Aune SR7000 Butterfly

Ichos

Reviewer at hxosplus
Almost perfect
Pros: + Excellent tonal balance and coherency
+ Bass technicalities
+ Dynamic and impactful bass
+ No cup reflections
+ Transparency and clarity
+ Natural timbre
+ Suitable for critical listening yet fun
+ The soundstage rivals a lot of open-back headphones
+ Easy to drive and scales well
+ Lightweight with low clamping force and very comfortable
+ Well made with modern appearance
+ High quality carrying case and two cables
+ Price to performance ratio
Cons: - Rather lean textures
- A touch of metallic artificiality in the treble
- Could be more resolving
- The 3.5mm cable is passable
- Doesn't isolate as well as other closed-back headphones
Aune Audio

Aune Audio is a Chinese audio manufacturer recognized for producing high-quality audio equipment that offers exceptional value. Among their notable products are the Aune S9C Pro DAC/amp and the Aune S17 Pro headphone amplifier, both of which are regarded as some of the best value options currently available in the market. Additionally, the newer Aune S17 Pro EVO model is also on offer.

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Aune Audio SR7000

The Aune AR5000 is a budget-friendly, comfortable, lightweight open-back headphone that delivers impressive sound quality, marking the company's inaugural model.

Aune has now introduced its second offering, the Aune SR7000, which features a closed-back design. Retailing at $599, the SR7000 is priced at twice that of the AR5000, and there are valid reasons for this price difference that will be explored further.

Technical highlights

Aune has dedicated extensive time to research and development to optimize the sound quality of the SR7000, aiming for an exceptionally open auditory experience. To accomplish this, the SR7000 incorporates a variety of distinctive and cutting-edge features.

The diaphragm, made from a W-shaped ceramic-reinforced polymer composite, offers an increased effective piston area. Enhanced by Multi-Layer Distributed compensation (MLD), it guarantees consistent piston vibration throughout the entire frequency spectrum while significantly improving high-frequency extension.

The independent and flexible suspension surround is meticulously designed to support the ceramic-polymer cone, allowing for stable positioning during substantial cone movements. Additionally, the airflow channels are specifically tailored to enhance the reproduction of low and resonant frequencies.

The Tilted Acoustic Matrix, an imaging correction system developed through computer-aided design, features drivers that are steeply tilted, along with correspondingly angled ear cups. This innovative approach enables the closed-back SR7000 to deliver a soundstage that is both open and expansive, a characteristic not typically associated with closed headphones.

Furthermore, the integration of acoustic metamaterials into the headphone design, exemplified by the patented acoustic prism known as “Dragon Scale,” allows for precise modulation of sound waves emanating from the rear chambers. This results in a marked enhancement of the sound image while effectively reducing common acoustic colorations, such as resonances, that are often present in closed-back headphones.

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Non Audio stuff

The Aune SR7000, similar to the AR5000, incorporates numerous plastic components to minimize weight; however, these materials may not convey the same level of durability and premium feel as aluminum.

The headband consists of two sections: an outer frame made of stainless steel and a suspension strap crafted from leather. The gimbals and protective grills are constructed from aluminum, while the ear cups and adjustment mechanism utilize plastic. A fine mesh safeguards the drivers, preventing the ingress of dust and debris.

Despite the reliance on plastic, the Aune SR7000 is a well-constructed headphone that exhibits sturdiness and operates quietly during adjustments and use. The material quality and overall craftsmanship are comparable to other headphones, such as the Sennheiser HD660S2.

Visually, the SR7000 mirrors the AR5000, with the primary distinction being its color scheme. The SR7000 features a deep, dark green finish highlighted by golden accents visible through the protective grills, contrasting with the silver finish and red accents of the AR5000. Overall, the SR7000 presents an aesthetically pleasing appearance with a sleek, modern design.

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Wearing experience

The SR7000 incorporates the "Concentric Circle" wearing adjustment system, which was first introduced with the Aune AR5000. The design of the headband and its curvature has undergone continuous refinement to improve compatibility with various head shapes. Notably, the adjustment mechanism of the SR7000 accommodates both smaller and larger head sizes comfortably, without appearing overly bulky.

The ear pads, which can be easily replaced by the user, are filled with soft acoustic slow-rebound foam and are crafted to completely envelop the ears. The outer material is made of synthetic leather, providing a cool sensation, although it lacks the breathability found in the hybrid design of the AR5000.

The clamping force is sufficient to keep the headphones secure during movement and aids in sound isolation, yet it is not so strong as to cause discomfort. Weighing in at just 380 grams, the SR7000 is lightweight and offers exceptional comfort, making it suitable for extended listening sessions.

While the noise isolation is quite effective for home environments, it does not match the level of isolation provided by professional closed-back headphones, which typically feature a stronger clamping force.

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Accessories and cables

The Aune SR7000 package offers significantly more value compared to the AR5000, as it features a premium, stylish carrying case along with two detachable cables. One cable is a standard OFC TRS type, while the other is an upgraded OCC cable equipped with a 4.4mm plug.

The 3.5mm cable is somewhat standard and tends to produce excessive microphonic noise, whereas the balanced cable is exceptionally crafted. It is flexible, resists tangling, and minimizes friction noise. It would have been beneficial for Aune to provide either two high-quality cables or the balanced cable accompanied by a 3.5mm adapter.

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Power talk

The Aune SR7000 features a rated impedance of 55Ω with a sensitivity of 106dB, making it relatively easy to drive. It performs well with both portable and desktop devices, requiring minimal power while still benefiting from higher-quality desktop sources, such as the Aune S9C Pro, which also served as a reference for its tuning.

Aune recommends approximately 30 hours of playback time for the SR7000 to achieve its best performance, and I followed this guideline.

Audio stuff

The SR7000 features a well-balanced tuning and impressive sound coherence across the entire frequency spectrum. It offers excellent sub-bass extension, a neutral bass response, a prominent mid-range with a slight emphasis on the upper mids, and a bright yet non-intrusive treble.

Frequency response graphs can be misleading; the Aune SR7000 exemplifies how such data may not accurately reflect its true sound signature. Relying on auditory experience is always preferable to relying solely on graphical representations.

The overall tuning is remarkably balanced and tonally precise, resembling that of a studio monitor rather than typical consumer headphones. Nevertheless, the Aune SR7000 avoids a clinical or sterile sound, delivering a musical and engaging listening experience across various genres.

The SR7000 demonstrates remarkable tonal accuracy, particularly when considering its price and in comparison to other options in the market. This headphone allows for an authentic representation of all instruments within a symphony orchestra, as well as male and female vocals, delivering a sound that is strikingly true to life with a comprehensive range of fundamentals and harmonics.

The bass response is notably neutral, featuring excellent sub-bass extension that maintains a natural presence without overwhelming the mid-range or causing any bleed. Low frequencies are rendered with impressive precision, free from audible roll-off or any coloration that could detract from tonal fidelity.

The SR7000 is well-suited for critical listening, yet it also offers an enjoyable experience across various music genres, though it may not provide the level of bass excitement some listeners might seek.

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More audio stuff

The ST7000 exhibits impressive technical performance for a closed-back headphone, often surpassing many competing open-back models. Its bass response is characterized by speed, tightness, and control, showcasing remarkable timing and rhythm. The clarity and definition are exceptional, featuring class-leading layering and texture within its segment.

The Aune SR7000 effectively addresses the common limitations typically found in closed-back headphones. Its bass delivers remarkably low distortion, even at higher volumes, and is free from cup resonances and echoing artifacts.

The SR7000 offers a punchy and dynamic sound with a physical presence that rivals many open-back headphones. A minor drawback is that its textures lean more towards those of planar drivers rather than dynamic ones. The bass is not that muscular or visceral, it maintains a slightly dry and lean quality, albeit without sounding too thin or fragile.

The mid-range is present and well-defined, featuring a slight emphasis on the upper mids that is essential for enhancing the clarity and definition required in closed-back headphones. The SR7000 avoids any dark or muffled sound, showcasing remarkable clarity and definition in its mid-range, with very satisfying articulation and resolution. It successfully eliminates sibilance and harshness, even at higher volumes.

The overall tuning is well-balanced, with the mid-range neither recessed nor overly pronounced. The timbre is natural and organic, exhibiting rich saturation. The SR7000 is exceptionally expressive, allowing music to flow in a vibrant and lifelike manner, with textures that are lush and rounded, though not excessively full-bodied or thick.

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And some more

The treble emerges in a similarly understated fashion, yet it is skillfully calibrated to achieve a balance between brilliance and a gentle smoothness. The SR7000 exhibits ample luminosity and energy, performing admirably within its category without coming across as bright or fatiguing.

The higher frequencies possess a sparkling quality, yet they remain free from sharpness or edginess. The SR7000 offers clarity and transparency without veering into overly analytical or revealing territory. While it excels in detail retrieval, it does not delve excessively deep into the nuances of the recording.

The weight of the notes is perfectly aligned with the lower frequencies, ensuring that higher-pitched instruments do not sound thin or dry, a common issue with some other headphones. The timbre is predominantly natural, with only occasional hints of metallic artificiality, depending on the recording. The SR7000 is quick in response, but this speed does not compromise the natural decay of the sound.

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The remarkable soundstage

The soundstage of the Aune SR7000 warrants special mention, as it defies the typical characteristics associated with closed-back headphones. Aune has succeeded in creating a remarkably open and expansive auditory experience, featuring impressive width and depth in its layering.

The imaging capabilities of these headphones are outstanding, delivering a surprisingly holographic and immersive sound. In fact, the Aune SR7000 offers a sense of openness that rivals many open-back models, with the only notable absence being the sensation of air pressure relief that comes from open ear-cups.

Comparison with the Aune Audio AR5000

The AR5000 marked Aune's inaugural headphone release, featuring an open-back design that mirrors the exterior of the SR7000 while delivering commendable sound quality for its price point. However, what additional features does the SR7000 offer to warrant its higher cost?

The answer lies in the SR7000's superior balance and tonal accuracy, which result in significantly enhanced sound quality compared to the AR5000. The AR5000 lacks depth in the sub-bass, exhibits a more colored mid-bass, and presents a brighter sound profile. Its bass response is less punchy and impactful, with textures that are not as refined and have a lower resolving capability. The timbre also falls short, sounding more artificial and sharper in the treble range. Furthermore, the soundstage of the closed-back SR7000 surpasses that of the open-back AR5000. Overall, the SR7000 is a more sophisticated and higher-performing headphone that justifies the additional investment.

Conclusion

The saying "the second time's the charm" holds particularly true for the SR7000. Aune has not only improved the sound quality of their second headphone compared to the first, but they have also created one of the finest closed-back headphones available today.

In my experience testing various closed-back models, including the Sennheiser HD620S, Focal Azuris, and Neumann NDH 20, none have been able to rival the tonal balance and overall sound quality of the Aune SR7000.

Moreover, I can confidently assert that the SR7000 outperforms several open-back headphones in its category, particularly for those who prioritize tonal accuracy and natural sound reproduction.

The SR7000 has proven itself to be so impressive that it has become one of my go-to reference headphones for evaluating audio equipment and for critical listening sessions, especially with classical music.

Lightweight and comfortable, the Aune SR7000 delivers outstanding sonic performance, combining the advantages of a closed-back design while avoiding its typical limitations. Achieving effective isolation while sounding more open than many open-back models is a remarkable feat that certainly warrants your consideration.

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The review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I don't use affiliate links. The price of the Aune Audio SR7000 is $599 and you can buy it from here.

Disclaimer: For various Google indexing reasons, parts of this review have been processed with an automatic paragraph rewriting tool. However it reads exactly the same as the original content that is available in my website.
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UnderwaterB0i

100+ Head-Fier
The Best Closed Back Headphone In Its Class
Pros: Balanced Sound Signature
Great Soundstage and Imaging for a Closed Back
Great Accessories
Cons: Price
When Aune released the AR5000 in early 2024, people were impressed with their quality, especially for a company’s first headphone release (1). A passive, open back, dynamic driver headphone in the $300 price range is a competitive market, but the AR5000 won over everyone from critics (2) to people buying their first “audiophile” headphone. People compared it to the legendary Sennheiser HD 6x0 lineup, as well as one of the most recommended entry level planar magnetic headphones, the Hifiman Sundara (3). The AR5000 offered a “just right” sound signature, offering more bass than the HD 6x0 series, and a less energetic treble than the Sundara, and pairing that smooth sound signature with fantastic build quality and comfort. The AR5000 features a suspension strap headband, angled driver and pad, and a perfect amount of clamp force. There really wasn’t much to dislike about the AR5000. It was also significantly easier to drive than the HD 6x0 series and the Sundara, making the barrier for entry easier since an external amp wasn’t necessary.

But this isn’t a review for the AR5000, so why spend so much time talking about it? It feels like necessary context when talking about the new closed back headphone from Aune, the SR7000. The SR7000 shares a lot of the same DNA of the AR5000, at least when comparing their physical appearances. The main differences are subtle, with the biggest one being the color, a nice gray/green color over most of the body, with a hint of gold on the cup. Other differences are a more sheepskin/pleather pad that feels more comfortable and improves sound isolation, as well as an improved headband. The AR5000 came with a dual 3.5mm to 3.5mm termination cable, while the SR7000 comes with a similar cable, as well as one with a balanced 4.4mm termination, and a rigid case that is molded perfectly for the headphone.

But how does the SR7000 sound? Aune says that “the SR7000 employs a more rigid dynamic driver unit paired with a magnetic circuit structure that offers higher energy conversion efficiency. Compared to the AR5000, it boasts a wider dynamic range and more impressive detail resolution.” Personally, I would describe the sound of the SR7000 as balanced. The bass punches well and is tight, but never gets bloated, or bleeds into the midrange. Instead of a focus on sub bass rumble, I feel the bass more in the kick of a bass drum. The mid range sits perfectly in the mix, and all vocals come through clean and clear. The treble is slightly relaxed, while still being presented cleanly. In the type of music I listen to, this presents itself in cymbals being tonally correct, but not sounding overly splashy, or distracting from any of the other instruments or vocals. Speaking of tonality, this is something that the SR7000 excels at where other closed backs fall short. Everything sounds “correct” tonally.

The soundstage is where the SR7000 hangs its hat as a closed back. For this headphone, Aune developed a new technology they have branded as “dragon scale” technology, which they describe as “a dense acoustic jungle structure that diffuses and filters out unnecessary reflected sound waves”. This new technology, combined with the angled driver placement we were first introduced to with the AR5000, truly provides a more open experience compared to that of most closed backs. This also helps with imaging. The SR7000 does a good job of being able to pinpoint where instruments are coming from in the mix.

Now, when all of these things are put together, the main complaint someone could have about the SR7000 is that it doesn’t have a “wow” factor. When you see how the SR7000 looks, and you hear things like “dragon scale” technology, you might think of something with huge, rumbling bass, or a detail monster, but that’s not what this headphone is. Usually when I try a new headphone and it has a “wow” factor, I learn over time that it’s because part of the frequency response is being boosted to give that initial emotional response, but over time I learn that whatever that boost is usually makes a headphone work better for some genres, but it comes up short for others. I listen to a lot of different genres of music. Progressive metal/rock, metalcore, emo/hardcore/punk, indie rock, pop, rap/hip-hop, and plenty of artists/bands that are some blend of any of these styles. I like to have headphones that can play all these genres well, and that’s what the SR7000 is. That lack of “wow” factor is actually a tonally accurate response across the frequency chart that leads to a headphone that presents all of your music accurately, getting out of the way of focusing on what a headphone is/isn’t doing and just letting you enjoy your music.

Here are a list of tracks I like to use to test headphones. These are tracks I’m intimately familiar with, and know what they sound like, from everything to AirPods, stereo speakers, IEMs, and other headphones. For my testing, I am streaming lossless on Qobuz from my Mac mini, using the FIIO K11 R2R as my DAC/amp, and using the provided balanced 4.4mm cable.

Taylor Swift - Style
Polyphia - Playing God
The 1975 - Happiness
Caligula’s Horse - Oceanrise
Coheed and Cambria - Crossing the Frame
Opeth - Heir Apparent
Tyler Childers - Feathered Indians

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Compared to the AR5000, I find the SR7000 definitely has more impactful bass. Especially on the songs here with a more electronic bass pulse (Style, Playing God, Happiness) the bass response is more impactful and satisfying, and never becomes overbearing. I find that the midrange is slightly elevated on the AR5000 compared to the SR7000, so a song with most of the focus being on vocals or acoustic guitars, like Feathered Indians, definitely sound more clear and detailed on the AR5000. For some of the busier tracks here, like Opeth’s Heir Apparent, or Caligula’s Horse’s Oceanrise, the treble response of the AR5000 initially sounds great with the technical drum work, but over time I could see it becoming fatiguing, which is never an issue with the SR7000. I find the treble response of the SR7000 to be just enough to be satisfying without ever sounding fatiguing on these test tracks. For technicalities, I still find the AR5000 better. It sounds more open/airy, light and effortless when it comes to presenting small details in tracks, and giving a slightly more “out of your head” experience than the SR7000. In this way, I think there is something to note with the naming scheme here, with the AR in AR5000 standing for “Air Reference” while the SR in SR7000 standing for “Sea Reference”. If you’ll allow me a slightly esoteric comparison, imagine what headphones should sound like compared to a hot air balloon (open, airy, light on their feet, more focus on high frequencies) and a submarine (thicker note weight, more focus on the low end frequencies, and a slightly more closed in sound), I think it does a surprisingly good job of describing what these two headphones are trying to accomplish.


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But maybe comparing the SR7000 to the AR5000 isn’t really fair, since, in theory, it seems easier to tune an open back headphone than a closed one. So let’s compare it to another popular closed back offering also released in 2024 (4), the Sennheiser HD 620s. The Sennheiser HD 620s seems to have been received as one of the better closed back offerings in Sennheisers lineup. Comparing it to the SR7000 from a non-sound perspective, the HD 620s seem to be a little more utilitarian in their presentation. They come with one cable that has a 3.5mm termination with a 6.35mm adapter that screws onto the end of the cable. Instead of a case, they come with a carrying pouch. As far as sound is concerned, I don’t find the HD 620s quite as linear or natural sounding as the SR7000. I find the mid bass to be boosted a little too much, and that bleeds into the midrange. Compared to the SR7000, the vocals seem a little too recessed, and the treble a little too emphasized. I do find the technicalities to be on par with the SR7000, and interestingly enough, the HD 620s uses angled drivers in a similar way to the Aune offerings to accomplish it’s sense of space and separation (maybe they’re onto something here with angled drivers and closed backs). While I do enjoy the SR7000 more, I do think the HD 620s has its merits. The HD 620s do isolate noise better, with a tighter clamping force, but that could also lead to discomfort over prolonged use. For this reason, I do think they make a better option for being used on the go, with the cord termination on only one side, and better isolation for noisy environments, though funnily enough it’s the one that doesn’t have a case.

Up to this point, I have ignored the elephant in the room, and that is price. The MSRP for all three models is $600 USD for the SR7000, $300 USD for the AR5000, and $350 USD for the HD 620s. To try and compare apples to apples with the AR5000 and SR7000, let’s take away the price of the case ($30) as well as the balanced cable ($50), and we’re comparing a $520 headphone to a $300 headphone. Is the $220 price increase worth it? Potentially, for a few reasons. The obvious one being if you need a closed back due to environment. That would make the SR7000 the obvious choice. The other potential reason is preferring more bass and less treble. I don’t believe I view the SR7000 as a true upgrade from a sound quality alone standpoint, but more of a different tuning with additional features and more accessories. Between the HD 620s and SR7000, that’s a $250 (or $170 using our previous calculation) increase, and is that worth it? To me, from an audio standpoint, yes, I believe it is. I think the only reason I would choose the HD 620s over the SR7000 is if I was using it more on the go, or if sound isolation was an absolute priority.

If it isn’t obvious at this point, I recommend the SR7000. I think people balk at the price, and maybe rightly so, but if your use cases for a headphone include an easy to drive, comfortable closed back, I don’t believe you can find a better option at this price point.

Thanks to Aune for providing this headphone to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. It is available to purchase here from Amazon US, as well as directly from Aune on their website.

(1) Aune has been making headphone amplifiers for a while now, so it’s not like they're new to home audio
(2) favorable reviews from GadgetryTech, Josh Valour, as well as Resolve
(3) Sundara, at this point in time, is outclassed by the cheaper Hifiman Edition XS
(4) I had also planned on comparing the SR7000 to the Focal Azurys, and to keep from just constantly pointing out what I think the SR7000 does better (spoiler alert: everything) I decided to not include it since it wasn’t a fair fight in my eyes.
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andrewchoppa
andrewchoppa
Great review mate - very detailed, professional and well explained.

ywheng89

100+ Head-Fier
Aune SR7000's Review - Balanced and Natural done right!
Pros: Very natural and balanced tuning
Good note weight
Soundstage is very good for a closed back (good perceived depth, heights and width)
Scales with amplification
Decent bundled accessories
Solid build quality
Works very well with most genres
Cons: Not really a cons but merely nitpicking (not for bassheads or trebleheads) due to its balanced tuning
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General/Build/Comfort/Packaging
Aune is well known for their dac/amp products, they produce desktop dac/amp as well as portable source which most of them are quite well received in the community, when it comes to releasing new products, they are also not rushing and making sure everything is right prior to releasing it. I have owned their older DAP with Class A Amp, the M2, a very musical sounding device but fall short on battery life, i have also tested the X1s GT and remember myself quite liking the sound signature.
Today I have the SR7000 headphone with me, essentially the AR5000's bigger brother which I had also reviewed previously. This is Aune’s entry into the premium headphone space. I must say, the outlook, build quality, as well as packaging are very impressive.
Let’s talk about the build quality, the whole unit is mostly made out of metal, hence it is very solid, not to mention it is also very lightweight. Packaging is also very good, very premium-ish packaging style, the inclusion of balanced and single ended cable, a hard storage case which has a compartment to store the cable as well, very nicely thought out.
In terms of comfort, the clamping force is just right, not too tight nor loose, the earpads are also very soft and have the properties of memory foam, I have no issue listening to it for several hours.

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Gears used for this review
  • Aune S9C Pro
  • Shanling M1 Plus
  • iPod Classic 4
  • iBasso DX180
  • Aune SR7000 with AR3 4.4 Balanced Cable and Stock 4.4 Cable
Foreword
My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far

Sound Impression
SR7000 to my ears has a neutral and a slight warm sound profile. The sub bass is quite linear, you can’t really hear it, but rather feel it when the track calls for it, mid bass has good enough punch without bleeding into the mids. The timbre is very natural to my ears and it doesn’t have any metallic sheen to it.

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Bass
  • Starting with the bass, it’s safe to say the bass has very good speed, linear sub bass extension
  • It has a good punch, Slipknot’s People = crap!, especially during the intense drumming during the opening, AR5000 has no sweat in keeping up
  • The sub bass has very good extension, although it doesn’t extend that deep, but the rumble is there whenever the track calls for it
  • The bass response is not basshead kind of presentation, but to my ears, they are sufficient and will present themselves well when the track calls for it
  • Bass has good texture overall and doesn’t sound thin
  • The bass doesn’t bleed into the mids at all
  • The bass presentation overall is very good with nice textures and controlled
Mids
  • The mids are quite detailed and lush
  • Vocal for both male and females has good textures and they never sound thin
  • Vocal positioning is neither too forward nor recessed, I would put it in words as such “few steps away from your face”
  • Upper mids are generally safe to my ears and not shouty even on higher volume
  • The mid range is good overall with plenty of details and doesn’t sound recessed
Treble
  • Treble from SR7000 is smooth but not overly dampened, it retains enough energy for details as well as air
  • Fast and snappy transient response
  • Very good resolution which is expected at this asking price
  • Detail retrieval is very good and micro details can be picked up easily
Soundstage/Imaging
  • Soundstage is very wide and has good height perception, as well as depth, being a closed back headphone, it is rather surprising
  • Instruments can be picked up easily where it is coming from,
  • It has good separation and layering
  • Very good soundstage and imaging overall

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Driveability
  • The SR7000 is not hard to drive, but it does scale very well with amplification
  • Pairing it with the brand’s S9C Pro, with up to 5w on top from balanced, it has very good synergy with it, bass has better control and overall better dynamics, also a slightly thicker note weight, on Mode 1 of S9C, the SR7000 sounded more “accurate” or rather uncolored, but on Mode 2 of S9C, the SR7000 has better soundstage and slightly coloroured, in a way, more musical sounding
  • Just some interesting things that i have done to test, using Apple Dongle Type C to iPhone 15, the AR5000 can be driven to about 80% of its potential, that’s just how efficient and scalable it is, and i am not even maxing out the volume, roughly at 5/10 volume step
Comparison (Hifiman Ananda Nano)
  • First, the build quality, SR7000 definitely runs circle around the Ananda Nano in terms of build quality and comfort
  • The Ananda Nano is an open back planar magnetic driver headphones, in terms of tuning, the Ananda Nano’s sound signature is leaning towards a cooler and thinner note weight compared to SR7000
  • Bass is light in terms of quantity, sub bass extension is not as good, it does roll off quite early, but mid bass is quite punchy and has good speed and texture, but personally, I prefer the bass of SR7000 due to it sounding fuller and has thicker note weight
  • Perhaps the strong point for the Ananda Nano is the technicalities, the resolution and detail retrieval is slightly better compared to SR7000
  • Treble on the Ananda Nano is borderline hot and might be too peaky for some
  • Soundstage is rather 2D-ish, just slightly out of your head, but separation and imaging is rather good
  • Being a planar magnetic, it definitely requires some power in order to perform at its best, SR7000 however, does not requires a lot of power to sound good

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Sound Impression on stock cable vs AR3 for SR7000 (This is highly subjective and if you’re not a cable believer, skip this section)
  • Bass doesn’t extend that much vs AR3 that gives a slightly better bass extension, perceivable especially on the sub bass
  • Soundstage is slightly smaller on stock cable vs bigger soundstage on AR3 cable
  • Mids seems to have better note weight on the stock cable vs slightly thinner note weight on the AR3
  • Treble is smoother on the stock cable, and sounds warmer vs AR3 which has a little more energy, and also more air which contributes to a slightly bigger soundstage
  • Overall, i would say pairing it with the AR3 gives the SR7000 a slightly different sound signature, a slightly more energetic SR7000 whereas the stock cable would render the SR7000 a tamer and smoother signature overall
Final Thoughts
The SR7000 is definitely one of my favourite dynamic driver headphones that I have tested other than the Grados which I have owned, being the brand’s second entry into the headphone market, they are definitely stepping up and they took the time to optimise and tune it properly and not rushed to mass produce the headphone. to the expectation in terms of sonic performance as well as build quality. and I'm really surprised by its capability in terms of the sonic performance as well as its technicalities. Not to mention that the price is highly competitive as well given what it has to offer. It doesn't require a beefy amp to sound good yet it does scale with better source and amplification. Priced at 599$, I wouldn’t say the price is very affordable, but the SR7000 definitely offers a very good value in terms of price performance ratio, this is a highly recommended headphone from me!

*The Aune SR7000 was sent over by Aune for the purpose of this review, I received no monetary compensation nor was I influenced in any way to produce this review.

If you are interested in getting a pair, head over to their official store to grab one now!

Aune SR7000 Product Page
Aune SR7000 Store Link - Non affiliated
Aune AR3 Upgrade cable Store Link - Non affiliated

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andrewchoppa

500+ Head-Fier
It's difficult to make a great closed back...........or IS IT???????? Aune SR7000
Pros: Bass quality and quantity
Clarity and instrument separation amazing for the price
Punchy, fun, lively and dynamic
Build and comfort
Cons: 3.5mm cable too short and exhibits microphonics
Mids (vocals for me) a tad forward on just a few tracks for me
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These retail at the moment for $599 USD.

Gear used to test –

Geshelli J2 (external BRZ Hifi LPS), Burson Soloist 3X GT with 5a power supply and SP2 power modules, Eversolo DMP-A6




These were kindly sent out to me to review by Aune and then I will pass on to another infinitely more important reviewer (Youtuber – you’ll know him well!). Once I have put down my thoughts on paper (well, keyboard and monitor), I will be sending them off.

I have used the stock cable (3.5mm termination as I don’t have a 4.4mm option on my desktop setup). I also used my own dual 3.5mm to XLR to test single ended vs balanced. Most listening was enjoyed using the XLR.

My personal preference in sound is somewhat V-shaped. I listen to a lot of songs with vocals but also a good deal of instrumental too (metal, rock, classical, EDM etc).



Straight out of the box, these headphones are very comfortable. The look and feel is premium with suspension headstrap. The grille is modern (I actually really like the aesthetics!) and the clamp force is not loose, but certainly not too tight.

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I’m a wood fan first and foremost so always prefer the beauty of nature’s finest but for non-wood cans, these look modern and smart.

The supplied 3.5mm cable looks good with its braided style. It is floppy and not stiff but does have some microphonics. It’s also only 1m – I need a longer cable for my desktop setup. 2m is the standard I prefer. I would prefer a better cable at this price point. As mentioned, I didn’t test the 4.4mm termination, as I don’t have this option on any of my desktop gear. I realise a lot of newer amps have 4.4mm outputs, and that closed backs often go hand in hand with portable devices (which often have 4.4mm) but I have predominantly XLR and 6.3mm terminated cables and 95% of my listening is done at my desktop setup, so these are my preferences.



NB: I have to add here that a friend reminded me last night (thanks Kev!!) that you can have the best headphones on the planet, but if you under drive them or power them incorrectly , then you just won’t get anywhere near the quality of sound that you paid all your hard earned cash for. My point is that I have given them a chance to showcase just what they can be capable of.

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I haven’t tried them (apart from a couple of tube amps) with any other systems, lower price point or higher.

One more thing to note (and it’s not surprising at all) is that the difference in sound (yes, volume of course predominantly) was night and day between 3.5mm and XLR. I believe the Soloist puts out double the power into XLR. The quality of sound in every way was far superior via balanced connection, in my opinion). So my thoughts are expressed using predominantly my own XLR cable.



The SR7000 are in a nutshell, dynamic and hard hitting. They are fun in my opinion and really bring the listener in for some engaging, punchy, aural delights.

Soundstage is excellent for closed backs – left to right, spherical. I don’t really hear height differences in soundstage, so I can’t comment here.

Instrument separation is great on the majority of tracks. Frenetic Speed metal trips them up on occasion but it does with much more expensive cans too.

Clarity, in my opinion, is at a way higher $$ level than their price tag. This is probably aided by a focus on treble. But let me clarify, they are not “bright” headphones. I think they are tuned neutral to slightly warm if anything, but treble is still clear and present.



Timbre – Electric guitars, piano, and drums seem to be realistic, snappy and clear. Vocals are clear and lifelike to me. Music doesn’t sound tinny, digitised or plastic in any way.

Bass – slams. For me, the quality and quantity is very impressive. It seems to dig quite deep and on EDM, my head can rattle at volume.

Mids – These aren’t V-shaped for me. Mids are certainly present, so vocals are present and strong. This will suit many and divide a few. I could probably do with a tiny dip in the 2-3khz (I haven’t measured and I’m not a professional reviewer, so not sure if it is particularly the 2-3khtz range). But with instrumental music, this has been no issue for me at all.

Treble – For me – spot on. I’m old and losing higher treble frequencies. Younger listeners may find it a tad spicy (but not sibilant and it is well done). Tube amps can help here, as can an R2R or warmer Dac.



Unreservedly heterogeneous test tracks -

Baba O-Reilly – The Who
– guitars are clean, punchy. Vocals do come across a little dominant on this track but this may be just the intended mixing, as I have noticed this on other headphones prior.

Money For Nothing – Dire Straits – punchy, massive intro with guitar, bass and drums. WOW! Vocals are perfectly balanced!! Clarity and separation are excellent. Instruments can be pinpointed within my head.

Playing God – Polyphia – Crisp, dynamic, clean, clear, punchy, alive. Bass is just as it should be for me! These sound like open backs. Clarity is wonderful. Soundstage seems to go all around my head.

Prelude/Angry Young Man – Billy Joel – Piano timbre is very realistic, not sounding digital in any way. Punchy, clear, separated beautifully, soundstage all around. Vocals sitting nicely in the mix.

Through the Fire and the Flames – Dragonforce (blisteringly fast speed metal) – Muddy through the frenetic bits – hard to keep up with frenetic music. But realistically, there aren’t a great deal of headphones that can really make this song shine and separate everything simultaneously.

Metallica – One – (I had this one up loud!!) – WOW. Punchy, dynamic bass – slamming. Separation and clarity are the standouts on this track! Vocals in harmony with instruments. Very impressed with this. Even the crazy solo at the end is still all well separated and not “muddled” together like Dragonforce. Clarity, dynamics and timbre are wonderful here. It all sounds natural and just as I know this song to be.

The Power Of the Ancient Force – Twighlight Force – (Fantasy Power Metal ballad). Piano is natural and powerful here, and Hanna Turi’s voice is haunting and enchanting. Beautiful song, and the SR7000s really do it justice.

In the Air Tonight – Phil Collins – Clarity, punch, vocals in check, bass and treble just right. Soundstage very spherical, and goes wide l-r. When the drums kick in, this is just magical. Loud – no sibilance, no distortion at all!

Fireflies – Rag’n’Bone Man – Guitar is just crisp and real. Vocals completely balanced here. Lovely track, and these are well suited to this style of music.

Dream On – Blacktop Mojo (Aerosmith cover) – Clarity, dynamics, separation, but vocals can be just a tad forward for me on this track.

Farewell – d’Artagnan (feat Patty Gurdy) – perfectly balanced! Punchy, clear, well separated. Bass and treble dominant but in a good way. The hurdy gurdy sounds so good.

Run to Paradise – Choirboys – Sound bloody great!! Clear, punchy (again!!), natural, through all frequencies. Treble is up there but not in any way sibilant or too spicy for me.

Down Under – Men at Work – beautifully balanced. Bass, treble AND mids just intertwined beautifully. Great track to showcase these headphones.

Hotel California live (2018 Remaster) – Eagles – clarity, separation, dynamics, staging – it’s a bloody great listen on these cans!!

Beat it – Michael Jackson – at the risk of sounding like a broken record (well, 176.4 khz Tidal stream), staging and separation once again excellent!

Grandiose – Jamie Berry – dynamic and punchy. Clear, well separated. Bass is HUGE!! Great song/genre for these headphones.

Patience – GNR – realistic with regards to timbre. Once again, super clear and separation of guitars, whistles and vocals is just well done. Everything is balanced.

Dance the Night Away – Van Halen - Separation again is impressive. Michael Anthony’s bass goes deep and punchy. Mids are a tad forward on this track for me. It’s not a deal breaker, but just wanted to point this out. Vocals come across as forward or slightly dominant.



Note - Not many of the songs were vocal-forward on the SR7000s. The ones that were, can be adjusted with EQ or tried with different gear. 80% were well balanced to my ears.



Headphone Comparisons –

Note - The only headphones I had to compare were the Bokehs. My Fiio FT1s are out on loan and my recently purchased Focal Radiance are on their way to me. Also, my Focal Elegias are wonderful, but only with some EQing, so I didn’t want to compare the two. From decent aural memory, the SR7000s easily outperform the FT1s and Elegias. I haven’t yet heard the Radiance (I am buying 2nd hand), so cannot yet compare. That would be a very interesting comparison in my opinion.

ZMF Bokeh Closed – both headphones are punchy and dynamic, and fun in their own right!!! The Aunes seem to reach lower than the Bokehs and quality of bass seems to be better on the Aunes. Bass is no slouch on the Bokehs, but Aunes definitely dig deeper. Highs are a tad crisper too, on the Aunes. Definitely not in anyway sibilant. I like well controlled treble, and these have it. I needed to remove the inner mesh on the Bokehs to get the right amount of treble for my tastes. Clamp force is less on the Aunes. Both are equally comfortable. Soundstage is slightly wider on the Bokehs. Both are excellent closed backs for their prices. It’s a very close contest between the two. Bokehs are far superior aesthetically but comfort, sound and price to performance are almost spot on for me.

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Comparative gear -

Eufonika OTC tube amp (SNS7 tubes) –


The mids and treble were softened just slightly and some of the dynamics and clarity were reduced too. A much more relaxed listen on tubes (as is to be expected). For engaging and fun, the Aunes seem to suit my solid state amp better.


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Bottlehead Crackatwoa OTL –

55 ohm Dynamics don’t tend to play nicely with OTL tube amps.



Final thoughts -

These are just punchy, dynamic, fun headphones. There’s honestly not much to dislike!

They showcase great clarity, dynamics, punch and as mentioned numerous times, a genuine sense of “fun”. They have excellent bass quality and quantity, mids can be a touch forward for my liking (but only on certain tracks). And treble is spot on for me.

As mentioned, the 3.5mm cable, although pretty and braided, is microphonic and just too short for my use case. I personally would prefer a 6.3mm termination for single ended use and XLR for balanced.

In my opinion, these headphones are really suited to dance, EDM, acoustic, instrumental, classical, and a wide range of rock and metal (just not the insanely frenetic speed metal genres).

These should be on a lot of peoples’ closed back lists.

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If I had to rate them out of 10. It would look like this:

Build, looks and comfort – 8/10

Sound quality – 8.5/10

Price to performance – 9/10



Overall – a solid 8.5/10

As previously mentioned, I am now passing these on. I will reach out to Aune to purchase a pair for myself – that says a lot, and I’m already looking forward to Aune’s future developments in headphones.

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andrewchoppa
andrewchoppa
@Mhog55 I love I'll Wait!!! Just got into turntables and bought a very good copy 2nd hand of 1984!!! Sounds fantastic on my 2 channel!!!
andrewchoppa
andrewchoppa
@AnamCeoil The XTC 2.5 is a very different beast. And that's simply because John tunes them to each buyer's preference. Mine is Warm but Elevated Detail. It has massive bass (well controlled and deep), good mids for me (I'm a V shaper haha) and then spicy treble. It's a huge sound and a massive soundstage for a closed, even bigger than the SR7000. It's also wood and made beautifully. But it's for a different session that I pick the XTC, over the SR7000 and vice versa. The SR7000 is simply excellent for the $$ and a politer headphone than the XTC. The XTC has better clarity and detail (helped with the enhanced treble), but it's also almost 3 times the price of the SR7000. For $599 USD, the SR7000 is a GREAT closed back!
AnamCeoil
AnamCeoil
Nice one, thanks for the comparison. I have a soft spot for closed backs, and the helps a lot scoping out possible options. Cheers

nikbr

Headphoneus Supremus
Aune SR7000 - 'SR' as Seriously Ravishing?
Pros: The quality build, the mechanical yet enchanting looks, the outstanding comfort, the well-balanced tuning approach, the non-fatiguing all-day headphone, the pretty case and two cables, responsive to sources
Cons: Possibly a tad dull at first, not for those that are exclusively bassheads or trebleheads
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This hobby is an escapist's dream. Escape from daily routine and distress that's causing you via something as sincere and everlasting as listening to music. I believe that the power of music is still not fully understood since it works in mysterious ways. Allow it to do its magic on you and let your worries dissolve in melody.

Having had the possibility to try so many different sets in a relatively short time I felt obliged to go ahead and express my gratitude by trying to help some lost souls out there, just as I was when I first stumbled upon this weird hobby about wired earphones – so yesteryear! … I thought. Possibilities are seemingly endless and only by getting to meet the right people did I manage to jump onboard the train heading the 'right' direction without getting off-track thousands of times along the way. Make sure to understand the helping person's preferences and you too can find your footing and hit the ground running in no time.


Quick Intermezzo About Me

I won't bore you for too long with personal trivia, however my quick & short background resume goes as follows. Currently I am 27 years old and more in awe of sheer power of music by the day. I have always been moved by music just that slight bit more than average, I'd say. My spending started with a roughly 200€ Bose bluetooth speaker back in my first grade of highschool. What an extraterrestrial thing that was in early 2010s. And it keeps on playing to this day – a true testament of quality. Also sounded fantastic back then, nowadays … yeah, not so much. Lots of BT speakers, TWS, car audio speakers, IEMs, etc., later bring me to this day when I truly consider myself an audiophile. What brings me the most joy beside listening to music is singing, so I am currently participating in a choir and challenging myself with solo vocal covers (check the links in my signature to hear my projects). Unsure where all this leads, but the journey itself is marvelous and life is nothing but a journey.

My preference lies somewhere in the neutral camp with just an ever so slight tilt towards warmth, but I try to keep an open mind and truly appreciate any outliers that dare do it differently and succeed. Our ears vary, so do our brain and tastes. I am an advocate for respectful discourse, especially in topics that don't even have many objective undeniable truths. Audio is one of those.

My most listened genres are, in no particular order: jazz, singer/songwriter, blues, rock, ambient, & techno.


Disclaimer: I have received the Aune SR7000 directly from Aune themselves. While I understand your concern about honesty, even if I wanted to shill this to the moon and back, I am way too mindful of others' money to overly hype stuff that does not deserve it, so there's that.

Feel free to check out their official site here: https://www.auneaudio.com/Headphones_en/459.html

How My Reviews Are Structured

I will start off by mentioning the packaging, accessories, design & comfort, then continue by placing the showcased item in my special trademarked graphs & graphics, give it a score on certain qualities, and describe the main sound categories to reach the final star score. Finally, I will compare it to its rival, despite that being an open-back headphone and costing a bit more. Those that are seriously considering a flagship endgame-worthy dynamic closed-back headphone, please do not hesitate to ask for any specifics you want me to answer via private messaging.

I have left the SR7000 to burn-in for 100+ hours and listened to songs of varied genres to better convey what one can expect from it. As sources I have been using my FiiO BTR7, Venture Electronics Megatron, iBasso DX180, and Venture Electronics RA2B-FE + Prime DAC (in short, called the 'VE Stack'). Certainly no lack of power and quite a different taste on all. Listening was (mostly) done at a volume ranging between 70-85dB. I am using the stock 4.4 cable.

Here is the quick and rough description of how I understand various star ratings:

Do not even think about it :star2:
It has too many drawbacks and gets demolished by competition :star2::star2:
This item has the potential but feels a bit too bland and has multiple issues :star2::star2::star2:
Wonderful item with rare and mostly subjective drawbacks :star2::star2::star2::star2:
Eargasmic performance with all the aspects covered at an incredibly high level :star2::star2::star2::star2::star2:

Keep in mind these ratings are certainly affected by the item's price in the overall assessment too. Sometimes that will result in slightly higher score than based solely on my scoring of bass, mids, and treble, while other times it results in a slight penalty if I deem the item a tad overpriced.

In layman's terms - anything rated below 4 stars overall does not get a space in my regular rotation and is either stored and revisited some time later again just to see if my thoughts have changed, or it gets gifted.

Let's Get Going!

Packaging, Accessories, Design & Comfort

Unboxing is quickly dealt with and you're free to enjoy your sick new headphones! These come in a larger-than-necessary box (that's apparently a must in this price segment) which contains the gorgeous case that's hiding everything. By everything I mean the usual: headphones, a 3.5 and a 4.4 cable, and a 6.3 adapter. Making the unboxing experience anything outstanding is a bit tougher with HPs than it is with IEMs. Some IEMs are a treat to unbox at a third of the SR7000's price, but I digress, that's not what we're here for.

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Despite their 390g weight, these are a dream to wear thanks to their well thought out pads and headband. The pads allow a lot of space for ears, so accomodating larger ears should not be an issue. That also means it does not get warm too soon when wearing them. The headband dsitributes the weight evenly on top of my head and never gets itchy or in any way uncomfortable. They never creak or rattle no matter how I move them, which is a testament to their top-class build quality – no signs of what we usually make fun of in Chi-Fi. This is one very rugged pair.

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I'll leave the design for you to decide, but in person these are a well executed rugged and mechanical look that gives that feeling of being indestructible. While I usually prefer a more organic look, these offer a wonderful counterweight to my other top-shelf headphone, the Meze 109 Pro.

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Graphics, Graphs & Scores
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These are a tasteful warm-leaning headphone that stays well clear of offending anyone with its highs. It's worth mentioning they respond tremendously to different sources, so those with multiple sources are for sure going to like these a whole lot on at least one. But if you're source-limited, read my impressions carefully while keeping in mind I wrote these based on how they perform on the iBasso DX180, a very neutral source.

Six Basic Traits

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Magic Balance Boards
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Soundstage Measurement Tool
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Just how much of this interesting depth perception is down to the speaker's placement and angle I have no way of knowing, but here you can how the driver is far forward and angled backwards.

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Quarter Circle Playground
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Overall scoring needs a meticulous rehaul going into 2025, since it quickly looks either too strict or too forgiving based solely on 3 traits. Either way, here is how this played out for the SR7000.

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Sound Descriptions


The obvious categories will be subcategorized into a few important aspects. It is impossible to just proclaim the bass as great or not, there are levels to this hobby and since you're reading this review, you've obviously fallen deeper into this rabbit hole than many.


Bass
(some songs I used: Soldier of fortune by Deep Purple, Summer by Emeli Sande, I'm in Love by Ayo, House of the Rising sun by alt-J&Tuka, Infinity by DJ Pastis&DJ Ninu&Wasi Distorsion, Kuwait by Mazde, Drum solo by Manu Katche, Hislerim by Serhat Durmus&Zerrin, Animamundi by The spy from Cairo)

Quantity vs quality: These won't vibrate your ears nor make you feel the punch. The quantity feels limited in order to not overflow into the midrange and muddy it. I appreciate the decision. It also allows the quality of bass to stay fully in check.

Rumble: Its lowest octave is not as substantial as some might wish for. It leaves some to be desired.

Attack: The midbass snappiness is sufficient to gel well to the rest of the frequency response. But in busiest of drum passages, it may struggle a bit.

Decay: Smooth and appreciably natural, but very toned down and almost open-back-like. It's on the quicker side, so it works better in stuff like rock and jazz than rap or electronica.

Boominess: Reading all about how their specially developed and awesomely named 'Dragon Scale acoustic prism' I was expecting a lot. And the dragon delivers! This is not like the closed-backs of old, so I can happily say this is boom-free.

Bloatedness: None. The way the SR7000 marries the bass to the low-midrange is tremendous. Very musical and intoxicating.


Mids
(some songs I used: Creep by Haley Reinhart, Rosita by Coleman Hawkins&Ben Webster, Vidda by Ole Edvard Antonsen, Long after you are gone by Chris Jones, Writing's on the wall by Tom Ball, Dream on by Morgan James, Lonely island by Amble, Exhale the ash by Ulcerate, Free bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eyes don't lie by Tones and I, All about you by Sophie Zelmani)

Timbre: Getting this right is crucial in overall acceptance of any set. Always a sensitive topic. Timbre is not an easy one to unfold and pack into these little forms we call words. We also have a different understanding of 'correct timbre'. Hearing the instruments in multiple settings and played by different artists is a must to really get familiar with their intricacies. The SR7000 seems to slightly smoothen everything, so that can affect the overtone richness and thus make the timbre seem a tad off, but after a short brain burn-in, that's more a feature than a bug.

Forwardness: Just a tad high-mid-forward, but this should not be a fatiguing headphone in this regard to anyone. As far as positioning is concerned, the stage is fairly shared among performers and none feel like they're doing their own thing unless of course it's their solo section.

Clarity: Not spectacular, but decent enough for a closed-back headphone. I would wish for just a bit more resolution in high midrange, but taking into account the musicality and chilled listen this provides I quickly forget my woes. In this regard they still get beaten by a similarly priced open-backed headphone – we'll discuss this later.

Vocals: Not an out and out vocal expert, but I very much enjoy their placement and overall tonal balance whether it be a male or female artist. They lack the ultimate microdetail to catch every breath, lip smack, saliva build up, or recording error.

Note weight: I'm most sensitive to how the piano is played back. Hearing a grand piano live you can tell just how much body each note carries and how rich it is in under- and overtones. Note weight is one of those risky topics and it quickly segregates the field in two camps, those that prefer a thicker, rounder note weight and hence a more analog approach, and those preferring all-BA sets (in IEM language) because those usually have a quicker, less hefty character and a more digital sound. Mind, those are very very severe simplifications of this layered, 50-shade-of grey topic just to carry my point across. This is often where headphones do better than IEMs. Why? Because physics. It's a combination of having larger drivers moving more air and the effect of pinna which is absent on IEMs. It's no different here. The largeness of the soundscape and as a result the scale of each note are more akin to speakers than (most) IEMs. That's why I am a huge advocate of having both headphones and IEMs in your collection if possible.


Treble
(some songs I used: Vidda by Ole Edvard Antonsen, Want by The cure, All about you by Sophie Zelmani, Morning bird by Sade, Animali in Marcia by Gianluigi Trovesi, Ain't no love in the city by Robert Haglund, Barbados by Arne Domnerus, Oh Dear by Sophie Zelmani, Liberty by Kerenza Peacock&Timothy Ridout&Hum Watkins, Shivers by Ed Sheeran)

Crispness/sharpness: A mix of multiple qualities hidden all the way from upper mids high up into treble. There is no straight-cut rule to tackling this and having it fit all ears and preferences. These will never feel sharp unless someone is awfully sensitive to any particular frequency spectrum. It also won't feel the most crisp which can benefit certain songs and hurt others. Guitars for example lack some of their very fine details upon releasing the string.

Sibilance: Well handled. Even the worst of offenders in modern pop, again like Shivers by Ed Sheeran, get by without any painfully sibilant moments. This area is skillfully attenuated despite not really looking that way on graph. That is also part of the reason why it feels calmer in its presentation of instruments that make use of this area, but luckily avoids being too safe and thus dull.

Naturalness: There is this constant sort of slight veil that makes them sound more like a very well or even overly isolated recording room instead of wherever the performance may take place. Nonetheless, it sounds natural, but in a very specific and irregular setting.

Air: Nope, not happening. Treble veers far to the shy side. Also, I have yet to hear a headphone or earbud do this area well, or okay even. So those of you searching for that treble shimmer which has an almost undescribable, magical effect in some scenarios, look elsewhere – hint: possibly an EST- or microplanar-equipped In-Ear Monitor.

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Sound comparison with the Meze 109 Pro

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This duel intrigued me a whole lot. I will go through a few songs and their individual qualities to offer you a better understanding as to what I might be going on about.

1. The Sound of Silence, Geoff Castellucci

What better way to start off than with a bass vocalist in a low-end-rumble-rich cover of an all time classic.
And I'll be focusing on precisely those two things, the low end atmosphere and the warmth and pure awesomeness of his vocal. Starting with the Aune I can hear a well controlled and decently extended low end that almost feels palpable. It's not as subbass-dominant as I would perhaps wish for in this case. In comparison, the Meze require less volume to get to equal perceived loudness (level 30 vs 36 for Aune) and feel much more open in the low midrange while also thicker in the lowest octaves. They trade punches as to which is better textured and atmospheric. I struggle choosing a winner. His vocal feels placed lower down on the SR7000, but also much more pinpoint precise and fuller, whereas the 109 Pro lifts him higher while making him clearer overall but more diffused as far as imaging is concerned. The lowest notes he reaches are better connected to the rest of his performance on the SR7000. The surrounding elements such as piano and back vocalists do sound grander and easier to follow on the 109 Pro, but again a bit more floaty and less nuanced. In this particular song I feel like the 109 Pro leans more musical whereas the SR7000 is more monitor-like, which is the opposite of what I would have expected before diving in.

2 . No Sanctuary Here, Chris Jones

Lots to unpack, but let's keep it brief and focused on a couple of points: Guitar, percussion elements, a baritone, the soundstage and resolution.
Guitars feel livelier on the 109 Pro, which allows for a lower level listen, which I am a fan of. But the percussion becomes a bit much on the 109 Pro even at normal volumes already. And once more the SR7000 is more accurate in imaging and offers more microdetails. Soundstage as far as dimensions are concerned is noticeably larger on the open-backed 109 Pro. Chris' vocal is a bit thinner and less rounded on the SR7000, while still feeling a bit lower on the stage, so I would give a slight advantage to the 109 Pro here, since it feels more natural. So again I'd say the 109 Pro is the more fun headphone perhaps, but the SR7000 strikes a perfect balance of detail and fun while being far less fatiguing.

3. Writing's On The Wall, Tom Ball

A gorgeous tenor with unmatched richness in overtones alongside a huge orchestral setting that would make for a perfect 007 movie soundtrack – which of course was precisely what it was back in 2015 in Sam Smith's version.
So, how do the two headphones compare in this case? The recurring theme continues, but I would have to give a larger advantage to the SR7000 here. The placement of Tom's vocal is tremendous and amazingly textured atop. In direct A/B the 109 Pro comes across as blurry and definitely less refined. The width of stage claws back some points, but it's a no contest. The grandiosity does not mean much in this case, since individual detail feels hazy. Despite the smaller presentation, I easily declare the SR7000 as the winner.

4. Summer, Emeli Sande

A very breathy and smokey female vocal accompanied by some serious bass lines and expansive floaty ornaments.
This song really highlights the V-shaped approach of the 109 Pro and it works well in this case. The low end is more alive and punchier as well as better presented treble details. But while the SR7000 is much less playful with this song, it offers a better balanced experience and a more laser-focused image.

5. Now That You've Gone, Kasey Chambers & The Fireside Disciples

A folky female vocal in a gorgeous song with tremendous lyricism and a heartfelt presentation.
It's getting repetitive at this point, but it's a case of livelier musicality in a larger stage that is more fatiguing (the Meze) or a more precise listen with lesser stage but better detail retrieval (the Aune). Once more I must say these two are so complimentary and it is tough or nearly impossible to pick a favourite. Those last »now that you've gone« parts that always strike me so deeply and the following guitars dance off bring me close to tears on both headphones.

6. Voodoo, Gorgon City

A change of pace. Which headphone does it better?
It's all about enjoyment here, so the crisper V-shape of the 109 Pro should in theory make it a better pairing. But tell you what, the SR7000 can become quite lively too! These are very well tuned headphones that feel tremendously versatile. Getting into this trancey mood is effortless with the SR7000. Switching directly to the Meze it sticks out like a much sharper headphone besides having more bass. This song thus gets annoyingly bright at similar volumes to the Aune, once more proving my assumption that the 109 Pro is better suited for acoustic stuff whereas the SR7000 really tackles many genres happily.

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7. Godforsaken, Insomnium & Johanna Kurkurela

And for a grand finale let's spice it up while also trying to prove myself right in that the SR7000 is a better all-arounder, let's dive deep into metal waters.
The hihats and the kickdrums can get quite mushy and unrefined on the 109 Pro, but its liveliness is enjoyable for a song or two, then I'd happily change the genre. In comparison, the SR7000 feels very blurry at first, since it's much smoother in treble, but give it a moment to settle in and it's certainly the more capable headphone for this sort of work. The kickdrums and hihats are reduced in quantity, but much more clean and outlined. Both the angelic vocals and the metal screams are slightly on the safer side which costs them a bit in being convincing, but it's a sweeter, better balanced listen that makes sitting through the whole album a joy, not a chore.


Extra

Fun factor
: If we consider only the basics such as having huge bass or being V-shaped and impressing with clarity, this is not the most fun headphone out there. These excel at being fun long-term and allowing the listener to forget he/she's wearing headphones even when shuffling through an eclectic mix of genres.

Q: What kind of source to pair it with?
A: Either a neutral one to further cement its neutral-ish playback or a V-shaped one to make it snappier and crisper.

Q: What genres are its strength/weakness?
A: It does fine with most! Truly a testament to how well they have made the components work with each other and the tuning to go along.


Summing Up The Aune SR7000

Coming into this, I was skeptical just how far they can actually improve a closed-back headphone. There still seems to be this stigma that closed-back means boomy, closed in, and unrefined. So yeah, ... none of that is true here. Whatever magical spell Aune have chanted has been successful and the result is a very well tuned all-arounder that also won't leave the listener cold and underwhelmed. A difficult task. Pair that with a stunning look and build quality and these are well worth their asking price in my humble opinion. Those that enjoy a more energetic listen might not be as pleased, so in that case I would advise finding a way to demo these before pulling the trigger.


Thanks for reading and stay wonderful.

Leonarfd

Headphoneus Supremus
AUNE SR7000 - An balanced and open sounding closed back headphone
Pros: Balanced tuning
Good extension in both lows and highs
Bass deliver great sub bass rumble and punch
Clean and balanced midrange
Clear treble without harshness
Decently technical, with clean transients
Soundstage is very open with nice projection for closed back
Good build quality
Ergonomic and light, with soft pads and lighter clamp force
Interchangeable cable with 3.5mm headphone sockets
Decent accessories
Two cables, one balanced 4.4mm and single ended 3.5mm
A nice branded storage case
Cons: This is a balanced sounding headphone so not for the treble or bass heads
Minimal padding on the headband, but it is wide and comfortable
No XLR cable, or adapter
The single ended cable is not as nice as the balanced 4.4mm
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AUNE SR7000

Disclaimer

I got SR7000 for free in return for a review, I am free to say whatever I want.

All impressions are my own subjective thoughts after having used them for a good time. These are my thoughts at this moment, and as time moves I might change my opinion.
This is also a very subjective hobby where everything from experience, anatomy or age will affect what we hear. Also keep in mind that it is easy to use bold words when talking about differences, while it may be perceived as a small change for you.
While I can perceive something as natural sounding, I do believe we can never get a perfect performance similar to what is achieved live.


Ranking System:
1 Very bad or unlistenable
2 Listenable but not good
3 Average
4 Very good
5 Exceptional or having a special sauce

My rating system highly values what is musical for me, so my rating will always be a subjective opinion.

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My audio preference is neutral with some warmth, I can also like forward midrange and treble if not excessive. I am a believer in having different tuned gears for different genres or moods instead of chasing the single perfect one.

Main music genres I listen to are metal, electronica, jazz and pop. I am a music lover, and can also listen to almost all the genres out there.

I have been into music gear since the mid 90s, gifted some big speakers at an early age. Then moved more and more into headphones with my entry being Koss Porta Pro and a Sony Discman.

I have tried playing many instruments over the years from piano to saxophone without getting far, this due to not having the biggest patience in learning to play.

My current favorites in Headphones are ZMF Verite Open and AUNE SR7000.
My current favorites in IEMs are Thieaudio Origin and LETSHUOER Cadenza 12.
My current favorites in Earbuds are FranQL Caelum and Venture Electronics Zen 3.0.

Gear used in the main rig is Denafrips Ares 12th-1 DAC together with the Topping A90 Discrete headphone amp. I also have a Schiit Lokius I can swap in if I want to do a little analogue EQ.

Portable gear being SONY WM1AM2 and iBasso DX180, with some dongles like HIBY FC6 and Colorfly CDA-M1P.

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So what is the AUNE SR7000

This is the second headphone release by the Chinese manufacturer AUNE, this is a closed back full sized headphone with a MSRP of $599. The SR7000 is this time closed back and cost twice as much as the previous model AR5000 that was open back, for some this can sound like a bold move but I will say they have succeeded in something great here.

It uses a new 50mm dynamic driver developed by AUNE, a W-shaped composite cone made of ceramic-reinforced polymer. There is also some mechanical tech into the driver with MLD and suspension, you can read more from their own website if this is interesting.

https://www.aune-store.com/en/aune-sr-7000-high-res-headphone_110211_1252/

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The backside of the pack has the product information, with the technical information needed. It is also photos showing the drivers, angled driver placement and the acoustic material to reduce some unwanted frequencies

Specifications:

Driver 50mm dynamic closed
Frequency range 5-44500Hz
Normal Impedance 55 Ohms
Sensetivity at 1KHz 106dB SPL
THD at 1KHz <0.03%
Headphones Net Weight 380g
Gross Weight 1.65kg
Box Dimensions 260*275*153(mm)

Accessories:

1.5m OFC TRS cable
1.5m OCC 4.4mm balanced cable
AuNest headphone case
3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter


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I am not one who puts much weight into measurements, but it's nice to see AUNE providing graphs on their product page. First I can evaluate from this is that it has good extension both in the bass and treble, with a very balanced tuning for a closed back.

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Let's talk design, this looks really good to me and feels good quality when picked up. At first glance this could look like an open back model, but this is just a design choice by AUNE. It's always nice to see headphones that use something different than only black or metal colored parts, the metal design has a tint of green to it.

There is some branding on the side, on top is the Sea Reference Series. I tried to find some information from what this refers to, but I assume we will have more headphones in the future from AUNE and they will have more series.
Other than that we have the model name in the middle, and the driver type at the bottom.
If anything it would look more premium if they stuck to the AUNE SR7000 branding alone, together with headband branding.

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Here the Sea Reference Series is also labelled, this subtle branding is more my thing.
Here you can also see some of the headband mechanics, for the photo here I had the minimum extension of the adjustment slider. At minimum it should work for most small heads, and for me with an average large head being in the middle of the adjustments is perfect.
The slider has steps and is not linear, so it stays secure where you have positioned it.

The headband is what I assume is pleather, it has minimal padding. But since it's wide and the headphone only weighs 380g I can hardly feel it on my head.

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I have measured the pad opening, got a few questions as comfort is often a big concern with headphones.
The size of the opening is around 65mm high and 47mm wide. The driver is angled, with 15mm in front and 30mm in the back.

My guess it should work well for most folks, I could have wished for a little thicker pads. But when I position my ear more in the back of the cup I don't touch the driver enclosure. This is a personal problem with my larger ears, and this should be good size for most folks unless you have large dumbo ears.

The pads are very soft, they work well for me together with glasses without losing seal and low end. But this works best with thinner frames, some thick glasses can reduce a little warmth.

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The included storage case is very nice, it can hold the headphone and some accessories in a safe way. While the headphone has enough place with the cable on, I would take it off as it is safer for the cable. The color of the case matches the headphone, showing that there has been some thought into design.

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This is one of the stock cables, this is the OCC balanced cable. This looks a little better than the other cable, it is a soft and light cable. Maybe not the most premium if you're used to higher end cables, but also more than good enough to get going.

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This is the other cable that is terminated in 3.5mm single ended, this one is OFC and is 1.5m long. This does feel cheaper than the OCC cable, but this also is okay to get good sound.

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SR7000 sound description

Going to use the ranges here in review:
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Details and soundstage

Detail in headphones is down to the quality driver and how it amplitudes the frequencies, also when the driver is faster with cleaner transients the clarity improves.

If we look at this way I would say this is a fairly resolving headphone, the transients is clean with just a hint of softness to it. If we have analogue and soft on one side and the other side having analytical and crip, the SR7000 sits in the middle of this description. Some of this due to tuning as it's balanced and extended without being aggressive in the upper midrange and treble, but also a little due to the driver having some warmth.

Bass

Bass has good extension and can deliver some good bass rumble and slam while also being clean, the SR7000 has good balance between sub and mid bass. The amount of bass is just right to make the headphone sound a little warm, but keeping it in balance with the rest.

It can deliver a great impactful slam for kickdrums, but you won't get the same visceral slam some planars can. But as a dynamic set this is good, and for bass detail it does a really good job on both acoustic string instruments and electronic synth elements.

Mids

Midrange is very clean and balanced, by this I mean it's not pushed to be thick or bright but also not lacking mid range weight. The low midrange has just a tiny bloom from the bass but is also clean to not thicken the midrange, the upper midrange is also following the same path of being clean and balanced.

What does mean is that most would probably like the midrange of SR7000, also helps it be less tiresome as not everyone enjoys forward midrange. It's in no way recessed, it's just in balance with the rest.

Treble

The low treble is clear and crisp without being sharp, it neither recessed or pushed. Same with the upper treble, the quantity is very natural and has good extension. For me the whole presentation of highs is done excellent, it's crisp without being offensive.

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Synergies

Most of my listening has been with Topping A90 Discrete and DENAFRIPS ARES 12th-1, this sound perfect to me out of this stack. Maybe since I get the extra lushness and natural timbre from the R2R DAC that is paired with the clean amp, I also tried it with the Burson Conductor GT3 and this was more resolving but made it too bright for me.

For portable gear I have tried it with 3 different DAPs and think it matches well with the SONY WM1AM2, this is kind of similar to the desktop stack I use and makes it more organic. A cheaper option if one want it even more warm and to soften the transients more, the HIBY FC6 dongle is excellent and has much power extra.

I will soon have two aftermarket cables from Astral Acoustic, I will add some notes about this later.

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Comparisons

When evaluating the sets I use each of them over longer periods and also some shorter sessions swapping back and forth, it takes a long time and is not done in one sitting. The most critical comparison is done on my desktop setup, with volume/loudness matching to take away loudness variance.

My biggest issue is that I don't own many closed back headphones, or many of the latest newest hyped ones. I took a trip to a store where I could demo the new FIIO FT1, so I will provide some short comparisons here on that one and also with two models I own.

First out is FIIO FT1, I understand it's popular as it is very good value and sounds great. I will get my own unit soon and can add more notes to the comparison.
While being very good, it has a few downsides compared to a higher end set like the SR7000.
Comfort is not that good with FT1, smaller cups where the ear touches the driver enclosure and pad opening(depends very much how large ears you have)
Tighter clamp force also, and gets more warm inside the cups. SR7000 is one of few closed back sets I can use without sweating, not many of them.

For sound FT1 has smoother transients and slightly warmer tuning, making it be less clear/resolving than SR7000. Overall the SR7000 sounds more high end, while FT1 is maybe more consumer friendly for the new user. FT1 has a tendency to get sibilant/sharp on certain music or female vocals, this never happens on SR7000.
Soundstage is quite small with not much width and forward projection, SR7000 is a big step up on stage size.

An old and popular headphone that really never clicked with me, Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80ohm. The DT770 is built like a tank, while the SR7000 is very sturdy; it's not at this level. Comfort is not as good on DT770 due to clamp force and having less room for your ears, mostly due to the flat driver design. As the pads themself is similar in width and depth to SR7000, but due to this my ears touch the driver enclosure. They also produce a lot more warmth on your ears, so comfort is getting hit also due to this.

This model is getting very old and doesn't really stand that good against the current market, it is both less resolving and much less coherent than the SR7000. Bass lacks the definition of SR7000, it can have a good weight but sounds less controlled and more hollow with lack of good slam. Mids are unrefined and slightly recessed on DT 770, some music can get sibilant even. Treble is often the main downside of DT770, it can get sharp and unpleasant unless paired with a matching source. Changing from DT770 to SR7000 is like entering from the room next door and going into where it is actually the stereo playing.
It also sounds quite closed in and claustrophobic, think this enough of me saying bad stuff about the DT770. A reason why I don't like this model.

An extra bonus even if its semi open back, Beyerdynamic T1 Gen 2. This has been one of my main headphones for years now, especially for music like jazz. It has a relative neutral tuning with some extra midrange warmth, it is not the most technical flagship headphone but also not bad. It is built similarly to the DT770 Pro, but with more premium design choices. The T1 G2 has angled pads like the SR7000, also similar depth inside pads. The SR7000 has slightly larger openings as it's a little oval, while Beyerdynamic headphones are circular.

The SR7000 is more technical and clean than T1 G2, this version of T1 is less bright and has warmer low mids than most Beyerdynamic models. This does make it sound less resolving and clear, SR7000 is a step up if one favours clarity.
Bass is not as punchy and lacks the same sub bass extension as SR7000, instead the notes linger slightly longer in decay and adds to the warmer sound of T1 G2.
The midrange has more weight on T1 G2, many instruments and darker vocals are extra lush. SR7000 is instead more clean and neutral in its midrange presentation, both due to tuning and the driver just having cleaner transient response.
The highs are pushed slightly more on T1, it's a little more sparkly. But the difference is not big here, both have good treble clarity without being pushed aggressively like some Hifiman planars.
Soundstage is very interesting, as one would think a set like T1 G2 that is open back(semi) would sound much larger. Both have angled drivers and both have some extra forward projection, but the T1 isn't very wide and the closed back SR7000 has more width.

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Music

Click here for Audio with Leo playlist

When comparing IEM to other sets I have used the tracks listed here and more, I will also provide some albums I have enjoyed

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https://tidal.com/browse/album/386275882?u

Been six years since the previous album from the Netherland duo HAEVN, great male vocal and good lyrics to dream away with. This sounds very open and enjoyable on SR7000, it's just balanced without lacking anything.

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https://tidal.com/browse/album/393312620?u

Electronic artist from UK, her newest record is different from some of her earlier works showing she is not afraid of expanding her style.This is more electronic pop like and should be more welcoming and might be played on some radio shows, many gems here but the track Dreamstate is like comfort food for me reminding me of music I enjoyed in the late 90s.

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https://tidal.com/browse/album/369951487?u

Newest release from the Norwegian Kalandra, the tracks are many things and could be mainly categorized as alternative with elements of rock and folk. She has a beautiful airy voice and the music is melodic and nice to listen to, sounds very balanced and open on SR7000.

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https://tidal.com/browse/album/375722248?u

I am a fan of the Swallow the Sun and have been listening to their latest record a lot during the review of SR7000, this is a Finnish band that makes music that's more melodic death/doom metal. Newest record is quite easy to listen to, overall and melodic release with some more intense parts. If anything a bass boost would make it even more awesome, but that is also a preference thing.

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https://tidal.com/browse/album/373991284?uD

This is also metal and much more intense, it is hard to categorize this as its quite special cosmic/death/prog. One of the best metal records of 2024, probably up to debate but for me it is. Got awesome guitar riffs, great drumming, intense growling, synths and just an awesome sound in general. SR7000 has no issue with the intense parts being clear and open, and also has no issue with speed or timing.

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https://tidal.com/browse/album/361569216?u

This is a tribute album from The Blind Siberian, guitar covers from the Black Hill music. It's very melodic and a treat to listen to, only guitars but also so full sounding.

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https://tidal.com/browse/album/382239441?u

The new pop star Sabrina Carpenter, great lyrics and catchy music. I am usually not listening to much pop, but this has followed me through the work radios and also at home. It's a good recording with varied tracks.

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https://tidal.com/browse/album/370239857?u

I love to listen to jazz, especially more modern styles that are more experimental. Caribbean Belgian Nala Sinephro mixes acoustic elements with synths, for me this is a real treat and maybe my most played jazz record this month. Sounds great on SR7000, clean midrange with resolving sound.

AD_4nXd7hpRBEYadViIrIJo6pcCy7maH2ofI87lw61KVifX9f5h1cLgtxi_pvSt3qBbM0CL-l4TFC-IRClZaoDtNYMjGkrx3D3DkQs6jXilltFZDx0NQ4LSLhMdD9-JRzXr0r4qzk8rTeg


Gaming

I am not a competitive gamer but I do enjoy playing some online shooters now and then, I also play immersive single player games.

With competitive games like COD and PUBG the SR7000 is good at pinpointing enemies and hearing details in the surroundings, the low end is not overly boosted to drown out the detail. But it also has some warmth making it sound more fun and theatrical, this is part of SR7000 being tuned fairly neutral with nice bass extension but not being overly boosted. This is the most competitive sound I have heard in closed back headphones for gaming, but I have not tried that many models on the market.

Immersive gaming is also good, I had a playthrough of the recent Silent Hill 2 Remake and SR7000 made me immerse myself almost too much into the scary game. The SR7000 is also easy to drive so it sounds good straight out from the controllers if you play on consoles.

AD_4nXcVpN5GdBoPZbwEQZAZyHK3zF0qQU5uEyLrKKchQ8vOTMDhFo4MqIAbHV9GNyQdrP_bZc-hnqjec5Q9nCxG6Dp4Xynexd6-wIB79ubJ3PDU8auUd319BGHkeW4AmT7AJqgqUZHT0A


Conclusion

It is very easy to like the AUNE SR7000, it delivers a balanced sound that's enjoyable over a wide range of genres. It's very comfortable with large cups and not too much clamp force, it's also fairly light. It also both looks great and feels well built, pair that with the good accessories and you have one of the best closed back sets under $1000.

To summarize the tuning, it's neutral-warm. The bass is dynamic and clean without ever muddying up the sound, midrange is controlled and clean without being offensive or sibilant. The highs then finish it all with good clarity and air without being too intense, the sound is also very clear and resolving due to clean transient response of SR7000. And with a soundstage that can rival and even be better than some open back headphones.

The market for headphones is very competitive, even so I feel that the asking price of AUNE SR7000 is very correct when we look at what it delivers. This is an easy recommendation from me, also helps that it plays well from more entry level gear or even from DAPs and dongles. So that even new audiophiles can buy it and enjoy it without having to invest much more, but give it quality music and gear and it shines even more. Thanks AUNE for the review sample.
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MakeItWain
MakeItWain
Nice review as always, sir. definitely been interested in Aune's headphones for a bit
blomman77
blomman77
Nice review!
My set arrives tomorrow,so happy days ahead. Nice to see they work great with metal,since 90% of my listening is just that.
F
Frabera
I tried many DAP's but the best result was obtain with the MuseHifi M5 Ultra in Vacum Tubes mode, absolutely MARVELOUS, this closed back can compete easily with a ZMF VC and almost with a DCA E3 (I own both of them).

HypostaticHuman

New Head-Fier
Incredible Closed-Back Headphones With Blissful Open-Back Sound
Pros: +Extremely comfortable and premium build quality
+Fixed my tonality issues with the AR5000 while keeping its positive qualities
+Open-back sound with benefits of closed-back build
+Beautiful, engaging, smooth, clear sound that extracts maximum beauty from music
+EQs very well for different sonic styles
Cons: -Should come in an alternate price point that doesn't include a case or balanced cable so more people can experience them, similar to the Anniversary Edition VS Standalone AR5000 options available on Amazon
-A slightly closer soundstage compared to a true open-back, but that is nitpicking because I believe they get as close as physically possible
-Not for total bassheads, but still excellent quality bass, especially with added EQ
To state my opinion in a sentence, these headphones are incredible and I highly recommend them. I feel they deserve the highest praise possible, and I'm writing this review in the hopes it brings this product even marginally greater future success.

I had bought the Aune AR5000s after seeing and reading all the positive reviews, and I really enjoyed those pairs for acoustic music, classic rock, and many other applications. They had a very unique sound to them that really brought life and joy to certain types of music, but I found the tonality slightly skewed in a direction that made me feel like I needed EQ to enjoy them with the full variety of music that I listen to. I would agree with AudioScienceReview in that they are an excellent value with the caveat that they kind of require EQ manipulation to get the most enjoyment out of them in a broad context, and also with Zeos Reviews that they have a special superpower of sounding highly dynamic at very low volumes which I appreciated to help save my hearing. I would definitely recommend the ARs as well, but not as the sole pair of headphones for a listener of a wide variety of music, I considered them almost a "specialty" pair of headphones that I would apply to certain music to give them a boost of airy beauty.

As a result of my positive experience with the AR5000s and the Aune Yuki, I decided to splurge and buy these SR7000s even though there aren't any reviews and people on Reddit were joking about the marketing jargon. I am nothing but glad that I decided to pull the trigger on these, as instantly I was greeted with a sound and presentation that completely impressed me and has never let up over my extended listening sessions with them over the course of this past week.

Aune has grandly succeeded in developing a pair of closed-back headphones that do not exhibit the drawbacks of the format and instead flaunt their strengths. I grew up using only closed back headphones, and I remember the revelation of how much better open backs could sound getting my first pair of Sennheisers and listening to Subterranean Homesick Alien by Radiohead as a teenager and being completely mezmerized by the sense of space and detail. I never looked back and bought exclusively open backs from that point, eventually moving into open back planars with the Edition XS being my last set of daily drivers. I am admittedly not a user of extremely expensive Hi-Fi audio equipment; I've only heard headphones and IEMs in the sub $1000 range. While initially highly impressed by the different sense of dynamics, speed, and breadth of bass and treble extension from planars, I did feel a loss of musicality and substance when listening to non-electronic music specifically, feeling like I had to really crank the headphones to get the same sense of movement and emotion as from dynamic drivers.

So I turned to the AR5000s as my solution and a contrast to my beloved planar pair, but the extreme openness of the XS had fatigued me regarding the super airy presentation where there is absolutely no sense of enclosure to the music like speakers are hanging in still air near your head and play almost equally as loud outward as inward. I decided it was time to try a pair of closed back headphones for the first time since childhood and see if the marketing was real that the SR7000s had included tech that could combine the sonic benefits of both open and close back headphones.

I feel Aune completely delivered on their promises, and I can't imagine a more perfect pair of closed back headphones for me. It was exactly what I was looking for, regarding comfort, sound, and even looks. It completely fixed the tonality issues that I had with the AR5000s while keeping all of the sonic elements I loved from that pair. The company naming the ARs "Air Reference" and the SRs "Sea Reference" really sums up the sound difference, with these being thicker and more fluid sounding, but these don't sound like you are underwater like with most closed backs. They completely retain the sense of openness regarding soundstage and swirling air around notes, but more like from a refreshing warm sea breeze rather than cold crisp air. I now feel like I can use these headphones for all of my music from acoustic to electronica without any EQ at all. I'm sure bassheads would want to add a bass shelf, but I am satisfied with the increased bass presence from the closed back format and the thicker sounding tuning. And to me these headphones aren't about brain-breaking bass, to me they are about extracting maximum beauty and enjoyment from the music in a way that makes every song sound sweet, lush, and spacious, but also impactful and engaging in a way that provides me with the emotional experience I was missing from my planars. I read another reviewer from 6Moon.com state that Aune might as well stand for "All U NEed", and that is how I feel about these headphones as well. I love their stock sound, and they have instantly become my daily drivers for music.

When I shared these headphones with my family members, it only confirmed my experience that these headphones are truly special. The look on my 70-year-old uncle's face as he listened to The Highwaymen on my phone powered by an iBasso DC07 Pro could only be described as "wowed", he just sat there fully engaged in the emotional experience of the music and it was apparent he was very moved by what he heard from his facial expressions. My piano playing aunt bopped her head, my mother smiled contently while listening to 80s classics, and my dad went fully into The Zone while listening to his favorite classic rock bands. It is completely clear that these headphones provide a very special experience to its users, and I am ecstatic that I get to share that experience with the people that I care about. For that I am very thankful to Aune for their tireless efforts in creating exemplary audio products at reasonable prices, taking the time to research and innovate in their production process, and their results speak for itself.

I am proud and grateful to own these headphones, their sound has brought me to the verge of tears even after only a few days of ownership, and I love seeing the expression on my loved ones faces when they listen to their favorite songs through these beauties. I can't say enough good things about them, and I wanted to write this review in the hopes that other people get to experience them and that their creators are duly rewarded for their efforts.

I think Aune has accomplished an amazing feat with the SR7000s design and sound, and I wish the company and its patrons all the best on their audio journeys.

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HypostaticHuman
Idk what you're trying to prove with your comment. This is my first review so what, I mentioned other headphones I love and made this specific review because there are barely any others. And obviously it is not a highly technical review (like the excellent 5 star review posted by Jeromeoflaherty before mine) but an appeal from my emotional experience with these headphones, because they have provided me with a positive emotional experience. My Edition XS may be more technically (not emotionally) impressive sounding, and I would likely give them the highest remarks as well for their price, as well as the Letshuoer S12 2024. If I didn't think it was worth the praise I gave it I would have just returned them like I have with many other audio products, like I returned the AR5000s which I did not write a review for.

It might not be the best to you or the best headphone ever created, but I felt it deserved the review I gave it based on my time and experience with it, take it or leave it.
H
HypostaticHuman
Also yes my brother did actually love these headphones and he can be a complete scrooge when he wants to, but instead he sat down for over an hour listening to them contently exploring old classics which is not like him since he's not an audiophile and doesn't give light praise - he didn't do that with the Edition XS, he didn't like the Yuki (he said the iBasso DC07 was better), and I didn't totally love the AR5000, so I'm not shilling the company, I'm being positive about a product I like. I'll continue to share my opinion of said product with others online, and even my friends and neighbors lol.
Sha1rholder
Sha1rholder
Aune has a history of hiring shill to pose as buyers on forums, so you know. There would be skepticism

jeromeoflaherty

Head-Fier
A stunning beautiful closed back
Pros: Gorgeous headphone very similar to the AR5000
Very comfortable with nice weight and balance
Good packaging with a nice premium box and 2 decent cables
Well tuned mostly Harman inspired but with "dark" treble
No chance of treble fatigue due to tuning, so easy for long listening sessions (like a typical studio reference)
Cons: Not for bass heads (though this has more bass than the AR5000)
That "dark" tuning will be less exciting and "detailed"
Expensive (in some regions) - at $599 it is a good deal at $899 it is over priced.

A stunning beautiful closed back with “Dragon Scale” technology​

The Aune SR7000 is an exceptional closed-back headphone that follows the highly praised AR5000, showcasing Aune’s meticulous attention to detail in both design and sound performance.

sr7000.jpg



Note: I would like to thank Aune for providing the SR7000 for the purposes of this review.
If you want to check out more details about the SR7000 here is a non-affiliated link to their product page here
All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and I received no financial incentive for this review.

With its large 50mm dynamic driver unit, the SR7000 includes some interesting technologies, though specifically the “Dragon Scale” Acoustic “meta-material” is probably the most interesting:

dragon-scale.jpg


Specifically it reminds me a little of the Dan Clark Audio E3 with similar AMTS (Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System):
dan-clark-audio-e3-headphones-review-v0-fz6ps1n7ffpd1.png


These “Meta material” designs are to dampen the excess resonances issues that typically plague closed back designs and these share some similarities with the “Meta” materials used by Kef internally in some of their speaker designs:

ls50-meta.jpg


I believe Aune delayed the release of the SR7000 to get this “Dragon Scale” design correct and increased their R&D costs, so was it worth it?

Let’s find out but first let me show you the unboxing experience and the build quality:

Unboxing experience​

The SR7000 arrives in a nice box:
box.jpg


Some useful information on the back - especially about the “Dragon Scale”:
backbox.jpg


Removing the outside sleeve reveals a nice presentation box:
outofsleeve.jpg


Opening that box reveals the very nice carrying case:
openbox.jpg


Opening the carrying case finally reveals the SR7000 and the provided cables:
case-open.jpg


Taking everything out:

outofbox.jpg


Design, Build Quality and Comfort:​

The Aune AR5000 was a much praised and stunning design so it is no surprise that Aune effectively
used a very similar design with the SR7000. Here are both headphones compared from a few angles:

compared-to-ar5000.jpg
compared-to-ar5000-3.jpg
compared-to-ar5000-2.jpg
from-above.jpg
The Aune SR7000 obviously has a darker color scheme accented with golden lines, offering a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic, similar but subtly different from the AR5000:

side-view.jpg

That ‘mesh’ was ‘open’ in the AR5000, but is obviously closed with the AR7000. And while there is still a slit around the edge of the ear cups, it is now closed where you could see internally with the AR5000:

Side of SR7000:Side of AR5000:
closed-design.jpg
IMG_2696 Medium.jpeg

Comfort​

The Aune AR5000 was an incredible comfortable headphone and by effectively using the same design and only adding a slight increase in weight (390 gms compared to 348 gms) they have managed to repeat the levels of comfort with the SR7000.

The memory foam ear pads are similar in design to ones in the AR5000 and soft and plush:
drivers-compared.jpg


Though they have used slight different materials with slightly more premium feeling earpads with more pleather.

The clamping force is just about right, and the headband shares the same comfort of the AR5000, basically if you find the AR5000 comfortable you will find the SR7000 comfortable.

Angled Earpad design​

The SR7000 shares the same angled driver design - reminiscent of the HD800s:

angled-driver.jpg
driver-zoom.jpg
Removing the earpads and looking directly at the driver you can actually “feel” the “Dragon scale” texture surrounding the driver:

removing-earpads.jpeg


Sound Quality:​

Aune have done a remarkable job for a first attempt at a closed back headphone. Much larger and well regarded headphone companies like Hifiman or Audeze have struggled for years to produce a cohesive sounding closed back headphone, yet Aune have “almost” nailed it on their first attempt.

I used “almost” as there are a few areas where I think the SR5000 could be better. But let’s get into it:

Bass:​

The SR7000 delivers deep, controlled bass with great precision. The low-end frequencies remain tight and clear without much bleed into the midrange. Tracks like “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish showcase its powerful yet well-balanced bass response, providing both impact and clarity. But I was even more impressed with Bjork’s Hunter where the precise imaging of the swirling percussive beats and midrange clarity were in perfect balance with the deep bass response. Other tracks like “Way Down Deep” by “Jennifer Warnes” sounded fantastic with just the right balance of deep bass.

While there is more bass here that the AR5000 this is still a “balanced” bass response, so less bass for a closed back than say FiiO FT1 or AKG K371.

Midrange:​

The midrange is mostly neutral and uncolored, offering a clean and transparent sound. There might be a slight hint of extra forward vocal emphasis in some songs but mostly for a closed back this has excellent midrange.
Listening to the recent track “Ready to Go” by “Katherine Priddy” gave me a fantastic impression with precise vocals in harmony with each other while sitting just on top of the guitars, with excellent separation from the supporting instruments.

Treble:​

The lower treble might be described as “dark neutral” which reminds me of many studio reference headphones. The upper treble is very refined without large peaks, this is the type of treble response that I think takes well to broad EQ without revealing any annoying sibilance. It extends well without becoming harsh or fatiguing, even during long listening sessions. On “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck, cymbals and high-hats are crisp, providing a nice sparkle without overemphasizing the highs.

I personally played around with some EQ of the upper treble region (because it was smooth) but this would be entirely a personal preference.

Soundstage and Imaging​

The Aune SR7000 provides an immersive and engaging listening experience across a variety of genres. Audiophile classics like Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” sound expansive and detailed, with the SR7000’s providing a good soundstage (for a closed back) giving each instrument room to breathe. Tracks with complex arrangements, like Miles Davis’ “So What”, are reproduced with exceptional imaging clarity and depth, allowing every nuance to come through clearly, this is where I believe the “dark neutral” tuning of the treble response helps with this clarity.

Specification and Measurements:​

SpecificationDetails
Driver Information50mm Dynamic Closed-Back
Sensitivity106dB
Impedance55 Ω
Frequency Range5Hz-44KHz
THD at 1kHz< 0.3%
Weight1.65kg
Cable Details1x 1.5m OFC TSR cable, 1x 1.5m OCC 4.4mm balanced cable
ExtrasHeadphone Case and 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter
With its easy-to-drive design, the SR7000 pairs well with both portable and desktop gear, providing consistent, high-quality sound regardless of the source. Its 55Ω impedance and high sensitivity mean you’ll enjoy rich audio without requiring a powerful amplifier.
For example, while writing this review I listened at roughly 50% volume on my Macbook Pro.

Note: The following measurements were taken with my KB501X soft ear Pinna and a 711 clone coupler and are available on my measurement database here

Frequency Response​

So lets start by looking at the frequency response:
FR-SR7000.jpg

Mostly this is very close to the Harman OE Target, but I have highlighted 2 areas which you might want to EQ:

  1. A slight mid-bass boost
  2. That “dark treble” response
Note: I always check my measurements with others, even though people have different “rigs” it can be useful so this is very similar to the Frequency Response that GadgetryTech got for his SR7000 - please check out GadgetryTech other reviews they are excellent:

gadgerytech.jpeg


So I believe this is a pretty accurate FR measurement at least until we see some BK-5128 measurements.

Channel matching:​

SR7000-channel-matching.jpg


Note: This channel matching difference is mostly likely due to my measurement rig and not the headphone, but I provided here for completeness.

Distortion​

Distortion looks pretty good:

SR7000 Distortion 1.jpg


And as a percentage:

SR7000 Distortion 2.jpg


Group Delay​

Group Delay looks good with nothing strange for a dynamic driver:
SR7000 Group Delay.jpg


Glasses​

People asked me in other reviews to measure with different glasses so here are the effects of a thin and a thick rimmed glasses compared to no glasses:
SR7000 glasses.jpg


Rotating the earpads​

One interesting thing I noticed (initially by accident after I removed the ear pads) is you can easily change the bass response by a few dB’s with slight rotations (this was just a few mm on either directions) of the ear pads:
SR7000-anglemeasurement.jpg


Remember those pictures of the angles ear pads - this is where that angle can have an interesting effect on the frequency response, obviously I tried more severe swivels but at that point the headphone was not comfortable to wear anymore, but you do have the ability to subtle change the bass response with a slight swivel.

Comparison with some other closed backs​

So first with some closed backs that I have reviewed recently - you can see how hard it is to find a decent closed back:
CrazyClosedBacks.jpeg


You can see the Aune in “Red” nicely in the middle of this mess.

Removing the “Crazier” headphones from this graph we get 3 more sensible closed backs:
sensible-closed-backs.jpeg


Of these 3 - I think the FiiO FT1 is the better bargain (knowing its price) but the SR7000 has the better frequency response and is a better built headphone (though you pay 3x the price).

Comparing with some high end closed backs:​

Again using Gadgetry Tech measurements here is a comparison with 3 other headphones:
high-end-compared.jpg


I have highlight 3 areas in this comparison:

  1. The bass region where the Sennheiser is less smooth than the other headphones
  2. The “Presense” region where the E3 is a little “hot”
  3. The recessed region where the Sennheiser and Aune have similar responses (and the Focal has a recession)
Which is better? It really depends on what you are looking for, the E3 is 3 times the price of the headphones Focal and Aune and the Sennheiser is a little cheaper.

Comparison with similar “tuned” reference headphones​

Since, Aune have gone for a “dark” sounding headphone, choosing a common tuning technique used by companies like Audeze with their studio reference headphones to provide good instrument separation. Here are some similar headphones compared to the SR7000:
studio-reference.jpeg


You can see that same recessed “dark” sounding “presence region” in all these headphones.

Some EQ recommendation:​

While mostly I have not been listening to the SR7000 without using EQ, I did A/B switch with the following EQ for a few days:

SR7000-EQ.jpg


Notice: In this EQ, I decided too just to EQ down the mid-bass region and increase the upper treble region and not EQ the “presence region” as while its not quiet Harman as you can see above in the measurements this is a common area where manufacturers choose “imaging” over tonality. I have it highlighted the PEQ values in eqMac in case you want to EQ that region also.

Rating:​

There is currently a little bit of confusion about the price of the SR7000. I have seen it for priced at $599 and €525
in some retail stores while others seem to have it at up to $899. At the $599 price point, the Aune SR7000 competes very well in a highly competitive market and it definitely worth a 5-star pragmatic rating. But at $899 I think it is not as compelling an offering, so would only get a 4-star rating.

But the combination of luxurious design, comfort, and mostly excellent sound signature makes it a strong contender against the recently released Focal Azury’s or the Sennheiser HD620s. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in both sound and build quality justify the investment for those seeking a premium, comfortable closed-back headphone.

Conclusion:​

The Aune SR7000 is another fantastic headphone from Aune and one of the best closed-back released in the past few years. Its beautiful metal design, innovative acoustic technologies, and tuning deliver a refined and enjoyable listening experience.

Whether for professional use or casual audiophile listening, the SR7000 offers exceptional value, comfort, and performance, making it a strong recommendation for those looking for a closed back.

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Hawley
Hawley
Thank you for a really thorough review. It makes it easier for me to take the plunge. A headphone for my taste.
W
WreckedEm2
Would the se300 dap be powerful enough to drive these?

saxelrod92

100+ Head-Fier
Great for a specific sound preference
Pros: • Detailed
• Spacious
• Precise imaging
• Clean and clear sound
• Comfortable and light weight
• Well built
Cons: • Bass light
• Very elevated 3khz hump
• Sharp treble (not sibilant)
• Price doesn't match sound
I bought the Aune SR7000 on Amazon recently to see if I'd like them. So this review is unbiased, and I bought the product myself.

I powered them with a Schiit Jotunheim 2 using a balanced cable. With the built in 9028 DAC.

So first let's get the praise out of the way, and why someone would want these headphones. They are built extremely well, classic Aune design quality. The pads are super comfortable with plenty of space for your ears. The headphones are lightweight and the comfort strap spreads that out further on your heard, they can just disappear while wearing them. It comes with a very nice carrying case, two cables (one is 4.4 balanced), and overall it's a well made and well built headphone kit.

They are fairly easy to drive, although harder than the specs on paper make it seem. Benefits from an amp, but it's not picky or needing anything as powerful as my Jotunheim.

They are a closed back headphone, with decent isolation as well as good sound pressure relief via some venting holes hidden on the rim. This gives them a quiet background, but also a spacious and somewhat airy feel to the sound (for a closed back). The drivers are ceramic coated and angled towards your ears, as seen on many headphones these days. This helps create the nice wide soundstage and great imaging/layering.

Now onto the actual sound of these headphones. They are light, delicate, detailed, spacious, and well defined. Clean and clear were some of my first thoughts. Though they have two areas that will make or break these headphones for people. There is a fairly tall bump between 2.5khz and 3.5khz, as seen on its frequency response graph. Depending how sensitive you are to this area it'll either come across as really nice forward female vocals, or overly shouty and fatiguing. Some EQ helps with this area for those interested.

The other problem area for some will be the bass. It is quite bass light despite what the graph makes it look to be. The extension is there, and nice, but it's so quiet and light in punch that it doesn't really matter. EQ for me did not help either, all that did was increase the boom without increasing the slam or rumble. So bass guitars got fuller, but kick drum hits were still soft and quiet. So this headphone's bass response is for those who enjoy a bass light sound with great extension. It isn't rolled off, just light like paper, not too lean either.

Going up into the mids they have a really nice balance of not too forward and not recessed at all. Just perfectly placed, well detailed and super clean sounding. Then the upper mids have that 3khz hump some may find issue with. Lastly the treble is mostly great. What I mean by that is it isn't peaky and sounds very clear, no grain or roughness. But it can be quite sharp and overly defined at times. This will come down to personal hearing differences as it's right on the edge of sibilant, but not quite fully there. So for me it often crossed that line and was fatiguing more often than not, especially with the light cold sounding bass not adding much warmth to balance it out. Other times it sounded nice and smooth with lots of sharp precise details and a delicate handling of those sounds. If you love that kind of treble response, and like a colder lighter sound signature then you'll love these. They will seem nice and smooth for you. For those like myself they may come across as slightly too sharp and a bit fatiguing overall, not peaky though.

Also despite how detailed they sound, they are not the most resolving. This is where the price point comes into question. As the sound signature overall is closer to a 400 dollar headphone with good build quality. At 600 dollars you're paying for the extra accessories and the R&D work to get this sound into a closed back design. Despite this, for many that sound may not actually be worth 600 dollars.

So like I said at the top, the overall sound and experience these headphones offer will be loved by some and not at all by others. The bassheads will not enjoy this headphone at all, but I think the trebleheads will really dig the clean/clear detailed sound and how spacious the staging can be for a closed back. There is a lot of potential here that Aune could build up on with future releases, as their design and build quality is exceptional, and the technical R&D work that went into these headphones is impressive. The tuning is just not for me, I'm more of a basshead and these are for the trebleheads or anyone looking for a lighter delicate crispy sound from their headphones with great separation and staging. Plus awesome comfort. For those wanting a bassier, meatier, warmer sound these are not for you*

*Can depend on your hearing preferences/perception.
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The Grongle
The Grongle
For someone who loved his ultrasone signature x's this would be a good substitue?
The physicality and tightness of the bass is important to me.
saxelrod92
saxelrod92
I have not heard the ultrasones, so I'm not sure. The bass is tight, just not very impactful or punchy. It lacks weight or rumble. But it has good note definition and extension, just without the weight or quantity. To my ears.
The Grongle
The Grongle
Again, ultrasound is always been known for exciting and punchy bass. Although the signature X's may not be the best considering their sketchy build quality, they have the signature, Fusion and master mk 2
They also pair very well with additional pads and fever pads of the larger size. Much more. I'm going to get a pair of brainwave suedes myself
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