Today sees more interesting news from Austria, a country that punches well above its weight when it comes to audio with brands like Lewitt, AKG and Austrian Audio all originating in the nation’s capital, Vienna. The latest product from Austrian Audio is the new Hi-X20 headphones, a fresh take on the brand’s signature sound.
The Austrian Audio Hi-X20 are closed-back headphones in a compact and affordable package with the kind of high-precision sound that recording professionals and music lovers expect. They are the latest addition to the brand’s family of closed-back headphones offering a detailed and high-precision sound that’s ideal for day-to-day use when recording, mixing or just listening
Billed as a professional-grade pair of headphones, the Hi-X20 were designed as the result of customer feedback and they use the same proprietary Hi-X drivers found in all Austrian Audio’s professional headphones. The sound is described as “perfectly balanced in middle and high frequencies with a powerful but not overdrawn bass response.”
The Hi-X20 are a fresh take on Austrian Audio’s sonic signature which can best be described as a classic pristine sound with an honest frequency response, fast transients and minimal distortion in the bass range.
With a sleek black and red aesthetic, the Hi-X20 also have robust metal hinges and a metal headband. The foldable design makes them easy to store or transport in a rucksack or bag. The smooth, memory foam padding should ensure years of reliable and comfortable listening.
Supplied with a detachable three-meter cable, the Hi-X20 are ideal for professionals who need flexibility when working. The extra-long cable makes it easy to move up and down a mixing desk and allows music lovers to sit back from their music system.
“The development of Hi-X20 was very much a collaborative effort with our customers who offered us thoughtful feedback,” says Austrian Audio CEO Martin Seidl. “The result is a different tuning and a fresh look that will appeal perfectly to audio professionals and musicians.”
I hope to have a pair of the Hi-X20 in for review within the next month or so. It will be interesting to hear if they sound as good as their marketing description.
Pricing & Availability: The Hi-X20 are now available priced at $149 / £119.99 / €129. 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:
- Frequency range: 12Hz – 24kHz.
- Impedance: 25Ω.
- Input power: 150mW.
- Sensitivity: 113dB spl/V.
- Adapter (included): 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm (1/8″ to 1/4″).
- Cable: 3m (detachable).
- Connector: 3.5 mm (1/8″).
- Weight (without cable): 255g.
- Dimensions: 205 x 170 x 80mm.
- Included accessories: HXCB3 3-metre cable, HXAS 6.3 mm adapter, HXB bag.