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The first thing that hits you is the passive noise isolation, which is sublime. The next thing is the active treble response, which is quite revealing. It does sound a bit "thin" due to it's boosted mid-treble but this type of tuning helps to bring out the micro details in the mix, and boy does it do a good job. To answer my own question above, the sound does depend a lot on the position on the head -- this is the source for the frequency response graph from Oratory cited in this thread earlier: The earcups hinge to make the volume of the unit more reasonable when in transport. These headphones are made with portability in mind, and are certainly not intended purely for home use. Cymbal hits are the star of the show in the Hi-X55’s treble response. When I listened to the cymbal rolls from Hands Down by Dashboard Confessional, I was impressed at how detailed each hit sounded. Despite this being successive and fast, the hits are presented with finesse, while the transients and overtones still linger underneath. I'm not a professional or audiophile, playing around headphones is just a hobby so assessment might not be accurate. used SoundBlasterX G6 for the source.
The AEON can reach a bit lower than the Hi-X55, but the tonality on the two headphones is similar down to the slightly lower treble peak. The treble peak might be a 1 or 2dB loss on the AEON though. The unit arrived in a slightly lesser than new condition during the review. However,a new box looks very good. Interesting use of Velcro bands to hold the box together.This is a nice idea, as the velcro strips could be repurposed as cable ties and other uses (lower wastage). For those who are not familiar, the company was founded in 2017, made up of former AKG personnel in Vienna, and has been producing vast microphones and headphones specifically for studio use. These folks are experts, they know what they’re doing when they’re producing these products. Both headphones have the same 44mm diameter dynamic driver, although the driver on the Hi-X60 appears to be different and 5g heavier, assuming all components are the same between the two headphones.These are made for professional use in the studio, not for the armchair audiophile who wants to be bathed in "musicality". So I will pen down my thoughts keeping that in mind.
Despite being a relative newcomer in the headphone space, Austrian Audio has been offering a wide range of products for quite a few years now. Having an SPL of 110dB/mW, and an impedance of just 25Ω ensures that the Hi-X60 can easily be driven. Smartphones are enough to power Hi-X60 at decent volumes. When I look at the AEON and the Hi-X55, I find that they are 2 different headphones for different purposes. The Aeon was designed to look pretty, while the Hi-X55 seems to be designed as a tool. Like the OC microphones, the Hi X headphones are manufactured entirely in Austria, and employ further developments of technology originally used by AKG. In this case, advances have centred on a new magnet design said to yield "the strongest magnetic field in its class". This is coupled with an unusually lightweight membrane and voice coil, which have less inertia and hence better transient response. Each of the parts that might be prone to wear is user-replaceable, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw a Hi-X55 that has been in continued service for years or even a decade or two.
How does Austrian Audio’s budget offering compare with its award-winning premium models?
If there is anything that I would improve on with the Hi-X55, is the way it presents the lower treble range. Regardless, all it matters is what you enjoy the headphones or not so if X55 is too harsh for you, then so be it. I read your comment and I just wanted to share my thoughts since I had similar speculation. Anyway, I hope this helps and sorry for the long reply. Bass runs deep and tight, but not too deep that it causes blooms to higher frequencies. The sub-bass has just the amount of rumble for the bass hits to be felt. The same goes with the sub-bass. There is bass when it is needed and ultimate silence before the beat drops. Notes are distinct and clear.
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