THE COMPOSER OPEN BACK FLAGSHIP by AUSTRIAN AUDIO

[Nomax]

Very nice video from the assembly line of Composer. Interesting. Thanks for posting.

Hopefully the upload works with Bernhard the acoustician....because the video is over 30 minutes long

NOMAX

PS.If not, then we're out of luck

 

[musicday]

I hope it will work, the Composer is still my favourite headphone.

 

[xxx1313]

One is ready
(With english subtitles)



NOMAX

Ps.I will upload the other video when I have time
(And the upload also works with the Ipad)

To all not capable of understanding Austrian German - make sure that you enable the (english) subtitles at Youtube.

 

[Nomax]

I hope it will work, the Composer is still my favourite headphone.

Part One



Bernhard....One of the few besides Axel Grell who has also worked in the industry for almost 30 years

Part Two



NOMAX

PS.I'll do the third part another time...unfortunately I don't have time anymore sorry

 

[xxx1313]

And how were your first few days with it?

NOMAX

PS.Did you manage to find a clear favorite for yourself?

Well, I do not have much to add, because imo @noplsestar did a really great job in describing the sound differences here.

My first impressions were that I really prefer the sound of the suede pads, but it is not that simple. I still prefer them for longer listening sessions because the upper mids are tamed a bit compared to the original pads and bass extends a bit lower. I can dive in and get lost in music listening even more with the suede pads. However, the mid-bass slam of the original pads is also great sometimes and I also tend to prefer them with electronic music. The original pads with spacers are great for symphonic orchestra and film soundtracks. And just as @noplsestar I also feel that suede pads together with the spacers is the only combination that does not really work for me, because there is too much midrange suck out.

@Nomax, I agree with you that it is a matter of taste, music genre and individual preference. Both the suede pads and the spacers are worthy alternatives for slightly altered sound presentations, imo. So I will keep them both and will keep listening with them, as well as also with the original pads.

Cheers,
Bernie

 

[Nomax]

Before heading to Munich.....also the third part
(Also why the pads lasted so long and why the spacers are not made of plastic )



NOMAX

PS.Sorry about the modest quality of the videos and the English subtitles...but I'm not one of the professional reviewers
And if you have specific questions about the Composer as well as the Full Score One....just come to the High End
Where you can of course also try the spacers and suede pads

 

[musicday]

Before heading to Munich.....also the third part
(Also why the pads lasted so long and why the spacers are not made of plastic )



NOMAX

PS.Sorry about the modest quality of the videos and the English subtitles...but I'm not one of the professional reviewers
And if you have specific questions about the Composer as well as the Full Score One....just come to the High End
Where you can of course also try the spacers and suede pads

After many years in Munich, they are moving to Vienna from next year. Not sure if you knew.
HIGH END Munich 2025 – May 15 to 18, 2025
HIGH END Vienna 2026 – May 28 to 31, 2026
HIGH END Vienna 2027 – May 6 to 9, 2027
HIGH END Vienna 2028 – May 25 to 28, 2028

 

[noplsestar]

After many years in Munich, they are moving to Vienna from next year. Not sure if you knew.
HIGH END Munich 2025 – May 15 to 18, 2025
HIGH END Vienna 2026 – May 28 to 31, 2026
HIGH END Vienna 2027 – May 6 to 9, 2027
HIGH END Vienna 2028 – May 25 to 28, 2028

It´s because of the Austrian Audio Composer of course

@Nomax thank you very much btw for the AA interview! And good to hear they are working on a new product for audiophiles. Hopefully a DAC complementing the Full Score One and/or a TOTL closed back
Have nice days in Munich!

 

[Nomax]

If such a thing should ever come....

NOMAX

PS.then of course it won't be cheap with the effort they put into designing it
And I like to say it again.... there will be no successor to Composer...why should there be?
Because with the other pads and spacers, these headphones will give us pleasure for a very long time
(In construction/wearing comfort and in tonal/technical performance)
And i am sure....on the mobile devices, no one will be able to beat this headphones any time soon

Thanks...Hopefully I'll find something that excites me in Munich

 

[Trance_Gott]

Very informative videos thanks for it!

 

[Zmey69]

Thanks

Nomax, What an interview! Had to instantly share it my friends — brilliant stuff! Vielen Dank for AA Team!

PS: In case anyone's interested: I periodically treat the earpads and headband with a solid wax-based cream (comes in a small tin) meant for facial leather care. The cream is completely neutral, free of any additives. After processing, let the wax soak for about 15-20 minutes. And wipe it with a paper towel. The results are noticeable – the pads 'refresh' significantly: fewer creases, they look almost new, and the leather itself becomes softer/silkier to the touch.

 

[TRHH]

PS: In case anyone's interested: I periodically treat the earpads and headband with a solid wax-based cream (comes in a small tin) meant for facial leather care. The cream is completely neutral, free of any additives. After processing, let the wax soak for about 15-20 minutes. And wipe it with a paper towel. The results are noticeable – the pads 'refresh' significantly: fewer creases, they look almost new, and the leather itself becomes softer/silkier to the touch.

Thanks. Do have a link to share?

 

[Nomax]

Makes also a great Job......



NOMAX

PS.That's why I immediately packed one for myself too

 

[Zmey69]

Thanks. Do have a link to share?

Unfortunately, won’t find the exact same product as mine, but I did find a very close alternative. WAX The key is to use beeswax that’s all-natural and food/skin-safe—meant for items that come into contact with skin or food. The goal is to prevent the earpad leather from cracking or degrading over time.

How to apply it:
Clean the pads with a damp antiseptic wipe, then dry them with a clean cloth.
Take a tiny amount of wax on your fingertip (really, just a dab!) and gently work it into the earpads.
Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then buff off any excess with a dry cloth.
That’s it! The leather stays supple and crack-free.

So even the smallest jar/tin will last you years. The wax also adds a protective layer against sweat—great for hot days when your head gets sweaty.

 

[FiGuY1017]

These seem to get better and better more I listen to them, honestly they are equal to Susvara at this point. Depth, dynamics, transparency. These have it all imo. Also a real hidden gem I've been enjoying lately is the surprise banger of a headphone the IBasso SR3.