The Viennese company Austrian Audio, the core of which was made up of specialists from AKG, presented a reference set of The Composer reference headphones and the Full Score One headphone amplifier. The new items can be purchased separately, but together, apparently, they will strengthen the synergy of their brand.
The Composer premium headphones are of the open type and are equipped with long-throw drivers with a diameter of 4.9 cm – these are large drivers. The headphones are “omnivorous” in relation to the signal source, if only because the kit includes detachable 3.5 mm TRS cables (unbalanced version), as well as balanced XLR and 4.4 Pentaconn cables. In addition, the declared impedance of 22 ohms adds “democraticism”; with it, the new product will work well even with low-power smartphones.
Although, of course, it’s better with an amplifier, and the proprietary Full Score One (the first “headphone” amplifier from Austrian Audio) in this sense demonstrates excellent compatibility. It has a completely analog circuit. It is especially emphasized that Full Score One is capable of working with headphones with a resistance of 10 Ohms – just at the level of this indicator with The Composer. And the maximum load impedance is stated at 600 Ohms – professional high-impedance headphones are also suitable. The amplifier receives the input signal via balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA connectors. A 6.35 mm jack and XLR are provided for connecting headphones. Both new items will go on sale in December December 2023.
In the US, Austrian Audio’s Full Score One headphone amplifier will cost $1,500, while The Composer headphones will cost $2,600.
