[zachchen1996]

 
Audeze "Prototype-Z"
 
"It features a new ultra-high-density voice-coil, a first in planar magnetic design, along with a newly-patented diaphragm. The end result is a whopping 1200 Ohm impedance. The force that's generated on the surface of the diaphragm is directly proportional to the length of the voice-coil and the prototype delivers unmatched dynamics, extreme resolution, precise and detailed sound across the audio band, plus excellent imaging.
 
With 1200 Ohms impedance the prototype can be directly driven by tube amplifiers without an output matching transformer. That will lead to a new wave of high-power OTL tube headphone amplifier designs. In fact, Audeze is working on an OTL design right now.
 
The Prototype-Z can be driven with any regular voltage-mode amplifier, but better results can be achieved with high quality current-mode amplifiers like the BAKOON. Current-mode amplifiers work very efficiently into this type of load and will be louder at the same volume setting than any other headphone. Voltage-mode amplifiers will require the volume knob to be higher to generate proper driving power into such high impedance modes.
 
Finally, we've addressed added comfort with our new carbon fiber headband."

 

[Stereolab42]

1200 ohm? What?

 

[AnalogSavior]

That seems unnecessarily high...

 

[money4me247]

maybe a typo? 120 ohms? 1,200 ohms does seem a bit ridiculous.

 

[gusGGG]

I agree, sounds totally ridiculous......
 
Did the announce release date or give more info about them?

 

[Articnoise]

Where no amplifier that can do 1200 Ohms so 120 are is more likely.

 

[NinjaHamster]

And that's about what the 3F's are in impedance ...

 

[IndieGradoFan]

I'm going out on a limb by guessing these will be named LCD-Z.

 

 

[Viper2005]

I want that suspension headband to transplant onto my LCDX!

 

[linglingjr]

Ahh this is the thread I wanted to be subbed to.
 
You guys still don't have the other picture posted in this thread though?

 

[KrunchyLex]

New Audeze prototype? Unexpected but definitely exciting. Going to be keeping my eye on this one.

 

[justin w.]

 
Where no amplifier that can do 1200 Ohms so 120 are is more likely.

high impedance is easier for any amplifier. what matters is the efficiency

 

[Rhamnetin]

Looks wonderful.  I'll definitely be keeping an eye on it.

 

[linglingjr]

As others have said, I don't see this prototype being much lighter than the LCD-X as the only difference seems to be the headband.  I wonder if they'll change the cup design or at least the grill design  in addition to the drivers.

 

[alvin sawdust]

I want that suspension headband to transplant onto my LCDX!

Yep, looks like an improvement on the leather 3 headband. So uncomfy after a couple of hours, the old 2.1 foam was far comfier.