Écoute TH1 Bluetooth Headphones Launch In The UK
ÉCOUTE TH1 BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES INTRODUCED IN UK BY ELECTROMOD, WITH VALVE-BASED DESIGN
The Écoute TH1 Bluetooth headphones have been introduced to the UK market through distributor Electromod, with availability effective immediately.
Developed by Écoute Audio, the TH1 are positioned as a premium wireless headphone design that incorporates elements more commonly associated with traditional HiFi systems.
ÉCOUTE TH1 BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES FEATURE VALVE PREAMP ARCHITECTURE
A key feature of the Écoute TH1 Bluetooth headphones is the inclusion of a vacuum tube (valve) preamplifier stage within the earcups. Specifically, the design uses a Nutube 6P1 dual-triode valve, developed by Korg and Noritake Itron, which is integrated into the signal path rather than added as an effect. The valve is visible through a window on the left earcup and has a claimed lifespan of over 30,000 hours.
DISCRETE DUAL-MONO DESIGN
Unlike typical Bluetooth headphones that rely on system-on-chip (SoC) solutions, the Écoute TH1 Bluetooth headphones employ a discrete architecture. This includes a dual-core DAC, valve-based preamplification and dual-mono Class A/B amplification. Each channel is processed independently, maintaining separation from DAC through to the drivers. The headphones use 40mm titanium-coated Mylar drivers and are housed in an aluminium chassis weighing 424g.
CONNECTIVITY AND INPUT OPTIONS
The Écoute TH1 Bluetooth headphones support multiple listening modes. Wireless playback is available via Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC and AAC codec support. Wired connections include USB-C for digital audio up to 32-bit/384kHz and a 3.5mm analogue input. The analogue input can be used in either active mode, engaging the internal amplification stages, or passive mode, allowing an external amplifier to drive the headphones directly.
FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITY
Additional features include active noise cancellation with both feedforward and feedback modes, alongside a transparency setting. The headphones also offer a built-in microphone for calls and voice assistant use. Battery capacity is rated at 1600mAh, with playback time stated as over 20 hours. The design includes replaceable memory foam earpads, physical controls on the earcup and a closed-back construction.
ÉCOUTE TH1 DSP AND USER TUNING
The headphones include DSP-based sound adjustment controlled via a dedicated iOS and Android app. Rather than applying standard EQ externally, adjustments are made within the internal DSP before digital-to-analogue conversion. Users can access multiple preset sound profiles, including genre-based options, as well as create custom tuning profiles using parametric controls.
DESIGN APPROACH AND DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT
Écoute Audio was founded by Joshua Fairbairn and Kendall Liddle, with the TH1 representing the company’s first product. The design focuses on replicating elements of a full HiFi signal chain within a portable format, combining valve and solid-state technologies. Electromod, the UK distributor, will provide local support and a two-year warranty for UK customers.
ÉCOUTE TH1 BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The Écoute TH1 Bluetooth headphones are available in the UK now, with an RRP of £900. Available through Electromod in the UK.
HiFi PiG Says: A very interesting looking set of headphones from Ecoute Audio.
