Why wait for new headphone releases when you can build your own?
For those who love both DIY projects and high-quality audio, 3D-printed headphones can be a great creative outlet.
These projects offer a special blend of new ideas and real-world use. And, you don’t even need to come up with your own design!
Whether you want headphones with parts you can swap out, built-in amps, or ones made just for specific uses, you can find a lot of open source designs out there. The best part? They often cost a lot less than store-bought options.
Here are five amazing 3D-printed headphones every DIY audiophile should think about making.
1. Variable Openmod Part 2
As the name suggests, Armored_Soul’s Variable Openmod Part 2 improves on the success of the first version in many ways.
The original was made to be super modular, work with 40-52mm drivers, and be easy to put together and change.
But, this Part 2 is even better.
Compared to that, these headphones can work with 42 mm, 60 mm, and 70 mm drivers for better versatility. The new headband also fits perfectly with the Static Series headphones, so you can easily make them more comfortable if you want to.
Plus, these DIY headphones only PETG and TPU filaments and 10 screws, making the assembly and customization a breeze.
But how do they sound? Here’s what one user says:
“You can build them for 40 bucks if you have a 3D printer. They sound good. I would say they compare to headphones in the 150 to 250 price range soundwise.”
“They definitely sound better than my DT770 Pros, tho EQ-ing them is highly recommended. They sound wider and more detailed than some Bower and Wilkins PX7 SE2 or PX8 but are not as balanced and pronounced when it comes to the 250hz bass region.”
2. Head(amame) Headphones
Head(amame) headphones are something that we have actually tried.
These headphones use the Peerless by Tymphany 40mm drivers that produce excellent sound quality, while the closed-back design offers optimal sound isolation.
Aside from that, the Head(amame) headphones also have unique fill pattern inside the ear cups. This dampens sound and evens out the tuning without needing extra materials, so every set sounds the same.
To give you a better idea, we compared it with the Meze 99 Classics.
Long story short, the head(amame) headphones really offer a distinct listening experience. They have a more open, relaxed sound with tighter bass than the close, in-your-head feel of the Meze 99 Classics.
As for the comfort, the unique single-piece headband feature notches that hold the ear cups in place. Using this, the cups can slide through indents and be secured by a printed spring piece with a rubber bumper. As such, adjusting the fit is a breeze.
3. Ploopy Headphones
For those who refuse to settle for anything less than exceptional sound quality, Ploopy Headphones are an absolute must-try.
With a DAC, amp, and EQ all built in, these headphones sound incredibly clear, which is hard to find in 3D-printed headphones.
The PCM3060 audio codec can handle up to 192kHz sampling and 24-bit audio, so every little detail of your music comes through. And with the RP2040 controller, you can adjust your listening with up to fifteen digital filters.
If that’s not enough, you can further tune the EQ using the open-source Headphones Toolbox GUI, which provides an intuitive interface for sound shaping.
Ploopy Headphones are made mostly for desktop use and need USB power, so they’re not the best for listening on the go.
But if you’re a fan of the Harman Target curve, you can easily let that go. These headphones closely adhere to it, with only a 0.66 dB difference.
4. Tofty’s Audiobook Headphones
Tofty’s Audiobook Headphones are perfect for audiobook lovers seeking a dedicated listening device. These open-back headphones have a built-in MP3 player that runs on a DFPlayer Mini board and a microSD card, so you can leave your phone at home.
To complement that, they also have a huge 3.4Ah lithium-ion 18650 battery that lasts for days of playback. And when it’s time to recharge, the USB-C charging/discharge protection board makes it a breeze.
As for the design and functionality, here are their other features:
- Crafted from Eryone’s Dark Brown Wood and Silk Copper filaments for a unique design
- 40mm Peerless drivers for clear sound
- DT770/990 and M50x type earpads for comfy listening
- Big, easy-to-use buttons on both sides for easy play/pause, power, volume, and skip functions
5. High-End Headphones With Angled Drivers
Another gem from the creator of the Variable Openmod, these headphones feature drivers angled at 15 degrees to align perfectly with your ears. The result? Enhanced sound quality that’s sure to impress.
Amored_Soul admits that the construction process is complex due to the angled driver placement, but the extra effort is well worth it. Multiple screw holes ensure secure construction and allow for versatile assembly options.
However, once you get past that, you can enjoy a lot of novel and sound-specific features.
But it’s the sound that really sets these headphones apart. High-quality biodynamic drivers and smart venting under the ear cups and pads stop the sound from getting squished and give you warm, detailed, balanced audio.
Comfort is also a top priority, as the angled design makes sure your ears never touch the drivers.