The HEDDphone TWO GT are the latest flagship open‑back, over‑ear, wired headphones from the German brand HEDD, priced at £1,899 / $2,199. They represent the company’s first model explicitly positioned for the audiophile or hi‑fi market, rather than primarily for studio use. Their defining characteristic is the proprietary Air Motion Transformer (AMT) driver, a technology that sets them apart from conventional dynamic, planar magnetic, or electrostatic designs.
The AMT driver features a folded, accordion‑like ribbon diaphragm that squeezes air laterally at four times the speed of the driver’s own movement. This design, originally invented in the 1960s for tweeters, is intended to deliver fast transient response, very low distortion, and a well‑imaged soundstage. HEDD’s co‑founder, Klaus Heinz, had a long history with AMT technology, and the company claims its first HEDDphone model, released in 2020, was the world’s first full‑range AMT headphone.
The “GT” version is a refinement of the TWO model that launched in 2023. Its revised AMT driver incorporates a coating material that stiffens the folds of the diaphragm, which HEDD claims reduces distortion by 10%. The tuning is also described as warmer than its predecessor.
In terms of build and comfort, the headphones are constructed from carbon fibre and magnesium, giving a durable and high‑quality feel. The package is exceptionally generous, including a hard‑shell carry case, a second set of leather earpads, two 1.6m cables (one unbalanced with a 6.3mm jack, one balanced with a 4.4mm jack), and adapters for 3.5mm and XLR 4‑pin connections. The cables themselves are hand‑braided, nylon‑woven, and silver‑plated copper. A more affordable “UNPLUGGED” version is also available for £1,499, which excludes the cables and second set of earpads.
However, the headphones are notably heavy at 550g, which is a significant reduction from the original 730g model but still substantial. The reviewer found that this weight made extended listening sessions of more than an hour and a half uncomfortable, despite the adjustable headband and ideal clamping force of the earpads. The headband’s fastening mechanism, while adjustable, is also noted as a potential wear point over time, though the five‑year warranty offers some reassurance.
Sonically, the HEDDphone TWO GT are praised for their open, spacious, clear, and fast presentation. They are compared favourably to electrostatics in terms of clarity and speed. The soundstage is described as vast and precisely detailed, with expressive dynamics that draw the listener into recordings. The treble is crisp, the midrange is transparent and naturally warm, and the bass, while not reaching the very lowest depths, is textured and agile.
In practice, the headphones excel at revealing detail and emotional intent in music. A Joni Mitchell recording showcased the dynamic attention to orchestration and the warm, revealing midrange that captures vocal nuances. On a track by Mura Masa and slowthai, the bassline thumped with agility, the beat snapped, and the dynamically elastic vocal performance was rendered with playful energy. The reviewer notes that these are not warm, smooth, or weighty headphones; they are forward and analytical, focused on presenting detail and precision.
The review concludes that the HEDDphone TWO GT are among the most accomplished performers at their price point. They are a compelling advertisement for HEDD’s innovative AMT driver and attention to design. However, they are not for everyone; their lean, relatively lightweight bass presentation may not satisfy “bassheads,” and their physical weight makes them less suitable for very long listening sessions. For listeners who prioritise exceptional clarity, detail, and dynamic expression in an open‑back design, they represent a very strong option.
Source: Trusted Reviews