Why You Should Buy From Ollo Audio

[@parfridberg]

S5 coming next year, even flatter.

[@NoThemeReviews]

That will be interesting

[@sonicthehedgehog989]

What are the driver specs. Is it worth it to upgrade from the s4 to s5.

[@parfridberg]

I don’t know anything about the specs but I know after contacting Ollo that S5 are coming and be even flatter.

[@sonicthehedgehog989]

@@parfridberg thanks for your reply.

[@jross1798]

@@sabalmoza I love what you stand for. Keep up the great work, I just completed an order for the S4X and can't wait to run through the paces...

[@stephanej.871]

Speaking of neutral, have you ever try the Etymotic iems? Especially the Etymotic 4xr and 4sr. Will be interesting to have your feedback on theses. They supposed to be very neutral, they provide a fr graph and they are "reasonably" price compared to other flagship headphones/iems ... I had the opportunity to try them shortly recently, and my first impressions were rather positive. Not super easy to drive for iems, but to be honest, I was pretty impressed. Your critical views on these will be very interesting.

[@sagaempyrean]

Yes, I also would like to hear about Etymotics.

[@stephanej.871]

Interesting and positive review (for most part, excluding comments about zeos). But when you compare curbs, make sure they re on the same scale ... I m pretty sure than, even nhd 20 will look flatter on the graph used for Ollo headphones... By the way, I went to the Ollo's website and found nothing about product warranty. Have you any information on your side ?

[@frykauf]

quick google search yielded this certificate they include with their products, it's 12 month warranty www.olloaudio.com/s/u/OLLO_WARRANTY.pdf

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yup. 1 year standard plus 30 day full refund. It's not easy finding consistent graphs when companies don't provide them. As for the NDH20 specifically...those seemingly random peaks in the treble is still going to be present, I assume, even when all testing parameters are consistent. Of course, we could have a meaningful discussion if Neumann actually disclosed the real graph.

[@stephanej.871]

@@NoThemeReviews to be clear, I m not trying to defend the ndh 20 by any mean. But as you always are/want/try to be very rigorous in your approach, I though that the implicit comparison of the 2 graphs was not fair at all. You're too smart not to know I m not that wrong on this point ...

[@NoThemeReviews]

Thanks for trying to appeal to my vanity! I of course agree with you. But you must grant that when charts are hard to come by, we use what we find. Not perfect or ideal, but excusable I hope.

[@stephanej.871]

@@NoThemeReviews granted and excused, of course ... but don't do it again ... :-)

[@davidpastor3290]

Would you suggest the s4 or s4x for mixing? Is one flatter than the other?

[@NoThemeReviews]

I don’t have the 4x and can’t say how it compares. The 4x is supposed to be much flatter. But the original is a rather good headphone itself.

[@kyleninjaninja]

Just found your channel. I'm always happy when I find a reviewer especially when they flesh out their opinions as much as you. A secondary thank you for reminding me about Ollo. I was watching them for a while but lost track maybe a year ago. I'm definitely putting these on my watchlist for a good neutral can so I can find what my preferences are. Question: Have you tried EQing them? If so do they take it well? I would like to try testing the effects of peaks on them.

[@NoThemeReviews]

I’ve done minor EQ a few dB. They do fine but I wouldn’t try anything more than 2-3 dB. Of course that’s a personal preference.

[@kyleninjaninja]

@@NoThemeReviews thanks for the info!

[@MannyXO]

Ollo Audio is most definitely going places! They sound so goood!! More importantly they translate so well

[@niwashi-z6m]

So, for pure unaltered listening without disturbing others in your environment is the S4R 1.3 better than the S5X 1.1? Cheers,

[@NoThemeReviews]

Open backs will always leak sound. There will be a noticeable difference between open and closed in that respect, but the clamping force, earpad shape and construction will have an effect as well.

[@niwashi-z6m]

@@NoThemeReviews Having never really used headphones before my question is, if an avid listener across many genres and many centuries rather than a producer/mixer/technician was seeking the flattest sound to hear all of the intricacies of the entire soundstage in a pure form which of these Ollo headphones would you recommend, I'm now thinking sound leakage is less of a problem as I can buy some other non leaking brand for travel etc... Cheers!

[@catsven1973]

want both the S4X and S4R but wonder if they are close in terms of reproducing timbre of the same instrument...the problem here came from my experience with close back and open back headphones...when I record an acoustic guitar for instance using a closed back, it's not the same sound when 'im mixing it with an open back pair..even if it's from the same label...did OllO solved this problem ? a better example, is when I forge a sound in my Helix and I'm super happy with it and record it on a track...it changes in terms of timbre or sound when I use an open back headphone it's almost something else...

[@jarekharmening8993]

I'm not sure Audeze provides (in the box) a printout of the headphone measurements, but you can contact them, give them your serial number, and they can provide you that frequency response graph for your exact pair.

[@NoThemeReviews]

They don't provide it with the headphones. It's just another hoop you have to jump through. Audeze isn't alone in refusing to provide FR graphs, but the money they charge for their headphones and the claims they make, it's downright unacceptable to not include a graph with each headphone.

[@jarekharmening8993]

@@NoThemeReviews My LCD-3 Pre-Fazor (2011) came with a printout, so I don't know if the original owner contacted them and had them mail it or if they used to include them back in the day. There were also 2 graphs for mine; one pre-repair, one post-repair (as I found out from Audeze).

[@jross1798]

How are you not blowing up? I'm finding I like your review style with the most unbiased and honest insight on audio on KZbin. And I follow a lot of audio tubers... Keep up the good work my dude

[@NoThemeReviews]

Working on it!

[@TheSteve57]

If I got S4r now (S4x not available at moment). Then later put open grill on later, would it sound exact like the S4x ????

[@NoThemeReviews]

Email OLLO. They’re very good with answering questions

[@TheSteve57]

@@NoThemeReviews OK thanks

[@rbsorg]

I understand this is a quality tool for those in the audio business. I am not in that profession. If I find the Senn hd600 to be a bit dull and boring would this not be a good match for me?

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yeah, if the 600 is boring, you will probably not like this.

[@vik4130]

Nice review however can you pllls answer me some questions? -I have a home setup with a condenser mic will the open varient leak alot of Sound to the mic? -is the closed Variant close to the open in type of seperation of Instruments and imaginitation? Ty for Ur reply!

[@NoThemeReviews]

Hi. That will depend on how close your mic is to the headphones, and how loud you're listening. If it is a critical recording (where you cannot allow any ambient noise), then I would not recommend any open back headphone. If your mic is within 5 inches of you headphones and you are listening at normal volume, then I think your mic will pick up some of that sound. The open and closed back versions sounds practically the same. There is a very slight increase in soundstage with the open version, but not significant. Detail and separation is the same.

[@vik4130]

@@NoThemeReviews Ty for your answer! Will give them a try instead of the dt 1990s

[@frykauf]

We would also love a review of that seat cushion pillow. Shame it seems to only work with their amp (they say it needs separate level intensity). But they really are nice. They even say outright in between the specs that the amp is designed by erzetich audio. Can't remember the last time company mentioned who made something for them, let alone prominently display it like that. Bravo.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yeah, it seems very interesting. But it is very expensive, about $1500. I'd love to review one, but it's quite a pill to swallow.

[@Taurex]

I am interested in the Ollo S4 but I am worried about the small earpads. I'll be using them for about 10 hours or more every day for mixing music, gaming and movies etc so comfort is definitely important. I don't have a chance to try them out unfortunately. The earpads somewhat touch your ears correct? So do they get uncomfortable after a while?

[@NoThemeReviews]

They do touch my ears slightly. I don’t think it is uncomfortable. Not super comfy either. I can wear them for 3 hours at a time without discomfort.

[@squeezemypimple]

Had my S4s for around 6 months now....really pleased so far...level 10 on the Richter Scale!!....Great Video.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yesterday I uploaded an interview with Rok Gulič of Ollo. You might find it interesting.

[@johnbradshaw3205]

Very impressive and these may be the answer to a question of mine. I love the flat, neutral character of my Etymotic ER4 SR IEMs and have been looking for an over ear equivalent. On the Zeos stuff I tend to think that he is misguided and inconsistent and gets carried away with his latest best headphones of the moment crazes rather than being bad. I find him hugely entertaining but wouldn't take his advice too seriously. I agree on the Neumann NDH 20, not a bad headphone but not what it is sold as.

[@NoThemeReviews]

I had the Etymotic IEMs years ago. I can’t recall the sound but they were pretty uncomfortable. Although the passive noise isolation is the best of all IEMs I have used.

[@johnbradshaw3205]

@@NoThemeReviews indeed, Etymotic IEMs are not for everyone as the deep insertion design is intrusive and some find it very uncomfortable. I don't mind the fit but I am also used to wearing industrial ear plugs with a similar deep insertion fit. If you can live with the fit then the ER4SR is a high quality product with excellent, neutral sound quality. And in today's headphone market they offer excellent value for money.

[@tom_loves_audio_tech_gaming]

Nice one, I am looking for a new headphone. But I am looking for a planar one. Since the LCD 1 is out. I was happy to see a more budget-friendly planar headphone. This makes me doubt a little what to buy or look for. Especially if it is convertible to closed-back or open-back headphones. I don't know... I have a sweet spot for planars. let us wait until blackfriday :-)

[@NoThemeReviews]

Planars do sound good, if done correctly. I've been waiting for my LCD1 to ship...it's taking far too long. Of course, the review units went out to the influential reviewers who are giving it amazing reviews...we shall see.

[@captainblaze4903]

isn't that how the game is played? KZbin has taken the marketing game to another level. having OEMs exploit that might be great for their bottom line (and the many who shill), but for the consumer... meh

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@captainblaze4903 Yes. Either you play the YT game or you don't. And if you don't, your channel gets harder to find.

[@sonicthehedgehog989]

The lcd 1 is great but take note the treble is more forward than other LCD headphones. Me personally I still prefer the ollo s4 and the Adam audio sp5 and the ultrasone signature studio.

[@sonicthehedgehog989]

Zeos is a shill in my eyes. As for ollo audio dealing with them was a pleasure, very friendly fast delivery. I even ordered an extra pair of pads for my s4 open cause I'm planning to use them as a reference. I even spoke with the person who runs the company it's a shame that I forgot his name any way it's not a usual name. But hands down one of the best companies I dealt with in my life.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Rok. Probably.

[@sonicthehedgehog989]

@@NoThemeReviews yea but with some marks or something on the O.

[@darensweeney5925]

Well, even if he is a shill, he is not shilling for ridiculously expensive crap. To his credit, his Rocky Mountain room had stuff for which 90% of the audio snobs there would have sneered.

[@TheSteve57]

Absolutely love this review of company. Can I get a 4.4 balanced cable for s4x, I'm tempted to try this headphone 🎧 !!!

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yes, you can buy a balanced cable from Hart Audio Cables.

[@TheSteve57]

@@NoThemeReviews thanks 👍👍👍

[@trungnguyenngoc1172]

what is your recommendation for in ear to hear music from apple music/ spotify using smartphone ? I am a student , so 300$ is still a steep price and in ear is more convenient .

[@NoThemeReviews]

I don't think the actual source (iTunes/Apple Music/Spotify) should be the deciding factor. The type of sound signature you like is more important. For wired IEMs, my suggestion would be the Tin T2 for clear audio, and the Hidizs MS4 for a warmer presentation (a bit more emphasized bass, less treble energy). The T2 is around $50, but frankly, I don't think you will find a noticeable upgrade by paying more for another IEM under $500. The MS4 is around $250, but you can find it a little cheaper on eBay. There are likely alternatives with the same sound signature, but I have not heard and cannot recommend anything else. If you want wireless earphones (not IEMs technically), then I think Apple's AirPods are the best audio quality I have heard in this category. I've had Boss, Jabra, and other Chinese wireless earphones, and all of them have very poor sound quality in comparison to the AirPods. If you already have headphones or earphones you like, maybe you should consider a portable amplifier instead. Often people hear a significant difference. If you purchased a portable amp/dac for about $150 or less, you might be happier. Remember, whatever IEMs you get will still be dependent upon the built-in day and amp on your mobile device--and those devices are not particularly good for audio.

[@trungnguyenngoc1172]

@@NoThemeReviews wow thanks for such a dedicated answer . I will try the tin T2 . Thanks .

[@bernhardtalama5022]

thanks for the info. Picked up the closed back.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Hope you like them!

[@bernhardtalama5022]

@@NoThemeReviews just received my Ollo Audio S4 headset last night from Slovania to Hawaii. Listening to them now very impressed as they were easy to drive. Running them off my Hiby R3 60% vol. Thought I would need my E1DA Powerdac2 to drive them but the cable that came with them wasn't 2.5 balanced term so I plugged them right into my R3 and am surprised at the quality of the sound. I have the Senn HD6xx/58x, and HfiMan 4xx but my favorite over ears have been my Modhouse Argon TR50s and Audioquest Nightowls but these are something else. Open and clean very nice. Thanks again for the introduction to this company.

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@bernhardtalama5022 No problem! If you get a chance, drop Ollo a line and let them know. I think they're struggling with all the competition, and I'm sure a positive user response will be a nice cheer.

[@gcb2101]

Hey. Do you know if the driver tuning of the open and closed back are the same? I.e. if I put the closed back spare parts on the open headphone, is it the same sound signature as the closed one?

[@NoThemeReviews]

I don't know. I suspect the tuning is very similar. For example, when you go to the parts page to buy the replacement drivers, the website says the drivers are the same for the S4 and S4R (does not allow you to select for which headphone, simply lets you buy the drivers).

[@B1gdee05]

Wow.. Very interesting and bold review, however you are correct regarding getting the listening experience for less. I sometimes wonder if true reviewers other than yourself has the best interest in there audience when it comes down to recommendations. I am not in a position to try alot of products before purchasing therefore I rely alot on fair and honest reviews.. You definitely deserve more subs, keep up the good work buddy.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Thanks! Others may have good intentions, but it just doesn't show. I think Joshua Velour and DMS are trying out something new--both are starting to upload some longer videos with a bit more detail. I saw one a few weeks ago from DMS (I can't remember about what), and he just did a straight-forward review of a product. It was refreshing.

[@escapethematrixneo7]

the spare parts rly make the deal soo much better

[@nicktan4530]

Compare this to the audio technica AD5000X and HD600 for monitoring and music ? What about DT 770 pro and DT 880 pro ?

[@NoThemeReviews]

I don't have the 770 or 880--frankly, too expensive for the sound they provide. However, I can say from reading and watching numerous reviews that the consensus is both headphones are very harsh with treble. As for the HD600 series--I don't think the Ollo and 600s compare. The HD600 series are warmer headphones--boosted mids, slightly rolled off treble, and a bit looser bass. I think the HD600s are great for casual listening, and I would prefer them over the Ollo for that purpose, but not for critical listening. I do not have the AD5000x and have no intention of buying one. It's $2000 and well outside the affordable range for most people.

[@nicktan4530]

@@NoThemeReviews DT 770 pro has goes down in price for $150 but not consistent. You will change your perception with the dt 770 pro because they are that good. V shape sub bass. Very hard whether to categorize them as linear, analytical, warm and bright at the same time. Transaprent and balance sounding with boosted treble and bass. All beyer has all bright treble anyway. DT 770 is different. This is why am freaking shock when you said bad stuff about DT 1770 and Dt 177X, I cannot judge until I hear myself.

[@nicktan4530]

@@NoThemeReviews Also, I believe you have expensive headphones as well.

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@nicktan4530 Of course. That's exactly why I'm careful about buying more of them.

[@nicktan4530]

@@NoThemeReviews What do you think of JJayJJ from Drop. I believe is active and somewhat a reviewer.

[@keisaboru1155]

i like how we have the same ndh 20 story HAHA xD . but instead of finding ollo audio, i found you . which is a blessing ;D yay . stay sharp my boy .

[@NoThemeReviews]

Welcome aboard!

[@d.b.c.t1m059]

Just ordered the S4X. I hope they live up to it.

[@patrickf6120]

Hey man, I'm no audiophile, I just need to know do these make female vocals sound good? Would they beat 6XXs for clarity around vocals?

[@NoThemeReviews]

I don't mean to frustrate you, but "good" is all subjective. I don't know your sonic preferences and can't say what might or might not sound good to you. However, I can say that the 6xx is a little less clear than either of the Ollo. The 6xx is mid-forward, but doesn't always play well with every vocalist; the 6xx is usually a good option for female vocalists, but it doesn't provide the best separation. In songs that have multiple vocalists, the 6xx won't be able to separate the tonalities as well as the Ollo. This contributes to the 6xx's "darker" sound signature--which can be pleasant for a lot of people. If you want to hear vocals as close to as possible to how they were recorded, I think either Ollo headphone is a better alternative than the 6xx.

[@patrickf6120]

@@NoThemeReviews Thanks man, that's what I needed to hear about the Ollo. Just ordered a pair 👍

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@patrickf6120 Hope you like 'em!

[@keisaboru1155]

the NAD HP50 is no longer for sale, so crazy

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yeah, that's the bummer of reviewers continually hyping big-name products; newer options from companies that actually have a different perspective get lost in the shuffle.

[@nicktan4530]

What is stiff competition does John Darko has ?

[@NoThemeReviews]

Whathifi, wirecutter, audiofool, etc etc etc. not to mention KZbin reviewers who review everything-think Linus tech tips and unbox therapy.

[@nicktan4530]

@@NoThemeReviews Linus tech tips and unbox therapy. I dont view them as reviewers, please !

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@nicktan4530 Lol. A lot of people do.

[@nicktan4530]

@@NoThemeReviews But do you ? They are not meant to be view seriously.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Nope. I get a flash of irritation whenever they talk about audio gear.

[@Raterex]

Ha! I bought the Sennheiser HD6xx for the value of money & abundant replacement parts everywhere. Ollo Audio sure got it beat in the replacement parts department. The headphones looks nice and high quality too ^^

[@Spyrozzz]

There is something I cant understand , OLLOs are using dynamic drivers and drivers tend to roll off in the bass .How do the OLLO manage to not roll off ?

[@NoThemeReviews]

It does have a slight roll off. The FR chart I got with the S4R shows that, and even the master chart on Ollo's website shows it. The slight roll off, however, is not so much as to mute the bass response.

[@sagaempyrean]

@@NoThemeReviews I wonder if they are going to jump into planar magnetics eventually? Hey, while I'm thinking of it...do you plan on purchasing the Audeze LCD-1? If so, I would love to hear your impressions against these Ollo Audio products. I realize they are 2 different animals, but they are in the same price range, (and the LCD-1s are supposed to be flat for mixing and mastering).

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yes I’ve had them on preorder for weeks. They are supposed to ship this week, but who knows for sure with Audeze.

[@OverHaze]

You might want to check out Sonarwork's True Fi software. It the consumer focused version of their correction software.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yup, I did a sound test on their website and it was quite thorough. The results were consistent with my listening preference.

[@BandontheRun2010]

Saludos desde Costa Rica 🇨🇷 Excelente video 👍

[@hstojcic]

Surprisingly, you said his name 100% accurate !

[@NoThemeReviews]

Lol. I asked him before I started the interview.

[@kato2395]

They are too kind to the customers, hope they lasts. The world is not such a kind place for such a fair company.

[@ELSA-ex4ph]

Coming from the focal clear how does these compare anything less to me is disappointing

[@NoThemeReviews]

Are you asking how the Ollo headphones compare to the Clear? Totally different headphones. The Clear have night and day more clarity and resolution. The Clear also has very lage soundstage, whereas Ollo has average. The Clear is not a neutral headphone, but Ollo's are.

[@soulfulfool]

that comment about Zeos make me laugh a bit 🤣

[@darensweeney5925]

I'd have to say Steve Guttenberg (Not the Actor, the "audiophilic") is the huckster with the biggest negative impact, simply because more people see his stuff and think his measured approach means he knows what he's talking about. Have you EVER heard him say he a lower-priced piece of kit was superior to a more expensive piece? One day, i expect him to say, "Well, this headphone sounds $400 better..." Guttenberg sold audio equipment for a living, so he knows better. Darko is just pretension dripping in faux authority.

[@NoThemeReviews]

The actor was good in Police Academy 1. Not the sequels. I agree. Steve does appear more even handed and reasonable. He is more approachable than Darko-who is by far the worst snob of them all. It’s too bad audiophiles went from those who shared music to those who lie about how to listen to music.

[@turbomustang84]

I've been watching Zeos pretty much since his first video and do I watch him because of his expertise ? Hardly He is funny / interesting but I have been in the Audiophile Hobby longer than most of you have been alive ( Reviewers ) except Steve Guttenberg but maybe he just looks old AF... Quite frankly most Reviewers do not like what I do in audio gear ... Zeos is very bothered by treble which I enjoy the sparkle of good Speakers or Headphones All reviewers and end users are biased including me ... Understanding a reviewers Biased opinion when taking it in to account like Tyll Hertsens makes what would be a useless opinion into facts that are useful to me . I knew what he liked and how it differed from what I like. Do I watch your reviews because your insight into Audio ? Nope lol I want to see your latest rant against a company or other reviewers. You my friend are angry Zeos but with a bit more technical knowledge. But I'm not saying that's a bad thing . If I wanted bland I'd watch Josh Valour lol JK josh

[@NoThemeReviews]

Lol...thanks? You gotta hand it to JV for editing his videos. He does a great job, and is among the best on YT for that alone. The younger generation like that flashy style

[@dudiflug3804]

I love John darko

[@NoThemeReviews]

I don't.

[@dudiflug3804]

No Theme Reviews Why? He is really nice guy

[@NoThemeReviews]

Because he does lackluster reviews, uses unnecessarily flowery and vague language to describe sound, and continually hypes products.

[@mgtow-extraits]

16:51 zeos

[@pioalg]

Oh man, assuming you're doing this YT thing for some decent purpose (ie spreading knowledge, making it big in the interwebs, etc) it would be really reasonable to consider removing that bitterness from your narrative. Attacking random people like that is one of the strategies, of course - be controversial, etc, but also sends a subliminal message: 'I am weak' and is a major turnoff for the audience. Seriously man, get your sh*t together, you have some good and valuable info to present, I've learned things from your reviews as well. But not like this. Good luck.

[@NoThemeReviews]

I think the bitterness is well deserved. It’s a bigger turn off when the audience gets scammed to buy a product from paid shills like Zeos and John Darko. These are not “random” people but influential “reviewers” who repeatedly mislead consumers. It’s not weak to point out they are shills. It would be weak not to.

[@pioalg]

@@NoThemeReviews you may be right, however it depends on if you just want to be right, or solve the problem (people getting scammed) - if you want the latter one then being more appealing to people would be a better strategy so that more of them choose to listen to what you have to say. Calling someone a 'bastard' and 'lier' is not appealing by no stretch of the imagination, but hey, what do I know :) My humble suggestion would be to present to the people what you think is right and true and letting them draw their own conclusions. Sticking to the merit, skipping personal attacks.

[@trellusg]

No Theme Reviews I think it would be more effective to take humorous, subtle digs than to directly attack another reviewer so directly and viscerally, it did make me furrow my brow 😅 I do not rely on Z as a sole authority by any means and in fact I know that he will short shrift sonic analysis of gear, but I find his content very entertaining and he also seems to be a very generous, caring person who uses his mini-celebrity to help others, and I respect that, and that’s why directly attacking him with a name just feels wrong to me, and it detracts from your superb, very, very helpful reviews. I don’t know any other reviewer who dives as deep into the sound, particularly when you do comparisons, as you, keep doing that, but I’m hoping you tone down the personal attacks. 🤗

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@trellusg Well, I totally understand that aspect. I simply have a different take on it. I don't see this as a personal attack. It might make some people uncomfortable to see such an open comment...but it is not out of malice towards that reviewer.

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@pioalg Yes...I agree that using the word "Bastard" was wrong. I admit that. But saying they lied is not. Not after all the tests I did. Not after showing how lackluster his review was. Sometimes you just have to call a duck a duck.