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Ultrasone knows how to make a good headphone, this is a common fact most of us Audiophiles are aware of. Though with the Edition M, they did something special, they created a work of art, for mobile use. The Edition M is a beautiful, light weight headphone for on the move.
~ All Photos Taken By Me, No Stock Material From the Manufacture Were Used for This Review ~
At the time of this review, the Ultrasone Edition M is not currently available in the US.
It has a current MSRP of 899,00 €, which works to about $975 USD.
*Technical Specifications*
· Dynamic principle, closed back
· S-Logic®Plus technology
· ULE technology
· Impedanz: 40 Ohm
· Impedance: 40 ohms
· Titanium coated 30mm driver
· Magnet: NdFeB
· Frequency range: 10 – 38000 Hz
· Sound pressure level: 99 dB
· Weight: 146g (without cable)
· Detachable cable with Micro and Remote (1.2m, OFC) gold plated, angled 3,5mm 4 pole plug
· Spring steel headband
· Ruthenium plated ear cups
· Head pad and ear pads made of Ethiopian long-haired sheep leather
*Accessories*
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- High-Quality Transportation Bag
Now, why would they include a Microfiber Cleaning Cloth you ask? It is because Edition M works for the FBI, it is a finger print secret agent. This was the first time with any of my reviews which I had to wear rubber gloves while doing the photoshoot, as it was getting very tiresome wiping them off after every time I adjusted them for a shot. Though once these are polished up, they really do shine.
The Felt Transportation Bag is not only tough, but it is also waterproof. You can rest assure that your headphones are safe while inside. The only problem is when you put them in and out, as the zipper is metal and ridged. If you are not careful, there is a chance you could scratch up your beautiful Edition M Headphones. While the metal zipper is made of a high quality strong material, I think using a softer plastic would be a safer bet as not to blemish your expensive headphones while taking them in and out of the bag. Of course, one can always just purchase another case if desired.
*Build*
Ultrasone is well known for their quality builds, so it should come as no surprise that the Edition M follows this with premium materials used all around. Metal plays a big part of the Headphones, including a matt ruthenium coating that protects it, as well as providing exclusivity.
The Edition M is designed to be luxurious and light. This design theme controls all aspects of materials and build, helping it to not only look gorgeous but also only weigh 146g.
The included detachable cable is one of beauty and function. The cable is soft, flexible and never displays any sign of being microphonic. The included microphone boosts the Edition M on the go usability. While on calls I found a high level of voice reproduction. Callers were also able to hear me at a substantially good quality. The microphone button can also be used to answer calls or quickly stop/start music being played from a smartphone.
*Fit*
The Ethiopian Sheep Leather cups might be a snug fit, but still are also quite deep. My ears fold slightly in as the Edition M are placed over them, but still leaves sufficient space at the ear tips, so not to create any discomfort. The headband is also made from the same leather as the cups and provides a soft padding for the top of your head.
The Edition M is intended for extended use, while maintaining a high level of comfort. The lightweight design provides only a small amount of pressure around the head, leaving you to enjoy the music and not become bothered by discomfort. The ear cups might have a tight fit, but never become overly warm.
*Sound*
Bass – I found the sub-bass to blend slightly with the mid-bass to create an overall feeling of relaxation and purpose. There was not much of a layered response in the lows, more of an overall sturdy reproduction. Power displayed at the low end is quite substantial. You are going to feel your music. I did find the bass did resonate ever so slightly into the mids.
Mids – I would not say the mids are recessed, but they seem to take a slight back seat to the lows and highs. Not to say that vocals suffer, they just take a relaxed approach. These are far from a V shaped signature, the mids are still very present, just not the center of attention.
Highs – I found a general roll off in the highs, again another aspect leading to the overall smoothness of the sound signature. Never spikey or sibilant, you will find the highs simpler in nature, though still remaining with a high end amount of detail and clarity.
Isolation – The Ethiopian Sheep Leather Pads grant the user a respected level of isolation. While using it in a busy coffee shop, I was still able to focus on my music with minimal distraction. I also had others test if they could hear my music at slightly louder than normal listening levels, resulting in a minimum level of sound bleed.
Soundstage – I found that the Edition M has more than spacious for a closed, isolating set of Headphones. Distance between instruments is dealt with class and refinement while staying focused at the task at hand.
Sound Signature – The Edition M, while having a clear, controlled sound, is not the most analytical in its efforts. Instead there is a smoothness to the overall range, an attribute that helps these to be used for extended use, like traveling, without becoming the slightest bit fatiguing. While being on the warm side, there is never any veil, instead there is a good amount of transparency throughout the range.
Test Subjects – I had a couple of my co-workers try the Edition M, as most of them have never heard anything of this caliber. Every one of them responded very similarly, that the Edition M sounded very controlled with a relatively flat response. All of them were extremely impressed with the sound quality and build. The biggest issue they had was giving them back to me, I had to chase down a few of them.
Driving – Testing was done on a variety of devices including (ascending order): Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4, iPhone5S, FiiO E07K and TEAC HA-P90SD. The most impressive feat was ability of the Edition M to scale up so well. I found that there was a similar sound that just got more powerful and focused as I went up through the sources. I never had an issue driving the Edition M, though with the Phones, I did notice I had to push them a little harder with volume, but they still were able to produce a great sound with no distortion.
*Overall Thoughts*
I feel special. That is because I am wearing the Ultrasone Edition M in a coffee shop as I type this on my laptop. I don’t even drink coffee. That is what these headphones provide, a feeling of exclusivity and sophistication that many other headphones fail to administer. Ultrasone did a fantastic job with the Edition M, checking all the boxes to make these a premium product, which in return presents a quality sound.
The Edition M is not for everyone. It is an item that must be respected and maintained. It is not a headphone that you are going to throw in your bag and hop on a train. The high end quality of the Edition M is what separates it from all others in its class. It is a step above the rest, providing a great product that has a smooth, controlled and premium sound.
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Ultrasone knows how to make a good headphone, this is a common fact most of us Audiophiles are aware of. Though with the Edition M, they did something special, they created a work of art, for mobile use. The Edition M is a beautiful, light weight headphone for on the move.
~ All Photos Taken By Me, No Stock Material From the Manufacture Were Used for This Review ~
At the time of this review, the Ultrasone Edition M is not currently available in the US.
It has a current MSRP of 899,00 €, which works to about $975 USD.
*Technical Specifications*
· Dynamic principle, closed back
· S-Logic®Plus technology
· ULE technology
· Impedanz: 40 Ohm
· Impedance: 40 ohms
· Titanium coated 30mm driver
· Magnet: NdFeB
· Frequency range: 10 – 38000 Hz
· Sound pressure level: 99 dB
· Weight: 146g (without cable)
· Detachable cable with Micro and Remote (1.2m, OFC) gold plated, angled 3,5mm 4 pole plug
· Spring steel headband
· Ruthenium plated ear cups
· Head pad and ear pads made of Ethiopian long-haired sheep leather
*Accessories*
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
- High-Quality Transportation Bag
Now, why would they include a Microfiber Cleaning Cloth you ask? It is because Edition M works for the FBI, it is a finger print secret agent. This was the first time with any of my reviews which I had to wear rubber gloves while doing the photoshoot, as it was getting very tiresome wiping them off after every time I adjusted them for a shot. Though once these are polished up, they really do shine.
The Felt Transportation Bag is not only tough, but it is also waterproof. You can rest assure that your headphones are safe while inside. The only problem is when you put them in and out, as the zipper is metal and ridged. If you are not careful, there is a chance you could scratch up your beautiful Edition M Headphones. While the metal zipper is made of a high quality strong material, I think using a softer plastic would be a safer bet as not to blemish your expensive headphones while taking them in and out of the bag. Of course, one can always just purchase another case if desired.
*Build*
Ultrasone is well known for their quality builds, so it should come as no surprise that the Edition M follows this with premium materials used all around. Metal plays a big part of the Headphones, including a matt ruthenium coating that protects it, as well as providing exclusivity.
The Edition M is designed to be luxurious and light. This design theme controls all aspects of materials and build, helping it to not only look gorgeous but also only weigh 146g.
The included detachable cable is one of beauty and function. The cable is soft, flexible and never displays any sign of being microphonic. The included microphone boosts the Edition M on the go usability. While on calls I found a high level of voice reproduction. Callers were also able to hear me at a substantially good quality. The microphone button can also be used to answer calls or quickly stop/start music being played from a smartphone.
*Fit*
The Ethiopian Sheep Leather cups might be a snug fit, but still are also quite deep. My ears fold slightly in as the Edition M are placed over them, but still leaves sufficient space at the ear tips, so not to create any discomfort. The headband is also made from the same leather as the cups and provides a soft padding for the top of your head.
The Edition M is intended for extended use, while maintaining a high level of comfort. The lightweight design provides only a small amount of pressure around the head, leaving you to enjoy the music and not become bothered by discomfort. The ear cups might have a tight fit, but never become overly warm.
*Sound*
Bass – I found the sub-bass to blend slightly with the mid-bass to create an overall feeling of relaxation and purpose. There was not much of a layered response in the lows, more of an overall sturdy reproduction. Power displayed at the low end is quite substantial. You are going to feel your music. I did find the bass did resonate ever so slightly into the mids.
Mids – I would not say the mids are recessed, but they seem to take a slight back seat to the lows and highs. Not to say that vocals suffer, they just take a relaxed approach. These are far from a V shaped signature, the mids are still very present, just not the center of attention.
Highs – I found a general roll off in the highs, again another aspect leading to the overall smoothness of the sound signature. Never spikey or sibilant, you will find the highs simpler in nature, though still remaining with a high end amount of detail and clarity.
Isolation – The Ethiopian Sheep Leather Pads grant the user a respected level of isolation. While using it in a busy coffee shop, I was still able to focus on my music with minimal distraction. I also had others test if they could hear my music at slightly louder than normal listening levels, resulting in a minimum level of sound bleed.
Soundstage – I found that the Edition M has more than spacious for a closed, isolating set of Headphones. Distance between instruments is dealt with class and refinement while staying focused at the task at hand.
Sound Signature – The Edition M, while having a clear, controlled sound, is not the most analytical in its efforts. Instead there is a smoothness to the overall range, an attribute that helps these to be used for extended use, like traveling, without becoming the slightest bit fatiguing. While being on the warm side, there is never any veil, instead there is a good amount of transparency throughout the range.
Test Subjects – I had a couple of my co-workers try the Edition M, as most of them have never heard anything of this caliber. Every one of them responded very similarly, that the Edition M sounded very controlled with a relatively flat response. All of them were extremely impressed with the sound quality and build. The biggest issue they had was giving them back to me, I had to chase down a few of them.
Driving – Testing was done on a variety of devices including (ascending order): Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4, iPhone5S, FiiO E07K and TEAC HA-P90SD. The most impressive feat was ability of the Edition M to scale up so well. I found that there was a similar sound that just got more powerful and focused as I went up through the sources. I never had an issue driving the Edition M, though with the Phones, I did notice I had to push them a little harder with volume, but they still were able to produce a great sound with no distortion.
*Overall Thoughts*
I feel special. That is because I am wearing the Ultrasone Edition M in a coffee shop as I type this on my laptop. I don’t even drink coffee. That is what these headphones provide, a feeling of exclusivity and sophistication that many other headphones fail to administer. Ultrasone did a fantastic job with the Edition M, checking all the boxes to make these a premium product, which in return presents a quality sound.
The Edition M is not for everyone. It is an item that must be respected and maintained. It is not a headphone that you are going to throw in your bag and hop on a train. The high end quality of the Edition M is what separates it from all others in its class. It is a step above the rest, providing a great product that has a smooth, controlled and premium sound.
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