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Koss ESP950 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£1,010
Avg. price in US: ~$1,000
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Koss ESP950 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.3

Poor

3.6

Poor

6.9

Good

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.6
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
1.9
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.8
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
1.9
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

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Best rankings

Verdict

The Koss ESP/950 is a high-fidelity electrostatic headphone system featuring an ultra-low mass 1.5-micron polyester film diaphragm and an open-air circumaural design. It delivers a wide frequency response of 8 Hz to 35,000 Hz with a high sensitivity of 104 dB (at 100 Vrms) and an exceptionally high input impedance of 100,000 ohms. Main characteristics include a remarkably natural midrange, fast transient response, and a spacious soundstage that offers excellent instrument separation. Key pros include its lightweight 12.45 oz build, extreme comfort for long listening sessions, and the security of a limited lifetime warranty. However, notable cons include a plasticky and somewhat cheap build quality, occasional low-level electronic 'squealing' or humming in some units, and a lack of deep sub-bass impact compared to modern planar magnetic or dynamic alternatives.

Technical Specifications of Koss ESP950

Overall score

4.3

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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

4.0

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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

electrostatic

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

2.8

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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

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

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

3.3

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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

4.5

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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

Koss

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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Koss ESP950 vs the average headphone

Why is Koss ESP950 better than the average headphone?

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60 mm larger driver size
Koss ESP950 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (100 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
Koss ESP950 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (100 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.100 mm vs 40 mm
10 Hz lower bass extension
Koss ESP950 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
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
Koss ESP950 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.8 Hz vs 18 Hz
0.29 % lower distortion
Koss ESP950 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % 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%
Koss ESP950 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.01 % vs 0.3 %
15,000 Hz higher treble extension
Koss ESP950 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (35,000 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
Koss ESP950 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.35000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Removable battery
Koss ESP950 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
What it is: Battery can be detached and replaced
When it matters: When long-term serviceability or battery replacement matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Koss ESP950 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
0.6 m more useful cable length
Koss ESP950 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.8 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
Koss ESP950 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.1.8 m vs 1.2 m
16 dB higher max SPL
Koss ESP950 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (126 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=116 dB
Koss ESP950 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (126 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.126 dB vs 110 dB
0.6 m more useful cable length
Koss ESP950 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
60 mm larger driver size
Koss ESP950 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (100 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
10 Hz lower bass extension
Koss ESP950 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
0.29 % lower distortion
Koss ESP950 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
15,000 Hz higher treble extension
Koss ESP950 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
16 dB higher max SPL
Koss ESP950 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (126 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Removable battery
Koss ESP950 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.

Why is Koss ESP950 worse than the average headphone?

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61.9% higher weight
Koss ESP950 is heavier than the average headphone (353 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Fixed cable
Koss ESP950 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Koss ESP950 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No passive noise reduction
Koss ESP950 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Koss ESP950 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
No neodymium magnet
Koss ESP950 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Koss ESP950 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
1 fewer microphones
Koss ESP950 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Koss ESP950 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
27 years older release date
Koss ESP950 was released earlier than the average headphone (1,990 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
No passive noise reduction
Koss ESP950 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
Koss ESP950 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
61.9% higher weight
Koss ESP950 is heavier than the average headphone (353 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
Koss ESP950 is heavier than the average headphone (353 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.353 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Koss ESP950 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
Koss ESP950 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Koss ESP950 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Koss ESP950 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Koss ESP950 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 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
Koss ESP950 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
11.22x more expensive
Koss ESP950 is more expensive than the average headphone (£1,010 vs £90).
Koss ESP950 is more expensive than the average headphone (£1,010 vs £90).£1,010 vs £90
48.1% worse value for money
Koss ESP950 has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.55 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.
Koss ESP950 has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.55 vs 6.736).4.55 vs 6.74
1 fewer microphones
Koss ESP950 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
Koss ESP950 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Koss ESP950 and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Koss ESP950?

Unbeatable technical performance for the price, offering high clarity and resolution
Exceptionally lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
Smooth, non-fatiguing treble and realistic, lush midrange
Wide, airy soundstage with excellent instrument separation and imaging
Exceptional limited lifetime warranty that covers repairs or replacements for life
Scales significantly with higher-end aftermarket amplification and EQ

What customers dislike about Koss ESP950?

Cheap-feeling 'plasticky' build quality that does not feel like a premium product
Low-end response is fairly lean and lacks sub-bass impact without EQ
Bundled E/90 'energiser' amp is considered a weak link and prone to background noise
Known issues with an intermittent high-pitched 'squeal' or buzzing in some units
Fiddly dual-channel volume knob on the amplifier can be annoying to use
Proprietary connection requires an adapter to use with third-party electrostatic amps

Expert reviews

cnet.com

30/01/2016

The Koss ESP-950 headphone dazzles the Audiophiliac - CNET

In this CNET review, Steve Guttenberg evaluates the Koss ESP-950, a classic electrostatic headphone bundle originally debuted in 1990 and manufactured in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Priced at $1,000, this open-back, over-the-ear system comes permanently bundled with its own matching E-90 amplifier and cannot be plugged into standard 3.5mm or 6.3mm headphone jacks. The prominent pros...Read more

stereophile.com

30/10/2016

Koss ESP/950 electrostatic stereophones Herb Reichert November 2016

In a November 2016 Stereophile review, Herb Reichert highly praises the Koss ESP/950 electrostatic headphones for delivering a profoundly musical, emotionally connective experience with a standout, tactile midrange. The lightweight (10 oz) design offers exceptional comfort, backed by a strong, unconditional lifetime guarantee. While the midband excels, notable cons include weak,...Read more

head-fi.org

05/05/2010

Koss ESP-950 Electrostatic Stereophone - Head-Fi

The Koss ESP-950 Electrostatic Stereophone provides an immersive, mid-focused sound with a spacious soundstage, offering a non-fatiguing, comfortable experience due to its lightweight, open-back design. A major advantage is Koss’s lifetime, no-questions-asked warranty, ensuring hassle-free repair support. However, the system is hindered by a flimsy, predominantly plastic build that...Read more

headfonia.com

09/12/2009

Koss ESP-950 Electrostatic System - Headfonia

The Koss ESP-950 electrostatic system offers an exceptionally natural, smooth, and effortless sound profile, featuring high transparency, fast transients, and excellent long-term comfort. It provides high-value entry into electrostatic audio, backed by a strong lifetime warranty, and avoids harsh treble, making it very easy on the ears. However, the system is hindered by a...Read more

majorhifi.com

27/11/2016

Koss ESP 950 Review - Major HiFi

The Koss ESP 950 is a legendary electrostatic headphone system introduced in 1990 that delivers exceptional audio engineering and serving as an ideal introduction to electrostatic sound. Its key pros center around its phenomenal sonic fidelity, featuring clean, distortion-free mids, a bright and highly accurate high end, and an immersive, deep soundstage that makes music feel...Read more

stereophile.com

03/08/2010

Stereophile Koss ESP/950 electrostatic stereophones

The Stereophile review of the Koss ESP950 highlights a lightweight, open-back electrostatic system featuring a lifelike, detailed midrange and an exceptionally comfortable, user-friendly design with a strong lifetime warranty. Sonically, the headphones are noted for their "ravishing" midrange, presenting a warmer and more immediately engaging sound compared to competitor brands....Read more

high-amp.de

Keine Angabe

KOSS ESP950 Electrostatic Headphone System Review

The High-Amp review focuses on the Koss ESP/950 Electrostatic headphone system, evaluating both the headset itself and its included E/90 energizer/amplifier. The reviewer is highly critical of the E/90 amplifier, noting that its small plastic build quality immediately sets low performance expectations. On a technical level, the amp runs on a 9V power supply, boosts input signals by...Read more

highresmac.de

02/02/2016

Electrostatics: Koss ESP 950 Headphones", "Electrostatic States: Koss ESP 950 Headphones

The Koss ESP 950 is an electrostatic over-ear headphone system priced at €1,320 gross that delivers an outstanding, audiophile-grade sonic performance despite its underwhelming physical build. On the positive side, its ultra-lightweight 285-gram construction and soft faux-leather padding offer exceptional long-term wearing comfort with a loose, pressure-free fit. Acoustically, the...Read more

hifitest.de

21/05/2019

Hi-Fi Headphones Koss ESP/950 Review

The Koss ESP/950 is an open-back electrostatic headphone system priced around €1,320 that delivers a lightweight, nimble sound profile heavily influenced by its unique design. Utilizing a thin, lightweight membrane driven across its entire surface by an electrostatic field, it eliminates the partial vibrations common in traditional dynamic drivers. This technical approach yields...Read more

forum.tellementnomade.org

26/08/2020

KOSS ESP-95X or 950 - forum", "KOSS ESP-95X vs 950 - discussion

The Koss ESP-95X (or ESP950) is a highly cost-effective, lightweight electrostatic headphone system that provides a massive value entry-point into electrostatic technology, costing around $500 bundled with its own amplifier,. Reviewers praise the headphone for delivering an excellent, smooth, and fluid sound quality that makes voices sound highly natural, making it an ideal choice...Read more

musique-o-casque.com

27/08/2020

KOSS ESP950: Review and Listening Impressions

The community review on musique-o-casque.com highlights the Koss ESP950 (and its Drop ESP95X variant) as an electrostatic headphone system that offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio. Originally purchased on Drop for $500, reviewers praise its sound quality as being exceptionally competitive for a 30-year-old design, particularly for classical, jazz, and vocal music due to...Read more

homecinema-fr.com

20/01/2021

KOSS ESP-950 - Page 4

The community review highlights the Koss ESP-950 (and its Drop variant, the ESP-95X) as an exceptionally comfortable, lightweight, and high-value electrostatic headphone system that provides an airy, detailed, and non-fatiguing musical presentation. Listeners noted that it delivers clean, well-separated instrumentation and smooth high frequencies, making compressed audio or harsh...Read more

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