NAMM 2020: Austrian Audio introduces the Hi-X55 and Hi-X50 headphones
Austrian Audio Hi-X55 headphones · Source: Austrian Audio
Austrian Audio Hi-X55 headphones · Source: Austrian Audio
Austrian Audio has announced that it will introduce its first headphones at NAMM 2020. The Hi-X55 and Hi-X50 are built around Austrian Audio’s 44 mm Hi-X driver. The Hi-X55 is a closed-back, over-ear design, while the Hi-X50 are on-ear, supra-aural headphones.
Austrian Audio Hi-X55 and Hi-X50 headphones
Austrian Audio was founded in 2017 by former employees of AKG’s Vienna office. The company has since made a mark with the OC18 and OC818 large-diaphragm condenser mics, the latter of which features a dual-capsule design and supports variable polar patterns via the innovative Polar Designer app. With the Hi-X55 and Hi-X50, the young company is making its entry into the professional headphone market, another AKG stronghold. Austrian Audio says that it strived to design the headphones to be “as comfortable as they are reliable and excellent-sounding”.
The over-ear Hi-X55 and on-ear Hi-X50 are based on a 44 mm driver. According to Austrian Audio, this proved to be the optimal size for the headphones, by “moving a lot of air” while eliminating wobbling of the diaphragm. The headphones feature a ring magnet system paired with a copper-clad aluminium voice coil, which reduces the moving mass and yields better impulse reaction, Austrian Audio claims. The three-ply membranes are designed to reduce undesired resonances, while a double acoustic wall ensures good damping, according to the company. Both models have in impedance of 25 Ohms.
Austrian Audio says that all critical components are made of metal, which should make the headphones last a while. The adjustable head-bow is designed to ensure comfort during long sessions. The earpads are user-replaceable. Both headphones feature detachable cables with 1/8″ to 1/4″ adapters. The headphones are made in Austria.
The Austrian Audio headphones feature a foldable design · Source: Austrian Audio
Price and availability
As of now, there’s no word on price yet, and we also don’t know when the Austrian Audio Hi-X55 and Hi-X50 headphones will begin shipping. But that should become clear once NAMM hits in a few days.
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