American Blue Microphones has entered the competitive Swedish headphone market. Their mid-priced headphones, Sadie, delivered a strong performance in our previous testing, and we approached our review of its successor, Ella, with considerable interest. Does this model justify its price point of approximately 8,000 SEK?
Ella employs magnetostatic technology, placing it within a select group of high-end headphones. (For more information, see our guide to magnetostatic technology). Magnetostatic drivers represent one of the most exclusive technologies available to consumers (electrostatic headphones exist, but typically involve prohibitive pricing and complex system requirements). This technology offers rapid and low-distortion sound reproduction and presents a more consistent impedance to amplifiers, minimizing strain and reducing the number of potentially failure-prone moving parts.
The build quality and fit are excellent, while the design exhibits a distinctive aesthetic.
Prior to continuing, we recommend reading our review of Blue Microphone Sadie, as Ella shares many similarities. This review will primarily focus on the areas where the two models diverge.
In terms of design, Ella mirrors its predecessor, Sadie, with the primary differences being the metallic silver finish (as opposed to black) and a slightly looser fit. Design opinions within our team varied. Some found Ella’s aesthetic to be modern and appealing, while others considered it less attractive, even resembling certain assistive devices. The headphone’s distinctive design and silver color certainly differentiate it from more conventional options.
Like Sadie, Ella is packaged with a premium carrying case, braided, tangle-resistant cables (USB-mini for charging, a 3m audio cable with a 3.5mm connector, a 1.2m audio cable with a hands-free kit for Apple devices, and a 1/4″ adapter for use with stationary amplifiers). It also includes Blue Microphones’ integrated analog amplifier (250mW), which features ON and ON+ modes to enhance the soundstage and bolster bass response, particularly in modern and older recordings. In Ella, engaging the amplifier’s ON mode not only improves sound quality but also reduces impedance from 50 to 10 ohms, increasing compatibility with a wider range of audio sources. However, Ella benefits most from a high-quality source with adequate power; otherwise, its maximum volume output may be lower than that of Sadie. Users prioritizing extreme volume levels on mobile devices may find the Sadie a more suitable choice.
Ella offers a slightly more relaxed fit than Sadie, while retaining the adjustable metal hinges and adaptable, closed-back earcups. The over-ear design and high-quality leather construction contribute to comfortable extended use, minimizing heat buildup. The weight of 481 grams is noticeable and may become a factor after approximately one hour of use.
Blue Microphone Ella: Sound Quality Analysis (please refer to our headphone testing methodology)
Like Sadie, Ella utilizes 50mm drivers. While the specified bass response does not extend as low as Sadie’s (20Hz-20,000kHz versus 15Hz-20,000kHz), the audible difference at the lowest frequencies is debatable for many listeners. In practice, Ella exhibits superior bass performance compared to Sadie, illustrating that manufacturer specifications do not always accurately reflect real-world sound. The bass response of Ella represents a significant improvement, although it may not deliver the absolute deepest sub-bass frequencies. While Sadie was not our top recommendation for hip-hop, Ella proved well-suited to Dr. Dre’s Animals, delivering bass that felt fast, full, and present. Ludacris’ Red Light District also exhibited improved performance compared to Sadie, although perhaps not to the same extent as some bass-heavy dynamic headphones.
The midrange and treble performance truly showcase the capabilities of magnetostatic technology, providing a listening experience that distinguishes itself. The sound is exceptionally clear, authentic, and high-resolution. Ryan Adams’ distinctive voice in Lucky Now gains an additional layer of natural reverb, enhancing the realism to the point where subtle nuances become apparent. Similarly, we found ourselves rediscovering Kent’s album Vapen & Ammunition (considered by many to be their best). Listening to Carolina Wallin Perez’s acoustic interpretation of Pärlor, the guitar strings resonated with clarity, complementing her voice and revealing atmospheric details previously unnoticed. Reggae also proved to be a surprisingly enjoyable genre with Ella; Bob Marley’s You Could Be Loved felt both vibrant and dynamic, conveying a sense of live performance.
In film scores, Steve Jablonsky’s My Name is Lincoln (from The Island) sounds particularly majestic. When used with well-mixed films such as the special edition Blu-ray release of Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element, Ella impresses with its clarity and precise soundstage. The taxi chase scene feels remarkably modern, highlighting the headphone’s ability to enhance well-produced soundtracks. While not the loudest in its class, Ella can be played at maximum volume without exhibiting any noticeable distortion, which is noteworthy.
Ella also integrates well with wireless gaming controllers, such as those used with the PS4 and Xbox One. The built-in amplifier ensures sufficient power for driving the headphones, conveying in-game audio with vibrancy and detail, whether it’s the orchestral score of The Witcher 3 or the electronic soundtrack of Wipeout: OMEGA Collection.
Conclusion
Blue Microphones has firmly established itself in the high-end headphone market with Ella. Magnetostatic technology delivers a distinctive sound signature, although it can also be perceived as overly “correct” or clinical. This technology carries a premium; Ella is currently priced between SEK 7,500 and 7,900, a considerable investment. Does the headphone justify its price? The answer is nuanced. While Ella does not offer twice the performance of Sadie for twice the cost, it represents an improvement across virtually every metric, including the crucial bass response. As with any high-end technology, incremental improvements come at a significant cost, and the pursuit of “the best” rarely aligns with the concept of “value for money.” The purchase of a luxury product is not typically driven by rational economics. Compared to its direct competitors, Ella offers a compelling price/performance ratio within the magnetostatic headphone category, where models can exceed SEK 10,000 (and dynamic headphones can reach SEK 15,000).
The Formula 1-inspired design is a matter of personal preference. Ella is neither the most discreet nor the most portable headphone on the market, nor is it particularly lightweight. However, finding a comparable headphone that delivers a similar level of sound quality for music, gaming, and film – particularly one that excels in delivering detailed midrange and exceptional clarity – may prove challenging at this price point. While deeper bass response and increased power output would be welcome, it is difficult to find significant fault with Blue Microphones’ Ella, which earns a place among our top-tier reference headphones.
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