Traditional headphones can’t recreate the experience of a full system—because they are not full systems. They skip critical components, share circuitry between channels, and collapse everything into a single chip to save space and expense. The result? Flattened sound, smeared imaging, and a lack of depth.

écoute doesn’t make those compromises. écoute is a full hi-fi system.

Built with the same signal path architecture as a full reference-grade hi‑fi system, écoute audio headphones feature a built-in vacuum tube preamp and true dual‑mono amplification that render space, depth, and warmth in a way no other headset can—because no other headset is built like this.

What makes this headset remarkable is how it sounds— and that comes from how it’s designed.

TH2 replicates the architecture of a high-end hi-fi system. Real vacuum tubes act as true analog preamps—not emulations or DSP filters. And because the left and right channels stay physically separated from DAC to driver, TH2 preserves precise stereo imaging and creates a wide, natural soundstage that feels more like in-room listening than any other headphones.

At the heart of every unit sits real, glowing triodes. These aren’t emulations or effects, but actual vacuum tubes performing a critical role: voltage gain. In any high-fidelity system, the gain stage is where signal integrity is shaped. It’s the front end of the amplification chain—where microdynamics, harmonic structure, and spatial cues are either preserved or lost.

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Vacuum tubes remain prized in high-end audio because they do something solid-state circuits don’t: they restore natural harmonics lost during the recording and digital conversion process. Specifically, triodes generate even-order harmonics—the same consonant structures found in real instruments and voices. These harmonics don’t distort the music; they reinforce it, adding warmth, body, and presence that makes music feel less like playback—and more like a performance.

écoute is the only headphone in the world to incorporate a true vacuum tube preamp inside the headset itself—no external gear required. Just the unmistakable musicality of vacuum tubes—anywhere you want to listen.

TH2 uses true dual-mono architecture: two fully isolated analog amplification paths—one per channel—fed by a separate triode stage per side and powered by two discrete solid-state analog amps. This eliminates crosstalk at the structural level and preserves the spatial information embedded in the recording.

The specs

• Tube Preamp: Nutube 6P1 dual triode

• Amp: Fully discrete Class A/B, dual-mono (1 per channel)

• DAC: High-resolution dual-core 32-bit / 384kHz (operates at 24-bit / 96kHz)

• Drivers: 40mm titanium-coated mylar

• Wireless: Bluetooth 5.3 (LDAC, AAC, SBC)

• Input Ports: USB-C, 3.5mm

• Tuning: 8-band EQ via app

• Noise Control Modes: Hybrid ANC + Transparency

• Battery: 1600 mAh, 20+ hours

• Weight: 424g

• Form: Over-ear

• Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS

The TH2 is being crowdfunded on Kickstarter for as little as $749, although Ecoute claims it will retail for US$999. The later you support this campaign, the less the discounts become.

The TH2 is available in nickel and brown or gunmetal and gray. Orders come with a charging cord and a travel case. For $50, you can also purchase a second set of real lambskin leather ear pads, head pad, and headband wrap.