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Audeze Maxwell 2 vs Harmonicdyne Poseidon: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Audeze Maxwell 2 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Audeze Maxwell 2 - Outstanding overall at around $329.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Audeze Maxwell 2 leads on 6 of 6 measures.

  • Audeze Maxwell 2
  • Harmonicdyne Poseidon
HearWiki score
88
67
Sound
9.5
7.8
Battery
9.5
-
Calls
9.0
-
Value
7.5
4.2
Price (USD)
$330
$330

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Audeze Maxwell 2 is 5 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Audeze Maxwell 2 adds USB-C. For 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Maxwell 220265 yr newer
  • Poseidon2021
What differsMaxwell 2Poseidon

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

Maxwell 2Poseidon
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$330
$330
HearWiki score
88
67
Released
2026
2021
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
90 mm planar magnetic
50 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
90 mm
50 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
10 Hz - 50 kHz
10 Hz - 40 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
-
64 Ω
Sensitivity
-
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LC3, LC3plus, LDAC
-
Multipoint pairing
Yes
-
Battery life
80 h
-
Battery life (ANC on)
35 h
-
Full charge time
120 min
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
-
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Custom EQ
Yes
-
Wear detection
No
-
Controls
buttons
-
Weight
560 g
380 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
No
Connector
-
6.35 mm
Balanced connection
-
Yes
Microphones
2
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
AI ENC
-

What reviewers said

Audeze Maxwell 2

No summary yet - we haven't aggregated enough reviews.

Harmonicdyne Poseidon

The Harmonicdyne Poseidon is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone featuring a 50 mm nickel-coated dynamic driver aimed at delivering clear, low-distortion sound with a neutral signature. Its 64-ohm impedance and 103 dB sensitivity allow it to work well with portable sources, while the detachable cable and included balanced option add versatility. With a solid build, comfortable fit, and generous accessories, it presents strong value in its price range.

  • Pro:Clean, neutral sound with high clarity
  • Pro:Sturdy and attractive open-back construction
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound and lets in noise
  • Con:Requires some power for optimal performance
  • Con:Limited to wired connection only

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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