Mitchell and Johnson GL2 Portable Electrostatic Headphone - Walnut

The "Mitchell and Johnson MJ2 Over-Ear Headphones" are unusual in that they utilize a rather square wooden enclosure (cherry in this instance), a headband that is partly of metal and well-padded, and a detachable, unusually short 1m-long Y-cable to connect with a portable media player or advanced smartphone; the earphones are clearly labelled L and R on the inside of the mounts but the twin connectors are not labelled and it is irrelevant which connector is plugged into which side although a true stereo image is created. A 3.5 to 6.3 mm adapter as well as an airplane adapter are included. The phones fold for storage thanks to hinges at the lower end of the headband and are fit well within the case.They are extremely comfortable to wear and quite light; they surround the ears and are effective in excluding exterior sounds and almost prevent their own sounds escaping to the exterior. Their quoted impedance is only 32 ohms so the volume with most sources should be sufficient. However, a DAC-headphone amplifier will provide several benefits although incurring additional expense; for audiophile listening, one will be indispensable.Unlike true electrostatics, these are self-powered by using internal transformers to raise the low-level audio voltages to a much higher level; that avoids expensive specialized amplifiers and power units. The short lead is ideal for use outdoors, when travelling or during work breaks although a 1m extension cable will offer more convenience. A longer 2-to-5m extension lead will be needed for less-restricted leisure listening indoors. From later investigation, there was a realisation that there are no available replacements should its cable ever be damaged; a compromise solution is possible without the need to cut and join anything. A small semi-hard case is included and there is room within for its lead and an extension cable; it lacks a carry handle but offers good protection.With past experience by owning entry-level electrostatic headphones (later irreparably damaged during a house removal) and via frequently customizing an audio dealership whose demonstration room featured large electrostatic speakers, there was an expectation of what to expect from these and they deliver that out-of-the-box; their reproduced sound quality is superior to anything at the price-point! As usual, a realistic burn-in period (50+ hours of discontinuous, mid-volume playback employing sessions of about 5 hours each over 10-12 days with as wide a variety of music styles as possible via FM or DAB radio or a computer will improve later listening experience by smoothing any rough performance edges that may initially exist and mellow its results.Although there is little documentation included and zero relevant technical data other than on its packaging, it was learned elsewhere that a very extended frequency range of 6 Hz to 50 KHz is to be expected. While the extremes will not be heard, they will be appreciated by allowing high-order harmonics and sub-bass frequencies to be reproduced. The realism of the original performances is retained and no need for its designers to artificially boost bass or treble ranges.It was only learned post-purchase and when drafting this review that Mitchell & Johnson, a highly respected British brand of premium audio products whose ethos was to use affordable high-end design and technology, ceased trading late 2019 citing real pre-Brexit problems as their reason; recent reports from UK businesses suggest the decision was well-anticipated. These 'phones then retailed at circa £500 and remain on sale in the USA at $499! M&J's phones are unique for their designs but especially their technology. They differ from most brands' often similar designs while also providing an opportunity to appreciate the unique qualities available when using electrostatic sound reproduction while avoiding the typical multi-thousands expenditure normally involved.An opportunity not to be missed while still possible!ADDENDUM - the DP1 model was subsequently purchased; its pricing was only £5 higher (it retailed at £599 in 2017!). Its bass performance is more pronounced and ideal for those whose musical interests lie mostly with pop and other modern genres, possibly also extending to jazz and blues but not necessarily classical where the MJ2 excels. Were you to purchase one, either will be an excellent choice and unlikely to disappoint.

I have alway had electrostatic headphones from the early Koss SP,s to Stax , my attraction to them has always been the sparkly mid and highs at the sacrifice of bass and I have got used to that . If I want big bass then it has to be dymamic phones and these have got really good over the last few years . As for hybrid for £100 my expectation was low and the initial sound out of the box was not good it was as if I was listening to headphones in another room .Having given them a good 30hrs left on with random music played through them it's a different story . Ok they are worth £100 and keepers but they are a bit like a untrained dog ! Sometimes they are awesome with great tinsle town mid and highs and better than average bass and a very open electrostatic sound and I just think Wow awesome the sound is up there with the best . Then the next track is all over the place flat then confused separation even a equaliser can't get them on track . If you can accept a inconsistent sound from one track to another give them a go . Just to end the stereo separation is the best I have ever heard , give them a ago .

For the original supposed RRP of £500 there are way better headphones out there.Compared to my £129 KRK 8400 these have better detail and a much nicer frequency response and tonality.They are a bit bass light and are improved with some high air added too around 16khz, it really lifts the veil, the rest of the FR is a bit wobbly but fine imo. I have the Blessing 2 Dusk which is my go to FR comparison headphone. These headphones are definitely fine without eq but much improved with it imo.They are fairly easy to drive and using a dongle dac sound good from a phone. A desktop headphone amp brings out a touch more bass and dynamics. They would be a straight 5 star value for money set but the earpads have started wearing and tearing after only a few weeks use. This made me think they were never designed as a £500 set of headphones, this wouldn't be too much of an issue but the pads are square so choices of replacement pads are limited. The build quality of everything else is fine, the included cable, accessories and packaging is basic and not bad.Still, these sound great for the money and I especially like listening to old soul and rock on them. 'Etta James - At Last' or 'The Who - Eminence Front' sounds particularly great 🤖👍After taking everything into consideration I'd recommend them to someone using them at a desk with a bit of amplification where sweating and degradation of the earpads is going to be minimal and system wide EQ can be applied 👌