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RHA CL1 Ceramic Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£400
Avg. price in US: ~$450
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

RHA CL1 Ceramic review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.3

Good

4.9

Poor

6.9

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
2.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
10
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
5.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
10
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
9.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#165 in Best In Ear Headphones
#345 in Best Wired Headphones

Verdict

The RHA CL1 Ceramic is a high-impedance (150Ω) in-ear monitor featuring a unique dual-transducer configuration that pairs a CL Dynamic driver for bass and midrange with a dedicated ceramic plate driver for high-frequency harmonics above 8kHz. Built with injection-moulded zirconium dioxide ceramic housings, it offers a broad frequency range of 16Hz–45,000Hz and a sensitivity of 89dB, making it primarily designed for use with powerful amplifiers or DACs. Main pros include its stellar build quality, exceptional instrument separation, and the inclusion of both balanced Ag4x silver-core and braided OFC cables with custom sMMCX connections. However, common cons include a divisive sound signature characterized by piercing, often unnatural treble, thin-sounding midrange, and the requirement for substantial power to drive effectively.

Technical Specifications of RHA CL1 Ceramic

Overall score

5.3

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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

5.8

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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

2.2

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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

10

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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

RHA

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

in-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

closed-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

N/A

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RHA CL1 Ceramic vs the average headphone

Why is RHA CL1 Ceramic better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
RHA CL1 Ceramic has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
RHA CL1 Ceramic has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
93.6% lower weight
RHA CL1 Ceramic is lighter than the average headphone (14 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
RHA CL1 Ceramic is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.14 g vs 218 g
25,000 Hz higher treble extension
RHA CL1 Ceramic has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (45,000 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
RHA CL1 Ceramic has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (45,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.45000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
15 dB higher max SPL
RHA CL1 Ceramic has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (125 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
RHA CL1 Ceramic has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (125 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.125 dB vs 110 dB
93.6% lower weight
RHA CL1 Ceramic is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Hi-Res Audio certification
RHA CL1 Ceramic has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
25,000 Hz higher treble extension
RHA CL1 Ceramic has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (45,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
15 dB higher max SPL
RHA CL1 Ceramic has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (125 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.

Why is RHA CL1 Ceramic worse than the average headphone?

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13 dB/mW lower sensitivity
RHA CL1 Ceramic has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (89 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
14 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
RHA CL1 Ceramic has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (89 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
1 fewer drivers
RHA CL1 Ceramic has fewer drivers than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
Not headset-ready
RHA CL1 Ceramic is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
No voice assistant support
RHA CL1 Ceramic does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No voice assistant support
RHA CL1 Ceramic 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
RHA CL1 Ceramic does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
13 dB/mW lower sensitivity
RHA CL1 Ceramic has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (89 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
RHA CL1 Ceramic has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (89 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.89 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Not headset-ready
RHA CL1 Ceramic 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
RHA CL1 Ceramic is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
4.44x more expensive
RHA CL1 Ceramic is more expensive than the average headphone (£400 vs £90).
RHA CL1 Ceramic is more expensive than the average headphone (£400 vs £90).£400 vs £90
16.8% lower user score
RHA CL1 Ceramic has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.85 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
RHA CL1 Ceramic has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.85 vs 8.000).6.85 vs 8
7.8% worse value for money
RHA CL1 Ceramic has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.25 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.
RHA CL1 Ceramic has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.25 vs 6.736).6.25 vs 6.74
14 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
RHA CL1 Ceramic has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (89 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=108 dB SPL
RHA CL1 Ceramic has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (89 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.89 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
1 fewer drivers
RHA CL1 Ceramic has fewer drivers than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 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
RHA CL1 Ceramic has fewer drivers than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.2 vs 1

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of RHA CL1 Ceramic and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about RHA CL1 Ceramic?

Exceptional build quality with high-durability ceramic housings
Fantastic comfort and ergonomic design for long listening sessions
Excellent passive noise isolation, comparable to earplugs
Includes two high-quality braided cables (3.5mm and balanced mini-XLR)
Superb detail retrieval and instrument separation
Remarkable treble extension and airiness thanks to the ceramic plate driver
Rich accessory package including a metal tip holder and diverse eartips

What customers dislike about RHA CL1 Ceramic?

Polarizing sound signature with treble that can be piercing or harsh
Recessed and lean midrange that lacks warmth for vocals
Extremely difficult to drive; requires a powerful amplifier for best performance
Proprietary sMMCX connectors limit aftermarket cable options
Bass can feel lean or lacking in body without equalization
Proprietary balanced connector (mini-XLR) is uncommon for portable gear
Soundstage depth is somewhat limited compared to its height and width

Expert reviews

the-gadgeteer.com

14/01/2018

RHA Dacamp L1 headphone amplifier and CL1 Ceramic in-ear headphone review

The RHA Dacamp L1 is a robust, portable DAC and amplifier featuring dual ESS SABRE32 chips and Class A/B amplifiers that deliver highly musical, warm, analog-like sound quality. Designed to power headphones from 12-600 ohms, it features physical dials to adjust treble, bass, and gain settings. When paired with the RHA CL1 Ceramic in-ear headphones—which utilise a dual-transducer...Read more

head-fi.org

25/08/2016

RHA CL1 Ceramic - Reviews Would you like a summary of the technical performance or amplification requirements mentioned in these articles?

The RHA CL1 Ceramic IEMs are recognized for an exceptionally durable, comfortable, and visually striking zirconium ceramic housing paired with high-quality, flexible, and comfortable stock cables that eliminate noise. Sonically, they offer tight, deep, and well-textured sub-bass, provided they are properly powered. However, the IEMs are known for a polarizing, aggressive V-shaped...Read more

soundphilereview.com

26/01/2018

RHA CL1 Ceramic review: treble galore

The RHA CL1 Ceramic is a flagship in-ear monitor (IEM) featuring an innovative hybrid configuration that pairs a dynamic CL driver for bass and midrange with a ceramic plate dedicated to treble. On the positive side, it features an exceptionally durable, lightweight zircon oxide housing that delivers fantastic comfort and a highly effective seal akin to wearing earplugs. Its...Read more

headfonia.com

06/07/2017

Review: RHA CL1 – Specific

The Headfonia review highlights the RHA CL1 Ceramic's exceptional build quality, featuring a specialized injection-moulded ceramic housing, comfortable ergonomic design, and unique, mouldable over-ear hooks. Sonically, the review praises the earphone for its high-precision, detailed sound, deemed RHA's best to date when matched with appropriate, powerful source gear. However, the...Read more

avforums.com

23/03/2017

RHA CL1 Ceramic HiFi In-ear Earphones Review

The AVForums review presents the RHA CL1 Ceramic as a specialized, high-performing flagship in-ear earphone featuring a premium, durable ceramic build, impressive detail retrieval, and top-tier sound when paired with quality components. However, the review highlights significant limitations, specifically the uncomfortable fit for extended listening and the "peculiar" requirement for...Read more

headfonics.com

05/03/2017

The RHA CL1 Ceramic, as reviewed by Headfonics, is an ambitious dual-transducer IEM featuring high-durability zirconium dioxide ceramic housings, a precision CL dynamic driver, and an ultra-wideband ceramic plate transducer. It boasts excellent build quality and comes with premium balanced and unbalanced cables, delivering a warm low-end and high-end clarity, although its 150-ohm...Read more

fairaudio.de

19/06/2017

Review: RHA CL1 Ceramic & Dacamp L1: In-Ear Monitors & Amplifier/DAC

The fairaudio review evaluates the RHA CL1 Ceramic in-ear monitors (€450) and the RHA Dacamp L1 portable DAC/amplifier (€550), which were released as a high-end portable audio bundle for €950. The CL1 Ceramic features a unique dual-driver setup consisting of a ceramic piezo-electric driver handling frequencies above 8 kHz and a dynamic driver covering the lower frequencies down to...Read more

miniklangwunder.de

16/12/2017

RHA CL1 In-Ear Headphones & DACAMP L1 Headphone Amplifier

This review evaluates the RHA CL1 InEar headphones paired with the DACAMP L1 headphone amplifier, concluding that they form a phenomenal, chameleon-like combination. The author notes that the CL1 alone has a bright, highly analytical signature with a solid bass foundation but is incredibly difficult to drive, which prevents it from being a standalone favorite. However, when driven...Read more

stereo.de

01/07/2026

RHA CL1 Ceramic - Test Results

The Stereo.de review praises the RHA CL1 Ceramic for its superb build quality, featuring flawless ceramic housing and a rich accessory package including detachable cables. Retailing for €450, these in-ear monitors offer an outstanding, precise, and distortion-free audio experience, ranking among the best available in the premium segment. Pros include the high-grade construction,...Read more

miniklangwunder.de

16/12/2017

RHA CL1 In-Ear Review – In a Nutshell!

The RHA CL1 is a highly analytical, bright-sounding in-ear monitor (IEM) engineered with a unique dual-driver configuration, featuring a dynamic transducer for bass and mids alongside a dedicated ceramic plate for high frequencies above 8kHz. It features an exceptionally premium design with tiny, smoothly finished ceramic housings, robust build quality, and two high-quality...Read more

connect.de

26/07/2017

RHA CL1 Ceramic and Dacamp L1 Review

The RHA CL 1 Ceramic is a highly unique two-way in-ear headphone featuring a dual-driver configuration inside an injection-molded, highly durable zirconium dioxide (ceramic) housing. The dynamic driver handles everything up to 8 kHz, while a dedicated ceramic transducer manages the higher frequencies via the piezoelectric effect. Tested alongside the RHA Dacamp L1—a portable...Read more

musicalhead.de

12/03/2017

Comparison Review: RHA CL1 & CL750 + RHA L1", "Comparative Test: RHA CL1 & CL750 + RHA L1

Overview and Pros The RHA CL1 Ceramic and CL750 in-ear monitors, when paired with the companion RHA L1 portable DAC/amplifier, deliver a phenomenal, audiophile-grade performance that punches far above their price points. Both models feature exceptional build quality, showcasing ZrO2 ceramic injection-moulded housings for the CL1 and robust stainless steel capsules for the CL750,...Read more

on-mag.fr

04/03/2017

RHA CL1 Ceramic Earphones Review

The provided review from ON-mag.fr highlights the RHA CL1 Ceramic as a highly innovative, premium flagship model marking a mature step forward for the young British audiophile brand. Priced officially at 450 €, these wired in-ear monitors feature an entirely ceramic housing design and weigh a lightweight 14 grams. The pros emphasized in the review include their high-end...Read more

lecafedugeek.fr

10/09/2016

RHA T20i: Great premium in-ear headphones

The Le Café du Geek review praises the RHA T20iGo as exceptional, premium in-ear headphones that deliver an extraordinary high-resolution sound certified by the Japan Audio Society. A key highlight of the review is the innovative DualCoil electrodynamic driver technology, which utilizes an extra voice coil inside a ring magnet to separate frequency ranges independently, resulting in...Read more

on-mag.fr

04/03/2017

RHA CL1 Ceramic Review: High-End, Semi-Pro Ceramic Driver Earphones with Crystal-Clear Sound

The RHA CL1 Ceramic is a high-end, innovative pair of in-ear monitors featuring an ultra-resistant zirconium dioxide ceramic housing designed to drastically reduce parasite vibrations and resonances. It utilises a unique two-way configuration that pairs a dynamic driver for bass and mids with a piezoelectric ceramic plate transducer handling the high frequencies above 8 kHz. Priced...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

29/06/2017

RHA CL1 Ceramic Review: Excellent in-ear monitors, provided they have enough juice

The RHA CL1 Ceramic is a high-quality pair of in-ear monitors built from a durable, lightweight zirconium dioxide ceramic shell, featuring a dual-way design that pairs a classic dynamic transducer with a ceramic plate transducer. It delivers outstanding audio performance with high fidelity, a controlled V-shaped sound signature, a beautiful stereophonic soundstage, and highly...Read more

hifi.nl

01/01/2017

Review RHA CL1 + Dacamp L1 Would you like a summary of the Dutch reviewer's conclusions regarding the CL1's high-impedance ceramic driver and sound si...

The RHA CL1 in-ear headphones and Dacamp L1 DAC/amplifier form a premium audio combination that features outstanding build quality and exceptionally high-end specifications. The CL1 in-ears utilize a distinct zirconium dioxide ceramic housing containing a dual-driver system that provides an incredibly detailed, smooth bass output, and a balanced connection option via a mini-XLR...Read more

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