SJY Zeph Review: Flippable Earpads Offer Two Sound Signatures
Wired's review highlights the SJY Zeph open-back planar magnetic headphones, which stand out for their flippable earpads that let users change the sound signature. The handmade, minimalist design weighs 570 grams and is praised for its detailed, natural sound.
The SJY Zeph open-back planar magnetic headphones have been reviewed by Wired, and they come with a unique twist: flippable earpads. Depending on whether the holes in the pads face forward or backward, the audio response changes. The reviewer notes that the difference is subtle but audible, and she prefers the warmer, more natural sound when the holes are at the front.
Design-wise, the headphones are minimalist, with few parts held rigidly to achieve sound purity. The aluminum chassis, diaphragm, and driver measure just a few millimeters, and the entire body attached to the pads is only as thick as a typical 2026 monthly magazine. They weigh 570 grams with cable, almost 40 percent more than AirPods Max. The package includes a padded case with foam protection and a braided cable.
Despite the heft, the reviewer says she has worn them consistently, mainly because of the detailed sound they deliver from hi-res FLAC files, making old songs sound new again. Flipping the pads gives a fresh listening experience.
SJY intentionally deviates from the Harman Curve, a common tuning guideline, and instead allows users to switch between two tunings by flipping the earpads. The company is an enthusiast brand founded by Jeffrey Yin in 2020, the day after his 18th birthday. All models are handmade in Houston, with four currently available and a fifth on the way. The reviewer concludes that these are as close to perfect as any headphones she has ever owned.
