NAD has added a new on-ear model to its VISO headphone lineup. The HP30 ($229) uses ultra-low mass, high-excursion 40mm drivers and memory-foam earpads, and it is available in three finishes: red, white, and black. The included cable has a three-button multi-click function with microphone, and a neoprene travel case is included.

From NAD
NAD Electronics has announced another high-resolution model in their VISO Series, the HP30 on-ear headphone. The company's newest addition to the NAD headphone family, the VISO HP30 is a lightweight, folding, on-ear design for superb comfort, compact size and convenience for music lovers on-the-go.

The VISO HP30 ($229 MSRP) will come in a choice of stylish Red, White or Black gloss finishes and supplied with a neoprene travel case and Aircraft/Stereo Adapters. Black is shipping now, with White and Red finishes available in September.

With memory foam ear pads for both comfort and noise isolation, the VISO HP30 includes innovative RoomFeel technology for deep bass and an immersive, lifelike sonic experience. The headphone also features a convenient Apple three-button multi-click remote with microphone, so it can be enjoyed hands-free while multi-tasking or simply on-the-go. An extra stereo cord is included at no charge. Both cables are tangle-free, ribbon-style and detachable for quick changes and/or replacement.

Performance
At the heart of the HP30 is a pair of ultra-low mass, high excursion 40mm drivers optimized for on-ear architecture for tight, articulate bass and natural sound. Internal wiring is OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) for maximum signal transfer and minimal loss.

Voiced for a flat response, the HP30 headphone was developed by Paul Barton noted speaker designer from sister company PSB. Working at NRC (The National Research Council of Canada) and using the KEMAR dummy head testing system, Barton discovered the addition of low-frequency room gain that one would expect to hear with normal loudspeakers in a room. This is the same room gain compensation transfer function that was developed in the Athena Project at NRC.

These findings have led PSB to a unique feature the company calls RoomFeel. This useful feature makes music sound more natural by taking into account the effects of the room on music playback. Almost all recorded music is monitored using direct radiating loudspeakers to determine the acoustic balance for the final mix. The transfer function NAD developed for their HP30 headphone takes into account the "room gain" that occurs when playing direct radiator loudspeakers in a room. The result is a much richer and more natural listening experience.

Comfort and Ergonomics
The HP30 was ergonomically designed to be comfortable even when worn for long periods of time. The ear pads utilize memory foam to adapt to the shape of the user's ears for comfort, as well as to provide a good acoustic seal for sound isolation. A special folding design provides a compact size for travel and storage.

Premium materials are built into the HP30 to provide durability and carefree good looks. HP30 is backed with a two-year warranty. As with most NAD and PSB products, industrial design was handled by noted designer David Farrage of DF-ID.

Key Features of NAD VISO HP30:
• RoomFeel provides a scientifically researched transfer function that translates the open sound of the live performance to the private world of headphone listening.
• Ultra-low mass, high excursion 40mm driver is optimized for on-ear use.
• Internal OFC wiring is utilized for maximum signal transfer, minimal loss.
• Apple three-button multi-click remote with microphone for convenience.
• Memory foam ear pads are replaceable and adapt to the shape of listeners ears.
• Convenient folding design for ease of travel and storage.
• Neoprene travel case with extra cord and adapters.

Additional Resources
• NAD M27 Seven-Channel Amplifier Reviewed at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• NAD M17 AV Preamp/Prcoessor Reviewed at HomeTheaterReview.com.