Zildjian ALCHEM-E ZXHP0022

The Zildjian ALCHEM-E sounds incredible, like hearing your music for the first time. But the vise-like grip and terrible call quality mean only dedicated listeners with smaller heads should apply.

What surprised us most was the soundstage. For a closed-back pair of cans, the ALCHEM-E throws a surprisingly wide and detailed image. In our database, the sound quality sits in the 87th percentile, which is one of the best on the market for this class. The personalized 'Perfect Tune' hearing map isn't just a gimmick either, it genuinely tailors the EQ to your ears and cleans up the mud in the low-mids. The ANC is effective, landing in the 85th percentile, but the real shocker was the call quality. It scored a dismal 39.7 out of 100, which is a real letdown for a set of headphones at this level. You'll sound like you're in a tin can.

The obvious fight is with the Sony WH-1000XM6 and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4. The Zildjian ALCHEM-E beats both on pure, unadulterated sound detail and has a more unique, premium build. But Sony and Sennheiser absolutely destroy the Zildjian on comfort and call quality. The MOMENTUM 4 is the king of all-day wear, and the XM6's transparency mode and mic performance are in a different league. If you're a drummer or an audiophile who prioritizes sound above all else, the Zildjian is a compelling choice. For everyone else, the Sony or Sennheiser are the smarter, more comfortable daily drivers.

The price is all over the map, with a wild spread from $329 to over $7,000 across vendors. Ignore the crazy high listings, those are just noise. At the low end around $329, you're getting a set of headphones with top-tier sound and ANC that can hang with the best from Sony and Sennheiser. If you can snag them at that price and they fit your head, it's a solid deal. Just don't pay a cent over $400.

Zildjian made their name crafting cymbals that drummers swear by, and now they've stepped into the headphone arena with the ALCHEM-E. The one thing to know? These sound fantastic. We're talking about the kind of detail that makes you rediscover your favorite albums, hearing little production flourishes you've missed for years. But they're not for everyone. The clamping force is no joke, and if you've got a bigger head, you're going to feel it after an hour. The design is bold and divisive, with a gold knob that some will love and others will want to hide. Still, for pure audio performance in this price bracket, Zildjian came to play.

If you're looking for an all-purpose travel or office headphone, this isn't it. Go get the Sony WH-1000XM6 instead. The Zildjian's lack of a transparency mode, terrible mic for calls, and punishing fit for larger heads make it a non-starter for commuting or hopping on Zoom meetings.

The Zildjian ALCHEM-E is a brilliant first swing from a legendary company, but it's a specialist's tool. The sound is the star of the show, detailed and immersive in a way that will thrill drummers and critical listeners. But the punishing clamp force and abysmal call quality are deal-breakers for everyday use. If you have a smaller head and don't plan on taking calls, these are a sonic treat. For everyone else, there are more well-rounded options that won't give you a headache.