I’ll start by expressing my thanks to Evan & Tommy (the “E” & “T” in
ETA Headphones) for organizing a loner for one of their newest creations, the “Mini”. This is an on ear headphone designed from the ground up by the minds at ETA, and long story short...it is an incredible listen IMO. There is no greater vote of confidence than purchasing a product, and indeed I have done just that.
Review Info
Currently my audio chain is comprised of various WAV, FLAC & MP3 files played from JRiver on my refurbed HP Elite Desk via USB to a Schiit Bifrost 2 into either my Pro iCAN (1st version) or ZMF Pendant (also 1st version). Since I opted for the 32ohm version I found that the ifi was a wonderful match on low gain and the Pendant was just a bit too noisy, thought the sound out of the low Z tap was quite engaging. Note that my Mini seems to be a rarity, it is 32ohms & has the dots for tuning. On their website, the 32ohm is configured with a larger “bar type” tuning filter. To my knowledge this doesn’t alter the sound, it’s just a different approach.
I also experimented with various DAPs, all of which could drive the Mini wonderfully, including my old diminutive Sansa Clip. By wonderfully I mean without maxing out the volume the Mini has plenty of volume, doesn’t sound strained and the bass doesn’t go all flubba wubba. Obviously this is not the best pairing and the bass isn’t quite as tight as a better suited amp, but it is still an appealing listen. These are very efficient headphones that pair well with a quality dongle or phone, but definitely scale with better equipment.
Comfort, Aesthetics and Build
I’d wager that durability wouldn’t be an issue since build quality is quite solid. They’re currently using a Sony headband, which I find to be wholly unremarkable, but if I’m not mistaken an ETA developed and produced headband is in the works. I find the current headband to be adequate and has a convenient folding mechanism. It’s not particularly uncomfortable, yet it doesn’t disappear on your head either. Clamp force is an issue after an hour or so for me, and I imagine comfort would be different on various sized noggins. The use of foam earpads a-la Grado will be bothersome for some, but not much of an issue IME. Replacement pads will be found for relatively cheap.
As mentioned in other impressions, the build quality may be sturdy, but it is relatively unrefined. However I think this is worth a closer look since there are definitely trade-offs at play here. Visually it still does have a homebrew kinda vibe that does appeal to me, but I can also understand it not being everyone’s cup ‘O joe. It does seem to have a “form over function” philosophy that I can appreciate, but my biggest nit to pick is the exposed wires.
ETA isn’t the 1st company to have exposed wires, but that is the one point that doesn’t inspire confidence for me. Although I haven’t heard any issues from any other ETA users, personally I have had a recurring intermittent static like crackle occasionally intrude on my listening. I have no idea if this is even related to the wires, and it is a brief and sporadic issue, but it seems worth mentioning in the spirit of full disclosure.
I am not a headphone modder myself, but I’ve read enough to realize that anything you put in proximity to the driver will impact the sound signature. Any sort of covering I imagine would color the sound in one way or another, so I do understand the choice, however I feel less confident knowing the wire contacts are bare. ETA has since started including a foam “bung” of sorts for protection when not in use. Some leave it in as they enjoy the alteration to the sound signature, depending on which pads you use.
Overall Sound
Moving on to the sound is where, for me, all sins are forgiven. ETA includes a variety of pads to fine tune the sound to your liking. There are 2 pads from Geekria, the “L” & “S” pads which can be used both “forward” and “backwards”, as well as pads from a company called “Gerod”. Each pad does change the tonality in it’s own way, and I quickly gravitated to the Gerod pads as my favorite: all impressions are with these pads.
Some have referred to the Mini as having a “V” or “U” shaped sound signature. I hesitate to use those monikers because for me there is a connotation of more dips and/or scoops in the frequencies, especially the mids, that I don’t hear exhibited from the Mini. That being said there is somewhat of a pleasing (to my ears) bass accentuation, as well as a less evident treble bump that would make the argument for a (mild?) “U” a valid one.
- Bass is tight & punchy, with good reach. Strong down to about 30hz, audible at least until 20hz. Good sense of slam, tasteful warmth without midrange bleed.
- Mids are crisp but not brittle, very clear and defined. Strings and horns in particular have a touch extra “bite” (a nip?) but never sharp to my ears.
- Treble has never been my strong suit due to hearing loss, but I do detect a good amount of treble energy and air. Cymbals ring & have an appropriate metallic tone.
-Stage is intimate but coherent: not cavernous, but not constrained either. Feels like a good nightclub to me, also very good imaging. No 3 blob effect nor exaggerations in any direction.
- Fast transients, not quite Utopia level. Closer to Verite, maybe a step behind. Quality macrodynamics, great sense of slam & very good microdynamics. Detail retrieval is on par with the HD600/650 if not quite HD800/Utopia. Not exactly a Plankton King, but I definitely didn’t feel anything was lacking.
Some Comparisons
Add it all up and I’m sure you can tell that I found the Mini to be a wholly beguiling headphone that holds up quite well to anything else I have on hand. Which isn’t much in terms of headphones, so I’ll go with these two.
Mini/Aeolus: Aeolus obviously has more of a warm sound signature. Similar bass extension but Aeolus has more of a mid-bass tilt, even with the Verite pads (which are my current favorite). The Aeolus mids are more lush with a few more prominent peaks/dips than the Mini. Treble is similarly extended (I think) but the Aeolus comes off as a bit sharper to my ear. Aeolus has a wider deeper headstage and the transients are slower, more relaxed. In fact, the Aeolus is more of a relaxed listen in almost every sense of the word, being a touch behind on detail retrieval as well. I do enjoy both headphones but they are definitely different presentations.
Mini/Verite Open: This is a bit more of a similar sonic “target” I think. Bass again has similar extension to my ears, with a slight advantage to the VO. VO also sounds to have a more midbass punch compared to Mini. Overall the VO has more contrast in the mids with more dips & peaks being evident. Treble is probably better extended with the VO, but again I’m not the best judge. Headstage is quite different, with the VO sounding much larger in every direction. VO’s transients are just that little bit snappier and detail retrieval would also go to the VO, but not by a huge margin on either point.
Conclusion
The bottom line here is that the ETA Mini is a high performing headphone that is worth hearing and evaluating for yourself IMO. (
check out the loaner tour here) At $300 (
current MSRP w/no cable at the time of writing) the price/performance ratio is simply off the charts. The design is a bit rough around the edges for my tastes, but I am more concerned about how it sounds, and how engaged I am while listening. By that metric, the Mini more than exceeds my expectations.
Both you and Jason are such wonderful human beings and role models for ETA, we plan on doing everything we can to follow in your footsteps. We will never forget all the advice you have given us that day. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us for anything! 
