Phonon Initiates Fundraising Campaign to Revive its Acclaimed 4400 Headphones

Phonon 4400s, the acclaimed headphones favored by renowned DJs like Jeff Mills, Dixon, Âme, Laurent Garnier, and Carl Craig, may soon make a comeback. Initially released in 2018 and discontinued after two years, these headphones are highly regarded for their durability, lightweight design, and foldable nature. They feature the same 40mm driver found in Phonon’s SMB-02s, which are revered as professional-grade studio monitors and have been dubbed the “Holy Grail of headphones” by The New York Times.

Every pair of 4400s is meticulously tuned by Isao Kumano, Phonon’s president and a distinguished mastering engineer in Japan known for his exceptional sound system designs. These headphones, an upgraded version of the 4000s reviewed by Resident Advisor in 2016, are renowned for delivering clear, robust bass without any muddiness, making them particularly well-suited for club use.

To reintroduce the Phonon 4400s, a Kickstarter campaign was launched on May 28th, aiming to raise €26,679. Earlybird backers who pledge ¥19,000 (approximately €127) will secure a pair of 4400s at a discounted rate, about 30 percent lower than the retail price.

According to Phonon, the new 4400s feature a slightly enhanced design, offering improved durability and reduced weight compared to the original model. The Kickstarter campaign also provides other rewards, including discounted prices on the brand’s SMB-02 headphones.

The campaign will run until June 28th, and if the funding goal is met, backers can expect delivery of their headphones in December of this year.