écoute TH2 | The next generation of wearable hi-fi

The world’s only headphones with a built-in vacuum tube preamp and dual-mono architecture—a complete hi-fi system built into a headset.

The Audiophile Tube Amp for Your Head: écoute TH2

Audiophiles have long debated the merits of vacuum tubes versus solid state amplifiers, but one thing was always certain: tube amps were heavy, fragile, and definitely not portable. If you wanted the warm, organic sound of tubes, you were tethered to your desk or living room. The écoute TH2 is changing that by shrinking a complete hi-fi stereo system into a pair of wireless headphones. By integrating a next-generation vacuum tube preamp directly into the earcups, they promise to bring the rich, analog sound of vinyl to your daily commute.

Project Overview

Name and Creator: écoute TH2 | The next generation of wearable hi-fi by écoute audio.

What It Is: The TH2 is the world's only pair of headphones featuring a built-in vacuum tube preamp and a dual-mono amplifier architecture. Rather than relying on standard digital signal processing to simulate warmth, it uses real analog hardware to condition the sound before it reaches your ears. It works both wirelessly (via Bluetooth with ANC and transparency modes) and wired (via 3.5mm analog or USB-C lossless digital inputs).

Key Features

Real Vacuum Tube Preamp: At the heart of the TH2 is the Korg Nutube 6P1. This is a modern, ultra-durable vacuum tube that runs cool and requires a fraction of the power of traditional tubes, allowing it to be safely embedded inside the headphone chassis without overheating or breaking from minor drops.

Dual-Mono Architecture: Just like high-end home stereo systems, the TH2 features dedicated left and right amplification channels. This separation significantly improves stereo imaging and soundstage compared to standard single-chip headphone amps.

Wired and Wireless Modes: While it supports modern conveniences like Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancellation, and an internal microphone, it truly shines when plugged in. You can bypass wireless compression entirely using the USB-C lossless or analog 3.5mm ports.

App-Based Tuning: The headphones pair with a dedicated iOS and Android tuning app, allowing users to customize the sound profile to their exact preferences.

Repairable Design: The TH2 is built for longevity. All fabric components, ear pads, and even the internal batteries are designed to be replaceable by a technician, ensuring the headset can be refreshed for years to come.

Rewards

Kickstarter Pricing: Backers can secure the écoute TH2 at early bird tiers, with the average pledge sitting around $720, reflecting the premium audiophile nature of the product.

Options: The headphones feature a refined design over the first generation, including all-aluminum construction and new high-quality fabric finishes.

Delivery: The campaign has seen explosive funding success (raising over 2,300% of its initial goal), and production timelines are currently tracking for fulfillment later this year.

Concept The core concept is "Uncompromised Portable Audio." The creators believe that convenience should not mean sacrificing the soul of the music. By physically placing the amplification stage inside the headphone, they bypass the weak amplifiers found in modern smartphones and dongles, delivering a full-bodied, organic sound signature previously reserved for dedicated listening rooms.

Inspiration The TH2 is a direct evolution of their original, highly successful first-generation headset. The creators listened closely to community feedback from the V1 launch. Audiophiles loved the warm, mid-range sweetness that perfectly complemented jazz and vocals, but some found the original headband too large and slightly uncomfortable over time. Inspired by this feedback, the team redesigned the TH2 with a new suspension comfort strap and refined ergonomics, proving that listening to a portable tube amp can be as comfortable as it is sonically rewarding.

ecoute Headphone - Kickstarter