RHA may not be the most known company within the US, but their mission of delivering good quality at a low price-point is shown in their CA200 over-ear headphones. Coming in at 30 dollars, this is the base-line offering from RHA. Although it is impressive for the price point, there is a little more to be wanted.
Specifications
- Driver: 40 mm Mylar
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 113 dB
- Impedance: 32 ohms
In the Box
- RHA CA200 Headphones
- Headphone Cable
Design
The CA200s are offered in two different flavors, black and white. They offer a glossy plastic body that has a nice glare to it and is attractive overall. Their small body doesn’t make them look obtrusive or flamboyant. However, they remain beautiful in their own way from a distance. Up close, you’ll find that the glossy surface becomes a fingerprint magnet. A single strip goes around the entire headband leading up to the RHA branding on either edge of it. The entire design is flashy, but also subtle at the same time. Overall though, I’m very pleased with the overall design.
Audio
These RHAs offer a classic V-shape in terms of sound signature. The bass and treble is boosted while the mids remain warm with a bit of sweetness. It’s not tuned to perfection, but it is still enjoyable nonetheless.
Bass
Mids
Highs
The high end has a well-controlled, soft sparkle to it. It extends well into the higher octaves without problem. That said, energy is at an all time high with these, but still remains fatiguing. Sibilance is nowhere to be heard. There is a slight loss of micro-detailing though. Clarity is good throughout, as is separation. Overall, the highs aren’t fatiguing, despite being boosted, and actually are an overall joy to listen to.
Build
If I were to name one part of the headphones that was disappointing, it would have to be the build. Even at 30 dollars, I’ve seen headphones with build quality light years ahead of the CA200s. No case or pouch is provided which leaves them even further vulnerable.
Outside the padding, everything on these is plastic. The plastic doesn’t have a quality feel to it and actually feels a little fragile. The hinges and sliders are all matted plastic. Basically, the housings are light, but don’t feel strong by any means, which does give me a scare.
The headband is made of the same plastic that is used in the housing. Once again, weaker, not the strongest I’ve used by any means. There is a good flexibility to the headband which helps a little bit. Like the housings, the word fragile is all I can think with these. They aren’t a piece of glass, but feel very weak nonetheless.
The cable does give the build a big step up. The cable itself is a thinner, but strong, braided cable. Tangling is non-existent with them as well, always a plus there. Although I’d rather it be a little stiffer, it’s still tough enough to last.
The headphone jack and connectors bring it back down. The straight connector is small, and doesn’t have that quality feel to it. The strain reliefs are tiny in size, and look as if they tear a little easily. They are flexible, but offer no resistance to movement. The jacks themselves are gold plated which helps fight corrosion.
Comfort
Value
These headphones can be had for 30 dollars on Amazon (through RHA). For the price, they offer a stellar sound, excellent comfort, and a flashy design that is a bit above its price range. The build is what turns me away from these though as it’s an Achilles heal, and a bad one at that. If you can get through that though, the rest of the package remains strong.