Last week the Flathead Sanctuary server on Discord was buzzing like a beehive — Flathead Audio’s new STUDIO and Pear flathead earbud models were finally expected to appear on the AliExpress marketplace. After the successful debut of the FH-01, the flathead earbud community had been eagerly awaiting these new releases, which Tom from Flathead Audio (an active member of that server) had mentioned more than once. A few lucky people had even already heard a prototype of the STUDIO and were pretty impressed by it. For several days, the server was flooded with memes about the unbearable wait — until the earbuds finally became available to buyers on July 24.

Both models use MMCX connectors and 15.4 mm 32Ω dynamic drivers, but that’s probably where their similarities end. Featuring LCP drivers and metal shells, STUDIO is presented as a studio-grade earbud built for accuracy – clear, clean, and studio-grade earbud while Pear is the more bass-heavy option, featuring PU + PEEK diaphragm drivers and shells made from natural Asian pear wood.

Flathead Audio STUDIO - studio-grade earbuds

Boths sets are limited in quantity and are not to be re-released once sold out. There are only 200 sets of Pear available and 1000 STUDIO sets, which feature unique IDs printed on the shells. If it turns out these earbuds deliver excellent sound quality, they could also appeal to collectors thanks to their very limited production run.

Judging by the photos published by the Flathead Audio, each set comes with an unusually generous selection of accessories. In the box, you’ll find not only the chosen cable, a cable clip, a carrying case, and several pairs of foam pads, but also a few different silicone covers and rings — plus a branded keychain that doubles as a tool for safely disconnecting the MMCX connector. And that’s not all: the first few hundred customers will also receive an exclusive gift — a unique pair of “flatsocks”.

The pricing differs based on cable terminations. Buyers can choose from unbalanced 3.5mm, 4.4mm balanced, and USB Type-C cables, with the latter featuring a CX31993 digital-to-analog converter, thus making it the most expensive option. It’s worth noting that the USB cable was developed in collaboration with BGVP — a well-known Chinese audio company that specializes in manufacturing of earphones, and audio cables.

I couldn’t resist and placed an early order for the STUDIO with the USB cable option. First impressions coming soon.