Disclaimer: I auditioned the Austrian Audion Hi-X55 as a part of the review tour. There was no compensation in cash or kind as part of the tour. The opinions are solely mine.
As a part of a review tour, I auditioned the Austrian Audio Hi-X55. Austrian Audio, as most will know, were a bunch of engineers that quit AKG when Harman took over the company.
Box and Accessories
The unit arrived in a slightly lesser than new condition during the review. However,a new box looks very good. Interesting use of Velcro bands to hold the box together.This is a nice idea, as the velcro strips could be repurposed as cable ties and other uses (lower wastage).
On opening the box, there is the standard instruction booklet along with the headphones in a foam cutout. The foam helped keep the headphones in pristine condition during storage and transport.
The headphones themselves look premium, with good weight and quality plastic. There are no creaks or loose hinges and feels solid in the hand and when worn.
Sound and Isolation
In terms of isolation, the hps do a great job. Very little noise escapes outside and vice versa. The pads are soft leather (leatherette?) and feels premium.
Bass : There is a good amount of bass, which sometimes does bleed into the mids. The notes are thick and satisfying. Not basshead level, but holds its ground well
Mids: The mids and vocals are a highlight of this hp and reminds me of the ATH MSR7 in terms of presentation
Treble: The treble is sparkly on some tracks, but can get a bit sibilant on some tracks. (some tracks impressions below)
Soundstage: Very spacious sounding for a closed back. The instruments are spread out wide and the positioning is excellent. This sometimes also works against the hp with the left and right drivers sounding like 2 different speakers playing different tracks (lack of coherence). It is a very unusual presentation, that sometimes prevents you from enjoying the music.
Song impressions:
Lady labryinth (Einaudi) - congested. backing strings are missing separation. Overlap in the bass sections.
November Rain (GNR) - strings are in the background. Slightly unatural presentation; bass/ drums in front; guitars are grating/fatiguing
Dark Night of the Soul (Van morrison )- warm presentation, vocal is good
Flower of Carnage - (Kill Bill OST) - Sounds good. Wide stage. Vocals are good, instrument detail is good. Sometimes the stage is incoherent. The left and right sides dont sound like it is playing the same song.
Zamfir - (The Lonely Shepherd) - background strings are more forward than the pan pipe/whistle. Slow music plays well.
Source : Tidal via Xaudio XD05 with Buson v5, Hiby R5
As a part of a review tour, I auditioned the Austrian Audio Hi-X55. Austrian Audio, as most will know, were a bunch of engineers that quit AKG when Harman took over the company.
Box and Accessories
The unit arrived in a slightly lesser than new condition during the review. However,a new box looks very good. Interesting use of Velcro bands to hold the box together.This is a nice idea, as the velcro strips could be repurposed as cable ties and other uses (lower wastage).
On opening the box, there is the standard instruction booklet along with the headphones in a foam cutout. The foam helped keep the headphones in pristine condition during storage and transport.
The headphones themselves look premium, with good weight and quality plastic. There are no creaks or loose hinges and feels solid in the hand and when worn.
Sound and Isolation
In terms of isolation, the hps do a great job. Very little noise escapes outside and vice versa. The pads are soft leather (leatherette?) and feels premium.
Bass : There is a good amount of bass, which sometimes does bleed into the mids. The notes are thick and satisfying. Not basshead level, but holds its ground well
Mids: The mids and vocals are a highlight of this hp and reminds me of the ATH MSR7 in terms of presentation
Treble: The treble is sparkly on some tracks, but can get a bit sibilant on some tracks. (some tracks impressions below)
Soundstage: Very spacious sounding for a closed back. The instruments are spread out wide and the positioning is excellent. This sometimes also works against the hp with the left and right drivers sounding like 2 different speakers playing different tracks (lack of coherence). It is a very unusual presentation, that sometimes prevents you from enjoying the music.
Song impressions:
Lady labryinth (Einaudi) - congested. backing strings are missing separation. Overlap in the bass sections.
November Rain (GNR) - strings are in the background. Slightly unatural presentation; bass/ drums in front; guitars are grating/fatiguing
Dark Night of the Soul (Van morrison )- warm presentation, vocal is good
Flower of Carnage - (Kill Bill OST) - Sounds good. Wide stage. Vocals are good, instrument detail is good. Sometimes the stage is incoherent. The left and right sides dont sound like it is playing the same song.
Zamfir - (The Lonely Shepherd) - background strings are more forward than the pan pipe/whistle. Slow music plays well.
Source : Tidal via Xaudio XD05 with Buson v5, Hiby R5