Mitchell & Johnson GL2 Headphones

From Mitchell & Johnson, an exciting new hi-fi company out of London, the GL2 allows you to enjoy the sound of an electrostatic headphone without having to own a specialized electrostatic amplifier. It does this with an electret driver, which works like an electrostatic driver but is permanently charged using a special diaphragm that can store and utilize this charge in everyday use. Fitted with a detachable 1.2-meter cable, the GL2 is striking with its lightweight steel gimbals and oval enclosures carved from real walnut. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, the headphone has received rave reviews on Head-Fi. 

Describing the sound, Head-Fi member Barondia writes: “These are ultra-low-distortion headphones. They have a neutral to slightly warm tonal balance. The high frequencies are sweet, fast, and extended. The Mitchell & Johnson GL2SE have a large soundstage and are capable of imaging outside the head. The tonal balance is very smooth and even. No extreme peaks or dips. The dynamic bass is nice and full, but it isn't quite as fast as the Electrostatz driver. I don't notice a crossover between the dynamic and electret drivers. There is a little loss of precision as notes descend in frequency."

The headphone company was founded in London in 2012 by two longtime audiophiles, Paul Mitchell and David Johnson. Both born in the ‘60s, their musical tastes were heavily influenced by great British rock bands like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, and the Who. In the ‘70s, there was punk rock; in the ‘80s, Synth Britannia; and in the ‘90s, Britpop bands like Oasis and Blur. Inspired by their shared love of music, Mitchell and Johnson started the company to help others recreate the concert and music festival experience in their homes.