In this article, we review the Dekoni X Hifiman Cobalt, a closed-back headphone made in partnership with the famous Chinese brand, selling for $399 USD.
Disclaimer: The Cobalt was sent to us free of charge by the brand & JackRabbit for the purpose of this review, in exchange for or unbiased opinion of course. Thanks to them!
About Dekoni
As one of the few successful earpads brands, Dekoni Audio is recognized for its high-quality headphone accessories, covering brands like Sennheiser, Sony, and many others. In fact, if they do offer basic replacement pads, what really gave the brand a strong appeal, was their premium offerings – each product line being designed with specific materials and features. The goal? To enhance the listening experience by improving comfort, isolation, sound stage, and the overall audio quality – or so it seems.
One of their notable products is the Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin earpads, which are designed not to alter the bass quantity of headphones but to modify the frequency spectrum from the upper bass upwards. A design choice resulting in a slightly perceived bass boost, a recessed midrange, and less treble extension compared to the stock earpads provided by the stock pads – something that I’d be curious to try on.
But now, Dekoni wants to take things to the next level, offering not just a pad, but real headphones. And, to do so, they partnered with none other than Hifiman – one of the most proficient brands in the domain – to develop their own new model: the Dekoni x Hifiman Cobalt. Is it good, is it bad? That’s what we’ll find out today.
Design & Build Quality
Design
Out of the box, the Cobalt looks and feels Hifiman by essence, even if slightly tuned down thanks to Dekoni participation.
With the same rounded design as their predecessors, the Dekoni x Hifiman Cobalt doesn’t come as a surprise anymore – which doesn’t mean it’s bad-looking by any means: big black cushioned headband, aluminum T-shaped arch supporting the cups, topped by the Dekoni stamps on each side, and the bright Hifiman at the base of the headband.
And if the lineage with the Deva and Sundara is quite apparent, Dekoni decided to bypass the usual silver finish and opted for a deep blue that I find surprisingly on point, perfectly blending with the black headband.
But, the piece of resistance remains the massive pads here. In true Dekoni fashion, those two big ventilated blocks, instantly give the Cobalt a powerful vibe, reminding me of Audeze LCDs super large cans. Impressive, to say the least.
Build quality
Like the Deva, the Dekoni x Hifiman Cobalt gives me mixed feelings.
If the headband and earpads seem to be able to withstand everything you throw at them, that doesn’t seem to be the case for the cups. Shallow at best, the thin cups covering the massive drivers, don’t inspire a lot of confidence – even if the mat paint should offer some good protection over daily scratches. Still, tap on them, and you might hear a reasoning echo that’s usually more found on entry-level headsets, rather than $400-ish models, like the Cobalt
Quite a shame, because once you wear it, the mellow pads and bands make it feel like a real premium headphone, even more than the Deva.
Inside the box
As suspected, the Dekoni X Hifiman Cobalt doesn’t come with an expansive bundle. Not a big issue quite honestly, considering the price positioning.
In the box you have :
- the Cobalt
- a set of Fenestrated sheepskin pads
- a set of Elite velour pads
- a 3.5mm cable with a 6.35mm adapted
And… that’s all! But, considering the fact that the pads are the main trait here, and up to date with Dekoni pads retail price, I’d say that… it’s quite a fair bundle. Add a balanced cable, and that would’ve been perfect.
Page 1: Dekoni overview, Design & Build Quality
Page 2: Everyday Use and specifications
Page 3: Sound performances, Conclusion
