In the ever-evolving landscape of professional audio equipment, new players emerge regularly, each vying for a spot in the fiercely competitive market. However, it's rare to encounter a brand that combines fresh innovation with deep-rooted expertise quite like Austrian Audio. For the record, I was not aware of them before this review. With the introduction of their Hi-X65 headphones, this relatively young company has made a bold statement in the realm of professional-grade audio monitoring equipment.
The professional audio world has long been dominated by established brands with decades of history. Names like Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, and AKG have been the go-to choices for studios and audiophiles alike. However, the audio industry, like many others, is not immune to disruption and innovation. The emergence of Austrian Audio represents a fascinating case study in how heritage and innovation can coalesce to create something truly noteworthy.
This review will delve deep into the Austrian Audio Hi-X65, a pair of open-back headphones designed primarily for mixing and mastering applications. We'll explore how these headphones stand up to the rigorous demands of professional audio work, examining everything from their technical specifications and build quality to their real-world performance in critical listening scenarios.
But before we dissect the product itself, it's crucial to understand the unique position Austrian Audio occupies in the industry. Born from the closure of AKG's Vienna offices, this company carries forward a legacy of audio excellence while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of what's possible in headphone design. This blend of experience and innovation sets the stage for a product that demands serious attention from audio professionals and enthusiasts alike.
As we progress through this review, we'll consider several key questions: How do the Hi-X65 headphones perform in professional audio applications? What distinguishes them from their competitors? And perhaps most importantly, do they live up to the high expectations set by their creators' pedigree?
Whether you're a seasoned audio engineer, a budding music producer, or simply an audiophile with a keen interest in high-fidelity sound reproduction, this comprehensive review aims to provide you with the insights needed to understand where the Austrian Audio Hi-X65 stands in the current landscape of professional headphones. Let's embark on this audio journey and discover what these headphones have to offer in a market that's always hungry for the next big innovation in sound.
The Hi-X65 is an open-back headphone designed primarily for mixing and mastering applications. The construction is robust yet lightweight, featuring a single-sided cable system with a 2.5mm bayonet connector on the left earcup. A noteworthy design choice is the internal wiring hidden within the earcups, reducing the risk of accidental damage.
The earcups are generously sized with thin-walled pads, accommodating most ear sizes comfortably. The cushions on both the headband and ear cups strike a balance between softness for comfort and firmness for a secure fit. However, some users may prefer thicker padding for extended listening sessions.
The Hi-X65 utilizes a 44mm dynamic driver, which Austrian Audio has determined to be the optimal size for maximum air movement while minimizing driver distortion. The driver employs a ring magnet and a copper-clad aluminum voice coil, reducing weight for responsive impulse action that doesn’t sound tingy or rough.
Quick tip: pair these with a solid DAC and amp. I used my trusty Schiit Modi and Magni stack - they're affordable and play nice with these headphones.
Bass Response: The Hi-X65 exhibits a slight sub-bass roll-off, typical of open-back dynamic drivers. The mid to upper-bass is more pronounced, offering a measured warmth with good attack and natural decay on percussive elements. While not suited for bass-heavy genres, the low-end reproduction is appropriate for critical listening and mixing tasks.
Midrange Performance: As expected from a headphone designed for mastering, the Hi-X65 aims for neutrality in the midrange. Vocals are presented with clarity and texture, while instruments such as pianos, flutes and guitars sound full-bodied and natural without exaggeration.
Treble Characteristics: The Hi-X65 features a pronounced but smooth treble lift above 5kHz. This emphasis aids in revealing fine details and allows harmonic overtones to shine through. Cymbal hits maintain their crystalline quality without becoming harsh or fatiguing.
The Hi-X65's revealing nature makes it an excellent tool for critical listening, mixing, and mastering applications. Its ability to highlight fine details in the audio spectrum allows engineers to identify and address issues in recordings accurately.
It's worth noting that these headphones benefit from a break-in period of approximately 10 hours in my opinion, after which the sound becomes more open and refined in my opinion.
While the Hi-X65 has a relatively low impedance of 25 Ω, it benefits significantly from proper amplification. For this review, a Schiit Modi DAC and Magni amplifier stack was used to test them, providing a cost-effective solution that complements the headphones well.
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The Austrian Audio Hi-X65 represents a significant achievement in the realm of professional audio equipment, successfully blending the heritage of its creators with innovative design and technology. As we've explored throughout this review, these headphones offer a compelling package for audio professionals and discerning enthusiasts alike.
The Hi-X65's standout feature is undoubtedly its sound quality. The headphones deliver exceptional clarity and detail across the frequency spectrum, with a particularly impressive midrange that allows for precise evaluation of vocal and instrumental elements. The slightly emphasized treble, while potentially fatiguing for some during extended sessions, proves invaluable for identifying and addressing issues in mixes and masters. This tuning choice clearly demonstrates Austrian Audio's commitment to creating a tool for professional use rather than a product aimed at casual listening.
In terms of build quality and design, the Hi-X65 showcases thoughtful engineering. The robust construction, coupled with user-friendly features like detachable cables and hidden internal wiring, speaks to the practical experience of the Austrian Audio team. While there's room for improvement in areas such as padding thickness, the overall design successfully balances durability with comfort for professional use, but I felt they could be more comfortable with thicker padding.
When considering the Hi-X65's position in the market, it's clear that Austrian Audio has created a product capable of competing with offerings from more established brands. The headphones' performance in critical listening scenarios puts them in the same league as respected models from companies like Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic, which is no small feat for a relatively new brand.
However, it's important to note that the Hi-X65 is not without its limitations. The bright signature may not appeal to all listeners, particularly those accustomed to a warmer sound profile. Additionally, while the headphones excel in professional applications, they may not be the ideal choice for casual music enjoyment or genres that heavily emphasize bass response.
Looking to the future, the Hi-X65 sets a high bar for Austrian Audio's subsequent products. It will be interesting to see how the company builds upon this foundation, potentially addressing minor criticisms while maintaining the core strengths that make the Hi-X65 stand out.
For audio professionals seeking a reliable tool for mixing and mastering, the Hi-X65 deserves serious consideration. Its revealing nature and precise sound reproduction make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize accuracy in their work. Enthusiasts who appreciate an analytical listening experience will also find much to love in these headphones, provided they understand and appreciate the design choices made for professional use.
In conclusion, the Austrian Audio Hi-X65 is more than just a new entrant in the professional headphone market; it's a testament to the potential of combining industry experience with fresh perspectives. It successfully honors the legacy of its creators while pushing forward with innovations that serve the needs of modern audio professionals. As Austrian Audio continues to establish itself in the industry, the Hi-X65 stands as a strong statement of intent and a product that can confidently compete with the best in its class.
While not without room for refinement, the Hi-X65 ultimately delivers on its promise of professional-grade performance. It serves as an exciting indicator of Austrian Audio's capabilities and leaves us eager to see what the company will produce next. For now, the Hi-X65 has earned its place as a worthy contender in the high-end professional headphone market, offering a unique blend of heritage, innovation, and performance that many audio professionals will find hard to resist.
