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ENIGMAcoustics Dharma

Jan 12, 2015 at 2:49 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 1,237
Dopaminer

Dopaminer

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I am starting this thread to collect more information on the ENIGMAcoustics Dharma, announced at the 2015 CES.  I cannot seem to find any other information than short exultations, like this one by Tyll of Innerfidelity :
 
"Now, did anyone else hear the Enigma Acoustics Darma headphone? No? We'll, holy **** you missed out. A real stunner.  Hybrid dynamic w/estat tweeter.  Crossover at 8kHz. Expected price at $1.5k, I think. This and the HE-1000 were the best things I heard at the show."  
 
So, anyone have any other info, or pictures ?  
 
Jan 12, 2015 at 2:59 AM Post #2 of 1,237
This is all I have found so far, from their own facebook page and innerfidelity.
 

 

 
From what I understand, it is very similar to their speaker systems in design. They do not have an external bias for the electrostat speakers. I am reading through their technology page http://www.enigmacoustics.com/tech.asp and so far, I am fascinated and a little suspicious, as the physics described is a bit dubious.
 
Jan 12, 2015 at 3:06 AM Post #4 of 1,237
Seems very unusual to crossover at 8kHz
 
Jan 12, 2015 at 3:06 AM Post #5 of 1,237
I'm curious about this headphone too, but there seems to be nothing on the internet about it other than that blurb. Would also be interested in info/pics.
 
Jan 12, 2015 at 5:40 AM Post #6 of 1,237
Curious about this too. What amp will one need in order to drive this? :)
 
Jan 12, 2015 at 7:19 AM Post #7 of 1,237
Subbed.
 
Jan 12, 2015 at 8:52 AM Post #8 of 1,237
This thread should probably be moved to the Summit-Fi section since its going to cost between $1200-$1500.
 
And the name of the headphone is spelled "ENIGMAcoustics Dharma".
 
Jan 12, 2015 at 10:12 AM Post #9 of 1,237
xero1 said:
  This thread should probably be moved to the Summit-Fi section since its going to cost between $1200-$1500.
 
And the name of the headphone is spelled "ENIGMAcoustics Dharma".
Click to expand...


Thanks XERO1, I`ve changed the spelling mistakes, except in the quotation of Tyll`s tweet.  Unfortunately I don`t konw how to move a thread.  I agree this should probably be summit-fi  . . . 
 
Jan 12, 2015 at 10:21 AM Post #10 of 1,237
Part Time Audiophile's twitter report:
 
"Enigmacoustics Dharma ($1200 SRP), coming soon (CanJam in March?), self biasing ESL hybrid, huge sound, fast as demons on fire!"
 
Jan 12, 2015 at 12:33 PM Post #12 of 1,237
greenkiwi said:
I'm definitely interested, though I also agree that the 8k crossover feels high. I'd like to have the electrostatic section for more of the signature.
Click to expand...

 
The xo point kinda has to be high because of the Dharma's design, which is using the electrostatic driver as a supertweeter, which means that it should have a pretty flat FR well beyond 20kHz (a first for any over-the-ear headphone, I think). 
 
Another benefit is that almost all of the tweeter's output and sonic signature will be above 10kHz, well above the 2-5kHz range where our ears are the most sensitive, so the xo point should be nearly undetectable.
 
Also, if the xo point was lower, the lower frequencies would begin to modulate/distort the tweeter more and more as the volume level was increased.
 
Some of the early rumors about Sony's possible upcoming flagship have hinted that it might also be a 2-way design as well. 
wink.gif
 
 
Jan 12, 2015 at 12:43 PM Post #13 of 1,237
xero1 said:
   
 it should have a pretty flat FR well beyond 20kHz (a first for any over-the-ear headphone, I think). 
Click to expand...

 
Several magnetic planar designs extend to 50kHz
 
Another benefit is that almost all of the tweeter's output and sonic signature will be above 10kHz, well above 2-5kHz range where our ears are the most sensitive, so the xo point should be nearly undetectable.
Click to expand...

 
But there is very little musical content above 10kHz. Most people can only hear a few tones above 10kHz anyway. That's why I'm surprised. Have an electrostatic element and crossover is a lot of complication to cover the last 4 or 5 audible tones (out of around 75)
 
Jan 12, 2015 at 12:43 PM Post #14 of 1,237
Thanks for starting this thread...like you guys, I'm extremely intrigued with these headphones. Seems like they have some pretty innovative speaker deisgns, as well. Very interesting company. 
 
Jan 12, 2015 at 2:17 PM Post #15 of 1,237
lamode said:
   
Several magnetic planar designs extend to 50kHz
 
 
But there is very little musical content above 10kHz. Most people can only hear a few tones above 10kHz anyway. That's why I'm surprised. Have an electrostatic element and crossover is a lot of complication to cover the last 4 or 5 audible tones (out of around 75)
Click to expand...

 
True.  But I got to hear a heavily-modded OPPO PM-2 by FFRESPONCE that was measurably ruler flat to nearly 20kHz and it had some of the best, most beautifully shimmering treble I have ever heard from a headphone.
 
So there's definitely something to having a headphone (or speaker) that can go at least one octave lower and higher than what is considered the audible range to cover all of the musical harmonics that naturally occur above and below the fundamental notes or sounds.
 
So by that definition, a headphone that is ruler flat from around 10Hz-40Kz would be ideal, which pretty well matches the FR limits of a 96/24 recording.
 
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