Kennerton Closed Back Dynamic Driver Headphones - Review Magni and LSA HP-2

[@MRFUTURETECHNOLOGYGAMING]

Finally I've been dying to watch more videos of you thanks for helping me get my fix

[@kchuen]

This is great! Too few people cover this brand. Comparison with ZMF would be very fun. I’m deciding between these 2 brands now.

[@SineCraftAudio]

Kennerton and ZMF are my two favorite brands. Are there specific models you are considering?

[@kchuen]

@@SineCraftAudio I’m seriously considering the verite closed as a I got to listen to the demo headphone. I also saw the old Vali and it was fine and beautiful but too heavy for my neck. I wanna audition the new Kennertons but they’re not available here. So honestly I’m leaning towards the VC.

[@SineCraftAudio]

@@kchuen If you want a closed back dynamic headphone both the HP-2 and VC are amazing headphones. The VC is probably the better performer to my ear but is almost a little too restrained when compared to the HP-2 which is more passionate. Obviously ZMF has more closed back options but they are more V shopped (not necessarily a bad thing, just depends what your are looking for). One final note, the ZMF stuff is very easy to resell if you need to whereas the market for Kennerton is much smaller.

[@huicox669]

I believe the Gjallarhorn and the HP-2 Ultra' have the same driver set up (horn-loaded), the Magni and the HP-3 also use the same driver set-up with the Graphene coated Drivers. With the main differences are the the And yes the HP-2' do need about 100-125 hours and they really open up nicely. Liquid is the word I'm thinking of. Also, the HP-1' are the open back Planar headphones. Thank you for the information and a nicely laid out review. I would hope before you "jump off" the Kennerton bandwagon you would do the comparison with the Magni and the LSA HP-3's, a more "logical" comparison/review. Thank you...Cheers

[@jamestorres5582]

Wow . Great review . I gotta get a pair .

[@krenkson]

Anybody can compare the Magni vs the Denon D7200 or the D9200? I heard they are close in terms of tonality and dynamic. Thanks

[@cesargutierrez4999]

Did u only use them with the mojo? I got rid of mine long ago I listen to the HP-2 with a pretty hi end system and they never sound thin or dry to me! Everything else you mentioned yes The bass is the best I have ever heard in any headphone no matter price, and I have heard most of them out there. To me these are better than many flagships out there that cost much more

[@SineCraftAudio]

Hey Cesar. I used them with a handful of amps. The Mojo yes, also my AudioGD and Decware Taboo. It's not that they are an overly dry or thin headphone it's just that compared to the Magni they feel that way.

[@MrMakatech]

@@SineCraftAudio Kennerton Magni is great, perhaps not "super analytic" neutral headphones but my favorites. Perfectly balanced for my taste.

[@SineCraftAudio]

@@MrMakatech It is a very lovable headphone, so fun to listen to. I've sold my copy and often miss it.

[@guatobean2869]

I currently have the ZMF Eikon and love them! But I wonder if the LSA-H2 or Kennerton Magni are different enough? Are either too close in sound or is the eikon superior to the two? What has been your experience? Thank you.

[@SineCraftAudio]

They are pretty different. The LSA HP-2 will be more differentiated from the Eikon with a more forward presentation of the mid range.

[@guatobean2869]

@@SineCraftAudio wow that sounds like my jam. I went for the Magni, too good of a deal to pass up and I’ve always wanted the brand lol. I do want to try the HP2 more now. Mids have been good on the Eikon but for my taste, a little recessed at times. Woot woot all aboard the Kennerton train 🙌🏼

[@SineCraftAudio]

@@guatobean2869 Both great! Kennerton is making some really exciting HPs right now and their relationship with underwood hifi makes for some killer deals.

[@WestonWill]

Hey Adrien! (hope I got the spelling right) I would like to pick your brain if I could. You've reviewed a few of the headphones that I have on tap for my next purchase and hope you can give me some purchasing advise. As with everything in the audio world bias and personal experience sway everyone's suggestions but I think you're pretty level headed in this regard! The following headphones are on my radar: Focal Elex, HiFiman Ananda, and now the LSA HP-3 (Magni) and HP-2. These will be my only daily driver headphones for the time being. I listen to an ever expanding variety of music but really enjoy impactful bass and mellow-ish highs. I had some Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro's for a few weeks and the treble spike was too much without drastic EQ, although the low end grunt was great and had bass for days! I would prefer a headphone I didn't have to apply an EQ to be enjoyable. Your view on the comparison of these headphones would be great! I appreciate your time!

[@WestonWill]

I couldn't wait, I just purchased the LSA HP-2! I'll leave my impression after I've had them a for while. Thanks!

[@SineCraftAudio]

Hey there, thanks for the kind words. All the headphones on your short list are great in their own right. Based on the description of what you like I would probably take the HP-2 off your list. It is amazing but I think the presentation of the highs and lack of warmth might not satisfy you. The Elex has the most "audiophile" sound signature. Lots of details, space, and separation. I highs can be a little sharp but overall pretty balanced. The Ananda is just great all around. Space and detail but not overly analytical with good bass. HP-2 is the most fun with probably the best bass of the group, or at least the most bass. Closed back bass is generally more satisfying to me when I want some slam. For all day listening I tend to prefer open back as long as you won't be bugging any office mates or whatnot. Hope that helps.

[@georgiosioannou7240]

Thank you so much for the review Adrien! I have a question on if I should get a DAC to drive the HP-2. Is plugging them straight to my phone enough to get the most out of them? I am considering ordering Earmen TR-amp or Eagle. Looking forward to your thoughts!

[@SineCraftAudio]

Glad you enjoyed the review! I have limited experience with portable dac/amps but I will say that I think the HP-2 have more to offer when driven by a better source and amp.

[@georgiosioannou7240]

@@SineCraftAudio thanks a lot!

[@MissPalorte]

A good detailed review, Thank you!

[@yps6581]

Thanks for your great review. Please ramble to your hearts content. I find it to be helpful. I am considering purchasing either the Kennerton Magni v3 or Denon 9200 headphones. I am looking for headphones to mainly listen to 1970s and some 1980s rock. I read that the Magni v3 had tight punchy with a mild V shaped sound signature and excellent transient response. Then I heard you comment the the bass was bloomy. I interpreted this to mean it is not tight and perhaps bleeds into the mid-bass. Is this an accurate assessment? Have you heard the Denon 9200s? I was just wondering if you had an opinion as to which sounds better? Thank you for your time and attention.

[@SineCraftAudio]

I made this video awhile ago and no longer have the Magis so grain of salt here, but yeah, in comparison to the HP2 which are lean and crisp, the Magis are fuller and less controlled. As to which sounds better, personal taste matters more. If you are looking at dynamic closed backs you might also look at ZMF, lots of them in the used market. I've not heard the Denons so no comment there.

[@lextr3110]

nice wanted to know more about the lsa hp2 thx for this review

[@JohnDoe-xr6rh]

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[@guatobean2869]

Had a few hours with the Magni (just came in). Initial thoughts: A nice blend of the HD 650 and Focal Clear, except bass feels much better here. Staging is intimate but slightly spherical in imaging (depth) which makes for a fun listen. Vocals are so so so good. Is the Eikon out the door?! 😳 Time for some more listening.

[@SineCraftAudio]

Nice impressions, that all rings very true to me.

[@wolandphotography]

i have fostex tr-00x, will magni be the quality step up?

[@guatobean2869]

@@wolandphotography keep in mind, I’ve only demoed the th model but it does feel like an upgrade. To give some perspective, I’ve since sold my Eikon and Ananda but kept the Magni. The sound signature and it’s ability to sound hi end is what drew me in and not just for closed headphone (I forget they are or at least don’t miss my open back, then again that’s what I have my stax 007a for)

[@SineCraftAudio]

@@wolandphotography it has been a long time since I heard the Foster but I do believe the Magni would be an upgrade. They have a more natural presentation with richness and detail. Less V shaped than the Fostex. If you really love that sound you might check out the ZMF Eikon.

[@wolandphotography]

@@guatobean2869 thx, so today i will sold Fostex and buy Magni:) do you had try it with xlr cable?

[@leninreddy]

How are these (LSA HP2) compared to Ananda? I really got interested in LSA HP2 from your review. Just contemplating between HP2 and hifiman Ananda. I like warm sounding and like bass with a slam. Do u recommend LSA Hp2 over ananda?

[@SineCraftAudio]

That's an interesting question, I would not have thought to compare them since one is an open back planar and the other a closed back dynamic. I have not heard the Ananda's in awhile so this will be from memory. I would not say either of them have a ton of slam. I think both of them serve up a lot of detail. The Anandas are probably slightly warmer/richer than the HP-2. The Ananda is a slightly safer play, the HP-2 have a unique sound signature that not everyone will love. In the same price class the LCD-2C have great bass or a used pair of ZMF Eikon.

[@Vikinguy]

I don't hear anything like 650 or Focal. To me it sounds more like an open back planar. It's an incredible value. It really sounds to me like an Arya Jr. But not THAT jr.

[@nerfkevin9111]

Hi, which one do you think has a closer timbre characteristics similar to hd6x0? I'm looking for a good closed back that has similar timbre, especially in the vocals, or maybe you have other closed back suggestions? Thanks:)

[@SineCraftAudio]

It has been a long time since I listened to the HD6xx but I remember it being very clear and neutral with some emphasis in the mid and lots of vocal clarity. If that sounds right then the HP-2 are probably closer but they presentation is very different. I'm not sure what would be close. I've seen folks compare them to the Shure SRH1540 or Beyerdynamic DT770 pro but I don't have any experience with those. Good luck!

[@nerfkevin9111]

Hi, thanks for the reply:) haven't heard the dt770 but did owned the srh1540 and hated it because there was so much bass that it caused me fatigue :0

[@SineCraftAudio]

@@nerfkevin9111 then maybe something in the Beyerdynamic line might be fore you. They are not typically bass heavy and focus more on detail and staging.

[@nerfkevin9111]

@@SineCraftAudio I also have the focal elegia known for staging and details as well, but I found the vocals to be dry and thin, like it has no soul😂

[@SineCraftAudio]

@@nerfkevin9111 That can be an issue with the BD stuff in my experience. I'd say ZMF but they tend to be pretty bass forward as well. Let me know where you end up.

[@Boss90x]

How does the hp2 compare to a DCA aeon 2 noire

[@SineCraftAudio]

I've not heard the Aeon 2 Noire but I have heard a few DCA headphones (like the Aeon Flow kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWjTiGSmmMSop7M). My guess is that the HP-2 is more romantic and exciting and the Noire is cleaner sounding with a flatter response (also lighter and better built).

[@עידןתמיר-ה3ס]

How can their pads be cleaned?

[@SineCraftAudio]

The pads are removable. They are real leather so a leather cleaner should work. You can email Kennerton for advice.

[@עידןתמיר-ה3ס]

@@SineCraftAudio 👍

[@danjones7561]

Well no thanks to you, I wanted to pruchase the HP-2 but now I don't know anymore. Should I buy the LSA's cheaper Magni? My head hurts :(

[@adeypoos]

How would these compare to the Meze 99 Classics?

[@SineCraftAudio]

Unfortunately I haven't tried the 99 Classic.