2 weeks Ago
Last month, Austrian Audio announced its new budget reference headphones designed for recording engineers, vocalists or just anyone who enjoys listening to great music. The new Austrian Audio Hi-X20 headphones are a fresh breath of air to the budget headphone market and headphone brands selling far more expensive models may have good cause to feel worried by the launch of this new pair of closed-back headphones. The Austrian Audio Hi-X20 are compact and affordable headphones but with a no-nonsense finish.
These aren’t luxurious to look at or to hold in the hand, but they have the sturdiness and build quality of a classic VW Golf. No corners have been cut and how Austrian Audio managed to produce these headphones for the money, goodness only knows. This latest addition to the Austrian Audio family of closed-back headphones has a detailed sound and produces the kind of soundstage that makes you want to listen to all your favorite tracks and albums all over again.
They are perfect for use in the studio when mixing or recording, they are great for podcasting or broadcast use. Howver, unlike many flat-response headphones, the Hi-X20 have a sense of musicality and a rhythm that’s positively infectious. The Hi-X20 were designed following feedback from Austrian Audio’s customers.
Most importantly, they use the same proprietary Hi-X driver found in all Austrian Audio’s professional headphones, even the expensive ones. The sound is described as “perfectly balanced in middle and high frequencies with a powerful but not overdrawn bass response.” I couldn’t have described that sound better.
The frequency response of 12Hz to 24kHz is the reason why these headphones beat other models with a narrower 20Hz to 20kHz range. The Hi-X20 are as close to perfect as it’s possible to get for the money. The more I listened to them, the more I wanted to carry on.
I have a lot of very nice headphones and must have spent a fortune on them over the years, but there is something about the Hi-X20 that kept me listening for longer than usual. I think they are “un-put-downable.” It didn't matter what source I plugged these headphones into, they sang a tuneful song.
The secret to the sonic success of the Austrian Audio Hi-X20 is their uncolored sound and honest frequency response. Some reference headphones can be a bit like food that hasn’t been seasoned properly. They are just a shade too bland and compressed.
The Hi-X20 manage to separate the bass, mids and highs from each other without introducing any distortion. The result is a far more listenable sound that’s still true to the source and doesn’t sound as if it’s been “over-seasoned” by manipulating the EQ curve. Finished with a sleek black and red look, the Hi-X20 sport tough metal hinges and a metal headband that makes them feel tough enough.
The foldable design makes them easy to transport and they are small enough to fit in a rucksack or work bag. The smooth, memory foam Paddington the ear cups and headband looks like it could withstand plenty of use. The fit of the Hi-X20 is comfortable and just firm enough to stay in place but not so tight as to feel uncomfortable.
The size is also quite large so if you have a big head, you’ll love the Hi-X20. On the other hand, if you have a small head, you may find the headphones a little loose. The Hi-X20 headphones are supplied with a three-meter cable that’s detachable and locks into the left-hand earcup.
It’s terminated with a 3.5mm stereo jack and there’s also a chrome 6.35mm adapter for hi-fi or mixing use.
The extra-long cable makes it easy to move up and down a desk and enables music lovers to sit back from their audio system. However, I’d like to see a second, shorter cable provided for use with DAPs, DACs and even smartphones. These headphones are far too good to leave at home or work.
Verdict: The release of the Austrian Audio Hi-X20 closed-back headphones marks a coming of age for the audio brand. The $120 price point for closed-back reference headphones is probably the most competitive with the likes of Sony, Sennheiser and AKG all fighting for market share. There are so many models to choose from but I am going to stick my neck out here and say the Austrian Audio Hi-X20 are the best closed-back headphones, in this price bracket, on the market.
They are stunning and a real joy to listen to with their balanced sound that’s great to hear no matter what the genre of music. If you need a new pair of headphones that won’t break the bank, don’t hesitate to try the Austrian Audio Hi-X20. Highly Recommended.
Pricing & Availability: The Hi-X20 are now available priced at $120 / £119.99 / €120. In the UK, Austrian Audio’s products are distributed by Sound Technology Ltd .
In the rest of the world, consult the Austrian Audio website for your local distributor. Tech Specs:.
