Package:
The package MrSpeakers provides is very basic. You get the headphones, the cable with your selected termination and length and a very cool hard-shell carrying case for the Ether 2. While some might want a little more for the money spent, you don’t really need more in my opinion.
That really is all there is.
Build quality and comfort:
Ether 2 has a low weight of only 290 Grams, and that makes it one of the lightest headphones to date in the high price segment. I love this fact, as it makes them very comfortable to wear.
The design of the Ether 2 to me clearly says that the company came out of a DIY hobby, as the metal gliders and the headband look very simplistic. However, the rest of the Ether 2’s construction speaks class and quality to me.
The leather headband has a few holes in them, which I assume is for higher comfort, as the reduced weight by cutting out a few parts can’t be that significant. The headband glides up and down on a very secure sitting construction. This makes sure that once you set the headphones to your head-size it will stay put.
MrSpeakers managed to give the Ether 2 a flexibility in its build that I have seldom seen in this price range. It bends and twists like no other headphone. The ear-cups are made of aluminum and look very robust. The grills are also made of aluminum and have a circle design, which I like a lot.
The ear-cups tilt a bit, so even weird shaped heads won’t have a problem with the Ether 2. When we look at clamping force the Ether 2 has plenty, yet does not put too much pressure on your head. The ear-pads are angled and can be replaced. They are connected to the headphones with a very strong adhesive. It takes quite some force to take these off, but it can be managed.
With VIVO, MrSpeakers has introduced their new flagship cable. It’s made of silver plated OFHC copper and performs better in terms of flexibility and microphonics compared to their previous DUM cable. The Ether 2 has replaceable cables and uses a 4-Pin HIROSE plug.
Personally, I love this one, as it’s easy to take off and robust to use. The signal sides of the cable are marked with a big red rubber band. I’m a little worried that this isn’t the ideal solution to mark left and right, as the rubber band can become a victim of wear and tear.
Comfort-wise I have absolutely no issues with the Ether 2. It’s lightweight and stays firmly put on my head. I could wear the Ether 2 for hours without reaching a point of pain where I just need to take a break.
The only issue I have with the Ether 2, is the synthetic earpads, which can cause some warming up of my ears and sweating.
On to Sound impressions on page three.
JWL
Thank you for the review!
I have got HD800S So, this review is very helpful to me.
Linus
Hi JWL,
many thanks for your comment.
It’s great to hear the review was useful. Glad I could help.
Have a great gay.
Cheers
Koen
How do they compare to the Meze Empyrean? Same amount of bass?
Linus
Hi Koen,
I’d tell you if I’d have the Empyrean. Since I’m still waiting for mine, I can’t though.
Sorry.
Petestradamus
Didn’t Lieven have the Empyrean? Can he compare them with the Ether 2?
Linus
No, because he doesn’t have the Ether 2.
rob l
I get not wanting to play the “spec game” but some of us use that to get an idea on how to power these cans. Nothing worse than buying a headphone and realizing you have nothing to appropriately power it with.