review – Over the years, I have purchased many headphones. I use them to monitor audio for videography, meetings/calls, my podcasts, and one of my greatest pleasures is listening to music. For the most part, I’m an audiophile, listening to and evaluating the best audio systems of the time for years. Currently, I use the Rodecastor Pro as a broadcast board for my podcasts and pair it with Sennheiser HDxxx headphones. I recently read that Rode released their first headphones, and knowing the quality of them, I would love to get them. Well, dream come true, now let’s talk about the RØDE NTH-100 headphones.
what is it?
The RØDE NTH-100 headphones provide great audio and all-day comfort. The ergonomically designed closed-back earcups house custom-matched drivers and boast an astonishingly accurate frequency response from 5Hz to 35kHz. They show great imaging with the clarity you need to pick out every element in the mix. The design includes memory foam padding and CoolTech gel. Cables can be attached to either side.
what’s in the box
1 RØDE NTH-100 Headphones
1 x Color ID Ring Pack to Eliminate Cable Confusion
1 storage bag
1 1/4″ adapter
Design and Features
feature
- 40mm custom-matched drivers create a clean, vivid, low-distortion soundstage
- Enclosed design provides up to 20dB of passive isolation
- FitLok headband adjustment prevents ear cups from moving when not in use
- Memory foam ear cups and headband provide ultimate comfort
- CoolTech technology keeps your ears cool and comfortable
- Locking cable prevents accidental disconnection
- Dual cable inputs let you place the cable on whichever side you want
- Over-ear design provides excellent comfort and isolation
Specification
type: wired
Open close: closure
Fit style: Over-ear (around the ears)
Drive Dimensions: 40mm
Frequency response: 5Hz-35kHz
impedance: 32 ohms
Connectivity: 1/8″ plug, 1/4″ adapter
Cable Type: straight
cable length: 7.87 feet
Detachable cable: Yes
color: Black
Material: Alcantara-covered memory foam earpads and headband
Box/Bag: Storage bags
weight: 0.77 lbs.
These Rhodes headphones are well made. The headband is padded and adjustable, and the ear cups are padded. They are mostly made of plastic. The earcups are designated left/right, and the power cord can be plugged into either. Rode branding is on the outside above each earcup on the headband. Comes with a carrying bag and markers for easy cable identification.
Performance
The only thing you need to do with the RØDE NTH-100 headphones is to adjust them to fit comfortably on your head and start listening.
My first test with the RØDE NTH-100 headphones was podcasting with the Rodecaster Pro. The audio/voice quality is pristine, and even after an hour, wearing them doesn’t get tiresome. They adjust well and fit nicely.
For the next test, I plugged the RØDE NTH-100 headphones into the Little Dot MKII headphone amp, and then into the Arylic Up2stream S50 Pro+, WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 audio receiver, aptX HD preamp. The headphone amp is using stock tubes because I can’t roll them yet.
I decided to use this configuration as I am also testing the preamp. I have to say I love the sound of these headphones. I know I’m not using a true audiophile headphone amp, and I’m testing a preamp for the first time, but I have to say that these headphones sound great. I have my own unique taste in music. Below are some of the songs I’ve auditioned. Keep in mind that I’m mostly a fan of contemporary jazz and some other genres of blues:
Govi – Persuade
Govi – Serenade D’Amor
Eagles – California Hotel
Chris Isaak – The Wicked Game
Gregory Isaacs – Night Shift Nurse
Michael Warrington – Everything has to change
Gato Barbieri – Europe
Ray Charles feat.Diana Crowe – You Don’t Know Me
Maysa – feel the fire
BB King – Lucille
Quincy Jones – Secret Garden
Pentatonix – Hallelujah
George Benson – This Masquerade
Michael Macdonald – The Distant Lover
Randy Crawford – give me a night
Lionel Richie – A Piece of Love
Thad – by your side
Ed Sheeran – Let It Rain
Tasha Cobbs Leonard – you know my name
These are just some of the songs I’ve heard. The full list is much more extensive and includes many unlisted artists.
I love every song I hear through the RØDE NTH-100 headphones. All frequencies are clear and well defined. There’s no muddy bass and no distortion whatsoever. The highs are accurate and very present, but not tiresome. The midrange gives you the sweet spot that incorporates most of the musical information.
Wearing these headphones for extended periods of time doesn’t get tiresome, and the ability to plug the cable into either side adds a great convenience. I can’t wait to roll the tube in the Little Dot MKII. I’ve heard of a tube combination that exceeds expectations. The headband adjustment is simple and adequate, and the earpads are very comfortable.
what do I like
- attractive design
- Ability to insert on either side
- Fantastic audio reproduction
- long cable
- Included accessories
- Lives up to “RODE” quality
what would i change
final thoughts
Over the years I’ve been in the camera industry, I’ve purchased several Rode units. I’ve been a repeat customer because of the quality of their products, including their professional microphones, etc. When I heard they were going to release their first headphones, I was cautiously optimistic. In many cases, the first launch of a new enterprise leaves a lot to be desired for audio/video companies. Well, that’s not the case with the RØDE NTH-100 headphones. While I know audio is subjective and personal tastes vary even among audiophiles, IMHO the RØDE got it right, I love using them, I love using them to listen to all my favorite genres. Also, when I consider the quality and value for the cost, especially compared to other more expensive headphones I’ve owned, all I can say is well done, Rod! !
price: $149
where to buy (this: Amazon, sweet water, B&H Photosand several other retailers
resource: Samples for this review provided by RØDE
