Astell&Kern Virtuoso, a New Headphone Collaboration with Ultrasone

[JasonNYC]

Introducing the Astell&Kern Virtuoso

Virtuoso, Astell&Kern's latest headphone collaboration with Ultrasone.

Mastering Sound, Perfecting Performance
The Virtuoso is a perfect upgrade of the flagship model of the Ultrasone Signature series, the 'Signature MASTER MKII.’ The Virtuoso embodies the essence of exceptional skill and artistry, reflecting the headphones' meticulous craftsmanship and superior sound quality.

In music, a virtuoso is someone with outstanding technical ability and expressive power, perfectly aligning with the high-quality sound these headphones deliver. The Virtuoso suggests that using these headphones is not just about listening—it's about experiencing sound at the level of musical mastery.

We believe that the Virtuoso is ideally suited for those who seek a high-fidelity audio experience that resonates with the artistry and precision of music performance. The Virtuoso headphones will offer an unparalleled journey into the heart of sound, where technical brilliance meets emotional depth.

• Ultrasone X Astell&Kern, A collaboration between two artistry and technical excellence brands
• Ultrasone’s proprietary technology, S-Logic®3
• Equipped with a closed dynamic 40mm titanium-plated Mylar driver
• 4.4mm Balanced cable
• Designed with Ultrasone’s exclusive DDF technology
• Manufactured in Germany

Specifications:

• Model - VIRTUOSO
• Driver Type - 40mm Mylar Titanium Driver
• Impedance -32Ω
• Frequency Response - 6 – 42.000 Hz
• Magnet - NdFeB
• SPL - 98dB

Virtuoso will be available in February 2025 for $799. More detailed information will be available soon.

Product Page - https://astellnkern.com/product/product_detail.jsp?productNo=160

 

[someyoungguy]

Oh yeah, it’s good days to be a closed back headphone fan Did not see this one coming

 

[colonelkernel8]

Over or under $1000? (Truthfully it looks like a $200 pair of headphones)

Edit: looked up the headphone referenced and Ultrasone asks 700 Euros for it...come on lol.

 

[Nostoi]

Over or under $1000? (Truthfully it looks like a $200 pair of headphones)

That's because part of the housing/design derives from aspects of a $200 pair of headphones:



Having recently owned the latest Ultrasone headphones - including Master MK2 - the new model will have to be around the same price to be competitive (i.e., under 1k).

 

[Dramlin]

I love Ultrasone in general. Their house sound is full and satisfying, while at the same time being spacious and clear. Though I do wish they would move on from the 'Signature' series design of the plastic headband, medium size cups, and single entry cable on the left side. While it's worked for the last 15+ years, there are always some complaints about comfort from the community. Ultrasone hit on magic with the Edition 11, which is gorgeous, comfortable, and balances the stage and accuracy of an open headphone while still having the fullness of their closed designs. I would think they would have a huge hit if they went with a second version of the Edition 11, just with dual 3.5mm inputs and a lower price point.

That said, I've got a soft spot for Ultrasone. Each of their 'Signature' series headphones sounds different in a good way, and I'm sure this latest collaboration will also sound great. The key will be the price point. I look forward to impressions.

 

[Waddiewadkins]

No way it's only 700?

And also would just love the drivers to be larger. 60mm!

 

[Makiah S]

Oh yeah, it’s good days to be a closed back headphone fan Did not see this one coming

RIGHT?! I just put up a piece featuring my AH-D5000 and here I see a new Ultrasone headphone after all these years! Exciting news for sure, I'd love to hear it off our CFA3 Deluxe as well ^^

 

[trellus]

I have unpleasant memories of Ultrasone -- I hoard a lot of headphones, but I absolutely could not stomach keeping the Ultrasone Pro 900i because I did not like ice picks of treble stabbing my ears ... so I sold those and moved on. Then, when they partnered with Drop to deliver the Signature X, I hopped onto that, hoping to erase the memories of the Pro 900i -- well, it did, but it created a new, different negative memory of a very closed, muffled headphone.

I hope these are better, but I am definitely not going to be an early adopter.

I'll await reviews!

 

[Dramlin]

I have unpleasant memories of Ultrasone -- I hoard a lot of headphones, but I absolutely could not stomach keeping the Ultrasone Pro 900i because I did not like ice picks of treble stabbing my ears ... so I sold those and moved on. Then, when they partnered with Drop to deliver the Signature X, I hopped onto that, hoping to erase the memories of the Pro 900i -- well, it did, but it created a new, different negative memory of a very closed, muffled headphone.

I too couldn't stand stand the Pro 900i. There wasn't a single thing I truly liked about those headphones. The X version 2 (not the broken first version) on the other hand have an over the top bass which is good as an occasional treat, but of all the Signatures they are still in last place in overall sound quality. Still good sound quality for the price, but lower quality comparative to the rest of the Signature line. If the Virtuosos are an improved Signature Master then their technical ability should be significantly better than the X's.

 

[Metalingus]

I thought they were out of business, i'm excited to try these.

 

[musiland]

reminds me of my signature pro, kinda missed them

 

[JasonNYC]

I updated my original post above with the confirmed pricing of $799 USD.

 

[SeanHasAPairOfDuals]

They look interesting, but if they're sold in an official capacity here in Australia, they'll be AU$1300-1500, about the same as the Signature DXP & Studio duo I have when they came out. Wait 6-12 months and get a deal then, or pick up a nice 2nd hand pair for a good price you're happy paying. Done that with those 2 above and a pair of Pro 2500's.

It would be interesting to see if these are tuned to suit/complement the A&K house sound, or just a missed opportunity, and just another pointless 'collaboration' (money grab). I'll be optimistic and go for the first one.

 

[S Crowther]

What’s wrong with the Ed.15 veritas?

 

[SeanHasAPairOfDuals]

They look interesting, but if they're sold in an official capacity here in Australia, they'll be AU$1300-1500, about the same as the Signature DXP & Studio duo I have when they came out. Wait 6-12 months and get a deal then, or pick up a nice 2nd hand pair for a good price you're happy paying. Done that with those 2 above and a pair of Pro 2500's.

It would be interesting to see if these are tuned to suit/complement the A&K house sound, or just a missed opportunity, and just another pointless 'collaboration' (money grab). I'll be optimistic and go for the first one.

How about that? Just saw the updated price information. US$800 = approx AUD$1300 (assuming an exchange rate of 1 AUD = US 60c).

Then there's always wiggle room price wise because of the Australia Tax (distance from anywhere & a large, sparsely populated country, both natural enemies of any benefits of economies of scale), plus any real selection of stores that stock this level of gear (we have them, but you aren't spoilt for choice or benefit from real competition).

I really hope this lives up to expectations. I find it all a bit silly how Ultrasone gets such a bad reputation with some for a couple of polarising cans. Has anyone retested those offending phones with a bit of EQ thrown at it? Nothing stupid, just 'straighten the curves and flatten the hills' (to steal a lyric from the title song of a favourite childhood TV show) a bit. Pad rolling could help, but I wish you all the best in getting aftermarket pads.