Loewe Challenges Focal and B&W with Premium Wireless Headphones

Explore how Loewe's new wireless headphones stack up against Focal and B&W in the high-end audio scene.

A Fresh Player in the Wireless Headphone Arena

If you're like me, always on the lookout for the next big thing in audio gear, Loewe Leo headphones debut is definitely a headline grabber. Known primarily for their premium televisions—which, fun fact, include models encased in concrete—this German brand has boldly stepped into the fiercely competitive world of high-end wireless over-ear headphones with the Loewe Leo.

What’s particularly exciting is that Loewe isn’t just dipping their toes in—they’re positioning the Leo as a "standalone hi-fi audio solution." That’s no small claim when you’re going head-to-head with giants like Apple, Bowers & Wilkins headphones, and Focal headphones. The price tag? Definitely premium, signaling Loewe’s ambition to play in the big leagues.

Sound Crafted with Precision

At the heart of the Leo headphones are 50mm drivers featuring diaphragms made from “olefin composite elastomer” (OCE), a material Loewe says is both lightweight and durable. This promises "superior sound" with crisp vocals, detailed highs, and smooth, controlled bass—qualities that any audiophile dreams about.

What truly sets these apart is support for high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz playback via the LC3+ codec. Plus, you can tailor the sound to your unique hearing profile with the Mimi Sound Personalisation test built into the Loewe app. Having tried Mimi before, I can vouch for how it fine-tunes your listening experience by running a series of auditory tests—making every note feel personalized.

Tech Features That Impress

Let’s talk connectivity and smart features. These headphones come equipped with Bluetooth LE Audio, spatial audio powered by Dolby Atmos, and multipoint pairing so you can connect to multiple devices seamlessly. How cool is that?

Even more intriguing is the AI-driven live translation feature. It’s certainly a bold move to throw down the gauntlet against Apple’s highly promoted live translation on the AirPods Pro 3, which uses Apple Intelligence. I’m genuinely curious about how Loewe’s interpretation will perform in real-world conversations.

For those who crave peace and quiet, the Leo offers adaptive active noise cancellation that automatically adjusts to your environment in real time. Battery life is also impressive—up to 65 hours with ANC switched off. That means you can truly go days without reaching for the charger.

Physical controls are thoughtfully integrated, including a tactile rotary wheel control encircling the earcup and a USB-C port. The package includes two cables: USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm audio, so wired listening without quality loss is presumably possible—though Loewe has yet to confirm this officially.

Sustainability Meets Luxury

What I appreciate most as a fan of long-lasting gear is Loewe’s focus on sustainability. The headphones are designed so that components can be repaired, replaced, or upgraded to keep them going strong for years to come. This eco-conscious approach aligns with the premium feel brought by their anodized aluminum frame and natural leather ear cushions. Plus, the headphones fold neatly and come with a protective carrying case—because luxury is also about convenience.

Positioned Among the Giants

The Loewe Leo headphones come in two stunning finishes: Midnight Blue and Moonlight Beige. Priced at roughly $1,900 USD, they enter a rarefied air beyond the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and Apple AirPods Max. However, the stiffest competition arguably comes from two other high-caliber contenders: the excellent Focal Bathys Mg around $1,450 and the stunning T+A Solitaire T priced near $1,750.

Clearly, Loewe is aiming for the summit with its first wireless headphone venture. I’m eagerly awaiting a chance to test a review unit and see if they deliver on their lofty promises.

Loewe enters the wireless headphone market with a bold move to challenge established premium brands.

FAQ

• What materials are used in Loewe Leo headphones’ drivers?
  They feature 50mm drivers with diaphragms made from olefin composite elastomer (OCE), a lightweight and durable material for excellent sound quality.
• Can the sound be personalized on the Loewe Leo?
  Yes! Using the Mimi Sound Personalisation test in the Loewe app, you can customize sound to your specific hearing profile.
• Do the Loewe Leo headphones support wired listening?
  They include USB-C to 3.5mm and USB-C to USB-C cables, suggesting wired listening is possible, though official confirmation is pending.
• What is the battery life like on these headphones?
  Up to 65 hours of playback with active noise cancellation turned off, which is quite impressive for wireless headphones.
• What colors are available for the Loewe Leo?
  The headphones come in Midnight Blue and Moonlight Beige finishes.

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