Austrian Audio Hi-X55 Professional Over-Ear Headphones

I bought these based on reviews, without hearing a pair, but I am very happy with them. I use them for everyday listening from a variety of sources: LP, CD, and high-res streaming files of mostly acoustic (classical) music through decent DACs.You'll read how they are very revealing (true) and quite flat in response with just a slight bass emphasis (the way most people like it, even if not utterly 'monitor'-worthy). You'll also read that they can punish some recordings and some amplification. If your amplification/ DAC is warmish, I think you can be confident to try these headphones. I don't think the problem is that they are cold or sterile-sounding, it's just that they are very revealing.I must stress that the sound has changed a LOT since they were new. ... MoreI bought these based on reviews, without hearing a pair, but I am very happy with them. I use them for everyday listening from a variety of sources: LP, CD, and high-res streaming files of mostly acoustic (classical) music through decent DACs.You'll read how they are very revealing (true) and quite flat in response with just a slight bass emphasis (the way most people like it, even if not utterly 'monitor'-worthy). You'll also read that they can punish some recordings and some amplification. If your amplification/ DAC is warmish, I think you can be confident to try these headphones. I don't think the problem is that they are cold or sterile-sounding, it's just that they are very revealing.I must stress that the sound has changed a LOT since they were new. Originally they had real problems: the bass was quite lacking, and there were some nasty treble moments too depending on the recording. I have used them a lot but also run them in overnight for quite a few days, using the 1More headphone app which is free and which I think does a great job of gradually freeing-up and settling-down any headphones, wired or wireless.Now the bass is great -- not big or boosted but true and detailed -- and the occasional treble harshness (resonances?) has to my ears almost completely disappeared. I don't have the tech to chart a response graph, but I'm a professional orchestral musician and I really like the natural sound signature and the detail all the way up to the high treble which reproduces ambience well and adds to the life-like texture of acoustic instruments.My previous favourite headphones were Sennheiser HD650, for which I paid significantly more than these Austrian Audios. I needed to switch to closed-back headphones because of my current home environment, and I feel that these really fit the bill: good isolation, very comfortable, slightly BETTER detail than the 650s, and virtually as 'open' a sound-stage. The previous (cheaper) over-ear 'monitor' headphones I bought were AKG K371. I like them, although the Austrian Audios are flatter, making the AKG's Harmon curve sound overly bassy and warm, with less treble sparkle and detail.So for the price (my budget limit) I am extremely impressed by these headphones and I feel I can stop buying headphones for a while.

TL;DR: these are essentially flawless headphones, with crystal-clear, spacious, and "honest" audio, that may need some tweaking by the user to get sounding right.My last headphone was the Oppo PM-3, and I use these primarily for VOD e.g. YouTube, video games, and music (mostly death metal). I also occasionally do live broadcasting and voice acting, using these as monitors. I don't consider myself much of an audiophile, although I do go out of my way to get a great sound, and I enjoy looking for the little details.Everything sounds much cleaner and precise compared to the Oppo, and I've definitely noticed [often tiny] little details and other recorded artefacts in whatever I'm listening to. Music appears to be presented just as it is produced. Many instruments ... MoreTL;DR: these are essentially flawless headphones, with crystal-clear, spacious, and "honest" audio, that may need some tweaking by the user to get sounding right.My last headphone was the Oppo PM-3, and I use these primarily for VOD e.g. YouTube, video games, and music (mostly death metal). I also occasionally do live broadcasting and voice acting, using these as monitors. I don't consider myself much of an audiophile, although I do go out of my way to get a great sound, and I enjoy looking for the little details.Everything sounds much cleaner and precise compared to the Oppo, and I've definitely noticed [often tiny] little details and other recorded artefacts in whatever I'm listening to. Music appears to be presented just as it is produced. Many instruments are separated just enough to be able to focus on any particular one. Basically, if anything is brought forward or pushed back in a mix, these headphones will absolutely let you know. Muddier and distorted recordings are made clearer, but without taking away from any deliberate effects/layering, in my opinion. Sibilance will be pronounced if it is particularly prevalent in the production. It honestly makes more complex or layered, and atmospheric production "feel" much bigger, more immersive.Bass is tight but still very punchy; something I didn't expect based on other reviews. Vocals are extremely well-presented and clear. Some records could make this a bit too pronounced, depending on your preference. I don't have any problems with mids or treble either! Solo/lead guitar work doesn't detract from anything else, and basslines aren't lost if they have indeed been mixed well enough.All that being said, some people won't like this "analytical" sound, especially if they like warmer, "blended" sound, or they're metalheads that really prefer raw, lo-fi, or heavily-reverbed production.It doesn't seem to "colour" audio, at least not much. I did have to adjust my EQ slightly, at first, to account for the colder upfront sound signature. It responds to EQ presets quite well, I think. However, these headphones do appear to need some "breaking in", as after a few weeks of solid media consumption, I no longer need EQ on my DAP (Shanling M3s) to make music sound great! Music through my PC does still require EQ, though.In video games, I can hear just about everything that is happening around me. Ambience, NPC chatter, soundtrack, and various pinpoint effects all synergise well; this would be especially helpful in multiplayer games.Video consumption is perfectly fine for what it is, but that all depends on the service's compression, of course, like YouTube's, and the overall production.The only minor gripe I have is the cable length - it's very long. To be fair, these are primarily studio headphones, and AA does actually provide a Velcro strap that you can modify and tie up a section. Although you do have to separately purchase a shorter proprietary cable if you need it, which I feel like I did when commuting to work.I am so glad I bought these headphones, as they are genuinely incredible for "daily driving" and general media consumption. I imagine they would be equally fantastic for mixing (their prescribed "purpose") and for prosumers in general.

AUSTRIAN AUDIO HX-55 HEADPHONES

Sound is very 'clean' with excellent definition of individual instruments at top end, particularly drums and cymbals. Can sound a little shrill on occasions with my equipment at home, but were less so when auditioned with Cambridge Audio CD and Amp at the store. Previous reviews mentioned the sensitivity to partnering equipment and that is true. Build quality absolutely superb.

Amazingly revealing

These are hands down the best headphones I have ever used. They are constructed almost entirely out of metal, they have removable earpads, head pad, and cord. All of which I expect in headphones at this price.As for the audio, these are so revealing that I can hear background conversations in music recordings.As far as the frequency response, they feel almsot completely flat. I believe the high range is a bit high, but it's not that noticeable. These are AMAZING if you mainly listen to rock or metal. The bass is comparable to most headphones I have used. Not too much, not too little.So far, these are the best headphones I have ever used.

Beautifully Constructed, wonderful sound

I'm not going to pretend to be some crazy headphone reviewer (I've read too many of these reviews to think that I have any real knowledge in this area). As an amateur here are my notes.1) I have a massive head - like ball caps never fit, and these are comfortable - and that was my biggest concern.2) They're very comfortable - I could see myself wearing these all day - they don't make my head hot, they didn't feel overly weighty to me, and they don't rub me the wrong way (literally!).3) I was convinced these headphones were broken the moment I got them because I listened to some music via my computer and heard a clear over modulation in the recording of one of my favorite songs. I was really bummed out, so I connected a pair of Bose Noise Cancelling headphones I ... MoreI'm not going to pretend to be some crazy headphone reviewer (I've read too many of these reviews to think that I have any real knowledge in this area). As an amateur here are my notes.1) I have a massive head - like ball caps never fit, and these are comfortable - and that was my biggest concern.2) They're very comfortable - I could see myself wearing these all day - they don't make my head hot, they didn't feel overly weighty to me, and they don't rub me the wrong way (literally!).3) I was convinced these headphones were broken the moment I got them because I listened to some music via my computer and heard a clear over modulation in the recording of one of my favorite songs. I was really bummed out, so I connected a pair of Bose Noise Cancelling headphones I had, and when I listened VERY carefully, I found that I could hear the same over modulation in the track - so clearly the highly-paid, award-winning producers of this song had intended the over mod to be there. The next day, thinking that just didn't seem right, I connected them to my iPhone and listened to the same track. Short story is, the sound card in my computer is clearly having issues and I had NEVER heard it before using other headphones - these made it possible to hear that issue which just tells me they're spectacular at presenting the sound in an incredibly open and uncolored way...All around a total win. Don't hesitate and buy these!

Excellent sound and build quality

A very well built pair of headphones with excellent sound quality and good industrial design. Although the packaging is a bit basic it is well designed and there is a real feeling that the money you spend on these headphones has gone into the headphones themselves rather than fancy packaging and expensive advertising. Even the red velcro strap used to secure the box is recommended to be used as a cable tidy after unpacking.The headphones are genuine over the ear and should be big enough for any ears without pressure points or pinching, Clamping force is quite heavy but not unduly so and they're comfortable for long periods. Build is superb and they feel premium but not frivolous. The metal looking bits are generally metal, it looks like the design will be ... MoreA very well built pair of headphones with excellent sound quality and good industrial design. Although the packaging is a bit basic it is well designed and there is a real feeling that the money you spend on these headphones has gone into the headphones themselves rather than fancy packaging and expensive advertising. Even the red velcro strap used to secure the box is recommended to be used as a cable tidy after unpacking.The headphones are genuine over the ear and should be big enough for any ears without pressure points or pinching, Clamping force is quite heavy but not unduly so and they're comfortable for long periods. Build is superb and they feel premium but not frivolous. The metal looking bits are generally metal, it looks like the design will be relatively straightforward to service and should last a long time. I know industrial design isn't the most important thing for headphones but I think this is a really good looking pair of headphones. Cable is a detachable single side entry one with a twist lock design. The cable has a 3.5mm connector but comes with a 6.35mm adapter which is sensible.The impedance and efficiency means these are very easy to drive to loud volumes and it is not necessary to have a separate amplifier. Those smartphones which still have 3.5mm sockets or regular USB-C DAC dongles will drive these more than loudly enough for most.Sound is extremely detailed and highly revealing, but not clinical. They're not neutral as there is some bass boost and highs seem a big exaggerated but this may be because of a flat midrange. The impression is of a headphone somewhere between an audiophile type tuning and a professional monitor tuning which actually works really well. Sound stage is great for a closed back. The transducers are excellent and take EQ very well.The only negatives are that the cable is 3m and if you want a shorter one it is an optional extra, and although they come with a decent carry bag there is no hard case.Although many will find the idea of spending £250 on headphones crazy these represent incredible value for money in my view. The high build quality and outstanding detail are competitive with headphones costing an awful lot more and I'm really not sure there is any reason to spend more. I've listened to a lot of headphones costing a lot more than these which are nothing like as well made and sound nowhere near as good.

Good sound quality, terrible durability

I regret buying these headphones. The sound quality is great and lets you pick out a lot of detail in music and vocal recordings, but the build quality is garbage.I received these in late November 2022, and within 4 months the headband had broken and the ear cups had deteriorated significantly. The faux leather was peeling out and the foam was so compressed that the speakers nearly touched my ears. I wore these headphones at my desk for many hours a day, but I was still shocked that they broke so quickly. If I buy $350 headphones, I expect them to last for years, not just a few months.I ordered replacement ear cups and headband padding, but I shouldn't have to do that so quickly -- and it doesn't fix the broken headband. I have jerry-rigged a fix with duct tape, ... MoreI regret buying these headphones. The sound quality is great and lets you pick out a lot of detail in music and vocal recordings, but the build quality is garbage.I received these in late November 2022, and within 4 months the headband had broken and the ear cups had deteriorated significantly. The faux leather was peeling out and the foam was so compressed that the speakers nearly touched my ears. I wore these headphones at my desk for many hours a day, but I was still shocked that they broke so quickly. If I buy $350 headphones, I expect them to last for years, not just a few months.I ordered replacement ear cups and headband padding, but I shouldn't have to do that so quickly -- and it doesn't fix the broken headband. I have jerry-rigged a fix with duct tape, but it's ugly and makes me feel sad when I look at it. I put in a support request on Austrian Audio's website months ago and never got a reply. What's the point of a three-year warranty if no one from the company will help you?Don't buy these. Invest in a more established brand whose products have demonstrated they'll last.

Incredible Sound

These headphones sound absolutely amazing. A bit disappointing when I first tried them but I decided to buy an aftermarket DAC/Headphone amp and give them a second chance and I'm glad I did. The sound they produce is incredible! Also as an added bonus they are fantastic for gaming.

Love these headphones, and Austrian Audio

This is my second Austrian Audio product (I also have an OC18), and I can say for sure that the company has a commitment to build quality. These things are absolutely gorgeous. They are also fairly light weight and incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods while working (for me, typically, 6-10 hours a day). Another concern was ear cup size, as I've got fairly large ears, but there's plenty of room in there.As for the sound, I love them, with one big caveat: In my opinion, these are not at all for someone who casually wants to sit down and listen to music. While they have a great soundstage for closed-back cans, they are neutral and very clinical. You're not going to get that huge bass bump, and smoothed out highs that you find in the consumer-focused ... MoreThis is my second Austrian Audio product (I also have an OC18), and I can say for sure that the company has a commitment to build quality. These things are absolutely gorgeous. They are also fairly light weight and incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods while working (for me, typically, 6-10 hours a day). Another concern was ear cup size, as I've got fairly large ears, but there's plenty of room in there.As for the sound, I love them, with one big caveat: In my opinion, these are not at all for someone who casually wants to sit down and listen to music. While they have a great soundstage for closed-back cans, they are neutral and very clinical. You're not going to get that huge bass bump, and smoothed out highs that you find in the consumer-focused market. You will hear every fault with both the performance and mixing/mastering. That said, I do enjoy them when I've had music on in the background when I was too lazy to swap them out for my Beyerdynamics.I'm using these primarily for audiobook production/post-production work, and they suit me perfectly. Both in the booth while recording and out of the booth for proofing and editing, they are bang on. In the booth, they allow me to hear my voice (which is in the baritone range) quietly, while accentuating mid-and high-range noises that might be easier to rerecord, rather than deal with in editing. Also, the leather ear cups are tight enough to prevent any bleed into the mic, while still remaining unbelievably comfortable.During post-production, again, they help block out unwanted external sound so I can hear what I'm working on, while providing a focused reference for what is happening in the recording--good and bad.While I can't speak to how they would work in a studio setting for musicians, I can absolutely recommend them for VO recording/post-production.

Very detailed and revealing, but also good fun

Many studio type headphones can be a bit too sharp and analytical for musical enjoyment, or they hype the highs to enhance detailing making them overly bright. These however have the detail and resolution of a good studio headphone but have a fun signature which is great for listening to music. They have a bit of a bass boost and aren't really neautral sounding, but they are extremely resolving and the sound is pretty well balanced. The highs are not hyped and although there is a bass boost it is not overdone. Build quality is excellent and the tactile feel is much better than many much more expensive headphones. They are fully circumaural and leave plenty of space for my ears with no pinching. Sound isolation is OK, not brilliant for a closed back but not bad. ... MoreMany studio type headphones can be a bit too sharp and analytical for musical enjoyment, or they hype the highs to enhance detailing making them overly bright. These however have the detail and resolution of a good studio headphone but have a fun signature which is great for listening to music. They have a bit of a bass boost and aren't really neautral sounding, but they are extremely resolving and the sound is pretty well balanced. The highs are not hyped and although there is a bass boost it is not overdone. Build quality is excellent and the tactile feel is much better than many much more expensive headphones. They are fully circumaural and leave plenty of space for my ears with no pinching. Sound isolation is OK, not brilliant for a closed back but not bad. Comfort is excellent. Cable uses a twist lock fit and is replaceable, and a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter is provided. Overall they offer great sound and build at a sensible price.