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KLH Ultimate One Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£350
Avg. price in US: ~$300
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

KLH Ultimate One review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.8

Poor

3.0

Poor

7.2

Very good

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
2.2
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
1.8
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
2.2
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#799 in Best Wired Headphones
#832 in Best Over Ear Headphones

Verdict

The KLH Ultimate One is a high-fidelity, open-back over-ear headphone featuring 50mm pure beryllium drivers and an elegant build using real zebrawood or ebony ear cups. It offers a frequency response of 18Hz–22kHz, an impedance of 32 ohms, and a sensitivity of 97dB, supported by premium materials like cowhide leather and perforated lambskin on dual-layer memory foam pads. Its main pros include an exceptionally comfortable, lightweight design (340g), a rich and punchy V-shaped sound signature with deep bass extension, and high-quality accessories like a leather hard case and silver-litz braided cable. However, some users report recessed or slightly unnatural midrange frequencies and a lack of a balanced connection option, with its open design providing minimal noise isolation.

Technical Specifications of KLH Ultimate One

Overall score

3.8

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

2.9

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

1.6

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

2.9

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

5.7

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

KLH

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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KLH Ultimate One vs the average headphone

Why is KLH Ultimate One better than the average headphone?

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10 mm larger driver size
KLH Ultimate One uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
KLH Ultimate One uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
0.2 % lower distortion
KLH Ultimate One has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
KLH Ultimate One has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
Open-back design
KLH Ultimate One uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
KLH Ultimate One uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
0.8 m more useful cable length
KLH Ultimate One offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
KLH Ultimate One offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.2 m vs 1.2 m
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
KLH Ultimate One has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
KLH Ultimate One has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
7 mm more spacious earcup width
KLH Ultimate One offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (50 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
KLH Ultimate One offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (50 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.50 mm vs 43 mm
Open-back design
KLH Ultimate One uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
0.8 m more useful cable length
KLH Ultimate One offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
7 mm more spacious earcup width
KLH Ultimate One offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (50 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
10 mm larger driver size
KLH Ultimate One uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
0.2 % lower distortion
KLH Ultimate One has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
KLH Ultimate One has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.

Why is KLH Ultimate One worse than the average headphone?

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56% higher weight
KLH Ultimate One is heavier than the average headphone (340 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
No passive noise reduction
KLH Ultimate One does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
KLH Ultimate One has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
12.13 dB looser channel balance
KLH Ultimate One has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average headphone (12.6 dB vs 0.47 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.47 dB.
source value ±12.6 dB.
98.2% lower input power handling
KLH Ultimate One has a lower max input power than the average headphone (1.8 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
Not headset-ready
KLH Ultimate One is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
KLH Ultimate One has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
KLH Ultimate One does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
KLH Ultimate One does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
KLH Ultimate One does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
56% higher weight
KLH Ultimate One is heavier than the average headphone (340 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
KLH Ultimate One is heavier than the average headphone (340 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.340 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
KLH Ultimate One does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
KLH Ultimate One does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
5 dB/mW lower sensitivity
KLH Ultimate One has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
KLH Ultimate One has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.97 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Not headset-ready
KLH Ultimate One is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.
Importance: MEDIUM
KLH Ultimate One is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
27.9% worse value for money
KLH Ultimate One has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.27 vs 6.736).
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
KLH Ultimate One has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.27 vs 6.736).5.27 vs 6.74
3.89x more expensive
KLH Ultimate One is more expensive than the average headphone (£350 vs £90).
KLH Ultimate One is more expensive than the average headphone (£350 vs £90).£350 vs £90
1 fewer microphones
KLH Ultimate One has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2
KLH Ultimate One has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of KLH Ultimate One and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about KLH Ultimate One?

Premium build quality featuring real ebony or zebrawood, cowhide leather, and lambskin
Exceptional comfort for long listening sessions due to soft memory foam and lightweight design
Impressive V-shaped sound profile with deep, powerful bass and crisp, detailed treble
Massive soundstage and precise imaging characteristic of high-quality open-back designs
High sensitivity makes them relatively easy to drive with most audio sources
Excellent value for the price point compared to other high-end beryllium driver models

What customers dislike about KLH Ultimate One?

Significant sound leakage due to the open-back design, making them unsuitable for office or public use
Recessed midrange can make female vocals sound slightly veiled or unnatural
Included 2-meter cable is often cited as being too long for portable use yet too short for home Hi-Fi setups
Clamping force can feel a bit tight for users during the initial break-in period
Ear pads may be slightly small for users with larger ears, leaning toward an on-ear fit
Lack of balanced connection options without internal modifications

Expert reviews

theshoestringaudiophile.com

13/02/2020

Music in Motion- KLH Ultimate One Headphones - The Shoestring Audiophile

The Shoestring Audiophile review highly praises the $299.99 KLH Ultimate One open-back headphonesGo, positioning them as a premium, audiophile-grade option featuring genuine ebony outer ear cups and comfortable lambskin padding. Driven by 50mm pure beryllium drivers, these headphones offer detailed sound with deep, un-enhanced bass and excellent musical separation, particularly for...Read more

theabsolutesound.com

23/06/2020

KLH Ultimate One headphones - The Absolute Sound

The KLH Ultimate One headphones, reviewed by The Absolute Sound, feature premium Ebony wood earcups, a 50mm beryllium driver, and a comfortable, lightweight design suitable for long listening sessions. They deliver a natural, musical, and relaxed sound with an expansive soundstage that avoids high-frequency fatigue. However, the open-back design offers zero noise isolation, making...Read more

hifiplus.com

23/06/2020

KLH Ultimate One headphones - Hi-Fi+

The KLH Ultimate One is an open-back, over-ear headphone priced at $299 US / £299 UK that marks the brand's first foray into the headphone market under CEO David P. Kelly. Built around a 50mm pure beryllium dynamic driver, it boasts a frequency response of 18 Hz–22 kHz (± 3 dB), 32-ohm impedance, and 97 dB sensitivity. Reviewer Steven Stone highly praises the model's premium fit and...Read more

head-fi.org

05/03/2022

HIFI Expert KLH Ultimate One Headphones - Reviews - Head-Fi.org

The Head-Fi review highlights the KLH Ultimate One as a dynamic, open-back headphone featuring a crowd-pleasing, V-shaped sound signature, characterized by a massive, tall soundstage and powerful, rumbling sub-bass. Key strengths include excellent, uncluttered instrument separation and precise imaging, along with forward, controlled treble energy. Conversely, the review identifies...Read more

headmania.org

20/06/2023

KLH Ultima One - Open Ears Headphones Review - HeadMania

The KLH Ultimate One headphones feature an over-ear, open-back design constructed with solid zebrawood earcups, premium lambskin, and cowhide leather. Priced under $400, they are highly praised for incorporating a 50mm pure beryllium driver, which is typically found in much more expensive models. The reviewer highlights that the headphones offer a highly dynamic, exciting, and...Read more

soundstagesolo.com

10/02/2019

SoundStageSolo.com - KLH Ultimate One Headphones

The KLH Ultimate One is a $299.99 open-back headphone featuring 50mm beryllium-diaphragm dynamic drivers housed in solid, sustainably harvested ebony earcups and padded with real sheepskin memory foam. Designed for home use, it deviates from typical analytical audiophile tunings by adopting a "Harman curve" signature. This approach delivers a full, smooth, and non-fatiguing...Read more

lite-magazin.de

17/01/2023

KLH Ultimate One – Powerful Sound and Deep Immersion

The KLH Ultimate One is a premium, open-back over-ear headphone that delivers exceptional material quality and a fun, modern sound signature. Priced at 429 Euro, it features elegant zebrawood ear cups, a solid metal headband, and plush cushioning made from a blend of cowhide leather, lambskin, and dual-layer memory foam. Weighing just 340 grams, it offers great long-term wearing...Read more

voir-et-emouvoir.com

14/10/2020

KLH ULTIMATE ONE HEADPHONES. PURE BERYLLIUM DIAPHRAGM.

The Voir et Émouvoir review highlights the KLH Ultimate One as an exceptionally high-quality over-ear headphone that offers unbeatable value at its €349.90 price point. The standout feature of this model is its 50mm pure beryllium driver, a premium technology usually reserved for ultra-high-end headphones like the Focal Utopia. This material choice delivers a highly dynamic,...Read more

on-mag.fr

22/03/2021

KLH Ultimate One: review, opinion, price, specs", "KLH Ultimate One: test, review, price, features

The review highlights KLH Audio, a historic American hi-fi brand founded in 1957, making a compelling entry into the headphone market with the Ultimate One. Priced competitively at roughly 300 euros, this open-back, circum-aural model defies its budget-friendly positioning by offering an upscale, well-finished home listening design. The primary standout feature of these 340-gram...Read more

on-mag.fr

22/03/2021

KLH Ultimate One Hi-Fi Headphones Review: A Little Musical Monster Wrapped in Woody Softness

The KLH Ultimate One is an open-back, over-ear hi-fi headphone that delivers an exceptionally musical, expressive, and warm analog-style performance for around 300 euros. Built on a lightweight metal structure with real ebony wood earcups, it offers premium visual appeal, robust construction quality, and highly effective weight distribution at 340 grams. A key technical highlight is...Read more

lyricaudio.com

01/07/2026

KLH Ultimate One Headphones - Lyric Audio Elite

The HiFi Plus review highlights the KLH Ultimate One as an exceptionally well-built and premium headphone that far exceeds expectations for its price point. The reviewer praises the construction for omitting cheap plastic where metal should be, featuring tight, smooth side pivots with zero wobble. Pros mentioned in the review include its high-quality construction, a heavily padded...Read more

Video reviews

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