Mirph Designs MIRPH-1 Review

The Mirph Designs MIRPH-1 is an open-back dynamic headphone that strikes an impressive balance between craftsmanship, comfort, and sonic performance, all wrapped in a strikingly unique design. Created by a dedicated one-man operation over the course of three years in Munich, Germany, the MIRPH-1 is the result of careful engineering and a passion for creating something both functional and beautiful.

Physically, the MIRPH-1 looks like what Grado might design in a slightly-altered universe with soft cups and a detachable cable. Its stainless steel and aluminum components are meticulously crafted, while the 3D-printed cup parts offer a modern touch without coming across as slapdash. The materials not only contribute to its premium feel but also ensure durability and longevity. The soft padding on the ear and head cushions provide a luxurious, comfortable fit, which is essential for long listening sessions. At 400g (440g with cable), it feels substantial but not overly heavy.

The 50mm dynamic drivers, made by Peerless and the metaphorical Belle of the ball for DIY headphone creators, are rated at 32 ohms impedance and 100 dB/mW sensitivity, making the headphones relatively easy to drive with most sources like the MASS-Kobo 475, Cayin RU7, and Chord Mojo2. Though not the most efficient of headphones, the MIRPH-1 isn’t overly demanding, and a quality source will bring out its full potential.

Sound-wise, the MIRPH-1 draws a distinct comparison to both the HD650 and HD800S, combining the warmth and musicality of the former with the wide, layered staging and crystal-clear highs of the latter. 

Tonally, these headphones present a warm and engaging sound signature with an impressive mid-bass punch and a tight, textured low-mid response. There’s a noticeable warmth bump in the upper-mids, which enhances the overall richness of the sound. The instrument separation is exceptional, making the MIRPH-1 well-suited for a broad range of genres, from acoustic to rock to electronic music. The treble is clear and detailed but never piercing, offering a smoothness that avoids fatigue. The broad and open mids carry great weight and body without tipping into shoutiness or bloating.

A great pairing is found when connected to well-regarded tube amps like the Woo Audio Tube MINI, which adds more low-end solidity and a lively richness to the sound. The MIRPH-1 scales beautifully with balanced sources and thoughtfully designed gear, of which you'll find plentiful options here at Mimic-Audio.com, pushing its already solid performance to new heights, all while maintaining a sense of clarity and refinement.

While the packaging and accessories may not be the most luxurious, the cable is a custom handmade braided design with 8 silver-plated copper strands and a 3.5mm plug, offering excellent durability and performance.

If you're looking for a headphone that excels in sound quality, design, and comfort, the MIRPH-1 is a fantastic option—especially with the added benefit of exclusive availability in the U.S. through Mimic Audio.

In conclusion, the Mirph Designs MIRPH-1 is a headphone for audiophiles and enthusiasts alike, with its well-balanced sound signature, robust build quality, and the passion of its creator evident in every detail. It’s an exciting, fresh entry into the high-performance headphone market, offering great value at $750.

(Measurements taken on a GRAS 45 CA professional ear simulator by Mirph Designs. Please note that these are raw figures and therefore are not supposed to look flat.)

Specifications at a glance:

* Type: open-back headphone
* Style: dynamic driver
* Drivers: 50mm Peerless dynamic driver
* Socket: dual 3.5mm stereo-jack, compatible with cables used by Focal, HiFiMan, and more
* Cable: custom handmade braided cable with 8 silver-plated copper strands
* Cable plug: 3.5mm
* Material: leather (headband), pleather and velour (earpads), aluminum and stainless steel (moving parts), industrial-grade tough resin (acoustical parts)
* Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
* Impedance: 32 ohms
* Sensitivity: 100 dB
* Sound Isolation (up to): 0 dB
* Cable length: 200cm
* Weight: 400g excluding cable, 440g including cable
* Price: $750