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Average Price: $280

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$100

$301+

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Description

Designed for audiophiles and professional musicians alike, the PHONON SMB-02 Headphones deliver an unparalleled listening experience with their proprietary tuned drivers, providing exceptional clarity across a wide frequency range. These headphones are the result of meticulous Japanese craftsmanship, ensuring a build quality that meets the needs of studio engineers and discerning music lovers.

The SMB-02 model is celebrated for its ability to reproduce sound with high fidelity, making it ideal for both studio monitoring and casual listening. Its closed-back design offers superior sound isolation, allowing you to immerse yourself in your music without external distractions. The comfortable ear pads and adjustable headband ensure a snug fit for extended use, whether you're mixing tracks in the studio or enjoying your favorite playlist at home.

Engineered to provide a rich and balanced sound profile, the PHONON SMB-02 headphones are equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers, which deliver deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. This makes them versatile enough to handle a wide range of musical genres with precision. The lightweight design and durable construction make these headphones a reliable companion for travel or daily use.

Key Features:

  • Proprietary tuned drivers for exceptional sound clarity
  • 40mm dynamic drivers for a balanced sound profile
  • Closed-back design for superior sound isolation
  • Adjustable headband and comfortable ear pads for extended wear
  • High-quality build with meticulous Japanese craftsmanship
  • Ideal for both studio monitoring and casual listening

FAQs

Are the PHONON SMB-02 headphones suitable for mixing and mastering?

Yes, the PHONON SMB-02 headphones are designed for professional studio use, offering a flat frequency response ideal for accurate mixing and mastering.

What is the sound signature of the PHONON SMB-02 headphones?

The PHONON SMB-02 headphones provide a balanced and detailed sound signature, emphasizing clarity and precision across all frequencies, making them suitable for critical listening.

Are the PHONON SMB-02 headphones comfortable for long studio sessions?

The PHONON SMB-02 headphones feature a lightweight design with soft ear pads, providing comfort for extended use during long studio sessions.

Do the PHONON SMB-02 headphones require an amplifier?

The PHONON SMB-02 headphones have a low impedance, allowing them to be driven effectively without an external amplifier, although using one can enhance sound quality.

How well do the PHONON SMB-02 headphones isolate external noise?

The PHONON SMB-02 headphones offer good passive noise isolation, reducing ambient sound effectively for focused studio work.

Marco Perani

Marco Perani

Phonon SMB-02

Video thumbnail for Phonon SMB-02 by Marco Perani

Phonon SMB-02

Marco Perani

Marco Perani

Video thumbnail for Обзор наушников Phonon SMB-02 by PROEKTOR “Hi-Fi” GROUP

Обзор наушников Phonon SMB-02

PROEKTOR “Hi-Fi” GROUP

PROEKTOR “Hi-Fi” GROUP

Video thumbnail for Phonon SMB-02 Headphone Review - A replacement for studio monitors? by Passion for Sound

Phonon SMB-02 Headphone Review - A replacement for studio monitors?

Passion for Sound

Passion for Sound

Video thumbnail for Studio Headphones 2020 | Phonon SMB-02 Review by JDubb

Studio Headphones 2020 | Phonon SMB-02 Review

JDubb

JDubb

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PHONON SMB-02 Headphones.

Comparisons

  • The Phonon SMB-02 headphones offer smoother treble and a more refined sound compared to the AKG K712 Pro.

    Source
  • Consider alternatives like the Beyerdynamic DT250-250ohm, Sony CD900ST, and Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 when evaluating headphones in this price range.

    Source
  • Phonon 4000s, using the same driver as the SMB-02, offer a massive soundstage and punchy, clear highs, influencing one user to replace their ATH-M50s.

    Source
  • The Phonon 4000s' unique sound quality prompts a comparison with familiar Sennheiser models, highlighting their distinct audio coloration.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Phonon SMB-02 headphones have a balanced sound with a small bass bump between 50-80Hz, and a slight roll-off in sub-bass, providing good treble extension.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading to Yaxi pads enhances the Phonon SMB-02, contributing to their balanced and detailed sound profile.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the sound as non-transparent, significantly coloring audio, which some find unique and engaging for listening.

    Source
  • The soundstage of the Phonon 4000s, despite being closed-back, rivals some open-back models like the Sennheiser HD480s in its expansive presentation.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Phonon SMB-02 Headphones

tonepublications.com

The Phonon SMB-02 headphones offer an impressive, expansive soundstage and natural audio quality, even with basic MP3 files. They're easy to drive with smartphones and tablets, making them accessible for personal listening without needing a dedicated amp. While they lack the ultimate resolution of pricier models like Sennheiser HD800, they excel in even tonality across genres, with solid bass and smooth highs. At $350, they feel more luxurious than their price suggests, providing excellent sound for the cost. Ideal for both casual and audiophile listeners, these headphones are a top choice for those seeking versatile, high-quality audio.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dusky uses PHONON SMB-02 Headphones

Dusky

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Dusky post a photo to Instagram of their Phonon SMB-02 Headphones. "Been waiting 3 months for these bad boys from Japan" (posted Oct 2013)

See how Mark De Clive-Lowe uses PHONON SMB-02 Headphones

Mark De Clive-Lowe

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

"Shout out to @phononinc @alexfromtokyo for hooking me up with a great new pair of studio monitoring headphones. Enjoying these a lot thanks! :) #phonon"

See how Ethyl & Flori uses PHONON SMB-02 Headphones

Ethyl & Flori

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Verified via Attack Magazine

7th picture in this interview. PHONON SMB-02 HEADPHONES "Hands down the best headphones I’ve used. I got a friend to get them for me direct from just outside of Tokyo. I DJ with these too."

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use PHONON SMB-02 Headphones, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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