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Product Description
The headphone experience isn’t just a sonic one—it’s a tactile one, too. To cover both senses with exceptional attention to detail, leading earpad manufacturer Dekoni teamed up with enthusiast headphone brand HIFIMAN to create the Cobalt: a pair of closed-back headphones that feels as good as it sounds Read More
I got to hear these at CanJam Chicago 2023, and I was pleasantly surprised. I was initially very skeptical of the price, sound, and headband choice, but I think I've been won over... if only barely!
Sound-wise, I think these are very pleasant (with the Velour pads for me, at least). While the chassis is reminiscent of the R7DX, the sound is in a completely different league. But on that same note, the price seems hard to swallow due to the borrowed chassis. Repurposing a chassis, improving internal dampening, replacing drivers, etc. are not new concepts in the hobby, though. If I shift my perspective to these being a "pre-modded" version of the R7DX, the price starts to seem a bit more reasonable. Either way, if we're just talking sound, I can't think of another closed-back headphone sub-$800 that I like more.
As for build, these headphones are deceptively lightweight. Additionally, the extreme light weight and the balanced clamp force of the headphones left no hotspots on my head, something I've rarely had luck with for a simple cushioned headband. If I had a 24+ hour gaming marathon, these would be my comfort pick. However, it should be known that the cups BARELY swivel, which can leave an unfortunate gap behind your ears depending on your head's shape. This happened to me unless I was extra careful, though your mileage may vary.
TL;DR: Great sounding headphones, and super comfy. But the chassis can't help but make me think of the R7DX, and that price delta is unnervingly large.
This headphone appears to have been made from spare-parts and given a coat of blue paint.
With a significantly higher release price than the previous (and similar-looking) HIFIMAN collaboration (the HE-R7DX), its unique drivers and overall performance had better offer something truly special...
Or I don't expect it will sell well at all.
I haven’t heard this to comment, but are the rich Meze Noir 99 and warm but spacious Ultrasone Siganture X on your list? The ÆON closed is priced a little higher and has (features?) a bit of a softer impact to go with its high detail presentation, some people really like that “ease.” Hopefully soon we’ll be able to leave a shorthand description of the Cobalt’s most distinct characteristics.
Evshruglol I think my goal has been trying to find a closed back with Grado sound signature. Hasn't happened yet, or rather such headphone doesn't exists yet. Meze Noir 99 also doesn't fit my head LOL (my head is bigger than the suspension headband). Ultrasone Signature X I guess I don't know much about it yet, but historically speaking I think Ultrasone has been a bit polarizing. Though Aeon Closed X (or RT) is something that I do want to try one day lol. But generally speaking I'm always curious about every new closed back that comes out! 😆
The Hifiman Sundara closed back are available at $399 and feature a planar magnetic driver. This dekoni dynamic driver version is trying to compete with that??
Thanks for your Closed Sundara and Sonoros III impressions!
Once upon a time, about a decade ago, I was wow’ed by Planar Magnetic drivers. These days I feel both Dynamic and Planar drivers are of comparable quality and maturity of design, but I don’t automatically think one has the advantage over the other. I do feel like they have different strengths.
EvshrugFunny you should mention that. Many years ago, I bought a slightly used set of Audeze Sine. That was my first Planar and it blew me away compared to a few of my mid to hifi dynamic drivers. Unfortunately the Sines wore out and I never replaced them. Where I live there are no longer any "hi-fi" stores. I want to go back!!
$399, so this is basically trying to replicate the success of the TH-X00 headphones. So it need at least sound better than TH-X00 lol.
Time to look up reviews/impressions.
Though if we're talking strictly about physical looks then I think TH-X00 is winning........