Zaylli LYRÖ: Portable Hi-Fi Open-Back Headphones Raise $170K on Kickstarter
Crowdfunding Analysis · · PledgeRadar Editorial
The Zaylli LYRÖ is an open-back, over-ear headphone designed for portable high-fidelity audio, featuring a physical knob that switches between two distinct acoustic profiles. One profile offers a neutral, monitoring-style sound, while the other enhances bass, allowing audiophiles to enjoy uncompromising sound quality whether commuting or at home. The LYRÖ campaign ran for 39 days on Kickstarter, ultimately raising $170,000 from 846 backers. The project team provided prototypes to several independent review outlets during the campaign, and reviewers generally praised the product's engineering maturity. The brand also proactively shared third-party standardized test data, a level of transparency rarely seen in crowdfunding audio projects. Headfonics' hands-on review noted that the LYRÖ, in both tuning modes, exhibited excellent detail, dynamics, and extension, with clean distortion control and powerful yet non-fatiguing bass. It remained comfortable for over 5 hours of continuous wear, with the only minor limitation being a slightly short headband that might require adjustment for users with larger heads. Shipping is projected to begin in April 2026.
Key Product Features
The LYRÖ's core differentiator is its mechanical knob, which alters the headphone's waveguide path and rear cavity structure to switch between two acoustic curves: DiffuseField and Zaylli On-Ear. The latter provides approximately +8dB of bass gain compared to the former, along with a smoother high-frequency response for a warmer, richer sound. The DiffuseField mode, conversely, maintains a more neutral and transparent sound signature with stronger vocal presence. The advantage of physical tuning over digital EQ lies in its more natural phase and harmonic characteristics, avoiding the latency and coloration introduced by DSP processing. The engineering challenge involves precisely integrating the mechanical switching mechanism with the acoustic cavity, ensuring consistency with each switch and long-term durability in mass production, which directly impacts the product's reputation.
The LYRÖ is equipped with a 40mm dynamic driver, featuring a bio-carbon nanofiber composite diaphragm, paired with a Japanese CCAW voice coil and N52 strong magnets. The brand claims a third-order harmonic distortion below 0.02%. This driver configuration represents a serious specification choice for portable headphones at the $169 early bird price point, and real-world measurements largely support the brand's distortion control claims. The diaphragm material's impact on high-frequency transient response and its long-term resilience are subtle variables that influence the overall user experience.
Weighing approximately 112 grams (without cables), the LYRÖ features a dual MMXC detachable cable design. The package includes both 3.5mm TRS and TRRS cables (with microphone), a carrying pouch, and a second headband. Its lightweight and foldable structure make the LYRÖ genuinely portable for daily use. While the open-back design provides a spacious soundstage, it inherently leads to sound leakage, which can be disruptive in public settings. This is a structural limitation of all open-back headphones, not a specific issue with the LYRÖ.
The ear pads utilize UltraVent™ breathable material, and the headband is made from food-grade silicone. The brand states it supports over 6 hours of continuous wear without significant heat buildup. Independent reviews have provided positive feedback on the breathable ear pads' performance, offering a noticeable comfort advantage compared to many similarly priced products that use PU leather. The ear pads are also available for separate purchase, which significantly contributes to extending the headphone's overall lifespan.
Zaylli is an emerging audio brand, with the LYRÖ being its debut product. The brand name combines concepts from Greek ('strength') and Arabic ('passion'). For a first product to present verifiable measurement data and withstand independent reviews is a relatively rare and positive signal in crowdfunding audio projects.
Market Landscape
The global headphone and earbud market is substantial, valued at approximately $71.5 billion in 2023 and projected to reach around $163.8 billion by 2030, representing a CAGR of approximately 11.4%. This market is primarily driven by TWS wireless earbuds and mainstream wired consumer headphones. However, audiophile-grade high-fidelity headphones operate within their own niche. The global Hi-Fi headphone market was estimated at around $1.446 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to approximately $2.796 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of about 7.6%. Users in this segment are less price-sensitive and exhibit high repurchase loyalty, willing to pay a premium for sound quality and specialized features.
In terms of competition, the open-back Hi-Fi headphone market has long been dominated by brands such as Sennheiser (HD600/HD650 series), HIFIMAN, Audeze, and Beyerdynamic. The top five global Hi-Fi headphone manufacturers collectively hold over 41% market share. Their core barriers to entry include years of established brand recognition, mature accessory ecosystems, and trust from professional review communities. Most flagship products from these brands are positioned for desktop/home use, tend to be larger, and often require an amplifier. The LYRÖ's differentiated entry point lies in its portability combined with physical dual-tuning. Currently, there are no established products on the market that integrate mechanical acoustic curve switching into a portable open-back headphone, leaving this specific niche objectively open. Its market risks stem from two factors: first, the sound leakage inherent in open-back designs limits its universality in public settings; second, as an emerging brand, building long-term trust within the Hi-Fi community requires continuous product iteration and community engagement, rather than relying solely on a single debut product.
Headfonics' hands-on review noted that the LYRÖ, in both tuning modes, exhibited excellent detail, dynamics, and extension, with clean distortion control and powerful yet non-fatiguing bass. It remained comfortable for over 5 hours of continuous wear.