Final’s All-New D8000 DC And DC Pro Flagship Headphones Launched

For half a century, Japan-based Final has been making turntable cartridges, amplifiers and speakers using technology designed in-house by the company’s team of engineers. Today, the tradition continues with new developments in driver technology and software.

Final’s D8000 planar-magnetic headphones were first launched seven years ago and introduced an entirely new driver technology Final claims revolutionized the capabilities of planar drivers. Since then, the company has developed new technology that improved on the early designs, paving the way for the D8000 DC and DC Pro.

The new Final D8000 DC and DC Pro headphones update planar magnetic technology with an advanced form of the company’s proprietary Air Film Damping System. The DC in D8000 DC stands for “Da Capo,” symbolizing a return to the beginning with a complete reconstruction of Final’s flagship headphones using an innovative approach.

Initially developed seven years ago to address limitations in the low-frequency response of planar-magnetic drivers. Final’s AFDS uses the natural characteristics of air to regulate diaphragm movement, which Final says can provide a richer, distortion-free bass reproduction. By overcoming the typical restraints of planar magnetic technology, AFDS delivers a deep and balanced soundstage.

For the latest D8000 DC and DC Pro models, Final has taken AFDS a step further. Every element of the metal mesh structure surrounding the diaphragm, including its hole diameters, pitches and patterns, has been completely redesigned.

Distinctive mesh patterns placed in front of and behind the diaphragm create an open bass response, while Final’s breathable “washi paper” ear pads expand the sense of depth and spatial clarity.

Final says it’s taken years of research and engineering to enhance the sound of the D8000 DC and DC Pro’s and the headphones’ ability to deliver an exceptional listening experience. At the heart of the D8000 DC’s sound signature is an ultra-lightweight diaphragm made from etched aluminum foil.

The diaphragm’s design reduces the weight of the vibration system. The result is a sound profile that captures high-frequency details with precision, reproducing an airy quality. The company says that these enhancements are a genuine breakthrough in high-end planar magnetic technology, offering a dynamic and authentic listening experience.

Final is a brand that takes pride in the Japanese engineering heritage used to produce the D8000 DC. Manufactured at Final’s HQ in Kawasaki, the precision assembly relies on the quality of the machine tools used in production. Final develops its own manufacturing equipment, such as production jigs, diaphragm molding machines as well as many of the measuring instruments used to create a consistent and scientifically controlled manufacturing environment.

With the launch of the D8000 DC and D8000 DC Pro, Final has made considered how the headphones will be used. The D8000 DC has tuning intended for musicality, while the standard DC model will suit the tastes of audiophile purists. The D8000 DC Pro Edition retains the delicate sound quality of the D8000 DC, but has been adjusted to suit human hearing characteristics, where the bass frequencies become more prominent as the listening volume increases. Final suggests users choose the model that best matches their preferred listening volume and sound quality.

Both pairs of headphones are supplied with two cables. The first has a 4.4mm balanced termination and a 4-pin XLR. The D8000 DC Pro has the added benefit of Final’s silver braided cable for improved signal performance.

Pricing & Availability: The Final D8000 DC and DC Pro will be available from selected retailers in the U.K. now and available to pre-order in the U.S for shipping in mid-December. The D8000 DC Pro costs $4,799 / £4,499 / €4,799 and the D8000 DC is priced at $4,299 / £3,999 /€4,299.

Tech Specs:

• Chassis: Aluminium-magnesium alloy.
• Driver: AFDS planar magnetic.
• Sensitivity: 90dB/mW.
• Impedance: 50Ω.
• Weight: 431g.
• D8000 DC cable: OFC (4.4mm/1.5m, XLR/3m).
• D8000 DC Pro cable: Silver-coated (4.4mm/1.5m, XLR/3m).