Lstn Troubadours Review | 93 Data compared

In the Digital Trends review, Ryan Waniata evaluates the LSTN TroubadourGo, a $150 over-ear headphone model built by a California-based company committed to donating proceeds to the hearing impaired. On the positive side, the headphones feature a highly original design aesthetic utilizing reclaimed wooden ear cups and thin metal accents, which look excellent in marketing images. Additionally, the headband's clamping force provides a relatively comfortable wear for short sessions, and the sound profile delivers a powerful bass performance that feels appropriate for lower-register-heavy genres like hip-hop. However, the headphones suffer from severe drawbacks that ultimately make them a "pass" for the reviewer. In terms of build, they feel surprisingly light, cheap, and fragile in hand compared to their online photos, using thin wood and extensive plastic parts. Audio-wise, the cons heavily outweigh the pros, featuring poor overall balance, a muddled lower register that clouds guitar and percussion, and a narrow stereo image that holds the sound landscape hostage. Because the upper regions are rounded off and lack clarity, and vocals sound pushed back, Waniata suggests budget-conscious buyers look elsewhere for...

The lstn Troubadour headphones ($150) feature a unique aesthetic crafted from reclaimed, dye-free beech wood sourced from furniture companies, giving them an "old ham radio" look. A notable benefit is their strong charity element, where a portion of proceeds goes to the Starkey Hearing Foundation to restore hearing. Despite having thin headband padding, they are exceptionally lightweight (188 grams) and highly comfortable for extended listening sessions. Additional perks include visually striking, wood-wrapped audio jacks and decent passive noise isolation from ambient background sounds. However, the headphones suffer from notable sonic and physical design flaws. Acoustically, the sound signature is heavily bass-tuned, which frequently bleeds into the lower mid-range, drowning out vocals and causing instruments to lose individual definition. Higher frequencies occasionally suffer from distortion and sibilance, particularly with older vinyl tracks. Physically, they do not collapse or fold down for easy travel, and the included burlap carry bag leaves annoying debris behind. Furthermore, their sizing falls into an awkward middle ground—smaller than typical over-ear cans but larger than on-ear models—causing a less-than-perfect ear seal.

The LSTN Troubadour headphones, as reviewed on SoundGuys, deliver an engaging audio performance with a decent soundstage, well-represented high frequencies, and no distortion at high volumes. They are suitable for pure music enjoyment and offer effective passive noise isolation that effectively blocks out nearby conversations. However, the headphones suffer from significant comfort issues, including high clamping pressure that causes notable discomfort. Additionally, the design results in medium sound leakage at higher volumes, meaning nearby individuals can hear the audio.

The $150 LSTN Troubadours, featured on PCMag, are handcrafted, vintage-style headphones praised for delivering rich, distortion-free audio with deep lows, crisp highs, and effective passive noise isolation. They feature a durable, detachable braided cable, a useful inline microphone, and support a charitable cause. However, the review highlights significant comfort issues, specifically a lack of headband padding that causes pressure and small ear cups that feel more like on-ear models. Additionally, the inline remote control lacks volume adjustment functionality.

The LSTN Troubadours are stylish, retro-aviator-themed headphones constructed from brushed aluminum, chrome, and protective lacquered reclaimed wood, ensuring an environmentally guilt-free manufacturing process. Available in beech, cherry, or ebony, the reviewer praised the beech model for its exceptional comfort and lightweight design, noting that the plush faux-leather ear pads and unpadded headband allow for hours of fatigue-free listening. A major standout feature of the product is LSTN's social mission; a portion of all proceeds directly funds hearing restoration initiatives through the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Additionally, the headphones deliver a warm, fun, and slightly bass-leaning sound signature that pairs exceptionally well with classic 1960s and 1970s rock or lower-resolution audio files. However, the Troubadours fall short in several areas regarding functionality, audio precision, and overall value. Despite being marketed as an over-ear model, the triangular cups fit more like on-ear headphones, failing to fully enclose the ears. The audio performance lacks the high-end clarity and realism needed to appreciate subtle details in high-resolution tracks, while modern genres like hip-hop suffer from a lack of deep, hard-hitting bass. At a retail price...

LSTN Troubadours The LSTN Troubadours are a highly recommended pair of headphones ($150) distinguished by their sustainable construction using reclaimed wood scraps from flooring and furniture companies. The reviewer praises the product's exceptional acoustic performance, highlighting its thunderous bass, crisp strings, high-frequency sharpness, and an overall sound warmth that outshines most other headphones on the market. Additionally, the purchase supports a charitable cause, as LSTN partners with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to help restore hearing for an individual with every pair sold. While the review is overwhelmingly positive, a few drawbacks and specific options are worth noting. On the downside, the reviewer directly implies that the $150 price tag requires "a fat stack of cash," suggesting they may be a bit expensive for budget-conscious consumers. The reviewer also admits they cannot scientifically verify if the wood material itself strictly improves the audio quality. For customisation, the headphones are available in four distinct wood variants: cherry wood, beech, ebony, and zebra wood.

This product review highlights the Zebra Wood Troubadour Headphones by LSTN, an audio brand recognized for combining stylish craftsmanship with a philanthropic mission. The reviewer gives the headphones a rare, perfect "A+" grade, praising their exceptional balance of crisp, full sound and clear surround capabilities that avoid overwhelming bass or treble. Visually, the reclaimed blonde zebra wood housing with unique dark striping offers a classic, art-like aesthetic rather than a loud, attention-seeking design. Additionally, the product stands out for its social impact, as every purchase funds a hearing aid for someone in need through the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Pros & Cons Pros Superb Sound Balance: Offers high-quality, clear surround audio without excessive bass or treble skew. Premium, Lightweight Build: Constructed from metal and reclaimed wood, the frame is surprisingly light yet highly durable. Durable Cord & Microphone: Features a nylon-wrapped cord to prevent fraying and a built-in mic for convenient, hands-free calling. Aesthetic Appeal: Classic blonde zebra wood with unique dark striping details gives the headphones an artistic, well-crafted look. Cons Safety Concerns: The reviewer notes a potential hazard when...

This review highlights the LSTN "Troubadour" cherry wood headphones as an exceptional product that balances premium performance with a powerful social mission. The author praises the headphones for their clear, lifelike sound and a wide soundstage that creates an immersive, 3D-like listening experience. The design features sustainably sourced, reclaimed wood chambers that enrich the audio depth. For usability and comfort, the headphones include plush padding that feels weightless, a clear built-in microphone, and detachable, tangle-free cords. Beyond the technical specs, the company stands out for its "Giving Back. Amplified. " program, which partners with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to help restore hearing to a person in need for every pair sold. Pros and Cons Pros:Excellent Audio: Exceptionally clear sound with a wide, 3D-like soundstage. Eco-Friendly Build: Sustainable design using reclaimed wood chambers. High Comfort: Padded earcups provide a comfortable, barely-there fit. Convenient Cords: Detachable cables prevent tangles. Social Impact: Every purchase helps fund hearing restoration globally. Cons:Desk Security: The attractive design makes them highly prone to being "borrowed" by family or colleagues. Limited Mobile Focus: The microphone, while clear for...

The Head-Fi review of the LSTN Troubadours highlights a decent, smooth, and well-blended sound profile that improves with EQ adjustments, with the reviewer finding the audio performance comparable to Denon AH-D1100s. The wood-finished aesthetic is praised, and the bass is described as creamy, though the overall design is considered stylish. However, the headphones are marred by a poorly designed, uncomfortable headband that causes pain within five minutes, particularly for those with short hair. Furthermore, the product is criticized for acting as on-ear rather than over-ear, featuring immediate finish flaws, and causing discomfort for glasses wearers.

The LSTN Troubadour on-ear headphones ($149.99) blend sustainable wood craft with a philanthropic mission, partnering with the Starkey Hearing Foundation to restore hearing to a person for every pair sold. Visually, they combine post-modern and retro aesthetics, featuring wooden earcups crafted from reclaimed exotic furniture scraps alongside a sharp, industrial metal headband,. Sonically, these headphones are efficient, easy to drive without an external amplifier, and deliver a dark, laid-back, and warm signature that works well for casual background listening or mellow gaming,. The vocals feel humane and natural, and the bass provides a satisfying, deep sub-bass rumble without overly muddying the track. Pros & Cons Despite these strengths, the design exhibits notable flaws in ergonomics, utility, and high-volume performance. Pros Socially conscious: Supports global hearing restoration charity efforts. Eco-friendly build: Uses genuine reclaimed exotic woods. Smooth soundscape: Delivers natural vocals and pleasant spatial presentation,. Punchy bass: Satisfying sub-bass rumble at normal listening levels. Cons Rigid fit: Constricting swivel mechanisms create initial headband pressure discomfort,. Underdeveloped build: The top metal bar feels uncomfortably sharp and raw. Cable interference: 2.5mm connectors complicate...