NAD Viso HP20 review

A fine set of in-ears from NAD and an easy listen Tested at £130

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A fine set of in-ears from NAD and an easy listen

Pros

  • +

    Refined sound

  • +

    Open soundstage

  • +

    Strong build

Cons

  • -

    Timing could be tighter

  • -

    Dynamics could be stronger

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

When we get kit from NAD, we tend to expect large boxes with stereo equipment inside. It’s a bit of a surprise, therefore, to find headphones in this one.

Build and design

Make sure you take care wearing these – they stick out of your ears a bit

Make sure you take care wearing these – they stick out of your ears a bit

A quick flick through our reviews history will find mostly encouraging results for NAD and we’re not disappointed with the Viso HP20 in-ears. These are aluminium bullets – solid and substantial.

They do stick out of your ears quite a bit, though. By contrast, the inline remote feels a little delicate. We do, however, like the flat cable, which promises to fight tangles.

Performance

Consider the NADs if you want a solidly built set of buds with refinement and an open soundstage

Consider the NADs if you want a solidly built set of buds with refinement and an open soundstage

The sound is lovely. It’s delicate and refined, and very detailed. There’s a good amount of weight to the delivery: substantial but not overbearing. If you’re a bass head, you may want to look elsewhere.

The soundstage is open and there’s a good sense of scale. The NAD Viso HP20 are a fine pair of in-ear headphones, with much to like. If there is a problem, it’s that the timing could be a bit tighter.

As it stands, the performance is an easy listen, but not particularly punchy or authoritative.

Verdict

These are good, but they need a little more sparkle if they want to justify that fifth star.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test

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