Kiwi Ears Atheia Review: The Best of Two Driver Worlds?

A closed-back hybrid headphone pairing a 50mm dynamic driver with a 14.5mm planar - dynamic slam on the bottom, planar speed on top, in a walnut and aluminum chassis.

Verdict: Recommended - 7.9/10. Price: $349.

What's good

Walnut wood earcups with aluminum brackets

Hybrid: 50mm dynamic + 14.5mm planar magnetic

Surprisingly wide soundstage for a closed-back

Bass extension deeper than many pricier planars

Auto-adjusting suspension headband with stretchy bands

Locking 3.5mm cable connectors with mixed braided/rubber

Hard-shell carrying case included

Easy to drive (32Ω, 102dB) but scales with better amps

Worth knowing

Vegan leather pads feel a bit generic

Cups aren't huge - some ears will touch the pads

Mids are slightly recessed and lean honky

Tonally thin/quick - not warm or lush

Exaggerates reverb - can sound messy in busy mixes

Cable is still mildly microphonic

Read the full Kiwi Ears Atheia review on The Audio Stuff