and velour ear pads as standard. A natural pairing with the integrated DAC + amp for desktop use, or the USB-C dongle DAC for portable.
Earpiece / cable connector
3.5 mm TRS (1/8″ Stereo) Headphone Jack
3.5mm · 3-pole TRS
Recommended source devices
Desktop Integrated DAC + Headphone Amp (ES9039Pro)
1800mW @ 32Ω · Dac Amp
USB-C Dongle DAC with Dual CS43131 and Balanced Out
210mW @ 32Ω · Portable Dac
Mid-Tier Compact Balanced DAP (ES9219C)
240mW @ 32Ω · Dap