écoute Headphones Land Downunder as Advance Audio Secures Distribution
Advance Audio Australia has taken on local distribution for San Francisco headphone maker écoute, marking the brand’s first formal entry into the Australian market.
The company made an unusual debut in 2023 when its TH1 headphone launched on Kickstarter and went on to attract more than US$200,000 in pledges, over twenty times its original target.
écoute describes the TH1 as the first and only headphone to combine dual-mono amplification with a built-in vacuum tube preamp stage. The design centres on a reference-grade DAC capable of up to 32-bit/384kHz playback, paired with one discrete Class AB analogue amplifier per channel. The dual-valve preamp introduces a dose of tube character, with the brand pitching the sound as a blend of clarity, separation, and midrange warmth.
The feature set extends well beyond pure audio focus. The TH1 includes an in-built microphone, support for voice assistants and active noise cancelling with a transparency mode that lets external sound in when required. Connectivity features Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC and AAC, a USB-C digital input, and a 3.5mm analogue jack that can operate in either active mode via the internal amplifiers or passive mode when paired with an external amplifier.
écoute also offers a firmware-level tuning system through its companion app, allowing users to alter the headphone’s voicing at DSP level rather than via conventional EQ.
Advance Audio says the decision to bring écoute to Australia was an easy one. Product Manager Darren Lawrence told StereoNET:
The product is unique within the headphone space, and its build quality, design, and world-first technology make it a perfect fit within our portfolio. The brand appeals to both audiophile and lifestyle customers, and we look forward to working with écoute and seeing what innovations come next.
The écoute TH1 is priced at A$1,595 and is available now in Satin Aluminium or Gunmetal finishes from authorised retailers. Look out for StereoNET’s review of the TH1 coming soon!
For more information visit écoute
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Jason Sexton
Jason joined StereoNET in 2025 and now serves as ANZ Editor, bringing decades of experience in marketing, brand development, and specialist hi-fi retail. His listener-first approach delivers grounded insights that cut through the noise. Outside audio, he’s into cars, trail riding, 80s nostalgia, and guitar.
Posted in: Headphones | Industry
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