Rosson Audio Design RAD-0 Over-The-Ear Planar Magnetic Headphones

Overview:

I’ve had my Rosson RAD-0 #367 now for a few weeks now and I finally have enough free-time to write a review of these. I purchased these used with the @puck headband pre-installled and I have them hooked up to a Corpse Cable Gravedigger 4-pin XLR, then to a Schiit Bifrost 2/64 DAC and a Jotunheim 2 amp (both excellent Schiit btw). They are being sourced through my desktop with a Moon Audio Silver Dragon (what a waste of money) cable pulling from Tidal Hifi Plus. If you haven’t figured it out by now (c’mon, it’s why you’re even reading this review), each set of these headphones comes in a completely unique color that the Rosson team puts into an acoustically-excellent resin for your viewing pleasure. Yes, they’re gorgeous, and yes, they sound good enough that I sold my Hifiman HE-1000 v2 after getting these because they have a more fun sound at the cost of less detail, and a less analytical sound. That’s the Rosson RAD-0 in a nut-shell, read on for more details on sound, build quality, and a comparison to my Kennerton Gjallarhorn GH 50 JM Edition v2 (GHJM) and Hifiman HE-1000 v2 (HEKv2).



Build Quality/Comfort:

Overall, the build quality is excellent. This headphone weighs in around 600g and long-term wear is helped by a chair with a headrest – they’re not meant to be a mobile headphone. I have the occasional headband crackle sound when moving a cup off my ear, but its rare and doesn’t impact anything. The headband is part of the reason these are so heavy – supposedly a new headband design is coming out soon, but the @puck mod is highly recommended in the meantime. The cups are more gorgeous than photos suggest in-person, and you can have them build however you want, or you can buy them used or b-stock for a significant discount. You can even get the grills customized by contacting Rosson. The stock cable is not great and I’m using a Corpse Cable Gravedigger, which I can highly recommend other than the fact that it’s slightly microphonic. The stock earpads are super comfy and squishy, though they can get a little hot. You can bend the headband to make the fit better, but mine came well-fitting upon purchase. The carrying case that comes with these is a super sturdy pelican case, but it crushes the stock earpads more than it should.

The RAD-0 are very comfortable headphones with the @puck mod, though I doubt they would be without it. They are more comfortable than the HEKv2 and UItopia, both which pressed on my ear canal below my jaw. They’re not as comfortable as the GHJM, which is 200g lighter (but has a more annoying headband). The earcups are large and very comfortable over long periods. I have noticed a somewhat annoying eardrum pressure when putting them on though, which is very odd for open-back headphones.



Sound:

OK, so while I’ve owned a lot of high-end headphones, including the Meze Empyrean and Focal Utopia 2020, that doesn’t mean that I can pick apart sound like a professional reviewer. On the plus side, neither can most other people, and it makes for a boring read, so below are MY impressions on the sound – deal with it or go write your own review. I will list the song I use to test certain aspects of headphones and you can find my headphone test tracks playlist in my sig if you want to try your own headphones to compare. Also, I don’t have an accurate way to differentiate between mids and highs (most people don’t), so I prefer to use specific instruments and vocals.

Bass:

If you want to test bass, The Knife’s “Silent Shout” is the best track to test that, even though I think it’s just an OK song. The bass in the intro is strong, and very clear, but nowhere near as strong as the GHJM (it’s closed-back, so that makes sense). The GHJM definitely loses some clarity in the bass, but the bass and sub-bass (the bass you feel more than hear) is significantly stronger. The bass on these is still FAR better/stronger than the Utopia and HEKv2. I am not a basshead, but if you want really powerful bass, get the GHJM, if you like your low-end to exist, but not overpower everything, these are a great option, and if you like a subdued bass with neutral tuning, get the Utopia or HEKv2 (more low-end than Utopia).

The bass intro to David Guetta’s “I’m Good (Blue)” REALLY highlights how good the bass and sub-bass are on these. You can feel the reverb on the low-end in your soul. The RAD-0 REALLY works great with EDM and rock. Skrillex’s “Scary Monster and Nite Sprites” really highlights how good the low-end are on these. The transition at 0:40 really makes you feel the sub-bass and drums on the low-end while also highlighting the rest of the sound signature while the synths are playing.



Instruments and vocals:

This is where the RAD-0 really shines. 3 Doors Down “Kryptonite” (greatest hits remake, not original (better sound, but has an annoying guitar-part missing at the beginning)) really shows off the excellent mid-sized soundstage and guitars/vocals that these can present. They ARE slightly more distorted and less detailed than the Utopia and HEK, but the reverberation and overall sound is just amazing. There is a reason these are often mentioned as endgame headphones and the talented bass and excellent mids are why.

To use David Guetta’s “I’m Good (Blue)” once more, the synth and vocals in this song are just to clear and can really blow your mind and give you that euphoric/musical feeling that other headphones struggle to achieve. John Legend’s “All of me” shows how well pianos and vocals are represented. Slash’s “Anastasia” highlights how well both acoustic and electric guitars are presented by the RAD-0, though it also highlights how the low-mid end overwhelms some of the mids-highs as opposed to a more neutral presentation like you might find on the Utopia or HEKv2. Demon Hunter’s “I am a Stone” shows that the RAD-0 presents strings beautifully, though they can overpower the vocals just a tad. Mr. Mister’s “Kyrie” highlights the high-note vocals and they are beautifully represented and at the forefront of the song, though the electric guitar can occasionally overpower the vocals on the RAD-0.

Comparison:

I’m using the GHJM on 6.5mm so I can have both the RAD-0 and the GHJM plugged in at the same time for easy swaps and at the same volume (with xlr-4, the GHJM is MUCH louder and easier to drive. The big takeaway between the two is that the RAD-0 gives you a much more well-rounded presentation with a bigger soundstage while the GHJM has WAY more bass (even with the bass plugs in, these are super bassy). Fun.’s “Some Nights really highlights this where the low-end is pounding on the GHJM and the mids take front-row on the RAD-0. The RAD-0 have a far more balanced presentation, but can actually feel a little bass-light switching between the two. The intro to Yellowcard’s “Transmission Home” really highlights this difference as well. With the bass drums hitting SO hard on the GHJM, but it feels like something is missing on the lowend for the RAD-0 in a direct comparison. The vocals are definitely drowned out by the low-end on the GHJM, but the bass is just really on point while it feels absent on the RAD-0.

I find this amusing because I got the RAD-0 as a replacement for the HEKv2 which had too little bass. I got the HEKv2 as a replacement to the Utopia for the same reason. So now I’m moving even further to the right where I’m noticing a lack of bass on the RAD-0 that the GHJM has – but it can be too overwhelming on certain songs and really good on the RAD-0. Regardless, the RAD-0 has some of the best instrumentation and vocals of any headphone I’ve heard – they are more fun than the Utopia and HEKv2. If you want a bigger soundstage, get the Sennheiser HD800s – The RAD-0 feels pretty intimate, more like being in the studio or a small club than a concert hall or stadium.

A quick note on classical: The Piano Guy’s “Code Name Vivaldi” has piano, strings, etc. and sounds very good on the RAD-0, but if you’re looking accurate instrument representation with classical, the Utopia or HEKv2 will be better options for you.



Conclusion:

These are still one of my favorite headphones and I’m looking forward to trying them out with a new DAC/amp soon for more variety. People are surprised when they learn that I prefer these over the Empyrean, Utopia, and HEKv2. There’s more low-end and excellent mid/high-end with good soundstage. They don’t have the low end of the GHJM, but if you’re not a basshead, like I am not, then these are just about perfect. The only headphone that has a better low-end and similar mids/highs is the JMA XTC-Open, but it's missing a bit in the highs and doesn't have the gorgeous looks the RAD-0 does. If you’re looking for more fun and you find your neutral-reference headphone just too boring, like I did, grab a pair of RAD-0, I’m not getting rid of these anytime soon.

OK, Merry Christmas, its that time of year again. Santa Claus delivered several new toys for me to play with. Recently a Schiit Magni 3 +, a Schiit Modi Multibit 2, Nitsch Piety and a pair of nice new Rosson Designs Rad 0’s.

This review or rather “experience” is about the Rad 0’s. Alex Rosson designed the Rad 0’s and they have been around for quite some time now. There are several reviews that go into Alex Rosson, his Audeze relationship and his move over to Shinola and now Rosson Designs. I am not going to rehash this history, take a look at the Rosson Designs website and you can get that information. I will say that Alex is a nice person and was helpful in my questions and choices. https://rossonaudiodesign.com/

I have gone thru a lot of headphones over the past several years. Way back when Audeze released the then new LCD 2 R1’s I bought a set. Why? Well I had this itch to see how far headphone technology had advanced since my last foray onto headphones back in the HD 414 and Koss 4AA Pros era. Yes that’s back away for sure! I set a budget of $1,000. Man back then this was A LOT of bucks to discover some new stuff.

The proverbial box picture:


I ordered the LCD2’s a Schiit OG Asgard (really hot) a Schiit OG Lyr (hot too). This was back in the 2012 timeframe or thereabouts. Well the LCD2s were BIG and HEAVY and had great bass but the overall tone was dark to me…a veil overall and I was fine with this…but soon sold all this stuff. Going thru Audeze, Beyerdynamics, Grados, Sennheisers, Audio Technicas, Sony, Focals, Hedds, Final Audio, HI-FI Man, etc….the typical search for the perfect “thing”…

Well after years of testing and listening, I settled in on a D8000 Pro, HD 650, and ADX 5000. Sold everything else and told my wife, I am not buying any more headphones we are set.

My set: #424.


Well after a year the itch came back and I wanted to see how Audeze was doing with all its latest stuff, read some reviews but the D8000 Pros seemed for me to have the planar experience down pat. Then I read a silly titled review something like “the headphones that took me by total surprise or the headphone surprise of the year’…something like this…close enough. I read the review and it was juicy enough to stir my interest in these Rad 0’s. Same person that was associated with those LCD2s way back when, had come up with a 66 mm set of planers with some really “rad” cup colorations. All unique.

So I read all the other internet headphone “gorp” and took a look. $2600. Well they are not cheap. But hey there is a discount code on their site. “YOUARERAD”….well from my skateboard days I was called “Rad Dad”! So this code brought down these $2600 cans to under $2,000! Oh my..such a deal. Some of the reviews stated these were a bit costly. Well my D8000 Pros are almost twice as much. Hmmm.

So we jumped in and contacted Alex Rosson who told me my first choice colors had some imperfections and he might be able to fix them but it would take some time. Well being impatient I told Alex to send me something in the same color tone and I would trust his judgement. Done. 2-day UPS and they are in house. Merry Christmas!

Beautiful workmanship!


The first session was hurried, 20 minutes. First Impression. Excellent. Too Excellent. New Toy Syndrome Excellent? Put them up. Next day.

Hmm Still Excellent. How so?

After reading all the other reviews and experiences I expected to hear a certain sound…and to some extent yes, but more-so no. Different. A totally very good different. Some reviewers drooled over the Rad 0’s, comparing to LCD 4’s, Abyss, other Audeze and the new kids in town…yeah, the $4K TOTL level guys…well this is expected. One reviewer just pontificated on the case, the skimpy cable and the sound for him was just not to his liking. Hmmm.

This is the subjective part. No charts. No Graphs. No trying to convince you I am a frequency chart guru that can explain what your hearing from a curve on a sheet of paper. Nope. Just listening and comparing from years of listening with all types of headphones, amps and dacs.

I used several amps, SE and balanced cables, four different dacs and lots of good music. All kinds.

Comparing these cans for less than $2K new with my D8000 Pros (2x the cost) the Rad 0’s is an exceptional buy. Really exceptional. Top tier stuff IMO.

So, as I listened I was first amazed at the overall tonality. Musical instruments were reproduced very naturally. OMG good most of the time. Vocals, guitars, acoustic instruments, bass, treble all superb.

Alex Rosson got the overall sound experience with this design close to perfection for my ears. It was so easy just to get lost in the music…. IMO this is what I have been looking for all these years. Perfection well nothing is perfect, but this is really close for sound from transducers hanging from a steel band on your head! LOL!


Another reviewer has stated these are heavy. Yes. And the physical mounting mechanism has something to be desired. Hot spots, single point cushioning etc... To me the fit was good and comfortable for my head and the weight was not an issue. I also had no issue with my Hedds. With the D8000 Pros’ I use a ZMF Pilot pad to make them fit well. I am different in that it’s the “sound” that I am looking for. And the fit although is important, it’s not the only thing I look at, especially if the sound is really, really good. I can work around the fit stuff….and with the Rad 0’s its all about the sound for me. Excellent.

Back to the sound…Treble…I have a lot of music I like but when played its too bright and trebly…like listening to razor blades at times. For example, Los Lobos, La Bamba soundtrack and the cut “Come On, Lets Go”. With most other cans, even the D8000 Pros, the treble content in this track is bright and in your face. With the Rad 0’s I listened to this for the first time all the way thru and was totally amazed at how will the high end was presented. Excellent.

Some reviews state vocals either forward or recessed dependent on whether female or male. I did not find this at all. IMO the cans are so good they allow you to hear where in the mix the vocal was in the studio etc.. Some vocals are mic’s so you hear the voice right up front and louder than the other stuff, some just the opposite. Very neutral here to me. What you put in is what you get out. Simple. I like this a lot.

Listen to Eva Cassidy in her Live at Blues Alley is just a solid 10. What a surreal experience. Most live performances come across as live performances, with all their goodness and wort’s. Many of my older Joni Mitchell ear bleed cd’s are presented so well they are a new-found joy to listen to. Musical.

The Rad 0’s will expose mediocre recordings. Expect this. Lots of stuff out there is crap recording wise. But when you get the good stuff playing its indeed a real treat.



I used both the SE cable that comes with the cans and I wired up a balanced cable with some Mogami cable. The wiring for a cable is different from most other cans. The wiring schematic is on the Rosson site. Not hard to understand or make up. Some folks didn’t like that the wiring was different from other vendors and could not use in house cables. Having the balanced cable helps with some amps and having some more EMF available. These cans are relatively easy to drive. The D8000 Pros are easier to drive. To get the same SPL levels the Rad 0’s had to be cranked up from a 9 o’clock to 10:30 position for the same volume. “I” would want a really decent amp to drive the Rad 0’s. Not a big deal but speaks to the impedance and sensitivity.

I used a iFi ICAN amp, tons of power, Pass Labs HPA-1, Schiit Vali 2+, Schiit Magni 3+, Nitsch Piety, and a few others. For dacs I used a MHDT Orchid (TDA 1541 Philips chip, NOS), Soekris 2541, iFi IDSD Pro (Burr Brown Dacs), and a new Schiit Modi Multibit 2. All amps drove the Rad 0’s well.

These headphones have been compared by many reviewers against the D8000 Pros, LCD 3 / 4’s, Abyss, Empyreans, etc.…Some state $2600 is a lot of money for what you get. But these headphones being compared to headphones that cost much more and are in the upper tier of headphone goodness speaks for itself. The Rad 0’s are world class and have so many positive sonic attributes IMO they are a steal for this performance.

After a day of listening with these only across differing gear I them brought out the D8000 Pros for a more in-depth comparison.



Here’s what happened:

The following refers to the D8000 Pros...When I started listening with them to compare with the Rad 0's...

Immediate response was soundstage is not as wide as the Rad 0’s. The overall tone is more alive, more clear or transparent. A delicate presentation out of a murky darkness. Less musical but still very very pleasing…even more realistic but in a more analytical way. The D8000 Pros are like a finely sharpened audio scalpel. Its all there in the details for me. Less colored. The really big differences is in the soundstage width and accuracy of instruments are reproduced compared to their real life sound.…Less of a veil. More high-end energy with the D8000 Pros. Remember I said the tone with the Rad 0's was very very good...well the tone or the accuracy or portrayal of musical instruments IMO is even more accurate with the D8000 Pros.

Now I am being really exacting but using very subjective adjectives that many of us confuse. So, what I hear may not be described in words that you use in this crazy hobby.

After several hours of going back and forth the more meaty and fuller Rad 0’s I found the D8000 Pros lacking in the overall make me smile “area” for live presentations. The D8000 Pros with their more analytical sound and lesser and more centered soundstage are not as enjoyable at times. Again, depending on the music and how its mixed and recorded.

Some vocals with the Rad 0’s sounded a bit diffused a little less focused or “tight” …this trait IMO is due to the width of the soundstage. Layering on both cans is excellent.

I thought that I would never say this. The Rad 0’s are more fun to listen to. The D8000 Pros are more technically accurate with a smaller soundstage. Simple as that. The tonality difference is really very noticeable.

Tracks with a lot of high-end energy IMO are easier to listen to with the Rad 0’s.




Once you start listening with the Rad 0’s the difference in tonality disappears and your drawn into the overall musical presentation and I smile a lot. But going back to the D8000 Pros its like gee these have less of a veil, a tad better bass (bass is more taunt and defined with the D8000 Pros…but a smaller soundstage, more focused…choices.

When cranked up the Rad 0’s with most music has never made me smile this much in a long time. Exceptional enjoyment. You can be a jackass in between two piles of hay…wondering which one is better. For this audio jackass I decided to eat both piles of hay! Lol!

So, in conclusion, if your looking for a really great all-around set of planers for what I would consider a fair price the Rad 0’s will not disappoint. Owning both these stellar cans is wonderful. The only way to really tell if your going to like these and other cans is to audition then on your head.

Alex Rosson IMO has hit the mark with the Rad 0’s. He has created a wonderful set of headphones that are musical and just lovely to listen with. Job well done Alex !

Hope you enjoyed the read…

Alex

Rosson RAD-0 is an artisan, planar magnetic, open-back headphone with custom designs and exceptional build quality. It starts at $2600, but the final price depends on the design.

Introduction​

The headphone audio market has been rapidly growing and expanding over the last couple of years. Nonetheless, we are witnessing a big shift lately into a more objectivist side of audio, with most manufacturers aiming at a more “objectively better performance”, rather than experimenting with new and exciting ideas.
I’m not saying that the market is boring or going in the wrong direction, not at all. I just want to highlight the unique character of the product I’m reviewing today. There’s nothing like it on the market currently, and yes, it can give you the impression that it’s “looks above all”.
Honestly speaking, I’ve always seen the RAD-0 more like a bespoke-looking headphone that is going to be fine, but not extraordinary. The design choices and design of this model seem to be its selling points, and they never took off as much as some expected them to, even though this project is led by Legendary Alex Rosson (ex-Audeze).
Even though, I’ve always been largely interested in trying these but never had an opportunity. I’m pretty unyielding, and it paid off. Finally, after a few years, I’ve had the RAD-0 here at my desk for a couple of weeks now, and I’m finally ready to give you my impressions.
As I said previously, I never had my expectations set too high for the sound quality of these, not because I had any doubts about Alex Rosson though. And how wrong I was…

An Interview with Alex Rosson​

The folks at Rosson Audio Design are super friendly and humble, and I was lucky to be able to send a couple of questions directly to the man himself – Alex Rosson, the founder of the company. Thank you Alex for your honest and intriguing answers, it was a pleasure!


Paweł: What exactly is the RAD-0? The physical aspect of the headphones is the first thing that draws attention, but what’s more to it?

Alex: I’ve always thought of it this way: There’s nothing more satisfying than a home cooked meal that’s made with quality ingredients and love. I believe the intention is just as important as the ingredients used. Music involves instruments like ingredients, but I think we can all say there is an unspoken magic behind the intention of recordings to which no measurement can be applied to quantify how things make us feel. Given how much attention, love, and care we put into each RAD-0, I’d like to think our intention behind it is something our customers can feel and recognize when you put them on. Every RAD-0 is hand made in Reseda CA…We build our planar transducers here, pour the resin here, cut, sand, polish, drill, polish, assemble, test, qc, photograph (with the least amount of post), personalize upon request, sell, package, ship, and support. We are by no means high volume, we are as boutique as it gets. Few places get to remain in control over their product in the that way we do. You are fully taken care of with us. Our ability to customize RAD-0s is only limited to your own intention and imagination, and desires.


Paweł: What was your goal creating the RAD-0?

Alex: Create a unique headphone that makes you proud to own, looks good, a tool for engineers, or to relax and listen to. I am a big believer in the philosophy of doing one thing well and keeping it simple. There is so much noise out there with new product releases, few things excite me anymore. I gravitate towards making and using products that are quality, accurate, reliable, modular, but eccentric enough to have a soul.


Paweł: Seeing that the RAD-0 has been on the market for a while now, what is planned for the future of Rosson Audio?

Alex: Other than the continued refinements and production:

• Closed back convertor kit
• Ring swaps/updates to existing customers
• Weight reduction kit via single sided driver
• Suspension Strap Mod
• Megalodon / MAPE-0

Paweł: Is Rosson Audio more of a side quest or are you planning on becoming one of the biggest players in the market?

Alex: Rosson Audio is certainly not a side quest… I aim keep to keep it simple, stay small, do one thing extremely well. However, my desire to continue to surprise the audio world is only beginning. I have done a few amazing consulting jobs on the side, such as the Mont Blanc MB01 Wireless Headphone. I also have a record label, Play Me Records. My spare time is spent playing, making, and listening to music.



Paweł: What’s your favorite aspect of the sound of the RAD-0, and which music genre do you think sounds the best with it?

Alex: I listen to many genres especially when testing and conducting comparisons, I can’t recall a specific genre that performs better with the Zero…as we know this is subjective territory. However, the RAD-0 does a few things I personally enjoy, and have observed among our customers:

• The Rad-0 has such an effect on our customers that we frequently receive thank you messages speaking our praise.
• Mix translations using the Zero are sure to make you feel confident in your choices.
• The low-end accuracy and tightness is surprising.
• No exaggeration of tonal balance.

Packaging​

Let’s start this review with the unboxing experience as always. The presentation of the RAD-0 is absolutely marvelous. They come in a huge peli-style case, that feels extremely durable and it just looks like a piece of equipment that belongs to a recording studio.

Yes, it’s quite common for manufacturers to use this kind of case lately, but boy oh boy, this thing is just in a different league. We’ve had a hard case with the Audeze LCD-X 2021, a beautiful and elegant case with the Meze Elite, and classic, “luxury” style boxes with Hifiman flagships.

The case that comes with the RAD-0 is simply better than everything I’ve seen previously. It is a tank, literally, this feels insanely solid and protective, it’s quite big and bulky, but I don’t mind it at all. In the past, when I had to take one of my headphones anywhere outside, I used the carrying case that was included with the Final D8000 Pro. Well, not anymore, now I’m using this huge thing, and I’ll never have a second thought about whether my headphones survive the trip. I feel like I can take the RAD-0 in that case to Mount Everest and back, and the only “thing” that won’t survive that trip is me.



Now that we have the actual packaging out of the way, let’s have a look at what we’re getting apart from the headphones themselves. It’s not much, but there’s everything that you need. First of all, the cable is pretty okay, but definitely not amazing. It’s a little bit stiff and it’s not the softest to the touch. Not a big deal though, I still use it a lot and it doesn’t bother me too much. There’s definitely room for an upgrade, but I would never call it simply “bad” to the point where I would recommend getting a replacement right away.

Apart from the cable, you’re also getting a metal card that is a proof of authenticity and some Rosson Audio stickers. Not too much, but we have already gotten used to the fact that the audio manufacturers aren’t very generous when it comes to extras in the box.

Even though the unboxing experience is quite modest, I’m still going to call it fantastic, mainly because of that incredible carrying case. It is just so functional and secure, that I can easily see myself using it for years, and I’d rather have one great accessory in the box, than five mediocre ones that would go into the closet and be forgotten.

Design, Build and Comfort​

Now onto something very interesting. You’ve all seen these, different-looking every single time. What’s the deal with them?
Well, these are the only custom-design high-end headphones in the market, and trust me…they look absolutely stunning.
So, when you’ll make the decision about getting the RAD-0, you don’t simply order these online and receive them the next day. The decision of buying them is just the beginning, as there’s an even bigger decision ahead of you…what design to go with?!

Well, you can actually order one of many in-stock versions that have been already built by Rosson and they are literally ready to go. There are many spectacular design versions every single time that the guys release a new batch onto their website. But, if you are really picky, or you just want a very specific color combination and looks, then the Custom fun begins.

So, the Rosson team is able to build a pair of RAD-0 to match your vision, and they are actually very good at it. You can go wild and give them the craziest ideas about your future audio babies, and they will deliver. There’s literally no other manufacturer that offers this kind of service, and this is a HUGE selling point for the Rosson team.

Just look at the picture below, it’s a pair that belongs to a dear friend of mine, and a great reviewer – Ryan Soo (www.everydaylistening.net). Let this incredible photo (yeah, Ryan is THE king when it comes to audio photos) show you that every single unit looks really different.



Shoutout to my boy Ryan Soo for this exceptional photo.

Now onto the actual build and design. First of all, the custom earcups are made of a hard resin that lets the folks at Rosson Audio create a unique, one-of-a-kind design every single time. The material used is actually a very good choice for audio equipment, especially headphones, as resin is much more repeatable than wood when it comes to acoustics. Hence, not only does it serve a function in the overall look of the headphone, but it also ensures that every single unit is going to sound its best with limited variations from unit to unit.

We have the earcups all explained now, let’s dive into the rest of the RAD-0 now. The overall build quality is absolutely fantastic. The headphone feels incredibly sturdy in hand and on your head, and it is definitely built to last. Solid construction comes at a price of high mass of the entire construction, which may lead you to think that the RAD-0 is not going to be comfortable, but you’ll be highly mistaken.

And yes, while the comfort is highly subjective and will depend on the shape of your head, for me, the RAD-0 is a very comfortable pair of headphones, even though it’s one of the heaviest I’ve tried. The earpads used here are definitely the biggest aspect of why I like the ergonomics of the RAD-0, as these are one of the plushiest, comfiest earpads I’ve ever tried. They are like 2 soft pillows gently hugging your head from both sides, resulting in a welcoming, intimate type of wear.
The headband, when compared to the earcups looks rather simple, but I actually think that this was intentional. The custom earcups are the star of the show here, so the Rosson Audio team didn’t want to steal your attention from what’s most important. Nonetheless, the design of the headband is pretty clever. The slider mechanism doesn’t have any clicks to ensure the headband stays in one place, but once you put them on your head, the thing ain’t moving nowhere. This is a highly well-engineered type of mechanism that’s going to work flawlessly for many, many years.

Apart from the sliding mechanism, the overall headband construction is good, but I’d love to see Rosson Audio using a suspension strap design in the future. The latter proved to distribute the weight of the headphone in a better way, resulting in an even more comfortable experience. I don’t have any problems with the current headband cushioning on the RAD-0, but I’ve seen some people that did, and I can imagine why. One, narrow point of contact on top of your head is less ideal than a suspension strap, which allows distributing the weight onto a much larger surface, which helps with proper weight distribution on your head. Luckily, the RAD-0 is a very comfortable pair of heavy headphones in my subjective opinion, but it definitely can be improved.

The overall fit and finish of the RAD-0 are spot on. This is an artisan level of finishing, definitely up there with the best on the market. The combination of different textures, matte-black finish on the yokes and grills paired with a shiny and smooth surface of the earcups themselves, finished with insanely plushy and soft earpads. This is where function meets design and quality, and Rosson Audio executed it perfectly. Definitely one of the best-built headphones on the market, without even the slightest doubts.
Let’s finish this paragraph with my subjective take on the design and aesthetics of the RAD-0. This headphone looks absolutely stunning, it is quite a conversation starter actually, and you really think like you’re handling something truly unique, one of a kind. I’ve had my authors and friends coming over quite frequently over the last few weeks, and everyone was highly impressed with these. What’s most important – It is not just about the looks, but about carefully forging something beautiful into a tool that’s going to be used for years without any problems. Perfection.

Tech​

I already covered the physical aspects of the technology used in the RAD-0, so I’ll limit this paragraph to what’s inside.

So, the Rosson RAD-0 is a Planar Magnetic, open-back headphone using a 66mm driver. The impedance is rated at a reasonable 29 Ohms, and the sensitivity is rated at 98dB, which together make for a fairly easy-to-drive planar. Again, I think this was more than intentional, as it lets professionals use the RAD-0 in a studio environment, without worrying that their headphone output might not be powerful enough to drive these – it will be.

Other than that, there’s nothing more to talk about. The strength in the RAD-0 performance is said to be up to Alex Rosson’s vast experience in the studio and audio environment, so let’s just get right into it.

Sound​

Here comes the most important part of the review, at least for me. You see, I’ve seen the RAD-0 quite frequently for years now, and I always had a feeling that these are mainly about the design and looks, with the sound not being the biggest attraction. This might be quite harmful for the company, as releasing a product that unique and different can lead up to a specific approach from customers.

So, the first time I ever tried the RAD-0 was when I received them a couple of weeks back. I was extremely curious about them, but I didn’t let my emotions win, so I proceeded with my standard burn-in procedure, before having a listen.

But, the time has eventually come and I was ready to try these on. And oh my, this was quite a shocker.
For those of you less patient, I’m going to say it right here, right now – the Rosson RAD-0 is now one of my absolute favorite headphones of all time when it comes to sound, which should give you an idea about my impressions. Let’s dive in.

The overall type of sound that you’re getting with the RAD-0 is tight, punchy, dynamic, and vivid, with a wonderful, natural warmth to the midrange and excellent extension to the treble. This is by far one of the best (if not THE BEST) planar magnetic headphones for genres like metal, electronics, and hard-rock, because of its highly saturated, dynamic, and powerful sound. Planar headphones often lack punch, a sense of physicality to the low-end, and vividness of the bass response to sound truly great with these genres, as they require both technical excellence as well as a joyful, high-contrast tuning. This is totally not the case with the RAD-0, as it simply delivers a perfect blend of both technicality and musicality.

This is the most important aspect of the RAD-0. In the world where more and more headphones are tuned to Harman, aiming at the most neutral tonality, the hero of today’s review is just different, in a good way definitely. This headphone brings me back the memories of the headphone market around 10 years ago, when it was all about different flavors and subjectivity to the sound. Nowadays, while we still get different house sounds from different manufacturers, they’ve been all brought closer to each other, resulting in a somewhat similar sound between many different high-end, planar magnetic models.
Because of that, the RAD-0 has been getting the most head time ever since I got them, even though I have the absolute bangers within my hands reach, such as the Hifiman Susvara, Meze Elite, D8000 Pro by Final, etc. The RAD-0 just offers a different type of experience, which is just grabbing you by your clothes and making you headbang like crazy. Truth is – the more audiophile I become, the less metal I listen to, and it’s an absolute joy to rediscover all of that music that I used to kill on repeat in my youth.

If you’re reading my reviews regularly, you know that I do reviews in a highly emotional, subjective fashion, and this review is yet again going to be that way. I just cannot turn my emotions off and talk about the RAD-0, as it just brings those emotions to me every single time I listen to them. This is peak entertainment and an aspect that I value in this hobby the most – bringing memories, emotions, and making you forget about the whole audiophile stuff, and just enjoy your favorite music. If a headphone can do that, we’re experiencing something extremely good in my book.
Another thing worth mentioning is that the RAD-0 doesn’t take anything to the extreme. While it is undoubtedly fun oriented and entertaining, it still has a lot of qualities that are known from the best studio equipment when it comes to audio. We have a lot of fun-sounding headphones in the world that are not too good when it comes to being natural and accurate, and the RAD-0 is definitely not one of those. Alex put a lot of experience into tuning these to appeal to a wide variety of tastes while being suitable for professionals as well.

So, the bass is hard-hitting, dynamic, and saturated. It’s by no means bloated, uncontrolled, or overly thick sounding. The main aspect of the bass delivery is the raw power that this driver can output, making for a very punchy, vivid, and accurate note delivery. Planar Magnetic headphones often tend to lack the dynamics and punch in the low end, and the RAD-0 eliminates those aspects of your standard, planar headphones. The low-end performance is actually more reminiscent of good dynamic headphones, because of the energy and the power of the bass response.
At the same time, planars are known for their incredible texture and crunch in the low-end area, and the RAD-0 is no different. It has the ability to let you pick up all the individual notes with ease, because of its highly controlled, clean bass response. Because of all those perks, I’m quite confident about calling the bass response of the RAD-0 one of the best on the market, without a doubt.

The midrange actually reminds me of the classic Audeze house sound to some extent. It is slightly laid-back, thick, very natural, and engaging. Voices have a very natural warmth and weight to them, resulting in a highly enjoyable, yet an accurate type of presentation. The resolution is up there with the rest of the high-end planars, and so is the detail retrieval, which while not the best of the best, still provides a fantastic insight into the mix. This headphone has been tuned very cleverly, as it doesn’t sacrifice even a tiny bit of resolving capabilities for that beautiful, smooth tonality in the midrange. The overall vibe of the midrange is somewhat similar to Meze’s flagship Elite, which has that beautiful, rich tonality while still providing very good detail retrieval and resolution. In the world of more and more neutral headphones, that thick and lush presentation to vocals is something I absolutely strive for, as this is my absolute favorite aspect about audio – vocals that sound almost intimidating, intoxicating, and just simply beautiful.

The treble is not as laid-back as the midrange, but it still has many similarities. It is fantastically detailed and clean, but it never gets harsh or overly forward, and trust me, I tried to push them onto that. This is, once again, a very clever tuning that focuses on the best aspects of a good Planar driver, while dressing it up in a pleasant, natural tone that is just pleasant to listen to. Studio engineers should be happy as well, as the RAD-0 offers a brilliant extension in the treble region, and the overall treble output is quite linear and it doesn’t lean towards sounding too forward, nor too far away. Metal fans will be satisfied as well, as the RAD-0 will give you that aggressive, saturated hi-hat splash that is necessary for metal to sound good. The guitar overdrive sounds great as well, because of that highly textured, yet rich sound that works well with every genre.

Lastly, the soundstage. The RAD-0 is not an overly huge staging pair of headphones, but it rather focuses on realism when it comes to the size and accuracy of the soundstage. The imaging is brilliant, as you will be easily able to pinpoint the location of every instrument in the mix, while not feeling that it sounds too far away or too close to you. The vocals however have that ability to stand out in the mix, being rendered a step closer than in many competitors, which further extends that entertaining, fun character of the RAD-0. This is, once again, a very clever tactic, as a pair of high-end headphones that are made for both audiophiles and sound engineers should have the ability to please both, and with this kind of spatial presentation, they definitely will.

To summarise, the RAD-0 might look like an artisan pair of headphones where you’re just paying extra for the looks, but it is very far from the truth. This is an insanely good-sounding pair that is tuned so well, that it will appeal to most people. The RAD-0 is a perfect blend of technicalities, musicality, and a piece of art that will satisfy you while both listening to them and just looking at them and praising that striking build quality and design. This is literally a much better product than I expected it to be, and for that, I’m very grateful that I was finally able to try it, and now it became my go-to headphone for rock, metal, and electronic music, which I listen to a lot lately.

Comparisons​

Audeze LCD-X 2021



The first comparison is going to be between the RAD-0 and the LCD-X 2021, by Audeze. Knowing that Alex Rosson, the founder of Rosson Audio has been a CEO for Audeze in the past, this comparison is even more interesting.

So, the LCD-X 2021 is our “Headphone of the year 2021”, because of its fantastic ability to be a true chameleon – it’s great for audio professionals, as well as audiophiles.
And yes, reading this might give you a little Deja Vu, as the RAD-0 has the exact same ability. Honestly speaking, I somewhat feel that the RAD-0 is everything that the LCD-X 2021 is, but slightly better. The resolution and detail retrieval are both better, the built quality feels a bit more premium, and the design is just vastly different. With the LCD-X, you’re getting that beautiful, minimalist and industrial, raw design that is just beautiful to look at. On the other hand, the RAD-0 is much more “crazy” looking, and you can actually customize its design to suit your aesthetic needs just perfectly.

The carrying case of the RAD-0 is much, much better quality than the one found with the LCD-X, but as far as the cable is regarded, I’m going to give Audeze a point, as it is just a nicer quality and more comfortable.

To be completely honest, both are excellent and the choice between them should come down to your budget and needs. If you don’t care about a custom design and you’re not ready to pay as much as the RAD-0 costs, the LCD-X 2021 is a brilliant choice for a “does it all” pair of headphones. However, if you want that sweet design, and you want that extra sound quality, the RAD-0 is a significant upgrade over the LCD-X 2021.

Hifiman Susvara



I’m praising the RAD-0 so hard, that it would have been illogical not to compare it to the best headphones I’ve ever listened to – the legendary Susvara.

So, let me start by saying this: The Susvara is definitely a more audiophile-oriented pair of headphones. Not only its detail and resolution are basically unmatched by anything else on the market, but its tuning is just incredible for classical music, jazz, acoustics, and basically everything that is well-mastered (try Dire Straits on these, you’ll be blown away). Nonetheless, I always had a feeling that the Susvara sounds too polite with genres like metal, rock, and electronic music, resulting in a somewhat “extremely coherent, but kind of boring” sound. Its bass response is not the most dynamic and vivid by any means, and these are very important for these genres to sound entertaining.

And then comes the RAD-0, which just shows the Susvara its place when it comes to raw power, macro dynamics, and vividness of the sound. When listening to In Flames (a Swedish metal band), the RAD-0 just makes me headbang, something that the Susvara never gave me. These are just two, completely different approaches to making you emotional while listening to music – the Susvara is the king when it comes to chill, “you are there” type of experience with many music genres, but when you just want to have fun and be entertained, the RAD-0 is actually superior to the legendary Hifiman flagship.

Meze Elite



Another comparison, another different approach. The Elite is a Jack Of All Trades for me – it just simply sounds great, no matter the situation. It does well with all the music genres, and they are very forgiving when it comes to the rest of the system.
On the other hand, the RAD-0 is more oriented into those high-energy genres, when it just outshines the Elite with its fast, impactful and vivid sound. It doesn’t do as good of a job with calmer music genres, in which the Elite is just romantic, intensively personal, and welcoming sounding, but if we turn the table around, the RAD-0 is more entertaining with fast and dynamic music.

Once again, it comes down to your preferences. I would actually recommend having both and using them both, depending on what you’re listening to or simply to match your current mood. These are two spectacular headphones that have different strengths, but it’s simply impossible to rate one higher than the other (or we’ll see about it in our Battle Of The Flagships RAD-0 update…).

The last thing worth mentioning is the build. The Elite is the best-built headphone in the world, and the RAD-0 is just not AS good. There’s nothing wrong with it by any means, but the Elite is just a marvel when it comes to modern design and finishing. However, the RAD-0 is customizable, which gives it a huge point for people wanting something different, crazy looking. I would actually like Meze to give you a choice with the design of the Elite, because honestly speaking, the silver color is just not really my thing. Oh, what’s also very important, is that the Elite is vastly more comfortable than the RAD-0. Once again, nothing wrong with the latter in my experience, but the Elite is just like a soft cloud gently sitting on your head, and there are not a lot of headphones in the world that are even more comfortable than the Romanian flagship.

Audeze MM-500



Another Audeze vs Rosson comparison, but now we’ll be looking at the latest MM-500, made in collaboration with legendary Manny Marroquin.

So, these two are very, very different. The MM500 is a studio tool, very neutral, technical, and accurate sounding. This is actually our top recommendation for those looking for linear, neutral, and uncolored-sounding headphones to work with audio. On the other hand, the RAD-0 can also do that (not as well though), but when it comes to actually listening to music, there are no doubts about which one gives you more entertainment.

The RAD-0 is just more colorful, powerful, and fun sounding of the two, giving you a tool for having fun and entertainment, rather than the ultimate neutrality and accuracy.

When it comes to the build though, the MM-500 is just an insanely well-made pair of headphones, and its overall design is more sublime than the RAD-0. Once again, you can customize the latter, so this debate is open, and the right choice will depend on what kind of person you are and what you value the most. Also, the comfort is better with the RAD-0 in my opinion, as the clamping force of the MM-500 is quite brutal, and its earpads are not as plush and soft as the ones found in the RAD-0.

Once again, this choice should be rather easy. If you’re working with sound and spend a lot of time in the studio environment, just get the MM-500, as its neutral tuning will definitely give you the best results. On the other hand, if you do spend some time in the studio, but you also listen to a lot of music (especially rock, and metal) with your headphones, it might be worth saving more and going for the RAD-0 instead.

Pairings​

XIAudio K-DAC + Feliks Envy

Yes, this setup is wildly expensive, but not everything that’s expensive is good, don’t you agree?
Well, this setup is just something different. The K-DAC and the Envy (reviews coming soon!) make the RAD-0 fly and sound absolutely stunning. The sound of this combination is incredibly rich, flavorful, powerful and refined. The detail retrieval and resolution are both exceptional, but the entire sound has that magic and realism to it.
This has been my favorite combo for the past couple of weeks, as the almighty Envy pairs beautifully with the RAD-0. This is peak headphone audio experience, providing an experience that’s hard to beat even for the best headphones in the world. What a setup.

EarMen Tradutto + Staccato + CH-AMP

Even though I’ve had the Tradutto for quite some time now, the CH-Amp amplifier is new for me. Still, I managed to spend some time with this combination and was wildly entertained.
This combo sounds very dynamic, fun and forward, this is the ultimate metalhead wet dream when it comes to headphone audio setups. Fast, snappy, dynamic and powerful to the limits, the CH-Amp proves that it’s a force to be reckon with within its price category. It drives the RAD-0 with absolute authority, and gives it that clean, powerful output that the RAD-0 uses to sound incredibly clean yet musical.

Burson Audio Playmate 2 (V6 Vivid OPamps)

The Burson Playmate 2 might not be a powerhouse that is worthy of ultra high-end headphones, but it once again proves that its performance is insanely good for its price.
While the overall sound character gets a bit warmer and softer, the Playmate 2 yet again has literally zero problems with driving the RAD-0. This results in a sound that is natural, engaging and rich, with beautiful vocals reproduction and that romantic approach to the midrange.

SMSL DO100 + HO100

The RAD-0 sounds fantastic even from a budget equipment as the DO100 + HO100 combo by SMSL. This SMSL stack offers a wildly neutral and clean sound that works well with the RAD-0, as it lets its beautiful tone shine.
Because of that, this setup is stellar when it comes to technical performance, and is the most neutral tuned from all the pairings I’m mentioning in this review. This lets you enjoy the RAD-0 the “OG WAY”, with its phenomenal tuning taking the best seat in the crowd. This is great news that you don’t have to spend thousands for your DAC and Amp for the RAD-0 to sound great.

Summary​

The Rosson RAD-0 would have gotten a “Surprise Of the Year” award if I was to do one. While this product might be overlooked by some audiophiles, because of its high price tag and the custom design aspect (which may lead some to think that it is more about the looks than the sound itself), it proved to be an incredibly good performer, taking the position in my “3 most used pairs” by storm.

Very good technical performance meets incredibly fun tuning, wrapped up in a unique, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind design gives me no choice but to recommend the RAD-0 from the bottom of my heart. It has won my heart over in no time, maybe it’ll win yours as well. A truly spectacular pair of headphones.

Wildly Recommended.

Gear used during this review for the sake of comparison and as an accompanying equipment:

• Headphones – Hifiman Susvara, Final D8000 Pro, Audeze LCD-X 2021, Drop + Sennheiser HD8XX, HEDDphone, Hifiman Edition, Meze Elite, Audeze MM-500
• Sources– XI Audio K-DAC, Feliks Envy, SMSL SH-9, EarMen Tradutto + Staccato + CH-AMP, SMSL DO100 + HO100, Burson Playmate 2, Yulong Aurora, iBasso DX170

Big thanks to Rosson Audio Design and Alex Rosson for providing the RAD-0 for this review. I wasn’t paid or asked to say anything good or bad about this product, all of the above is just my personal, unbiased opinion.

You can get your RAD-0 here.