Rode NTH-100 - Redefining Professional Headphone

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 99

  • @gigihanmandarin
    @gigihanmandarin 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I'd liked to see comparison between NTH100 vs AKG K361&K371

  • @mugenoesis
    @mugenoesis 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I really enjoy my set, I balanced them day one just because I wanted to use them on my liquid platinum. 90% of my choice to buy them was I loved the looks haha

    • @NoThemeReviews
      @NoThemeReviews  2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Lol. It is very interesting

    • @SPL1NGYDUDE
      @SPL1NGYDUDE 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      how do you get it to run on a balanced cable?

  • @johnellison3173
    @johnellison3173 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Perfectly timed. These have been receiving some serious hype lately.

  • @PastorwithoutaPulpit
    @PastorwithoutaPulpit 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    The standard Hart Audio cable with 3.5mm at the headphone end works perfectly well with the NTH100. I have a bunch of Hart Audio and Fog City headphone cables because I like their Mini XLR termination that makes the cable truly modular with their interconnects. I found Fog City cables when looking for an aftermarket cable for the Senn 560s and they have them. Their cables are compatible with the Hart Audio and together I've not found a set of headphones I couldn't find a replacement cable for.
    As far as the NTH100 goes I did and do enjoy them for the short time I had with them until the wife snagged them. The truth is they were an early Mother's Day present for her and she's extremely happy with them. They're are smaller in size to a lot of headphones while still being able to fit my fat head. The ear cups are smaller than many but still fit my large ears although they did contact them once my ear was inside the cup, my ears did not contact the driver at any point just a little at the back of the ear pad. For the wife and her smaller ears they were perfect according to her. She's tried many of the headphones in my collection such as the HD6XX, HD560s, HD58X, PC37 and PC38X, Hifiman HE4XX, HE4X, Phillips 6500/6900, Koss KPH30i, KPH40i, Phillips H2XR, Zeus and a few others. Out of all those different Cans she has decided she likes the NTH100 the best. She mainly watches TH-cam and listens to some music ranging from 80's - Modern Rock, Country, Country Rap and in general music from the 70's to current day. Thing is she does love them and to me that's all that matters because after 25 years+ I can state with total assurance that "Happy wife = Happy life" and I'm extremely lucky to have a good women who shares in my passion of all things Audio...

    • @NoThemeReviews
      @NoThemeReviews  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lol. The NTH is money well spent then.

  • @lordfunkatron9732
    @lordfunkatron9732 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I am always excited to see headphones in this price range. Hopefully it stays at $150

    • @garycard1826
      @garycard1826 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I bought these here in Canada for $199 plus Tax, Canadian. About $6 more than the conversion (XE currency) from $149 US.

    • @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885
      @voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 ปีที่แล้ว

      Just got the JVC HARX900 for $51. Way better deal.

    • @Ben-ic1ve
      @Ben-ic1ve ปีที่แล้ว

      Got them on sale for 150 CAD

  • @HiFiGOAudio
    @HiFiGOAudio 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Excellent review. Was kinda hoping for a comparison with AKG K371 and Sivga Robin though.

  • @Poludioskroz
    @Poludioskroz 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    5:27 how big are the earpads,measures please?

  • @CanditoTrainingHQ
    @CanditoTrainingHQ 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Your nit picking of marketing is strange. Youre mad when they dont market sound stage. Then complain at what is marketed. Look, we get it. Marketing is to hype a product. If your point is all companies market too hard, then its not a point worth making.
    Good review otherwise. Just a lot of wasted time about things that dont impact a consumer decision.

    • @NoThemeReviews
      @NoThemeReviews  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Marketing always affects consumer decisions. To say otherwise is VERY strange. The “nitpicking” you talk about is nowhere near even a substantial portion of my videos, just short comments highlighting the false info. That IS what a reviewer is supposed to do-point out the company’s nonsense. Just because TH-camrs don’t do it out of fear of losing $$$ doesn’t make it right.

  • @riveracollazo
    @riveracollazo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Blue and Rode make headphone designs that make a lot of big boy headphone companies designs seem boring.

    • @konna200
      @konna200 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Indeed the Exotic units from sure like a Arcanii in Rome Total War *Feels ;)

  • @UberSynth
    @UberSynth 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    ❗️ WARNING ❗️
    Don’t buy these headphones.
    They break VERY EASY on the opposite side of the locking knob. It’s just thin plastic holding the cup to the headband and it snaps easy. It’s happened to a lot of customers.

    • @jimis3167
      @jimis3167 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, indeed.

  • @robbys929
    @robbys929 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What do you think about using headphones designed for studio use for general listening? I am currently looking for a pair of closed backs to replace my hd6xxs because of its really poor noise isolation. Right now I'm looking at these or the dt 700 pro x.

    • @l04d83
      @l04d83 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yup, it works just as well. I used my old Sennheisers for music, YT and recording, and they still sounded good.

  • @adarshwhynot
    @adarshwhynot ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi, how do these compare with dt 900 pro x? Which is best for orchestral music and imaging?

    • @jimis3167
      @jimis3167 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      In my opinion, some Austrian Audio, x55, x65 or x60. I have x55.

  • @MichaelSidneyTimpson
    @MichaelSidneyTimpson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You should do the Mackie MC-450 now.

  • @michaelcorcoran8768
    @michaelcorcoran8768 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    There's been quite a few complaints on TH-cam and some reviews about a vulnerability in the headband leading to breakage. It's hard to know how reflective this is of the overall population, but if you encounter anything like this, please keep us posted.
    Edit: here is one video I saw, and there's a few Amazon comments with a similar complaint. th-cam.com/video/Ba3bX7taXXI/w-d-xo.html

    • @NoThemeReviews
      @NoThemeReviews  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I’ve been using these since I got ‘em. Haven’t run into any such issues.

    • @Narinjas
      @Narinjas 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      My pair of NTH-100 broke after a few months of use at the weak point in the locking mechanism, but it got replaced, since the company i bought from is outside my country, it took about a month to be replaced, but you get life time warranty for the locking component. The difference is the way bigger steel screw head, that should take the brunt of the stress now, instead of the plastic, but that remains to be seen. P.S. Z reviews discovered that you can improve these headphones by removing or reducing the thickness of the included filter, to regain that high end detail and granularity.

  • @chefsteve8381
    @chefsteve8381 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Just checked these out, didn't know they were made in australia. better support my home land and order some. thanks for great informative review.

  • @Poludioskroz
    @Poludioskroz 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Can you measure HxWxD of ear pads?

  • @e234darkrock
    @e234darkrock 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    How does it compare to the dt 700 pro x? I'm very interested in this new headset, but I already have dt 700, which I mostly use for games and music, like FF14. Can I buy him to have more different experiences?
    In addition, my biggest concern is whether the size of the ear pads will be too small~ Compared with the DT 700?

    • @NoThemeReviews
      @NoThemeReviews  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I compared the headphones in this review

    • @e234darkrock
      @e234darkrock 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@NoThemeReviews I'm so sorry for the stupid question~ I'll take a closer look at the video~~ Thanks a lot

  • @deadline7610
    @deadline7610 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nicely Done.
    Off topic question.
    What Dap with that nice green color case did you sport in the vid. ?
    Hopefully we'll hear about it soon :)

  • @iamwoteveriwanttobe
    @iamwoteveriwanttobe 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I really don't need these. I have the Austrian Audio HI-X65 and the Avantone Planar and I'm more than happy with them. Doesn't stop me being tempted though.

    • @sparella
      @sparella 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Nice. Which of the two is your favorite?

    • @iamwoteveriwanttobe
      @iamwoteveriwanttobe 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sparella I honestly can't pick. I enjoy listening to both equally. Not a very decisive answer I know.

  • @theodoroschronis2966
    @theodoroschronis2966 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    How about comparing them with the Austrian Audio X55?

  • @MoSchneider
    @MoSchneider 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I’ve been really excited about this review. I hope I have the opportunity to check them out soon.

  • @neandrewthal
    @neandrewthal 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    WTF I can't hear any footsteps in the first 60 seconds. But I can make out the quiet sounds a lot better on my ER2SE than I can with HD 800.

  • @ancientalien815
    @ancientalien815 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nice! These are waiting for me at home! Cant wait to check them out!

  • @konna200
    @konna200 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hmm i have had couple closed backs like the AKG K550 MK-III:s and Kingstons hyperx when they was released first time and i found that i cant wear like that AKG K550 just about 10-15min and my head and left ear is going to explode lol so this will be maybe the first closed back in long time that i can add to my "wishlist" :D Thank you for the explanation of that pressure and how you heard noises around you example that typing was very important thing to say at least! Excellent review! This kind of style is so professional that somebody who comes here first time please ffs look more videos for NTR and dont ask stupid questions about that and that if there is already INFO i know my taste and facts :D Thanks again! This format is killer! And sry for my english its not my native language!

  • @RokkitAudioKit
    @RokkitAudioKit 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You mentioned in your audio Technica review how you couldn’t tell if where the instruments were playing from above or below only side to side, I’m curious to know if you have come across a headphone yet that has excellent separation of sounds with a wide soundstage and are able to tell where sounds are coming from. I’m currently using the beyerdynamic 900 pro x with the Topping e50/L50 stack they sound awesome for competitive games but I need a headphone that doesn’t have as much base and more neutral. Pardon my bad english on audio I’m fairly new to this and have spent a lot of money trying to find the perfect audio for my gaming.

    • @NoThemeReviews
      @NoThemeReviews  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Austrian Audio Hi-x55/65. They are not neutral but they do provide a lot more detail and placement than any other headphone under $1000. The only rivals they have are the HD800s and Focal Clear.

    • @RokkitAudioKit
      @RokkitAudioKit 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@NoThemeReviews thank you, I will try these out 🍻

    • @kato2395
      @kato2395 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@RokkitAudioKit I can confirm that the e50 and l50 pairs really well with the Hi-X65, I tried the pairing myself. Very clear yet not lacking in sub bass and mid bass region at least to my ear.

  • @deafno
    @deafno 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    14:56 Sound stage is also dependent on your own ear structure.

  • @jekeydaniel7276
    @jekeydaniel7276 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks a lot for this! Both being closed cans, any chance you comparing this to the new Austrian Audio Hi-x60?

  • @fahryst
    @fahryst 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    For the first time I want to own a headphone for looks and materials.

    • @konna200
      @konna200 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same here looks so Hastati :D

  • @gigihanmandarin
    @gigihanmandarin 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Nice review. Rode kept sending review units to podcasters and the results are rubbish reviews after rubbish review with none of them actually talk about its sound quality. Your video, along with Z and Ryan Ho, are the only 3 reviews on YT which actually talk about its sound signatures. Thank you.

    • @tommyferraz3154
      @tommyferraz3154 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      DMS said on twitter he is working on a video about NTH-100 (already a week ago though hehe). He said "he likes them".

    • @chefsteve8381
      @chefsteve8381 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Zeos talk about sound ? Since when ?????

    • @jimgordon8376
      @jimgordon8376 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Eh...Zeos's "sound description" leaves much to be desired.

  • @Isaacthompson
    @Isaacthompson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for doing this review! Blessings

  • @murphy_boy
    @murphy_boy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi @No Theme Reviews. Thanks for your content. My subject is not relevant to your video but I am asking you because I’m fraustrated. I’m looking into Cayin products like iha-6, idac-6 mk2, idap-6 and ha-1a mk2. There are a lot of complaints and hype around these products that they are good on paper but not in real world or they are the greatest products of all time, especially idac-6 mk2 and idap-6. In your videos, in background, I see that you own the mentioned Cayin products(perhaps not the Idap-6). Hereby, I want to ask you kindly to review your Cayin products, please. You have done a great job clearing most of the hypes and bs around so many products. I think it’s time for Cayin to be put through your bs-detector. I should say that I have ordered iha-6, I’m waiting on ha-1a and looking into idac-6 mk2 and idap-6. Please 🙏 make it happen. Looking forward to your response. Sam
    PS: what are your thoughts on music streamers? Effective or bs? Do they really improve the sound quality compared with pc and mac(Mac mini)?

    • @NoThemeReviews
      @NoThemeReviews  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks for the suggestion, I'll think about doing a review for Cayin. As for streamers...their effectiveness depends entirely on your setup. If you use headphones, then streamers don't really make a lot of sense. It's cheaper to just get a DAP. If you use speakers, then a streamer might be helpful and might keep the clutter down. Streamers do not "improve" the sound, just like dacs and amps. If they have dac chips that are tuned a little differently, then you MIGHT hear a difference. But, depending on your recordings, it may not make any audible difference. If you listen to Spotify, then there's no point in getting an expensive dac. If you only have CDs or CD-quality digital files, what's the reason to get a dac with MQA or DSD?
      Anyway, the vast majority of audio gear is unnecessarily hyped. Dacs and amps (and streamers) aren't remotely as important as some people make them out to be.

  • @tacanacy
    @tacanacy ปีที่แล้ว

    What's the black thing in the bag with the 1/4" adapter and colorful rings?

  • @quasarlnine8272
    @quasarlnine8272 ปีที่แล้ว

    This headphone is mad heavy and uncomfortable. The sound is nice though but i sold it.

  • @justanothertreeonthenetwit3958
    @justanothertreeonthenetwit3958 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are pretty amusing, dude, at least to me, with all this stuff about the headphones.

  • @baccarah7010
    @baccarah7010 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Just checking in, I trust your reviews the most on the whole of youtube, this one is looking pretty good so far!
    Been looking out for a closed back in this price bracket because I want to use something quality but not deal with the leakage from my K712 or HD660S when I'm out and about.

  • @saadmh
    @saadmh 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Brilliant as always! What'd be a better pick: this or the Sivga 021 Robyn?

    • @JeradBenge
      @JeradBenge 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have both, and they are both very different. I use the NTH-100's during production, and the Sivga Robin's for relaxed listening. I would not recommend the Robin's for mixing, mastering, or critical listening, but they are enjoyable, and comfortable. The NTH-100's are a bit more comfortable, and definitely seal better for me. Rode will probably do a much better job at replacement parts availability down the road.

    • @saadmh
      @saadmh 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@JeradBenge Thanks a bunch for your insight! I'll probably end up getting the NTH-100's for now...

  • @cdotwu
    @cdotwu 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love your review style. So detailed and thorough.

  • @chesterp.1434
    @chesterp.1434 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great review. Covered everything.

  • @harackmw
    @harackmw 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm confused, so in your tests the imaging (seperation of tracks/instruments) was on another level, and sets it apart from a lot of other headphones, but in terms of actual detail retrieval it is just above average but nothing phenomenal. I wasn't expecting that. I guess at this price point there is no point complaining, but I was really hoping it would be a detail king as well and make owning anything below $1000 for detail/analytical headphones redundant.

    • @NoThemeReviews
      @NoThemeReviews  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      If you want detail, you’ll have to look at Austrian Audio

    • @harackmw
      @harackmw 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@NoThemeReviews yea, it seems so

    • @BlackthorneSoundandCinema
      @BlackthorneSoundandCinema 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I found the detail retrieval to be beyond what I expected or what was possible for the class they're in. Im impressed. I don't expect them to resolve like my LCD-X which reveal quite a bit of detail. The smaller the details get, the further away from the heart of the music they are. The Rode headphones have enough detail for listening enjoyment even though I'm aware what's being left unheard. Most non audio enthusiasts would probably be blown away by the detail they haven't heard before.

  • @RyuFelinshire
    @RyuFelinshire 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've been wanting to add a closed back to my collection for a while, and this is tempting. Comfort is very important to me. Been debating on the other closed-backs in this price range.

    • @oscarsanchez298
      @oscarsanchez298 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My brother got a set, and I tried them out. Just for reference, I use dt990 and fidelio's h2xr. I think once you got open back it's difficult to use closed backs. I notice the reflections too much, and closed backs sound like they are in a hollow room or something to me. The rode also had this problem. Additionaly, the space for you ears is a lot smaller that I thought it would be. Not a as comfortable as I had hoped. The sound is fairly nice thought and it really does push vocals quite a bit. Very detailed too. Agains, my main gripe is the comfort (i have medium/large ears) and the hollow closed back sound. You really start to notice the reflections inside the cup. Also the cable is very microphonic, and non standard. I was able to fit a regular 3.5mm cable with a really small jack shroud tho (included with another headphone i had purchased).

    • @RyuFelinshire
      @RyuFelinshire 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@oscarsanchez298 The smaller than you'd expect from pictures earcups is something I've seen in a couple reviews. Does have me a touch concerned.

    • @theripper121
      @theripper121 ปีที่แล้ว

      Just bought a set for myself and after unboxing I looked at the cups and thought oh boy this may not work too small. Slapped them on and they fit me just fine and I do not have tiny ears by any means. To me they are just as comfortable if not more so than my Fidelio X2's which are a quite comfortable set of headphones.

  • @volvvix
    @volvvix ปีที่แล้ว

    The adjustment broke on my pair but it's an easy fix a piece of plastic that separates the headband and the cup and a nut n bolt to hold it together

  • @FinPhysio
    @FinPhysio 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    My DT770 have elevated subbass, but they are 80 ohm version.

  • @jasper_north
    @jasper_north 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi there. I have my guitar plugged into an amp and now I need a headset to plug in so that I can practice silently. What headset do you recommend? Thank you

    • @NoThemeReviews
      @NoThemeReviews  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I don’t have a recommendation. You’ll have plenty of good options, so it just depends on your budget and what sound signature you want

  • @dawolyan13
    @dawolyan13 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Other than your wrong snide shots at Sennheiser, not a bad post.

  • @ubacow7109
    @ubacow7109 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    can no theme send those beats to crin to measure lol?

  • @garycard1826
    @garycard1826 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am unable to find the “New Life” track you mention for the “Footsteps” listening test. I heard you say “Kazuaki” Is this Kazuaki Tanahashi music? Are you able to direct me to where I can find this track., please?

  • @garycard1826
    @garycard1826 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am unable to find the “New Life” track you mention for the Footsteps listening test. I heard you say “Kazuaki” Is this Kazuaki Tanahashi music? Can you direct me to where I can find this track?

    • @NoThemeReviews
      @NoThemeReviews  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      th-cam.com/video/9lc2-Ae-4o4/w-d-xo.html

  • @EastPlanet
    @EastPlanet 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hmm... did Neumann offend you somehow?? Lol, okay so. I'm no audiophile, just someone who really enjoys making and listening to music. I've tried a lot of cans lately in order to replace my ATH-WS1100iS that are falling apart. Underrated headphone btw, shame it's discontinued. After returning DT 770's, my final round has been between NTH-100 and NDH 20. Keeping the winner, returning the loser.
    I wanna know just how different our headphones are. To me, the NDH 20 sound, without a shadow of a doubt, WIDER and more precise. Not only that, but the sub response is super deep (and deliciously powerful, almost too much really). More capable than the Rodes for certain. NDH 20's pick up and accentuate far more details than the Rodes, which still sound quite nice but are, imo, a bit washy and... murky.
    I'm curious as to why our comparisons of the two pairs are so vastly different. Because I trust you've done far more extensive testing than I, and I agreed with your comparison between NTH-100 and DT 770, but the Neumann's are a night and day difference. Is it possible yours are faulty? Or is it possible my Rodes are faulty? Both cases are extremely unlikely right?

    • @STAN_MAN94
      @STAN_MAN94 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      what is the price difference between the two tho? 😂 are the NDH 20s 3 times better sounding?

  • @Pawer8
    @Pawer8 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome review style. But can u speak slower? 😅

    • @NoThemeReviews
      @NoThemeReviews  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lol. I can try

    • @Pawer8
      @Pawer8 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@NoThemeReviews thanks. I had a hard time following all the letters and numbers when naming a bunch of headphones or specs.

  • @Hakku1403
    @Hakku1403 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    If you like hot ears after 15min, go and buy these. Good but not very good soundsignature, clarity and timbre, small earcups that will kiss and toast your ears.
    For me this is an overhyped plastic bomber headphone, by far

    • @Criiies
      @Criiies 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      :(

  • @robstivers1994
    @robstivers1994 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've just watched your review and it appears that you've missed something important. There's a little black rubber grommet in the ziplock bag with the colored clips. The cable can be plugged into either ear cup and that grommet must be fitted into the open jack on the side that isn't connected to the cable. This ensures correct bass reproduction and channel balance. You might want to revise this review with the grommet in place.

    • @NoThemeReviews
      @NoThemeReviews  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Rode's FAQ says this about the plug: "The rubber plug is for sealing the cable port that is not being used to prevent dirt and dust ingress and to ensure optimal acoustic performance." There's no evidence it does anything other than protect the plug. Rode doesn't even mention anywhere that the plug will have any impact on bass performance or "channel balance." Where did you get that idea?

    • @jimgordon8376
      @jimgordon8376 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Rob Stivers That's not a bass port. It's a simple audio jack input. Covering it up only prevents dust or particles from getting in, and has no effect on the sound.

    • @PastorwithoutaPulpit
      @PastorwithoutaPulpit 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@NoThemeReviews This might be where he got the idea from "and to ensure optimal acoustic performance." I'm not saying he's right just saying that may be where he got it from. So Rode does mention it if just in passing so to speak. I own this set and couldn't tell a difference Plug or no Plug but then again I didn't sit and listen for one. I have to admit I didn't read all the word salad they had for this set. Great review with honest opinions as always. I realize you've had some that have been shall we call it unkind recently but maybe ease up a bit in your replies as they come across as pretty harsh sometimes.

    • @robstivers1994
      @robstivers1994 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@NoThemeReviews I got the idea from solderdude's review at DIY-Audio-Heaven. Anyway... Beyerdynamic DT250's exhibit an audible problem with channel imbalance due to a poorly sealed cable entry, so it can and does happen. This problem is easily fixed with a DIY foam rubber gasket. Rode was kind enough to include one in the box. You said yourself that Rode says the plug is "to ensure optimal acoustic performance." If it doesn't make any difference, then it doesn't. Rode seems to suggest that it might. Maybe there's something to it? I dunno. I just thought you could try it and let us know if you noticed any improvement.