Remember the headphones with a built-in valve amp? They're back in a new and improved version

Date:
Fri, 23 Oct 2026 16:34:00 +0000

Description:
The coute TH2 are valve amp-toting headphones which build on their predecessors.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter coute unveil improved TH2 headphones Use valve pre-amps for analog sound They're not cheap! British audio brand coute no, not French, despite the name wowed us in January 2025 by sticking valve amps into headphones for a classy hi-fi appeal. And now
it's done it again, but apparently better.

The coute TH2 promise improved noise cancellation, a more comfortable fit, design tweaks to reduce chances of microphonic interference in the valves and, most importantly, improved sound quality. The brand hasn't changed the make-up of its cans, just made some adjustments and improvements. The new
cans use a redesigned resonance chamber to improve bass and reinforced shielding to avoid the interference with the analog valve design. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: Getting tubular (Image credit: coute) Despite being an older form of tech, valve amps are beloved amongst audiophiles because they're an analog form of amplification, giving a warm
and natural sound while offering loads of the perks of digital amplifiers. We've covered it before: valve amps sound better thanks to physics .

On most hi-fi pieces of kit, valves are large and fragile, but coute uses the smaller and lighter NuTube 6P1, so the tubes don't shatter as soon as you sneeze, and don't weigh too much. You may like Technics EAH-A1000 initial review: Technics just updated its superb EAH-A800 headphones, and I got them in advance here's my early verdict Audio-Technica just launched its first wireless open-back headphones Emo all grown up? Got yourself a bit of money? I've found your perfect designer Bose headphones, based on the 5-star QC
Ultra (Gen 2)

The coute TH2 connects via Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C and, of course, 3.5mm, and they even work with external amplifiers if you'd rather not use the tech you're paying for.

Another perk is that you can change the EQ and it applies to the DSP, instead of overlaying a blanket change, giving you the ability to make more nuanced changes to your sound. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.
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The catch? These aren't showing up on our list of the best cheap headphones any time soon. They sell for $999 / 999 / AU$1,446, and that's for the fabric band. Getting the leather option costs even more (1,099 in the UK, and I
can't find pricing elsewhere just yet) and both go on sale in November. The best noise cancelling headphones for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

Read our full guide to the best noise cancelling headphones 1. Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM6 2. Best mid-range: Bose QuietComfort Headphones 3. Best under $100/100: 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 4. Best under $60/50: Soundcore Q30 Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/wireless-headphones/remember-the-headphones-wi th-a-built-in-valve-amp-theres-a-new-version-with-improved-active-noise-cancel lation-and-better-protection-from-interference


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