RHA T20 in-ear headphones review

RHA T20 is the British company’s brand new flagship headset. The Hi-Res Audio-certified in-ear headphones feature an advanced DualCoil dynamic driver setup that sets them apart from their competitors.

As its model number suggests, RHA T20 sits above the already superb T10 in the manufacturer’s product range. Like the T10, the newcomer by Reid Heath Acoustics features a trio of interchangeable tuning filters.

RHA T20 features the same award-winning design and build quality as the T10i, which we have already reviewed, headed by metal injection moulded stainless steel construction. The only visual difference between the duo is the color of their cables - RHA T20 sports a black one, while the T10 totes a grey solution.

For a closer look at the design and the detailing of the RHA T20, head over to our review of the T10i. Following next, we will focus on the DualCoil driver of the headset, as well as its sonic performance.

Sound

RHA T20 features DualCoil dynamic drivers with frequency response that ranges 16 and 40,000Hz. Impedance and sensitivity are 16 Ohms and 90dB respectively, while the max power of the headset is rated at 2/5mW.

The DualCoil driver of the T20 headphones features proprietary RHA tech. The coils are placed in a concentric formation with a magnet, and attached to a diaphragm with an additional apex. As a result, the audio signal is separated as it reaches the driver - bass/low mid-range and treble/high mid-range are directed to the inner coil and the voice coils respectively.

The real-life sonic experience which the RHA T20 deliver is truly impressive. The headset delivers incredibly balanced sound throughout the frequency range regardless of the style of music you play.

Thanks to the DualCoil driver setup, the bass, treble and mid-range delivered by the T20 came out with detail and texture that few (if any) competitors can match. Overall, RHA’s latest offering punches well above its price range in the sound department.

Just like the RHA T10i, the T20 comes bundled with three sets of color-coded tuning filters. They include one reference set (in silver), another for enhanced bass response (in black), and third one (in copper) that focuses on treble.

The bass and the treble filters are tuned to enhance their respective range without eating into the mids. Check out the setup of each in the graphic below.

Each set of filters alters the frequency response of the T20 on a hardware level. Changing the filters requires you to unscrew them by hand. The process is quick and easy – there are no tools required. The filters are stored on a small stainless steel plate.

The reference filter is silver in color. As its name suggests, it offers balances sound across the range and I reckon that this will be the most often used setup. It delivers deep, but natural sounding bass and well sorted highs.

The bass-centric reference filters, as expected, soften up the low-range. However, it does not affect the mid and the treble section. I found this particular setup enjoyable for listening to today’s more popular tunes, as well as gaming and watching movies. The last two activities benefit greatly from the black filters.

The copper-colorer treble filters offer a perfect setup for acoustic music, as well as classical pieces. The high range becomes noticeably more vibrant and lively without losing any depth in the lows and the mid range.

It is important to note that, in order to truly experience the huge capabilities of the RHA T20, you will need quality music tracks with at least CD quality of higher. A dedicated mobile DAC is also recommended, though not necessarily mandatory.If you are planning to simply enjoy your run-of-the mill music streaming subscription, you will be better off with some of RHA’s cheaper headsets.

Wrap up

RHA T20 are the British manufacturer’s most capable headphones to date. They are superbly designed and built, as well as capable of producing an incredible sonic experience.

The above mentioned sonic experience is heavily dependent on the quality of the available content, which must include music tracks with CD or higher quality. If you are a casual listener of music streaming services or mp3 files, you should opt for one of RHA’s lesser models and save yourself some cash.

Speaking of cash, the RHA T20 headphones are priced at $239.95 in the company’s online store. A model with a built-in microphone and three-button remote will arrive in September with a small price premium in tow.

That’s hardly cheap, but nevertheless a fair price for the quality that’s on offer. The amount of bundled accessories with the headset is also class-leading, as is the mind-boggling three-year warranty. The latter is barely believable even in this price range.