The SJY Horizon Closed Carbon headphones promise a high-end closed-back listening experience, but do they deliver? This in-depth review delves into the design, comfort, sound quality, and overall performance of these striking headphones. We'll examine their build, including the hand-forged carbon fiber earcups and luxurious leather headband, and assess their weight, comfort, and fit for extended listening sessions. We'll also explore the included accessories and cable specifications.This review will meticulously analyze the Horizon's sound signature, comparing its performance to other prominent high-end closed-back and open-back headphones from brands like Dan Clark Audio, Meze Audio, and Aune. We’ll discuss its frequency response, bass, midrange, treble, and soundstage, determining its strengths and weaknesses against its competitors. Ultimately, we'll determine whether the SJY Horizon Closed Carbon justifies its place in the premium headphone market and if it's worth its price tag.
Pros And Cons
- Seriously one of the better headphones in its price range, especially in the closed-back category.
- Amazing bass response (one of the best closed-backs reviewed).
- One of the best voiced closed-back headphones reviewed, regardless of price.
- Incredible mid-range voicing.
- Good passive noise isolation.
- Easy to EQ.
- Very comfortable suspension strap.
- Easily removable pads.
- Excellent channel matching.
- Good balance of bass articulation and texture.
- High treble adds air and openness.
- Heavier than advertised (475g claimed, measured at over 580g with pads).
- Clamp force is light, sacrificing stability; may shift when head moves.
- Gold tips stand out visually (subjective).
- Upper treble has a bit of extra zing, may be too bright for some listeners.
- May not stay snug during activities involving head movement.
- Pressure on glasses may be felt due to weight (minimal with loose clamp).
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Weight and Build Quality
The SJY Horizon Closed Carbon is advertised as weighing 475g, but my measurements revealed a significantly higher weight of over 580g with the pads, and 491g without. This discrepancy is noteworthy, although the headphones remain comfortable despite their heft.
The headband is a comfortable suspension strap made of full-grain leather. The earcups are hand-forged carbon fiber with a satin finish, effectively hiding fingerprints and dust. The exposed aluminum rods and gold-tipped accents provide a unique aesthetic, though some might prefer an all-silver design.
Accessories and Cable
Included in the box is a carrying pouch made of a soft velour material with the SJY logo. A braided, shoelace-style nylon cable is also provided.
The cable features a 4.4mm balanced termination with a silver carbon fiber weave inside and a TRS connector on the other end, clearly marked with blue and red sleeves for left and right channel identification. The headphone itself also has clearly labeled posts on the headband for easy identification.
Comfort and Fit
Despite the weight, the clamp force is surprisingly light. This, combined with the comfortable earpads and suspension strap, results in a comfortable listening experience for extended periods when stationary.
The earpads have a multi-material design: real leather outer, breathable polyester inner, and perforated leatherette interior. The generous padding and oval-shaped design provide a comfortable fit for most ears, and glasses comfort is excellent, despite some pressure due to the weight.
Sound Quality and Measurements
The SJY Horizon Closed Carbon boasts a sensitivity of 90dB and an impedance of 11 ohms. While not incredibly sensitive, it benefits greatly from a powerful amplifier; it sounds significantly better with a strong amp than with a less powerful one.
Measurements reveal a warm sound signature with a noticeable bass lift around 80Hz. The mid-range tonality is exceptionally well-balanced and natural, even exceeding many open-back headphones. The high treble has some added zing, contributing to the headphone's sense of space and openness. Channel matching is excellent.
Comparisons with Other Headphones
Compared to the Dan Clark Audio headphones (NoIR and E3), the SJY Horizon Closed Carbon exhibits a warmer sound signature, with less forwardness in the upper mid-range. The NoIR X has slightly more sub-bass due to a tighter clamp, while the E3 provides superior technical performance overall.
In comparison to the Meze Audio Lyric 2, the Horizon offers smoother vocals and a more energetic presentation, whereas the Lyric 2 provides a more relaxed, intimate sound. The Aune SR7000, while having a good imaging, sounds more constrained and dampened than the Horizon. The Bokeh closed-back headphone offers a warm and emotional sound, ideal for relaxed listening.
Conclusion
The SJY Horizon Closed Carbon offers a compelling combination of comfort, build quality, and a surprisingly natural and detailed sound signature. While slightly heavier than advertised and benefitting from a powerful amplifier, its unique design, excellent mid-range, and easy EQ capabilities make it a strong contender in the high-end closed-back market.
Compared to other high-end headphones like the Dan Clark Audio NoIR, Meze Audio Lyric 2, Aune SR7000, and Bokeh, the SJY Horizon Closed Carbon carves its own niche with its remarkable mid-range tonality and energetic yet controlled presentation. The decision to purchase it depends on your preferences and priorities regarding sub-bass emphasis, treble brightness, and overall sonic character.