MrSpeakers Ether Planar Magnetic Headphones

MrSpeakers Ether Review
 

 
 
Intro: Founded by Dan Clark in 2012, MrSpeakers is an American audio company based in San Diego, California. An avid hobbyist always tinkering, Mr. Clark studied electrical engineering at Swarthmore College and gained recognition in the high-end audio industry for his work on commercial loudspeaker designs. MrSpeakers was born during Dan’s personal quest to create his own ideal pair of closed headphones. Specializing in providing modifications to the closed-back planar magnetic Fostex T50RP*, MrSpeakers released four variants that included the Mad Dog ($299.99 MSRP), Mad Dog Pro ($449.99 MSRP), Alpha Dog ($599.99 MSRP), and Alpha Prime ($999.99 MSRP). Considering his Alpha Prime to reach the maximum potential he could achieve with a Fostex T50RP-based headphone, Mr. Clark stated he will no longer be pursuing further T50RP modifications, boldly venturing in a new direction.
 
Applying their modifying expertise and 3D printing background, Mr. Speakers is now creating their own in-house designed and built headphones from the ground up. Their first product is the MrSpeakers ETHER. (Its official name is in full caps, but I will be referring to it as simply Ether). This ushers in very exciting times for MrSpeakers as they transition from modification-based tuning specialists to gaining full control of every single detail of their headphones.

 
While well-known and extremely popular within the enthusiast head-fi community, Mrspeakers often remains under the radar for newcomers and non-headphone-geared audio enthusiasts. Currently with just a team of 6, MrSpeakers is a small company that has made some impressive strides over the past three years. The Ether (open) does shine as a crowning moment for what is accomplishable through tireless dedication and a strong passion for this hobby.
 
Tech: The MrSpeakers Ether is an open-back, over-ear planar magnetic headphone retailing at $1,499.99 MSRP. It uses all new in-house-designed rectangular single-ended planar magnetic drivers (2.75” x 1.75”) with their V-Planar “knurling” diaphragm.
 
Official Specifications:
Weight: 370g
Impedance: 23 ohms
Efficiency: 96dB/mW
 

 
Best source for further explanation of their patented technology can be found at their website under the innovations tab of their Ether product page HERE.
 
Design:
 
     
 
The outer support structure of the headband is comprised of two thin black curved nitinol rods. Nitinol is a nickel titanium alloy exhibiting pseudoelasticity which allows the metal to retain its original shape even after extreme stress. This headband can be easily flexed outwards and side-to-side to quite extreme degrees without losing its original shape after the force is removed. It should be quite easy to adjust these headphones to find a comfortable fit. Despite low clamping force, the headphones will sit quite securely while worn.
 
     
 
The headband strap is comprised of Italian leather with microsuede on the inner surface. The outer surface of the leather is embossed with L and R markings and the MrSpeakers brand name. Very nice change from their previous products that were modded and kept the Fostex logo on the headband for practical purposes. The leather strap is attached to a plastic slider that moves up and down the two nitinol rods. Due to the adjustment mechanism attaching directly to the nitinol rods, there are no markings to show the exact headband settings. I’ve personally found the best way to ensure that both sides are adjusted to the exact same height is to use my fingers to measure out the space underneath the slider on both sides. It would be nice to see some size markings on the nitinol band for more exact headband adjustments.
 
     
 
The earcups feature a glittery red plastic outer rim with black metal earcups. The bottom of the earcups feature the unique MrSpeakers proprietary cable connector, angled forward to prevent the cables from hitting the shoulders even during side-to-side head tilts. It is the same dual-entry designed connector as with Alpha Dog and Alpha Prime and cables made for those headphones will also be compatible with the Ether.
 
     
 
I did find that the cable connector design has room for further improvement. There is just enough wiggle with this connector style that certain cable noise (especially thudding and rubbing sounds) can be easily transmitted and exaggerated. This is especially noticeable if the cable lightly taps or rubs against any object. This can be remedied thoughtful cable routing and securing excess cable length for desktop setups, but the Ether is more prone to cable noise than my other headphones using mini-XLR or mini-2.5mm or the Hifiman hex-screw connectors as those cables attach securely without room for any movement.
 
     
 
Featuring a functional and practical light-weight design with nice eye-catching red accents, these headphones look extremely gorgeous and appealing for my tastes. The curved circular suspension design follows the natural contours of the human head for an aesthetically-pleasing look when worn.
 
Comfort: The comfort and fit is excellent for a planar magnetic headphone. While the lack of headband size markings make precise adjustments a bit more tedious, there should be no problem finding the right settings regardless of your head size and shape. Extremely light-weight with my measured weight of the Ether was 361 grams without the cable, which is lighter than their official weight.
 
The lamb-skin leather earpads have a non-angled circular design with a rectangular inner space for ears. The inner dimensions of the earpads measure to be 2.5 inches x 1.5 inches x 1 inch (height x width x depth). The earpads fit my ears very comfortably. I do personally prefer velour pads for comfort reasons, so I do hope that accessories like velour pads or hybrid leather pads with velour lining may be something that MrSpeakers explore in the future.
 
Accessories: The Ether comes bundled with the following:

1. (x1) 6 feet cable terminating in the termination of your choice
2. (x1) Brown Form-fitting Hard Case (approximately 9in x 7in x 5in at longest parts)
3. (x1) Black Draw-String Velvet Bag (11.5 in height x 10in width when lying flat)

 
     
 
     
 
     
 
The included velvet bag can be useful to prevent dust or minor scratches if planning on storing these headphones away. The coolest accessory included is definitely the form-fitting hard case. I strongly appreciate the inclusion of a hard carry case. An extremely thoughtful addition that I hope other high-end headphones companies follow. Besides Oppo including a hard travel case for their closed-back portable PM-3, I am not currently aware of any other planar magnetic headphones that come bundled with a nice hard sleek travel case. Audeze does includes a large heavy-duty travel case with their LCD-series, but the large size makes it more of a storage option or put-in-the-trunk type option than a carry-in-a-bag type case. I see this offering being much more practical for transport compared to the travel case bundled with Audeze headphones. With Hifiman headphones, travel-sized hard cases can be purchased from their store.
 
     
Image of stock cable (top & left) vs DUM cable (bottom & right). Only one cable is included. The DUM cable is an additional $110.
 
I would like to see an additional cable being offered at this price point. The majority of high-end planar magnetic headphones come with at least two cables standard nowadays with Audeze bundling a XLR and ¼” cable and Oppo bundling ¼” and 3.5mm cables with all their models. No additional adapter is included with the Ether either. The Ether’s stock cable length of 6 feet is definitely on the shorter side and may not be able to accommodate certain desktop arrangements. Will likely need to purchase an extension cable or MrSpeakers’ longer 10 feet cable option for an additional $40 if routing the cable behind a desk.
 
     
 
Sound Quality:
Note: While I wrote the majority of my sonic impressions prior to frequency response sweeps, I felt like the most informative way to approach an objective in-depth sonic analysis was to incorporate my FR sweep findings into this section. For further information on audiophile terminology, use the guide HERE.
 
With its well-balanced and linear sound signature, I would categorize the Ether to have a neutral-orientated*, clinical presentation. The most interesting thing about the Ether is that it offers that detail-focused clinical tuning while minimizing the peakiness in the treble region that is often common among neutral-orientated clinical/analytical presentations. Its sound signature reminds me very strongly of the HD800 with a more-refined, less peaky treble.
 
Treble Tuning: From multiple high frequency sweeps, I was able to detect treble extension up to 18 kHz (which is typically as far up as I can personally hear) and the treble response was exceptionally smooth and linear to my ears with the smallest of dips around 9-10kHz and two small peaks around 11 kHz and 15kHz. Possible among the least peaky treble presentations I have had the pleasure of hearing.
 
Treble peaks are often incorporated to highlight the edges of notes, bringing an additional sense of clarity and definition of notes. Certain peaks can often be effectively used to give the treble notes a “sparkling” effect, add additional “crispness,” or present an “airier” sensation to the treble extension. However, depending on personal tastes, those same changes in treble tuning can also be considered too piercing or overly strident, causing sibilance or harsh brittleness. The Ether does not partake in adding any extra treble “sparkle” to its delicate and smooth treble response. Despite having a sense of brilliance and clarity to its treble presentation, its treble is the least aggressive of the treble of the “clinical” family of headphones that I have heard. With less forward treble energy in relative comparison to other similar neutral-to-bright sound signatures, the Ether is not as vivid and sharp compared other clinical-orientated cans. Its treble tonality does lie more on the relaxing side of the spectrum instead of displaying a vivid and sharp bite. There can be a subtle bit of perceived dullness due to the smooth response of the treble depending on sonic preferences, but the Ether’s treble tuning is likely most to be perceived as pretty on-point and a sonic strength by the majority of critical listeners.
 
Shimmering effects will not be emphasized on the Ether, but will appear if present in the source. A well-done sense of airiness and breathiness without any piercingness shining through the upper registers. There is an extremely good sense of definition and clarity to treble notes. I never experienced any edginess, brittleness, harshness with the Ether’s bright but gentle treble presentation. No additional “sizzle” to my ears that would be caused by peaks in the 5kHz to 10kHz region, so I estimate an extremely even response in that region. The term delicate, sweet, and precise characterize the Ether’s treble presentation quite well and I personally consider the treble to be the Ether’s strongest frequency region.
 
Mid-range Tuning: The Ether’s overall midrange sounds extremely linear to my ears, not seeming overly emphasized or recessed relative to the bass or treble. Its midrange is quite well-done and articulate with an realistic tonality and timbre to instrumentals and vocals.
 
Presence range (generally covering 2-5 kHz or 4-6 kHz depending on instruments) is extremely well done for my personal tastes. This region is responsible for the ‘intimacy’ or how close the music sounds. The Ether definitely does not emphasize this region, resulting in an non-intimate presentation which is my personal preference. There is no extra emphasis in the upper midrange, which prevents any hardness to its presentation. The Ether presents that characteristic slight dip from ~1kHz to ~4kHz that is typical of the majority of high-end headphone tunings to compensate for the human ear’s increased sensitivity to the upper mid and low treble region.
 
I would say that the Ether has a bit more focus on the lower mids over the upper mids for a smallest touch of thickness underlying its notes. This is an extremely subtle effect, creating a small sense of natural “richness” to its sonic presentation. Instruments (such as piano, violin, trumpets that I am more experienced with) and vocals sound exceptionally realistic with a very nature timbre and tone. There is never any raspiness or hardness to female vocals. The underlying roughness of certain male vocals in the lower tessitura is presented accurately with a very full-of-life sensation. Flutes and saxophones have that effortless breathy quality that allows for detection of subtle breathing patterns of musicians. Rather than presenting a liquid smoothness to the sonic profile, the Ether really highlights the low-level micro-details and presents good note spacing without too much abruptness between notes. Subtle textural shifts are sharply defined. I never got the honky or tinny sensation with the Ethers midrange. The midrange of the Ether is quite articulate and clean with very high-fidelity detail resolution. The Ether effortlessly glides through complex passages in the midrange with an exceptional good tonal balance.
 
Bass Tuning: The Ether’s bass response is generally quite linear during a frequency response sweep. It does lose out quite a bit in bass extension with 20 Hz being quite close to inaudible at normal listening volumes. There is a noticeable but very small increase in volume going from approximately 30 Hz to approximately 60 Hz. This tapering effect of the sub-bass can be preferred as the rumbling of the lower frequencies can sometimes cast a shadow over the frequency response with a perceived sense of diminished clarity. The trade-off is that the Ether has a relatively lower sense of that powerful presence and weighty rumble underlying notes.
 
At approximately 70 Hz, there is an abrupt jump in emphasis (though still relative subtle overall for a generally linear bass presentation), giving the Ether more of an midbass focus that centers at approximately 120 Hz to my ears. I would characterize the Ether having an almost imperceptible hill from ~70-170 Hz to my ears with a relatively more noticeable tapering down drop-off in the sub-bass region (30-60 Hz) for a subtly more emphasis on the midbass over the lowest bass frequencies.
 
I would not characterize the Ether as ‘rich’ or ‘lush’ as those terms imply some level of additional coloration to me, but the Ether does present a realistic sense of underlying fullness and body to its notes. There is definitely no additional emphasis of fullness or warmth though. While the Ether does sometimes capture that ‘felt’ low-end sub-bass, there is no sense of visceral weightiness or that seismic sensation provided by the extremely low frequencies, which does give the impression of diminished power behind notes. The Ether is also a bit lacking in impact compared to other flagships. However, the Ether does give a very well-done sense of punchiness to its bass notes. Bass notes are extremely clean and tight without any blurring effect or muddiness. Definitely not blanketed by a warm presentation, the Ether sits more on the bright side of the neutral spectrum to my ears, but presents an adequate quantity of bass to satisfy the majority of non-basshead audiophiles.
 
Other Sonic Attributes:
 
Soundstage is large and spacious though not particularly remarkable for an open pair of headphones. Its imaging on the other hand is exceptionally precise. Often can perceive pinpoint sense of height to live recordings with the perception that the music is coming from above on an elevated stage, which is an unique phenomenon not always found even in flagship headphones. While its soundstage width and depth does not seem exceptionally large, the Ether presents a balanced doughnut-shaped sound stage that sounds quite natural. Soundstage size is competitive for an open pair of flagship headphones.
 
Speed is excellent with the Ether ranking well among some of the faster-sounding planar magnetic headphones. Attack transients of the Ether are not extremely hard-hitting, but do present quite cleanly. There is an extremely subtle thickening to the perceived decay, but not to the extent of Audeze and Oppo headphones. I estimate the Ether to be give the perception of a faster transient response than current Audeze and Oppo offerings due to its clean edges and no extra warmth that can contribute to a sense of bloat to the decay of notes. On the other hand, Audeze and Oppo flagships will provide a stronger sense of impact and a weightier presence. There are some other flagship-quality dynamic and planar magnetic headphones that I view to be faster in relative comparison to the Ethers, but the speed and transient response of the Ether is definitely not be lacking and I consider those sonic attributes to be among its strong suits.
 
Clarity and detail resolution is quite high-quality and on-par with other flagship offerings. These headphones will easily pick up the low-level micro-details and subtle textural shifts in the tonality of notes that is expected from a summit-fi pair of headphones. Dynamic range is solid with a very good sense of control over the subtle micro-dynamic changes and coherently responds to large abrupt shifts in volume without sounding strained.
 
The Ether is not missing the “organic” textural element, but definitely more clinically-tuned with the emphasis on subtle micro-detail elements and note spacing. There is minimal additional “richness”, “lushness”, or “liquidness.”** The Ethers can display those elements if that presentation occurs within source tracks, but the focus is accuracy and detail retrieval rather than adding any “smoothening” effect or additional underlying warmth for an increased sense of fullness. The Ether does provide a subtle sense of thickness underlying the body of its notes with a smoothing of the treble response that results in a non-fatiguing sense of ‘musicality.’ With its relatively lighter impact, subtle thickness, and sweet treble tuning, the Ether does give a more relaxed overall presentation (instead of a high-energy approach). The most unique thing about the Ether in my opinion is that they provide that clinical/analytical sound signature without any of that extra treble peakiness that is often associated with that presentation style.
 
**Due to its softer impact and extremely subtle sense of thickness relative to other clinical headphones, I can see some characterizing its sound as “liquid,” but without that sense of “smoothening” of the edges of notes that results in an unique texture, I personally do not think the Ether has a “liquid” presentation. The Ether’s overall frequency response is quite “smooth” as in there are no offensively glaringly abrupt peaks or dips.
 
Sonic Considerations: (possible critical areas depending personal sonic values)
These findings were made primarily based on direct comparisons [audio memory will be explicitly stated in brackets]. All gear was volume-matched by ear based on a 500 Hz test tone. When not volume-matched, the Ether will sound louder than the rest of my headphones with all frequency response regions sounding boosted in comparison. The louder sounding headphone will seem inherently better due to the way our brains perceive sound. Do note these are only my personal opinions in an attempt to try to identify all possible relative sonic differences that may sway preferences. People all have different sensitivities and reference points of their ideal, so YMMV!!!
 
1) Softer presentation-style: I found that the attack edges are not as hard hitting as my other planar magnetics, the LCD-X and HE-560. A bit similar to the PM-3’s attack in sense with a “smoother-feeling” attack to notes. Attack is still quite snappy and clean. Gives the Ether a ‘lighter’ presentation with relatively less weight and power behind its notes. [The HD800 and HE-6 likely to also be harder hitting though unable to do direct comparisons to confirm]
2) Bass Impact: Noticeably less than the LCD-X. Subtly less than the HE-560. [I would predict less than all Audeze headphones in general and less than the HE-400, also likely less than the PM-1 with its underlying tonal warmth and richness]
3) Bass Extension: Not as much of that seismic-type rumbling lower sub-bass. Most noticeable in comparison to the LCD-X. I did find that the lowest bass extension and textures to be more vivid on the HE-560. [There are many other planar magnetics likely to have more linear bass extension, but the Ether is likely to be more competitive against the majority of flagship dynamics, so may can be an improvement depending on comparison point. Note: I do not personally think the bass extension of the Ether is lacking, just noticeable differences in relative comparison]
4) Relatively thinner presentation: I do not feel like the Ether sounds “thin,” but it shares a similar presentation to the body of notes as the HD800 and HE-560. Thicker than the HE-560, but still more thin than thick compared to the broader high-end headphone market. Not as thick as the LCD-X. [Likely will not find that additional warmth/fullness or more liquid-type smoothing to textures on the Ether that is present on the Audeze LCD-series or Oppo PM-1/PM-2 headphones]
5) Relatively brighter presentation compared to the majority of my other current headphones. [I would estimate its sound signature to sit closest to the HD800]. I personally would not call either the HD800 or the Ether to be overly bright pair of headphones. The Ether is sonically very similar to the HE-560 (which the relatively brightest headphone in my current collection). I do feel the Ether gives the perception of a more prominent treble region overall with an upper treble focus while the HE-560 has a more prominent lower treble peak in relative comparison.
6) Possibly light in bass for certain preferences: I am not going to get into what sound signature is most ideal or ‘most reference’ as there is quite a lot of solid headphones with subtle variations in FR that I still consider relatively quite neutral. I think the Ether is quite neutral overall and displays adequate bass for non-bassheads. It does not feel lacking in this department for my preferences. I will note that I have found these have less bass quantity and brighter overall presentation in direct comparison (volume-matched based on a 500 Hz test tone) relative to the rest of my headphone collection.
7) Soundstage is competitive for an open-back flagship [though likely not larger than the HD800]. Comparable to the HE-560 and I can see it being called either way depending on the specific cue and frequency response level that it occurs at. I’ve personally found from rapid switching volume-matched comparisons that the Ether has a better sense of depth while the HE-560 has a larger L-R width.
*****I do want to stress that critical points that I listed above are simply just more flavor and preference considerations. I do think the Ether is an overall very competitive and well-tuned pair of headphones without any glaring sonic weakness.*****
     
 

Measurements:
*******Important Notes*******

• Measurements only done after sonic impression notes were written.
• Measurement chain: PC with Windows 10 > ARTA Generates Sine Sweeps > Steinberg UR-22 USB Interface with Yamaha ASIO > Line Out > Oppo HA-2 Amplifier > headphones placed upon my own head (left ear being measured) > Pannasonic WM61-A Microphone > Steinberg UR-22 > PC > ARTA analysis
• I used a Panasonic WM61-A microphone in my measurement set-up. The WM61-A does actually measure very flat until the upper treble range when calibrated. Its unequalized response should be flat within +/- 1.5 dB to 20 kHz. Frequency response curves are smoothed to 1/24 octave.
• The dip occurring at approximately the 6 kHz region is an artifact from the interaction from the mic placement with the shape of the ear folds. This artifact appears in all my measured frequency response curves via my current personal measurement set-up.
• You can NOT directly compare my personal measurements to other frequency response curves made by other people!!! There will be inherent discrepancies due to differences in measurement set-up, so comparing measurements from different sources is not reliable!!
• For frequency response curve comparisons, I would recommend Tyll’s extensive database. Tyll's Ether measurements HERE. Full list of all his headphone measurements found HERE. (credit: Tyll Hertsens at Innerfidelity)
• Reference HERE for frequency response correlations to instruments and audiophile terms. (credit: Independent Recording Network)
• I am not a professional, so my personal measurements may not be as accurate as other sources. May update measurements as I run more trials. Any feedback or suggestions for improvement appreciated. Please let me know if you spot any errors.

***********************************
 
   
MrSpeakers Ether (stock cables) Impulse Response (x2 different trials 7/18/15 & 8/1/15)
 
   
MrSpeakers Ether (stock cables) Frequency Response Curve (x2 different trials 7/18/15 & 8/1/15)
 
   
MrSpeakers Ether (stock cables) Cumulative Spectral Decay Plot (x2 different trials 7/18/15 & 8/1/15)
 
Direct Comparisons:
*******Important Notes*******

• There are just some subtle differences between competitors that will really depend on personal preference. Differences written about sound often reads to be more dramatic than the differences heard in real-life (just the nature of writing really detailed comparisons over subtle variations). I would strongly caution against making any snap judgements without a personal audition as people do have different sensitivities to different sonic attributes.
• Please remember these are my own personal subjective impressions. YMMV!!!

*********************************
I could not fit my direct comparisons in this review. Link HERE for full comparisons.
 
Amplification: Basically, these headphones are so easy to drive that an amplifier is unnecessary from a technical standpoint.

1. Requires 1 mW to reach 95 dB (typical upper range of normal listening volumes and the volume level where long-term exposure will result in gradual hearing loss)
2. Requires 79 mW to reach 115 dB (volume of a loud concert)
3. Requires 794 mW to reach 125 dB (threshold for pain)

Link HERE for a great resource for calculating power requirements.
 
Due to their very neutral overall sound signature, colorations from tube gear should be quite readily apparent and easily revealed. I don’t think there needs to be any worry about source component matching as their sound signature does not require any major adjustments or flavoring to my ears (though I would avoid components that exhibit a bass roll-off). Unlikely to be very picky with source gear (imo). Does not require any expensive components to sound ideal, though likely to ‘scale up’ in a similar manner to other very resolving nice headphones. I do feel like the Ether is quite transparent and will allow for good perception of differences between external components if interested in critically listening for those sorts of variations. I tested the Ether to work quite well with the Oppo HA-2, Aune B1, and Lyr 2 + Bifrost Uber combination.
 
Cables: I personally could not detect any notable consistent sonic differences switching back-and-forth between the stock cable and DUM cable during blind testing. Do note that I personally never really have been able to hear any difference with various cables that I’ve experimented with. YMMV. I am not interested in a cable debate. Please NO cable debate in the comments section. Remember, YMMV!!! Comparative measurement trial between cables without changing the positioning of these headphones included for those interested below.
 
MrSpeakers Ether Measurements on 8/1/15 with Stock Cables on Left and DUM cables on Right
     
Impulse Response (Stock Cables vs Dum Cables)
 
     
Frequency Response Curve (Stock Cables vs Dum Cables)
 
     
Cumulative Spectral Decay Plot: (Stock Cables vs Dum Cables)
 
Only FR measurement trial with a significant variation between cables occurred on 7/18/15. I ran this measurement trial twice to confirm, but I have been unable to duplicate this result since then.
      
FR Trial #1 on 7/18: Stock on Left, DUM FR on Right
     
FR Trial #2 on 7/18: Stock FR on Left, DUM FR on Right
 
Value Judgement:
 
The planar magnetic headphone product category is currently rapidly growing and getting quite crowded. Previously dominated by staples from Audeze and Hifiman, Oppo Digital recently joined the headphone game with three planar magnetic models including the PM-1 at $1,099, the PM-2 at $699, and the PM-3 at $399. Fostex has revitalized their planar magnetic line-up with the TH500RP (currently can be found at $650ish) and their replacement T##RPmk3 series (open, closed, and semi-open designs). A relatively less well-known the Russian company MyST released their IzoPhones line-up ($1,100 to $1,200) and Kennerton Audio recently announced an upcoming planar magnetic called the Odin ($2,250).
 
With consideration to the $1k+ luxury headphone category, the $1.5k Ether sits right around at the price point standard for flagships set by the Sennheiser HD800 (original MSRP of $1.4k, current MSRP at $1.6k, I’ve seen deal pricing for new HD800 at sub-$1,300 price point). This makes it a relative good overall value compared to the MSRP of other flagship-level headphones. Due to diminishing returns in the luxury headphone product category, I view the Ether to offer a much better overall value than the majority of headphones priced higher for shoppers primarily concerned with overall sound signature balance and enjoy a neutral clinical-orientated tuning. While the Ether is an extremely competitive all-arounder, there are other flagships that outperform it in specific technical areas, so for buyers with very specific sonic desires, there may be more suitable option for their individual tastes.
 
For value-oriented enthusiasts who are uncomfortable going too high above the $1k price point, there are still many competitive options that may be preferable to the Ether. In terms of performancerice, I do think that the Hifiman HE-560 does achieve a flagship-level sound quality with very close overall sonic presentation at a much cheaper price point of $900 MSRP, making it the overall better sonic value. The classic highly-regarded HE-6 planar magnetic also retails at a lower price point of $1.2k and can often be found cheaper on sale. Oppo offers their PM-1 planar magnetic flagship at $1.1k with the PM-2 achieving similar sound at $699. Upcoming flagship headphones that will sit at a lower price point include the ENIGMAcoustics Dharma D1000 electrostatic-dynamic hybrid at $1.2k (August release date) and the 2nd generation updated version of the dynamic-driver Beyerdynamic T1 at ~$1.1k (estimated end of August release date). Hifiman is also currently developing a HE-6 successor with an unknown price point that be something to consider.
 
For really money-conscious enthusiasts who really place a heavy emphasis on value and like to avoid diminishing returns, I would recommend staying in the sub-$500 price option as there are currently a multitude of extremely capable mid-tier planar magnetic options out there (the HE-400i and PM-3 are my personal favorite planar magnetic in that price range and Hifiman recently released the new HE-400s at the $299 price point).
 
For $1k+ flagship option, the Ether is an extremely capable neutral-orientated headphones with extremely minimal coloration to my ears. If looking for that type of sound signature, the Ether will deliver great satisfaction. I find its overall tuning to be extremely competitive compared to the current market offerings by competitors. Its price point is fair considering the current MSRP price trends. With this newest flagship addition, fans of planar magnetic headphone are now faced with an even larger myriad of extremely capable summit-fi choices.
 
My Scoring: (the green bar ratings on the side seem to be an average of all review scores, this is my personal scoring)
Note: I do not typically give out full scores unless the product achieves a new ground-breaking high standard for its price bracket
Audio Quality: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Overall Rating: 4.5/5; Overall, extremely solid and competitive entry in the flagship market.
 
Conclusion:
 
The Ether is an outstanding new flagship offering by Mrspeakers to a crowded high-end planar magnetic field. With no significantly notable flaws, the Ether presents an extremely well-balanced overall sound signature that can be described as a tight bass, clean midrange, and smooth treble.
 
The Ether excels in all non-sonic attributes, engineered with a light-weight, gorgeous-looking design. It is easily apparent that great attention to detail was paid to its styling and comfort. The Ether’s greatest sonic strength in my opinion is how it maintains a clinical presentation while maintaining an even treble response. Offering a hyper detail-focused presentation without falling victim to some of the negative stereotypes associated with the word “clinical,” the Ether never sounds screechingly sharp, edgily harsh, or sibilant on good source material. The midrange of the Ether is quite a joy to listen to as well. I view the Ether’s overall sound signature tuning being the primary reason to choose this pair of headphones specifically.
 
Flaws on the Ether are few and far between, unlikely to be deal-breakers for the majority of enthusiasts interested in high-end headphones. The cable microphonics due to the connector design is my personal biggest non-audio concern. The bass response of the Ether is its relatively weakest frequency response region, but this can be appealing to more neutral-oriented detail-focused preferences as increased bass extension or emphasized bass can often blur out other aspects of the music. I would estimate that the relative sonic attributes most likely to be commented negatively upon would be the Ether’s bass extension and dampened impact. With less sub-bass presence and a softer impact to its notes, the Ether has a very light touch, delicately floating through the music. There is less weight and power behind the sound of the Ether compared to some of its contemporaries. I honestly don’t think that this difference in sonic style will always be considered a sonic flaw, but depending on what headphone background that the listener is coming from, these sonic differences may be more pronounced and noticeable for certain preferences.
 
I see the Ether’s overall sound signature tuning being extremely appealing to many audiophiles seeking a neutral-orientated but non-fatiguing reference-level sonic balance that is always pleasurable to listen to. Its technical sonic attributes are competitive enough to satisfy the majority of listeners who are simply looking for overall flagship-level performance rather than focusing on maximizing the performance of a few specific qualities. Extremely solid all-arounder in its performance, the Ether should be appealing to all audiophiles who are looking for reference neutral tuning.
 

 
Official Product Link: https://mrspeakers.com/ether/

Long-term lurker here.  But I've committed hard to this hobby and recently purchased an OPPO HA-1 + Ether as an end-game setup.  Received my Ether yesterday - order 4758 with DUM cable (initial impressions below, I'll update this review upon burn-in - if you believe in that sort of thing):
 
TL;DR: Neutral, detailed, transparent. Great headphones, bit costly.
 
Build: Very nice, the red is far more subdued in person and this set is lighter than my pair of Mad Dogs.
Comfort: Excellent. Again, the headphones are quite light so comfort is not an issue.
 
Soundstage: Huge. Not the biggest side to side, but big enough with lots and lots of depth.  The most "out of the head" experience I've had thus far with headphones.  I haven't heard much talk around the soundstage of these, but it's seriously impressive how life-like it is.    
 
Lows: Accurate and tight.  There isn't excessive bass here, but all my test tracks sounded accurate with great life-like texture.  I don't think the impressions of "visceral" bass are quite right, but these cans gave about as much as the track called for.  If you want to hear the lows shine, you gotta listen to some music with deep bass. 
 
Mids: AWESOME, extremely articulate and clear. I've heard the mids described as "where the music lives" and the Ether does not disappoint.  My favorite mids up until now were on the HD650s (though I have a soft spot for the Mad Dogs 3.2) but the Ether is a clear winner here in imaging and overall detail.  The presentation is a *tiny* *tiny* bit recessed, but it creates a very nice impression given the huge soundstage (the singer sounds like he/she is right infront of you, more so than any other cans I've tried).  This isn't to say the Ether blows either of these out of the water, but they are definitely *better*.
 
Treble: Impressive. Not sure if all amps can control the treble as well as the HA-1 (I don't think the HA-1 is "thin", I perceive it as mostly neutral), but the combo shined here. The highs on my test tracks went up and up without much sibilance (unless the original recording was sibilant) and sounded very accurate.
 
 
Pairing with the HA-1: I've seen a few people say they don't like the combo, but I had absolutely no issues.  The HA-1 has enough power to control the treble on most headphones and drive the bass hard, and the Ether doesn't seem to require too much help.  I usually can't tell much difference between DACs/Cables, so I can't comment here. The Sabre chips seem up to the task, and the combo was a peach to listen to.  
 
Overall impression: Great headphones, bit costly. I'm honestly not sure if these were "worth it" in the traditional sense, but I can't imagine a pair of cans sounding much better than these (I haven't had the pleasure of trying any of the LCD line or other TOTL cans like the T1, AKG812, etc. etc.).  Given the reports of comfort issues with the Audeze line, the Ether seems like a winner to me in the TOTL market for those looking for transparency and true "audiophile" quality from a planar headphone. 
 
Should you buy it?  If you're happy with your current set up, or are happy with 90% of the sound-fi, get some HD650s or Beyer DT880s or Soundmagic HP200s and be happy. However, this is an *excellent* TOTL set of cans, and they are certainly better than the aforementioned sets (I didn't think any headphone would ever definitively beat the 650s, but these do IMO). All that said, the sound signature on these is borderline analytical.  There's a bit of musicality to it, but it's mostly neutral (warmth lovers beware!!). 

MrSpeakers new open back headphones, the ETHER is fantastic headphone. Dan has created a work of art, that combines artistic beauty, with a superb sounding set of cans. I love wearing these sexy cans everywhere and have worn them to the grocery and the mall, and I did not feel like a escaped nerd, from a sci-fi convention. Plus these cans are so comfortable to wear, yea forget you are wearing them, and get lost in the music. The comfort comes from the the headband, created by Dan. The headband works so well, no hot spot upon my head, and no uncomfortable clamping at all, just pure comfort. Furthermore the headphone is solidly built, nothing flimsy about them. The space age plastic i used on the ETHER is top quality. Furthermore the ear pads are so soft and comfortable, yet they are very breathable. I wear them next to my main rig ( a Yggdrasil/ Ragnarock) and my ears rarely sweat like they do with my other headphones, such as the HE1K and MrSpeakers Alpha Primes.

Once you have put these puppies on, the listener will be floored by the vividly detailed and textured sound signature that is ever so musical to hear. The bass, the mids and treble are spot on perfect.
The bass has that planar impact, yet the bass is tight and controlled, no bloat. The bass in Frank Zappa's album " One Size Fits All" is deep, and detailed, especially in the song San'Ber'dino. I have never heard the bass sound so good on San'Ber'dino. Likewise the ETHER's tight detailed bass made Led Zepplin's Bron Y Aur Stomp come alive, never heard it sound so well.

The mids on the ETHER are just brilliant, so smooth, so textured and deataied, yes so musical, not dry or analytical sounding. The mids on such albums Flood by They Might be Giants; Nights in White Satin by The Moody Blues and Time Out by Dave Brubeck sound so detailed and smooth as well as very musical. To my ears the treble is perfect, its detailed and revealing, yet its not bright or sybilant. Such albums as Nightmare Before Christmas and Henry V just sound great no sybilance or undo brightness.

The soundstage on the Ether is nice and large as well as very holographic. The detailed bass, mids and treble created a very holographic soundstage, that has very detailed imagery. The imagery of the holographic soundstage allows one to precisely place instruments or vocals with the soundstage. Pink Floyd's Dark Side of The Moon sounds so three-dimensional, I was floored by this effect. The three-dimensional, holographic sound stage allowed Classical albums by Mozart, Beetoven, Holst and Wagner to sound great.

The great sounding bass, mids, treble and soundstage allow for the overall sound signature, on the Ether to be so musical and intoxicating. Vocals by Kate Bush, Zappa, David Bowie, and Sting sound so natural and musical, that I am slowly relistening to my audio library. I get into the music so much I forget about the time. The Ether sounds great with all types of music from rock to the blues to jazz and classical, as well as edm.

The Ether headphone scales nicely with other amps. I have used the ETHER my yggy and rag and its sounds devine. However I have used the ETHER's with my Lyr2, Asgard 2 and my e12. The ETHER'S sound bloody great through the lyr2 and my Telefunken E88CC platinum tubes. This combo is just great, very intoxicating. The Asgard 2 drives the ETHER'S pretty well, not as detailed as the lyr2. And finally I was surprised how well the Fiio e12 drove the ETHER, when I was at the mall. The sound signature was very musical through the e12, though not as textured or detailed. When compared to my desktops amps.

The ETHER comes with a great traveling case, that fits nicely in my leather travel bag. I feel the ETHER can be used for semi portable use. They are not bulky and they do not get sweaty like other headphones The Dum Cable is a bit stiff, but that is no big problem. I feel the DUM cable sounds much better than the stock cable.

I used the following equipment for this review
OPPO BDP-103,
Schiit Audio's Yggdrasil
Ragnarock
Lyr 2 with Telefunken E88CC platinum tubes.
Asgard 2
Fiio E 12.
P.s. The Ether might be expensive but its well worth it, these cans are rock solid, sound great and are very comfortable. I have never had headphones as musical sounding as these cans.
Andrew Reddog Jones.