écoute audio has unveiled the TH2, the second generation of its portable vacuum tube hi-fi headphones. Debuting at CanJam, the TH2 keeps the same architecture that made the original TH1 stand out — a complete analog signal chain built into a closed-back headphone — while refining the resonance chamber, shielding and comfort. The TH2 is currently in presale, with shipping expected to begin in early November.
The écoute audio TH2’s Full Analog Signal Chain
What separates the écoute audio TH2 from conventional wireless headphones is architecture: rather than collapsing DAC, amplification and signal shaping into a single chip, the TH2 contains every stage of a full hi-fi system in miniature. A dual-core, high-resolution 32-bit/384kHz DAC converts the digital signal, a genuine Korg Nutube 6P1 dual-triode vacuum tube preamp shapes harmonic structure and microdynamic texture, and two fully discrete Class A/B dual-mono amplifiers drive the left and right 40mm titanium-coated Mylar drivers independently from DAC to driver, eliminating inter-channel crosstalk.
Refinements Over the TH1
Compared with its predecessor, the écoute audio TH2 brings a redesigned resonance chamber tuned for deeper bass and extended treble, improved tube stage shielding for a lower noise floor and better RF and microphonic isolation, and a refined active noise cancellation system with a more natural transparency mode. A solid aluminum billet chassis carries a hybrid suspension headband with three points of articulation for stepless sizing, and the ear pads and headband wraps are modular and interchangeable, with a lambskin pad upgrade available.
Connectivity and Custom Tuning
The écoute audio TH2 connects via Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC for Android and AAC for Apple devices, alongside USB-C lossless digital and a 3.5mm analog input for passive or active use. The free écoute Tuning App adds an 8-band parametric EQ, with curves written directly to the headset’s firmware so they persist across every input. Battery life is rated at 20 hours at maximum volume, with a 3.5-hour charge time and 30-hour standby.
Pricing and Availability
The écoute audio TH2 is available for presale reservation at €893,95, a $100 discount off the regular price that ends once units are in stock. It ships in three colourways — Nickel, Gunmetal and Charcoal — in fabric or leather ear pad finishes, with shipping expected to begin in early November. Full details are available through écoute audio’s official product page.
Key Specifications
- Preamp: Korg Nutube 6P1 dual-triode vacuum tube
- Amplifier: high-bias Class A/B dual-mono amplification
- DAC: 32-bit/384kHz capable, dual-core, built-in
- Transducer: 40mm titanium-coated Mylar, 20Hz-20kHz
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (SBC, AAC, LDAC), USB-C digital, 3.5mm analog
- Battery: 20 hours at max volume, 3.5-hour charge, 30-hour standby
- Weight: 424 grams; colourways: Nickel, Gunmetal, Charcoal
With the écoute audio TH2, the brand doubles down on the idea that a full tube-based hi-fi chain can live inside a closed-back headphone, offering the sound of a reference rack system for the commute rather than the listening room, in a similar spirit to the all-in-one tube-driven designs seen in the CANOR Crius H5S.
