Austrian Audio is looking to release its first slew of products for the high-end headphone market. With the Composer headphones and the Score One amplifier, Austrian Audio aims to deliver a reference system designed for audiophiles. The Composer headphones are open-back and feature Austrian Audio’s Hi-X driver technology, while the Score One is an analog amp optimized for high and low-sensitivity headphones.
The Composer
This pair of open-back reference headphones wants to set a new standard for listeners looking to experience every nuance their music offers. Austrian Audio wants to develop professional headphones, with a sophisticated design for critical listening in any environment. Whether at the studio or just for at-home enjoyment is up to you. The Composer looks to achieve this sound with its perfect placement of drivers towards the listener’s ears. The Composer cleverly incorporates the acclaimed Hi-X design with
plenty of internal space, resulting in a perfect fit independently from the shape of the user’s outer ear. Additionally, the magnetically attached ear pads can be easily replaced for convenience.
Specs
• Frequency range: 5 Hz – 44 kHz
• Sensitivity: 112 dBspl/V
• THD (@ 1kHz): < 0.1%
• Impedance: 40 Ω
• Input Power: 160 mW
• Detachable cables with Banana Jack (included)
• 3m with 3.5 mm (1/8”) Jack Plug (TRS)
• 3m with XLR 4pin
• 1.4m with 4.4 mm Pentacon
• Adapter included: 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm (1/8” to 1/4″)
• Dimensions: 210 x 200 x 90 mm
• Weight (without cable): 385 g
The Full Score One
The Full Score One is built like a low-noise power amplifier. Its circuitry is optimized to be able to power any pair of headphones up to 300 Ohms. The main amplifier comprises a wide band, fully symmetrical voltage feedback circuit with a triple emitter follower output stage biased in class B, a high-speed complementary push-pull gain stage, and a cascaded parallel differential input stage. The design results in the lowest THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) at every output level and frequency range so every nuance of the
recording can be enjoyed even with less sensitive headphones that need more amplification.
Austrian Audio has also developed a special component for the Score One called True Transient Technology. This is a physical button that when pushed, enables the amplifier’s ability to deliver even the steepest transients unaltered to the listener. This way the full bandwidth and finest subtleties of the recording become accessible to the listener at any volume.
Specs
• Power Bandwidth: 5 Hz – 1 MHz
• THD (@ 1kHz): 0.0005 % at full load
• Recommended input voltage: 0dBV, 1Vrms
• Recommended max load (5 Hz – 20 kHz): 10 Ω – 600 Ω, max. 150 nF
• Max output voltage (5 Hz – 20 kHz): 19 dBV, 9 Vrms @ 0,01% THD
• Selfnoise: EIN 136 dB(A)
• Max slew rate: 200 V/μs
• Inputs: 2x XLR and 2x RCA (parallel)
• Outputs: 2x 6.35 mm jack and 1x XLR 4pin
• Power rating: 220 – 230 V~ / 50 Hz, max. 25 W, automatic
switch to 110 – 120 V~ / 60 Hz
• Dimensions: 210 x 265 x 60 mm
• Weight: 2.76 kg
The Austrian Audio Composer will cost $2,699, and the Full Score One will cost $1,599. They are both available to pre-order from Audio46.
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