These WILL surprise you! ETA O2 compact headphones review

[@beefsupreme510]

ETA is also a great bunch of guys, active in our community. Can’t wait to see their next project!

[@TylersEclectic]

Representing brotha! 🫶

[@PassionforSound]

I'm keen to hear whatever they come up with too! These are brilliant! Fisherman, I believe they are active in the sense that they're on various forums, chatting to hobbyists, answering questions, etc.

[@TylersEclectic]

@@PassionforSound the new prototype sounds a delight! Really dig on it the two times I’ve heard it… first time at PAF… then this past CanJam SoCal 2023! Excited for final tuning:)

[@PassionforSound]

@TylersEclectic ooh! I didn't know it was already in the works. That's super exciting!

[@DarkFire515]

It's great that the O2's sound as good as they do. The problem these headphones are going to have is that they look like an industrial pre-production prototype, and they're in roughly the same price range as the Meze 109 Pro and the Beyerdynamic DT1990, both of which have well-deserved reputations for superb build quality and tank-like reliability. Personally I'd take sound quality over looks any day but unfortunately headphones that look that rough & ready may struggle a bit against the competition.

[@PassionforSound]

AFAIK you're spending 50% more to get into 109 Pro / DT1990 territory. You're also not able to fold up either of those and chuck them in a bag. I don't at all disagree about the look of the O2 and a new headband will definitely help remove the prototype feel from them, but I think the 109 Pro/DT1990 comparison is a bit unreasonable given the price and purpose difference.

[@PantsaBear]

​@@PassionforSoundA DT1990 Pro is a little over $500 brand new at $520 rn. A Meze 109 Pro is $799, which is more but definitely in a similar price range. Also the Moondrop Venus is a great option at around $500, and some will swear by the Senn HD660s2 And if were throwing in the used market, then you have things like the Focal Celestee, Audeze LCD 2, and even Arya Stealth's since the price cut brought down their value Im glad the 02 is very portable and ik many of the options I listed are bigger, but theyre going to have a real hard time selling if they don't improve certain things about not just how these look, but how durable they look. And if they really do sound that good, I hope they do!

[@DarkFire515]

@@PassionforSound Fair point. Where I am in the UK the O2 is 500 Euros, the DT1990 is 600 Euros and the 109 Pro is 700 Euros (couldn't find prices in £) so to be fair both are a step up in price over the O2.

[@Anon00731]

Ordered last night. We shall see (hear) soon.

[@PassionforSound]

Pretty sure you'll be impressed with the sound. Let us know!

[@Anon00731]

@@PassionforSound very impressed, comfort is as good as the sound. I prefer them over meze 109 pro. Very Similar sound albeit.

[@PassionforSound]

Wow! That's a big call vs 109 Pro, but what matters is that you're enjoying them so much. Thanks for letting me know!

[@DanTheElevator]

This is my only pair of headphones. Flagship level performance from virtually any source at a much more reasonable price than the major manufacturers charge for headphones with more flaws. The headband isn’t bespoke, but totally functional and keeps prices down. The 3D printed cups don’t look luxurious but are both lightweight and sturdy, and again keeps costs down. If you are into headphones for the actual sound, and not to have head jewelry, this is one of the best models out there.

[@aRc11-11]

Sounds like a manufacturer chiming in. Only one phone? Sounds like bull....

[@DanTheElevator]

Okay, I also have Porta Pros. I’m definitely not the manufacturer, I’m someone who has actually heard these headphones and loved them.

[@aRc11-11]

So.. no experience.

[@PassionforSound]

There's no need to be rude about this, aRc. I agree that it's important to not make claims about flagship performance when you don't have flagship headphones to compare to, but I appreciate you sharing your experiences with the O2s, Daniel and I agree that they're excellent.

[@DanTheElevator]

Actually I have owned multiple higher end headphones, white cloth Sennheiser 580, JAR650, Grado RS2e with F Cush pads, and have spent extended time with modded and unmodded HD800s, LCD-2s, Focal Clears. I owned Campfire Andromedas for many years and tons more. I have lots of experience in audiophile, high end headphones with systems optimized for them, and I prefer the O2.

[@guybuddy1]

The headband is literally SONY, they sell them as replacements for the MDR CD900ST headphones.

[@PassionforSound]

Yep. New band coming soon apparently and it will be a custom made one they say. 🙂

[@asciisuki7002]

I love talking to these guys, genuinely good people who want better for headphones. I know some people are concerned about the headband over all and the design, but these guys are not a huge manufacturer, just a few people who are hobbyists using their brains to make some good sounding stuff! As they progress, they are addressing the headband as well, along with the quality we are seeing. Personally, I love it, but I can see why others don't. They're evolving and we are seeing that soon even more!

[@PassionforSound]

Well said. I'm with you on that one, but also understand those who are wary of the design. (I'm just not a fan of the hate)

[@asciisuki7002]

@@PassionforSound Oh yes, I can absolutely understand why someone would not personally buy this due to the current appearance and quality. However, while some of the comments are fairly abrasive, that is just how youtube works haha. Either way, absolutely love your review, and you did a very good job on the comparison on headphones such as the Thalia. It's a headphone with similarities in terms of a hifi, handmade headphone for portability but I purchased an o2 a few days ago because of it being a very well recieved sounding headphone. Makes me happy to see others are enjoying it!

[@Armbrust210]

Gotta say, this is an extremly weird headphone... judging by the looks, they're only competing in build-quality with headphones a 20th of it's price. And the "technologies" they're boasting... going against the grain in what you usually see in headphone design, and using fancy words for things that are hard to prove, like the "inert grill" or the alleged custom driver mounting system. I find it hard to trust that it's a custom, if they aren't even sourcing headbands that look like they're worth more than 5$. But aside from them looking a DIY-Project, the praises they get from Lachlan concerning the sound... good tonality isn't something you get on accident. I think you'd just have to hear these for yourself. The product just seems off from the outside

[@PassionforSound]

I think you're being a little bit too harsh here. There is modelling software that can be used to test designs and how they'll impact the sound (as one example). I'm not saying that I can prove or that they have proved any of the marketing claims, but the proof is in the listening to me. As for the build quality, the cups are great. It's only the headband that looks shabby.

[@Armbrust210]

@@PassionforSound i mean no offense with what i wrote, but i can only judge the product based on what information i got through the Review and my own experience as a consumer. And whilst i trust in your honesty and can often relate to the opinions you have on Sound, i also need to see the negative aspects. This is why they're getting my cautios benefit of the doubt with this headphone. I would certainly like to try them ears-on but until the product and the company has been around long enough and matured, it's to me, still, a delicate Situation

[@mcl40000]

the O2 is years in the making. i´ve seen em go through iterations on the inert grill and the coupling system...this isnt a multinational conglomerate that hired marketing people to spin up their stuff, its them telling you what they did. in that case it really is that simple...

[@PassionforSound]

@Armbrust210 I can definitely respect your position now that I better understand what you mean. We all have different levels of comfort adopting brand new products, designs, brands, etc. and that's totally ok 🙂

[@VeeHausen]

These are what Grado headphones should evolved in to!

[@PassionforSound]

💯

[@MaZEEZaM]

After watching your review i promptly pre-ordered for batch 2. That was May 29 2024. I'm still waiting, its still only listing as Order Placed. Its taking so long with absolutely no ETA, I am very close to cancelling my order.

[@PassionforSound]

Oh wow! That's not good. Have you been in touch with ETA about the delay?

[@EricRosenfield]

One thing that should be mentioned that this is substantially lighter in weight than most other headphones in their price category or higher

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, that's a good point!

[@mimimmo]

Would be interesting a comparison with the grado rs2x, same price but in Europe eta headphones are unknown, i can't try them

[@PassionforSound]

I don't have access to Grados to compare with, unfortunately

[@bling5279]

Any plan to review the closed or semi-closed versions? Those versions make more sense for this form factor. Also wish it comes with a headband with better cushioning.

[@PassionforSound]

I've offered to review anything else that ETA would like to send out because I love the O2. Not sure what that will lead to as yet...

[@shawnpwatsons1]

This headphone isn't a looker but it's a firecracker in bed ...is what you're saying ; )

[@PassionforSound]

Something like that 🙂

[@deci]

I own or have owned many different thousand dollar headphones and IEMs and these are my current favorite headphone. Lots of stuff is better in certain aspects but nothing is as well rounded and as comfortable as these. Music, gaming, any input... they work great for everything. Finish could definitely be better but I personally love the diy look and feel. Oh and the cheap headband is actually amazing since you can bend that to fit your head perfectly. The shape and clamp force is effectively completely customizable. These also only weigh around 200g so they are one of the most comfortable headphones (maybe even on par with MA900's). Highly recommend. At the very least keep an eye out for later more polished products from this company.

[@PassionforSound]

I completely agree! Thanks for sharing your experiences

[@jimfarrell4635]

Now, Lachlan. It's not often that I disagree vehemently with you, such that I had to take my outrage out on the cat who is currently cowering on the roof. " Most unique ?" Really ? Something is either unique or it is not. There can be no degrees of unique. "Very unique ?" No. " "Exceedingly unique ?" No. " Slightly unique ?" Absolutely no. I can only put this egregious abuse of the English language down to your uncouth antipodean roots, and for that reason, I forgive you. This time. Don't do it again, or I shall be forced to subscribe just so I can unsubscribe, which will be very unique behaviour for me. Damn.

[@jimfarrell4635]

Seriously, however, way too many caveats in this review regarding the design. I do think you were way too kind regarding the cable shorting your device. QC should pick that kind of thing up, and product testing should have picked up the earband and issues such as your ear touching the grill. Seems to me the manufacturer has taken a cue from the gaming industry and released these before they are ready.

[@PassionforSound]

Firstly, let me address the (tongue-in-cheek?) abuse from your first post. What I find unique about these are individual elements of their design and approach (the very open design, hybrid on-ear/over-ear, etc.) and that's why they are somewhat unique - because some elements are and some elements definitely are not. As for the build quality, the cable I forgive because it will actually be the fault of the manufacturer of the aftermarket cables. ETA have this feedback from me now and can do with it what they will. One-off errors like this (so long as it is truly one-off) can happen to any brand so that's an outlier IMO. As for the ear touching the grille, that's true for many headphones and especially on-ears so I kind of expected it. The fact that the overall comfort was still better than most other on-ears that I've tried is why I was accepting of that.

[@jimfarrell4635]

@PassionforSound Well played, Lachlan. The Gods of Grammar find that an entirely acceptable usage, and yes, I was absolutely being tongue in cheek. At least you didn't say "Very iconic". I take your point about the cable, but it does irritate me a bit that a lot of manufacturers pay little attention to the quality of the cable bundled. They regard it as a free extra, a bit like power cables, and ignore things like good ergonomics. Also, they should still test them before sending them out. In addition, I guess you perhaps have ears that protrude more than the average member of the population. I sympathise, having been called Mr Spock throughout my teenage years. Tongue in cheek again. Nothing wrong with your ears. Mine, on the other hand... In any case, it was an excellent and very thorough review, and very appreciated. Also, it introduced me to the Nano, which was not on my radar, and now, very much, is.

[@PassionforSound]

Haha. Yes, I agree about the quality of headphone cables in current products. They definitely need to be improved and more considered. That's actually one area where some of the newer, Chinese brands like Thieaudio, HarmonicDyne and Sendy are leading the way a bit.

[@danieleturrin5625]

Will you do a review of the new Audeze MM-100?

[@PassionforSound]

Unlikely I'm afraid. I'd love to, but the local Audeze distributor has prevented review units coming my way, even from Audeze directly. I used to be personal friends with a competitor of his so he's decided to not deal with me and block his brands from dealing with me too as I understand it. 🤷

[@megatherium100]

22:30 I wonder how Thalia would sound on the Thalia's?

[@PassionforSound]

The big questions in life! 😉😁

[@Smood47]

Lachlan what about comparing to arya, he1k or sus ?

[@PassionforSound]

They're not really in the same league. Tonally, they're right up there, but they won't keep up on technicalities like resolution and staging.

[@bitterbuffalo8997]

Their headphones are great, I've owned just about every one and they are continually improving on their designs.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing your experiences 🙂

[@astifcaulkinyeras]

Is this a joke? $550 for 3D printed cans on a Sony V6 headband? Wtf

[@PassionforSound]

You're ignoring the two most important parts of a headphone: the drivers used and the tuning achieved. As discussed, they're also changing the headband design already.

[@astifcaulkinyeras]

@PassionforSound I agree sound is most important, but the headphone should also feel like a quality product. This is like putting a Ducati motor in a homemade bike and asking $10k.

[@PassionforSound]

If the home made bike with the Ducati engine performed better than other $10-12k bikes, I'd still be interested.

[@robmaxwell3678]

GREAT review. I heard the closed version right after listening to a pair of Audeze lcd2 at the Pacific audio show in Seattle a few months ago. I really liked both the sound signature and comfort better from the ETA.. What impressed me the most was the tonal balance, which was exactly the way I like it. ETA closed will be my next audiophile purchase.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked the review. Even more glad that you've been able to try ETAs for yourself.

[@ElectroMac74]

personally my percussion test track is Feuer from album Nacht of the Geman singer Elif demirezer, (she go on kind of a different direction at each new album all her songs are great( auf halber strecke, Schwarz, Freunde, Der Anzug) )hope you give her a shot!, thanks for the great contents

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the tip!

[@pakhromov]

Do you have plans to review some of the Austrian Audio headphones (hi-x60 or hi-x65)? Throughout this review you mentioned several times that there are no headphones with greater technicalities with this form-factor/portability. However most other reviewers praise Austrian Audio headphones for their technical abilities and they are also foldable and very low profile.

[@PassionforSound]

I've emailed Austrian Audio a couple of times and had no reply so there are currently no plans for review. It's love to if they'd be open to discussing review unit options though.

[@barneyrubble9309]

It looks a bit home made and at that price...er no. Maybe they should sell it as a diy kit? That would be unique and suspect it might sell better as such?

[@PassionforSound]

That's definitely an interesting idea!

[@nusu5331]

thank you for the review! so basically a upper mids and treble boosted phones as it is popular these days. already read reviews telling they are too much in the upper mids and get shouty, piercing and hot. As always sound perception is highly individual and personal

[@PassionforSound]

That's not how I perceive these at all. I'd describe them as a mid and mid-bass focussed sound with good treble presence, but not emphasis.

[@Smood47]

16:43 what headphones have more bass? I found o2 to have ridiculously concussive bass comparable to ZMF Atticus

[@PassionforSound]

Something like an Apos Caspian or Meze Empyrean both spring to mind.

[@aceofspades6667]

Digging the beat of the b roll music. Reminds me of a bunch of Columbian music I listen to. Interesting to see how this one can get the tonality right at a midfi price point.

[@PassionforSound]

Yeah, they nailed the tuning! Glad you liked the b-roll track 🙂

[@danrussell9357]

I have been interested in these headphones. However, there are not a lot of videos or reviews. As you mentioned there are many choices in this price range. So, I am glad that you took the time to share your insights and do the comparisons. Thanks

[@PassionforSound]

I'm glad I could help!

[@TylersEclectic]

Sweet thumbnail 👀 🫶

[@PassionforSound]

Thank you! 🙂

[@ashneel]

That frequency response curve doesn't look good at all..

[@PassionforSound]

I'm guessing you're looking at it in comparison to graphs used elsewhere. The compensation curve I use is different and won't work for comparisons with graphs from other channels - it's there for comparisons with headphones that I compare within the review and for a standalone view of the headphone's frequency response relative to a completely neutral tuning.

[@PaulBloomlittledevil]

Ok, so they have built a great prototype, now time to manufacture the real thing!

[@PassionforSound]

They just need to get a better headband IMO. I think everything else is great!

[@ElectroMac74]

Thanks!

[@PassionforSound]

Thank you! 🙏

[@datdudeinred]

Lol the headband is straight outta sony studio headphones. The cheapest ones 😂

[@PassionforSound]

Yes. They're onto it though so they'll have a custom one soon I believe

[@lukasjanecka9996]

Hello Lachlan, these seem like a very interesting product. Could you please compare them to HD 660S2? I believe you emphasized the tonality quality of the Sennheisers as well so it might be an interesting contest (especially now that they dropped 660S2 price to 500 USD 👏). TY!

[@PassionforSound]

I'll see what I can do for you. It will be a tough battle for sure!

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, this IS a tough battle! HD660S2 is a bit smoother overall while O2 is a bit more articulate and energetic while never getting fatiguing. 660S2 has a little more midrange emphasis. O2 has more bass impact. O2 goes a bit wider. 660S2 might have a touch more depth. Both are tonally excellent. I probably slightly prefer the energy and bass impact from the O2, but can see others enjoying the slightly mid-forward smoothness of the 660S2.

[@lukasjanecka9996]

Thank you for taking time to do this analysis Lachlan! There is one more thing - how do they compare in the comfort department?@@PassionforSound

[@PassionforSound]

Both are very good. I think the HD660S2 is prone to clamp harder which might be less comfortable for some people. The O2 has that slight sense of pressure on the pinna of the ears which can also be a little uncomfortable so I'd say the HD660S2 probably comes out slightly ahead unless you find their clamp to be immediately too much (this can be fixed by bending the headband, I think)

[@lukasjanecka9996]

Great, thanks much for the info!@@PassionforSound

[@carsten8111]

Love your content, but as soon as I saw that obnoxious “studio monitor” shouting from the headband, I was out. …could be the best headphone in the world, but that kind of poor design choice just screams Ali Express. …now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go out to the garage to scrawl “automobile” in big letters across the roof of my car.

[@asciisuki7002]

They're developing an original headband at the moment, so no need to worry about seeing it forever.

[@PassionforSound]

Yes. As ascii has said and as I said in the video, they are already working on a custom headband and the current one IS an OEM part.

[@Cp48533]

First

[@nunoferraz5426]

Second

[@johncahill985]

Does the splashy cymbals tame after a few hours playing

[@PassionforSound]

I never found them splashy at all so that's hard to answer. What's your source and what headphones are you coming from/comparing to?

[@johncahill985]

@@PassionforSound I have a Fiio BTR7 that I use with a PSB M4 for similar purposes with no splashy cymbals. Also have a Stax 007mk1 with a Carbon CC and Aurender A15 for home listening. Hopefully the splashy nature will go after a week listening. Apart from that I like their fun nature.

[@PassionforSound]

@johncahill985 that makes sense. These will have a very different character to their sound when compared to your other cans. Hopefully they settle for you and/or you adjust to their sound. 🤞🙂

[@johncahill985]

​@@PassionforSound I am okay with the different profile it's nice to have something that gives you a different flavour.

[@johncahill985]

@@PassionforSound I just wanted to update. The Ada are no longer splashy so anyone who encounters this give them a few days burn in

[@BuddhistMtnMan]

Sony MDR headband?

[@BuddhistMtnMan]

For $500+?

[@mcl40000]

yep

[@mcl40000]

i think you´re getting something besides the headband for that money.@@BuddhistMtnMan

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, but as I said in the review, they're already working on a different design.

[@dangerzone007]

How do they compare to the kph 40

[@PassionforSound]

I love me some Koss, but these are playing in a different league. To be competitive with the HD660S2 (I did that comparison for a Patreon member and it was a tie) and Ananda Nano is pretty epic performance.

[@dangerzone007]

​@@PassionforSoundok so when are you going to review the range of Koss headphones.

[@PassionforSound]

When they send me review units 😉

[@PassionforSound]

As much as they're exceptionally affordable, the challenge for me is more about selecting what I can squeeze into the schedule and spending money to put more pressure on the production queue doesn't make a lot of sense. 🙂

[@dangerzone007]

@@PassionforSound just spend less time on imaginary cable differences.

[@aRc11-11]

A cheap Sony headband.

[@asciisuki7002]

And they're working on an original one! Should be soon we'll see it pop up.

[@PassionforSound]

Yes. OEM headband for now. Can't wait to see what the updated design looks like.

[@RetroPlus]

That is atrocious, the amount of flaws that these have and for that price makes these possibly one of the worst value headphones i've seen.

[@soulfulfool]

yea for that price they are built like crap

[@RetroPlus]

@@soulfulfool Yeah, 3d printed parts on a $500+ headphone is a joke

[@PassionforSound]

What are all the flaws you're referring to (other than the headband)?

[@RetroPlus]

​@@PassionforSound The 3d printed build at such a high price, the cable that short circuited your device (probably a rare thing, but it's not confidence inspiring). If these were cheaper then they may be something worth considering, something like $150 at most. But $599 is insane considering what you can buy for that.

[@PassionforSound]

3D printing is the ONLY way to make some designs so I don't think we should automatically hate on 3D printing. I actually really like how they look and feel (referring only to the cups, not the headband). I get that others won't be a fan, but I think the hate is unfounded. As for the cable, they'll be an OEM cable for sure and could happen to any brand. I mentioned it in the review because I think it's important to be transparent, but I don't think it's fair to judge the headphone on one random occurrence like this.

[@AhloiFTW]

That build quality is shady af, i don't know how long that will last, and not even over ear,look so uncomfortable, for the price asked, they should've done better.

[@PassionforSound]

As I made very clear in the video, the look of the headband is the only issue and they're already onto that. They're far more robust than they look and the cups themselves look and feel great so long as you don't want a blingy, branded product.

[@mcl40000]

i got a couple eta headphones at home and i dont baby em...when i throw em in my bad i´m worried for my bag.

[@PassionforSound]

Yep, that's definitely the sense I got from these. Very sturdy despite the basic looking headband.

[@blackrider198]

for what I SEE this is a 250$ headphones . the same with hifiman ananda nano 599$ to have the same sundara headband?! no thank you! Or what to say about hd660s2 that come in a carton box and a ridiculous offensive carry bag without sennheiser logo !? ahh sorry they get this for 1 cent per kg if they buy 1t. plastic to build it!!! tell them to keep it!!

[@xray111xxx]

This hobby is filled with the standards, so much so trying something new is very risky. At $600.00 USD it is not trivial. The question is what does this buy me vs. my Sundaras and Focal Elegias aren't already giving me? I will never fall into the pit of "better", rather, difference. I have a number of headphone amplifiers. Nothing insane money. The Fiio K9, the Schiit Asgard 3, and the Topping a30pro. The Fiio K5. I love them all for their own reasons, and applications. I don't know if portability is a big deal, it is the sound. My latest purchase is the AUNE s9c Pro. I am very eager to get that. With the Fiio K9, and the Sundaras I am very happy but looking for more ooomph, and the AUNE is for that, the a30pro has the gas too, but a not quite there for my tonal feast. This 02 does have me intrigued, but is it enough to make me part with $600.00?

[@PassionforSound]

I parted with my Sundaras a while back so I can't compare them directly for you, but the O2s will have them beaten on resolution and tonal balance. I'm not sure how soundstage/imaging will compare.