Jonathan Wilson’s stereo guitars on “Desert Raven” provide a captivating experience through the headphones used. The stereo image is impressively wide for closed-back headphones, leaning to each side rather than fully spreading out into space as it might with open-backed headphones or speakers. However, the tonality remains rich and full, maintaining the essence of the music.
These headphones excel at recreating the entire soundstage with warmth and precision, akin to a French chef using the finest ingredients in a simple dish. Rather than adding a hi-fi effect, they function like a Leica lens, enhancing old favorites, especially in DAC mode.
When connected to a laptop via USB-C in DAC mode, the headphones serve as their own digital audio decoder. This setup surpasses Bluetooth and often outperforms a laptop or tablet’s built-in 3.5-mm port. The direct USB connection allows for full digital fidelity, making wired listening on the go a pleasure.
Instead of requiring a dedicated headphone amp, such as the Astell & Kern HC4, users need only a USB-C cable. The portability and ease of use remove the need for additional gear in a travel kit.
Listening to tracks like The Commodores’ “Easy” reveals the differences between DAC mode and wireless listening, particularly noticeable in the high end. Hi-hats and cymbals shimmer more with a wired connection, yet wireless performance remains surprisingly strong. This demonstrates significant advancements in Bluetooth listening quality.
These headphones are likened to luxury vehicles like Bentley or Rolls-Royce, capable of everything rather than being a niche product like a Ferrari. While not as sharp as premium wired models, they offer comfort and sound quality that allow users to momentarily escape the world.
