Headphones — Erzetich Audio Thalia

The Thalia is an open-back portable on-ear headphone from Erzetich Audio, a Slovenian company that also builds headphone amplifiers. The maker lists it at 699 EUR in standard black or silver finishes and at 749 EUR in a custom colour. Erzetich states that it was tuned for portable devices, unlike the planar magnetic Charybdis intended for desktop amplifiers.

Key specs that matter

The Thalia uses a 40 mm dynamic transducer whose diaphragm has a titanium coating. Impedance is 32 ohm, a load that phones, laptops and portable players are designed to drive. Its cup system is open. Total weight is 280 g, light enough for use on the move. As an on-ear design, its pads rest against the ears rather than surrounding them. Sensitivity and frequency response are not listed on the maker's product page. The cable is detachable, built from oxygen-free copper with silver plating and fitted with gold-plated connectors.

Engineering and use context

The cups are built from resin combined with milled aluminium and have an octagonal outline that Erzetich uses as a signature shape. The headband is carbon fibre, a material chosen for low mass and stiffness. Ear pads are leatherette, as the maker avoids animal products throughout its range. Every pair runs through a 12-hour burn-in before shipping. Production is in the EU, the design is described as completely serviceable, and the warranty is 2 years limited. Because the cups are open, the Thalia lets outside noise in and leaks sound to people nearby, which suits a quiet home or office more than a train or shared open workspace. The detachable design also means a worn lead can be replaced at home without returning the headphone for service.

Pairing

Erzetich suggests pairing the Thalia with portable devices, and the modest impedance means a phone with an analogue jack, a small USB DAC or a pocket music player can drive it. For desktop use, the single-ended 6.35 mm output on the maker's own Bacillus II amplifier accepts it with a suitable adapter or cable, and that amplifier is rated for loads down to 8 ohm. The Bacillus II + also carries a 6.35 mm jack alongside its balanced socket, rated at 157 mW single-ended, if a later move to balanced headphones is planned. Its 2990 g case and 9 W draw still suit a desk, and the balanced pair of inputs can stay connected to a DAC while the Thalia uses the front jack.

Alternatives

The Erzetich Charybdis is an open-back headphone from the same maker, using a planar magnetic driver and intended for desktop amplifiers.