I've not really used headphones for many a year, but having acquired a headphone socket on my little Topping DAC / amp in the study, thought it was time I gave a pair a go. I had been given a pair of B&W P3s some time ago but , as "on-ear" headphones I found them uncomfortable with specs. So started looking for larger "over -ear" designs when I came across a Kickstarter funded project and the GL2s.

These are the 'babies' of the range, retailing at £299 (but can be found significantly cheaper) and feature hybrid construction, with a pseudo-electostatic mid/high driver and moving coil bass, all in a very lightweight frame. The comparison with a true ESL is that the membrane that provides the sound is permanently charged (unlike a true ESL which needs a constant polarising voltage) and moves in response to the varying audio input signal delivered to the two surrounding stators. They reminded me of a pair of Wharfedale Isodynamic 'phones I owned and liked nearly 40 years ago.

Specifications
Frequency Range: up to 50 kHz
Speaker types: Hybrid Electrostatz™ Technology system
Speaker diameter: 40 30 e-stat + 40 mm dome type Acoustic system
Sound Pressure level: 15 dB
T.H.D: ≦ 0.5%
Impedance: 32 Ohms
Design Components: cups, unique hand turned cherry wood, polished to a smooth finish
Connectivity: detachable braided cable 1.2m with 3.5mm gold plated jack
Weight: 269 grams
Accessories: 6.3mmm connection, carry bag (fabric)

The unpacking





Looks a nice presentation but is a bit of flim flam really. Cardboard (sturdy) box, a bit of silk and Bob's your uncle. Contents were pretty scant too - just a 1.2m cord (attaches to left ear piece and can easily be changed for a longer / shorter / better one if the fancy takes you, together with a 6.25mm jack adaptor. The cord feels just like that, with a fabric outer and is non-springy. There is also a small adaptor for plugging into airline seat audio outputs (nice little touch). No instructions as such, just a Thank You and some health and safety rubbish.


Phones do look the part with real wood earpieces with engraved aluminium caps. The aluminium ends of the arms however are however just coloured plastic. I think the more expensive versions in the range feel a little more substatntial / engineered. That said it all makes for a very lightweight and comfortable headphone. The PU leather and earpiece padding does seem a little thin so time will tell if it holds up to a bit of wear and tear. There is a 3 year guarantee mind.



The Sound

Firstly, the connections are a tight fit ! Started out with a grossly distorted and quiet sound - but this was cured once the jack was firmly pushed home. I got plenty of volume from the headphone socket of the Topping.

OK, one thing's is for sure - these are no substitute for Stax (costing several times as much). The pure magic of an electrostat isn't quite there for me although the mid and treble registers are quite clear and one can easily hear the minute inflexions of voices, fingers on fretboards and some ambience detail etc. The sound stage seems quite wide and seemingly extends beyond the earpads. Bass, at first, seems quite lightweight but its 'naturalness' grows on you and makes for a very unfatiguing sound. This is helped by the high level of comfort I felt, as a reading glass wearer. Transients seem well-handled, especially on percussion.

Overall I think these partly live up to their quasi - electrostatic design and follow in the footsteps of normal ESLs - probably best suited to lovers of the sort of music ESLs handle so well. Bass freaks may need to look elsewhere.

Are they worth £280 ? Perhaps but at that level I think I would spend a little more and get the 'real thing'. But at £100 less (what I paid) I think they are very good value.