We encountered loads of wi-fi headphones at CES 2017, from noise-canceling over-ears to true wi-fi buds, and even “hearables” that let you management your personal sonic atmosphere by augmenting the sound round you. However this 12 months, it was trusty previous sonic engineering (wires and all) from the veteran headphone gurus at Beyerdynamic that actually obtained our hearts pumping with the brand new Xelento distant in-ears.
An adaptation of a bit identified in-ear jewel that Beyerdynamic created for hi-res audiophile model Astell & Kern dubbed the AK Ti8E, the Xelento makes use of a shrunken-down model of the corporate’s storied Tesla dynamic shifting coil driver. The motive force, which is a sixteenth the dimensions of its over-ear predecessor, creates a chic and thrilling sonic expertise — even when heard from the Las Vegas Conference Heart’s noisy showroom flooring.
First developed for Beyerdynamic’s audiophile and studio-grade headphones, the Tesla driver is outlined by its excessive effectivity and clear sound signature all the way in which throughout its large 8Hz-48kHz frequency response. The motive force is contained inside a three-layered, water-and-solvent-resistant metallic shell, whereas the sound supply is delivered to the earphones by way of a silver-layered detachable cable sheathed in kevlar — together with each a straight cable and one with (in fact) a distant mic piece. The cable is extraordinarily gentle, although it did sit only a tad awkwardly after we flipped it over our ears.
The efficiency we heard in our brief audition was spectacular, re-creating devices and vocals with sterling accuracy and beautiful fluidity from finish to finish. There’s an particularly intriguing contact of sparkle within the treble that’s distinct from the overwhelming majority of Hello-Fi headphones we overview, most of which use a grouping of balanced armature drivers to attain their small measurement and zippy transient response, that are then grouped to cowl the bass, midrange, and treble registers. Whereas we’ll want a for much longer audition for a definitive analysis of the Xelento distant, we walked away not simply impressed however enthusiastic about what Beyerdynamic has been in a position to accomplish with its particular single-driver setup.
Conclusion
Those that wish to get their arms on the Xelento distant can pay a fairly penny to take action, because the earphones are priced at a cool $1,000 — not outrageous for audiophile in-ears, however actually no clearance sale. With a completely beautiful sound signature, an environment friendly driver system that’s straightforward to push from even your smartphone, and handmade development that’s tailored to face up in opposition to the weather, this pair of in-ears might simply be your subsequent audio obsession. They did sufficient for us, in reality, to garner our CES 2017 Finest Headphones award.
Beyerdynamic’s new Xelento distant in-ears are anticipated to be obtainable in February.
Highs
- Beautiful treble response
- Fluid and correct sound signature
- Attractive, sturdy design
- Nice accent set
Lows
- Cable a tad awkward with earphones in
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