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[ Monday, April 20, 2015] | by Jean-Pierre Labro |
Testing the Pioneer SE-Master 1: audiophile high-end
Pioneer revives its tradition of audiophile headphones manufacturer. Its latest model, the SE-Master 1 is a pure delight for the ears and it ranks among the best in its class. Engineers have put everything into this helmet and the result is up to their expertise. A standard master!
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| The audiophile quality plays |
| The sound transparency |
| The bass response |
| The width and depth of the sound stage |
| No cable locking |
| XLR cable sold separately |
| When will mobile version? |
Summary
1 - Pioneer SE-Master 1: Musical Transparency
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Pioneer SE-Master 1: Musical Transparency
Pioneer continues to surprise us with the Pioneer SE-Master 1. Despite financial difficulties and after its merger with Onkyo, it confirms its ability to design audio products or outgoing video of the box. Fans of the Japanese brand will have a thought for Kuro plasma TVs or certain audio-video amplifiers ahead of their time. Pioneer has experienced turbulent years, but it seems that the arrival of Onkyo, a brand also highly appreciated by audiophiles and movie buffs enthusiasts, could enact a new beginning. Pending future achievements, we managed to test the latest Pioneer headset. It is not of any additional headset, here we enter into the world of audiophiles. It is good to know that the Japanese brand has always been present in this area. Thus in 1937 the first dynamic speaker, the A-8, was produced in Japan. And in 1960 came out the SE-1 helmet, a dynamic model completely closed, and the family has expanded over the years 70 and 80 including the Master-1G. So it is natural that Pioneer revives this tradition and gave carte blanche to his house engineers. The only constraint: the pleasure of music.
Unique headphones
To achieve this level of excellence, the slightest element of this helmet was designed and developed with extreme care, each helmet is hand-assembled in the Japanese factory in Tohoku Pioneer. The production is three to four models a day, each copy has a serial number engraved on the head supports. A black box it is the setting it is padded and decorated with a black cloth.
This audiophile enjoys an exemplary finish, so much so that each model has its own serial number. A unique specimen!
The Master SE-1 comes with a cable of three meters in length ending in two MMCX taken, OFC Litz cord is woven. On the other side, a 6 jack plug, gold plated 3 mm is used for connection to an audio device, Pioneer offers an optional XLR cable. A tension rod is mounted on the helmet and another is available in the package, they are different and allow the headphones to adjust by reducing or increasing the pressure side of the helmet. The tension rod has two grooves A and B only one, it is thus possible to adjust the lateral tension.
The Pioneer SE-1 Master comes with a detachable cable type MMCX (Micro Miniature Coaxial) it is woven and a length of 3 meters. It is also provided with an additional tension rod to adjust the lateral pressure from earphones.
Two new transducers
SE-Master 1 has HP of 50 mm, it is aluminum diaphragm 25 micron thickness with a ceramic coating in order to ensure a better rigidity. The edges of the diaphragm are ribbed to reduce distortion and the whole achieves unprecedented frequencies from 5 Hz to 85,000 Hz. The pads are large and deep, the shape memory foam is present, and the weight 500 grams remain present but is forgotten when tapping. The arch system is super duralumin, the wide head headband is adjustable to 14 positions using catch. The shells are made of aluminum 3.5 mm thick, it is one of the elements reduces internal resonances and provides more powerful bass.
The pads are large and deep, they are made of shape memory foam and a soft coating provides extended plays without undue distraction.
Pioneer SE-Master 1: dynamic plays and live
We tested this Pioneer SE-Master 1 with headphone amplifier Pioneer U-05 (800 euros) which also contains a D / A converter upscale able to stream high-resolution audio files from a PC or MAC. We also connected the headphones to an amp Onkyo TX-NR727 with Oppo BDP-103. With the Pioneer amp that the result is most striking, that U-05 is a marvel and its association with the SE-Master 1 makes sparks, one is in love from the first notes. Classical, big band, opera, pop, jazz concerts or SE-1 Master transcribed faithfully and transparency any atmosphere. It only has to be carried away! This is natural in all registers with an innate sense of musicality, sound scenes come to life without excesses and with astonishing presence to sound planning levels. It lives with ease and detail means. The bass are present, the attacks are well reproduced bass and Marcus Miller takes life in your ears. This is also the case for Diana Krall, Melody Gardot and La Callas, rich voice and intensity are at the rendezvous. This would go through many pieces listened to, every time the Master SE-1 revives emotions and unpublished musical sensations. These impressions are also confirmed with the amplifier Onkyo, however there is a cut above with the amp Pioneer U-05. In short, a beautiful beast, not for every budget, it is true, but when you love ...
Features:
- Type: Dynamic Audiophile Headphones open type
- Transducers: two 50 mm diameter HP (neodymium)
- Sensitivity: 94 dB
- Frequency response: 5 Hz to 85,000 Hz
- Impedance: 45 ohms
- Input Power: 1,500 mW (max)
- Cable: OFC litz cable 3m
- Accessories: tension rod B, manual
- Weight: 460 g (without cord)