Snowsky Nature launched as $45 closed-back over-ear headphone

The Snowsky Nature was officially launched today (15) in international markets and mainland China. The new Nature is a closed-back over-ear headphone featuring a dynamic driver and priced below US$50. At nearly US$20 less than the JadeAudio JT1, Snowsky’s latest headphone aims to deliver exceptional value for money.

Nature promises a fatigue-free sound signature for hours of listening

The tuning of the Snowsky Nature was developed not only through the manufacturer’s internal testing but also with listening evaluations from nearly 1,000 everyday users. According to Snowsky, the goal was to achieve a “natural, fatigue-free sound signature.”

Featuring aluminum alloy yokes and ABS plastic ear cups with a wood-grain finish, the Nature is lightweight, weighing just 280 g. It also does not require a high-powered DAC/amp, thanks to its high sensitivity and low impedance.

Another noteworthy aspect is the Nature’s closed-back design. For listeners seeking stronger passive noise isolation, it may be an excellent alternative to open-back over-ear headphones such as the Philips SHP9500. Below are all the details about Snowsky’s new headphone.

The construction of the Snowsky Nature

Although the Snowsky Nature’s ear cups resemble real wood, they are made of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic. The use of ABS, combined with aluminum alloy yokes, contributes to the headphone’s lightweight design, resulting in a total weight of 280 g.

Replaceable ear pads and detachable cables

The Nature’s ear pads are made of premium synthetic leather. They feature a twist-and-lock mounting mechanism, allowing them to be removed simply by twisting and pulling. Other over-ear headphones from FiiO, the company behind Snowsky, offer replacement ear pads, and the same is expected for the Nature.

The Nature features a dual 3.5 mm TRS detachable cable system. According to the manufacturer, the headphone is compatible with balanced cables. The included cable terminates in a 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) TRRS plug and features an integrated microphone and in-line playback controls.

Users can also pair the Nature with FiiO’s LL-3.5A boom microphone cable, providing improved voice capture for gaming chats and work-related voice calls.

The comfort of the Snowsky Nature headband

Although the Nature is lightweight, its headband features only light padding. As a result, it remains to be seen whether Snowsky’s over-ear headphone will remain comfortable during extended listening sessions. In my opinion, it would have been preferable if the company had adopted the self-adjusting synthetic leather suspension headband used on the JadeAudio JT1.

Dynamic driver with a Japanese carbon black diaphragm

The Nature features a dynamic driver with a PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) diaphragm incorporating carbon black. While the PET provides a rigid structural foundation, the carbon black helps prevent heat buildup within the diaphragm. According to Snowsky, this combination results in lower distortion, deeper bass, and greater durability.

The manufacturer also states that the improvements extend beyond low-frequency performance. The headphone’s sound signature is further characterized by “smoother treble and a clean, natural sound.”

A headphone that does not require a powerful DAC/amp

The Nature has an impedance of only 24 ohms and a sensitivity of 101 dB/mW. Consequently, it does not require a high-output USB DAC/amp. For example, it can be easily driven by the FiiO BTR11, which features Bluetooth connectivity, a rear clip, and delivers 30 mW into 32 ohms.

A similar alternative: JadeAudio JT1

Like the Snowsky Nature, the JadeAudio JT1 is a closed-back headphone equipped with a dynamic driver. Its tuning was also developed with input from everyday users. In addition, the JT1 does not require a high-output DAC/amp. It remains to be seen whether the Nature and JT1 will exhibit similar frequency responses.

In terms of construction, the JT1 theoretically has an advantage thanks to its self-adjusting synthetic leather suspension headband. In my opinion, this type of headband is generally more comfortable than the side-adjustment mechanism used on the Nature.

Both the Nature and the JT1 feature replaceable ear pads and detachable cable systems, which should contribute to their long-term durability. However, there is nearly a US$20 price difference between the two models, with the Nature retailing for approximately US$45.

Snowsky Nature specifications

• Headphone type: Closed-back over-ear
• Colors: Black and Apricot
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
• Driver: 50 mm dynamic driver
• Impedance: 24 Ω @ 1 kHz
• Sensitivity: 101 dB/mW @ 1 kHz, 117 dB/Vrms @ 1 kHz
• Weight: 280 g (excluding cable)
• Cable conductor material: OFC (oxygen-free copper)
• Included cable length: 1.5 m
• Headphone connector: Dual 3.5 mm TRS
• Included cable plug: 3.5 mm TRRS

Release, pricing, and availability

The Snowsky Nature is now available internationally in Black and Apricot for US$44.40 through the official FiiO Store on AliExpress.