Looks like another excellent effort from Austrian Audio, it's nice to see a company making good products at sensible prices. I think many reviews of Austran Audio headphones spectacularly miss the point by reviewing them according to what they want them to be rather than what they have been designed to do. I have the Hi-X55 and love it, it's different but for detail and critical listening they are superb, and their build quality and comfort are among the best out there. I mainly listen to classical and find the Hi-X55 works extremely well for classical despite it not having been designed as an audiophile headphone. In terms of being easy to drive, I find a smartphone dongle perfectly fine for my AA headphones, they're absurdly easy to drive.
Hey man I really appreciate your reviews. I am new enough this hobby that I don't have any brand loyalty. And you're straight ahead approach, actually holding the manufacturers up to their claims, is appreciated. Even though I'm sure it doesn't always win you friends!
@@jcap8391 If you want to hear imperfections in your mix, then the AA. If you want to mix and master without such analytical presentation, then go for something else.
Again a very thorough review … congratulations! Every review looks like a lesson in a long term course in Audiophiles World! As a beginner , I’m still lost when it comes to choices and in need of guidance ! Hope to get it from you whenever I may ask ! Thanks again
I would say non of them are good for mixing. But if you must choose lesser evil go with 770 250 Ohm. X15 has a very strange highs and they are deprived of broad part of midrange.
@@NoThemeReviews I find that I do love detail. I love HD 560s and wanted a cheapish closed back. I found the AKG K361 quite dull so tried the X15. Even though the X15 is quite siblant I way prefer it. Just wondering whether the X55 is worth the additional 140 I would pay. Thanks for answering this question. Your channel is great
Thanks for the review. I'm considering these as a compliment to the Ollo S4R-1.1 for occasional spot checking of mix details. For the price, it sounds like this is the highest detail closed back available. I'll keep it in mind. Cheers.
Vastly different. The x65 has far more detail, resolution, separation, placement, and clarity. The Verum is average at best in all respects. The Verum has a warmer sound signature, more bass, and a balanced sound signature. The x65 is analytical, precise and will reveal imperfections. I don’t recommend the Verum because of the bad construction and awful warranty & abysmal customer service. If you happen to get one that breaks or shows peeling or warping of the fake veneer wood, then you’ll be responsible for shipping to get it fixed-assuming Igor even agrees to fix it. If Igor decides it’s not in warranty, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for repair. Of course, his warranty doesn’t specifically say what he will and will not cover. Finally, if you buy and want to return the Verum, you’ll pay for shipping PLUS a 50% restocking fee. You’ll have to decide if you’re better off looking for an alternative to the Verum.
@@NoThemeReviews Thank you very much for your detailed answer and the time you took on writing back to me! Solid point on Igor's warranty. It would probably be a crazy problem and I'm no longer interested in them! Much respect for him being a one man army still though! My final battle comes down to the HD650 VS DT1990 VS X65 VS Sundaras. I want detail, but I also don't want to skip out on bass. I listen to a bit of everything from Jazz to Metal, Hip Hop, EDM, Rock, Progressive Metal, Indie. Right now from watching all your reviews I see the x65 as the ideal contender. I'm worried sennheiser will be too tame and precise and Beyerdynamic will be well, excuse the pun, dynamic to the point it loses sharpness, I'm also worried the Sundaras won't be "fun" enough. X65 Seems like the perfect balance for best of all worlds. Do you think i am correct in my analysis? Thank you again for all the things you put out to help people!
@@BrunoSilva-pf3tx The x65 has a bass roll-off. In some respects it's similar to the 1990 regarding bass response. The HD650 has noticeably greater bass, and overall a warmer tonality. Among the four options you mentioned, the 650 is probably the one headphone that is suited for a "fun" response. As for the sharpness to the 1990--it's pretty sharp in treble and sibilance. If that's what you're looking for, then either the x65 or 1990 will give you emphasis in sibilance and treble.
I have both x15 and x55. Ear pads are feel better quality on 55, have more room inside cups. Cable is different on x15, it’s 1.5 long and thinner then one on x55 or 1.2m on x65 but still feel robust.
I was about to buy the akg k361(non bt), but your review popped up on my recommendations, and I am very interested. I really like the close to harman tuning of the k361, although it lacks detailing significantly. How would you compare the two headsets? I really didn't like the dt 770 pro due to thin vocals. Would you say the x15 have better bass than the k361? Anything below that might be a little too tame for my taste, and I want to get a detail heavy headset without losing a little fun, if that's possible
The 361 has a lot more bass. It is bass-heavy compared to the x15. The x15 will give you plenty of clarity and detail, but not the warmth of something like the 361, 371, or HD6xx
To each their own, but I will never listen to the X55 again, I found it so horrible when I tested it with a 10 song playlist over an hour. The 361 and 371 are wonderful in my opinion.
@@NoThemeReviews thanks for the input, I think I will stay with the k361. I also heard from a user on head-fi that the tonality is similar to dt770, which really didn't suit me. Really makes me wonder, if there is any headphone in this range(
Some other youtuber is saying the earcups act like a vacuum suction. Causing terrible discomfort and it sounds bad. You haven't experience this right? I only own the Hi-X65 and I haven't experienced anything like this.
No. That’s such a silly thing to say I can’t believe that person was serious. No, the earpads do not cause suction. I’ve never worn any headphones or IEMs that cause suction. That’s ridiculous.
@@NoThemeReviews I'm starting to think that people are coming up with dumb excuses to dislike AA headphones. Looking forward to the Hi X-25 review. Curious about the Bluetooth performance which is such a low bar to beat lol.
Yeah, the vitriol against the headphones is astounding. If anything, it shows how utterly self-absorbed reviewers are. If a headphone doesn’t fit their personal sound profile, then it’s shit. But, if they like the sound, they’ll make any and every excuse or ignore blatant issues with the product or company, and hype it. What a double standard
Hi! I'm interested to these headphones, but at minute 18.49, you are talking about warm, smooth and relaxing signature, that the hi-x15 it doesn't seem to have in it's nature, so do you have any suggestions? Because your channel have a tons of videos 😀. Thank you in advance, best regards
If you're looking for smooth, relaxing sound signature, or even a neutral rendition, then here are a few options: Rode NTH100, Beyerdynamic DT880 / DT900 Pro X / DT700 Pro X, Avantone Planar, Blue MoFi, Blue Ella, Harmonicdyne Zeus/Poseidon, Shure SRH 1540, Ollo S5X, Sennheiser HD6xx/660s
I sadly have to disagree. The hi x60 was mediocre in terms of sound but good with details cause they shove them aggressively in your ears it's unpleasant but respectable. But the hi x15 is a whole another level of bad. It's a hearing damage compensation tool, someone needs to have bad treble hearing and bad mids hearing cause it's shouty. Even I who don't sell it return headphones I did just that with these two. I returned the hi x60 and I sold the hi x15 to my uncle who's 57 years old for a peanuts amount of money lol.
I have similar experience.I've been trying to get used and learn X15 but after 2 weeks I have to give up. They have very awkward tuning. Deprived of almost all mids ( 200-800Hz) and then very deep scoop at 1,4kHz - 2,5kHz (-9dB at 2kHz!) Awful shouty treble 6dB boost from 5kHz to 15kHz, not resolving and detailed like the guy says here, treble just sounds messy. Old DT770 are far more detailed for me and at the same price they are clear winner against X15.
Aren't these considered one of the worst tuned headphones on the market? The X55 at least are the worst I've ever heard. An unbelievable mess where some instruments just disappear while some others become harsh and fatiguing.
I've never experienced instruments disappearing with the x55, x65, or the x15. These are not the typical headphones. I mean, neither are the HD800s or HD700 or DT990. You really have to know whether you want the sound signatures of these types of headphones...and most people don't like it. A statement like "the worst tuned headphones on the market" is really hard to to defend objectively. I could say that same thing for a wide swath of headphones.
@@NoThemeReviews Well that was at least my experience with some songs where I could barely hear something that was prominent with every other headphone I've ever heard. The X65 is fine though.
Looks like another excellent effort from Austrian Audio, it's nice to see a company making good products at sensible prices. I think many reviews of Austran Audio headphones spectacularly miss the point by reviewing them according to what they want them to be rather than what they have been designed to do. I have the Hi-X55 and love it, it's different but for detail and critical listening they are superb, and their build quality and comfort are among the best out there. I mainly listen to classical and find the Hi-X55 works extremely well for classical despite it not having been designed as an audiophile headphone. In terms of being easy to drive, I find a smartphone dongle perfectly fine for my AA headphones, they're absurdly easy to drive.
Hey man I really appreciate your reviews. I am new enough this hobby that I don't have any brand loyalty. And you're straight ahead approach, actually holding the manufacturers up to their claims, is appreciated.
Even though I'm sure it doesn't always win you friends!
True, but I do get the pick of the litter of enemies.
@@NoThemeReviews These or m40x for voice and video editing?
@@jcap8391 If you want to hear imperfections in your mix, then the AA. If you want to mix and master without such analytical presentation, then go for something else.
Would be interested to see your thoughts on the x25bt compared to things like akg k371/361 or m50xbt2
Compared to x-55 and Shure 1540 the k371 is muddy with small stage and bad separation
@@jadur The k371 was ok but so microphonic was the cable I had to sell them.
Again a very thorough review … congratulations! Every review looks like a lesson in a long term course in Audiophiles World! As a beginner , I’m still lost when it comes to choices and in need of guidance ! Hope to get it from you whenever I may ask ! Thanks again
Br ?
@@joelstoppa Brazil
@@josepimentamarques415 eai Man, tá dentro da toca do coelho dos fones de ouvido tb ? Ahahahahha 😆🤛
@@joelstoppa Surreal ! Viciante demais !!!
DT 770 pro vs X15 which one would you get if you want to use them to mix.
I would say non of them are good for mixing. But if you must choose lesser evil go with 770 250 Ohm. X15 has a very strange highs and they are deprived of broad part of midrange.
Would you say the X55 is worth the extra money over the X15?
Depends on whether you want lots of detail and clarity
@@NoThemeReviews I find that I do love detail. I love HD 560s and wanted a cheapish closed back. I found the AKG K361 quite dull so tried the X15. Even though the X15 is quite siblant I way prefer it. Just wondering whether the X55 is worth the additional 140 I would pay.
Thanks for answering this question. Your channel is great
Thanks for the review. I'm considering these as a compliment to the Ollo S4R-1.1 for occasional spot checking of mix details. For the price, it sounds like this is the highest detail closed back available. I'll keep it in mind. Cheers.
Thanks for this review. Have you seen a frequency response curve published by anyone for the Hi-x15? I can't seem to find one.
Nope
oluv's gadgets has measure it in his review
@@CptMark Ugh Oluv. He's a next level snob. Everything sucks, but buy my wireless ear fun bullshit lol.
@@epicmike3915 exactly. I used his "magic" tuning that sounded like mono radio deprived of energy and important frequencies.
Nice information. Austrian Audio Hi-X15 vs Focal Listen Pro? Is there a clear winner or are they similar?
Very different
@@NoThemeReviews Explain.
Hey man, loved the review. I have a question, if you can help me on it. How would you compare the verum ones to the x65?
Vastly different. The x65 has far more detail, resolution, separation, placement, and clarity. The Verum is average at best in all respects. The Verum has a warmer sound signature, more bass, and a balanced sound signature. The x65 is analytical, precise and will reveal imperfections. I don’t recommend the Verum because of the bad construction and awful warranty & abysmal customer service. If you happen to get one that breaks or shows peeling or warping of the fake veneer wood, then you’ll be responsible for shipping to get it fixed-assuming Igor even agrees to fix it. If Igor decides it’s not in warranty, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for repair. Of course, his warranty doesn’t specifically say what he will and will not cover. Finally, if you buy and want to return the Verum, you’ll pay for shipping PLUS a 50% restocking fee. You’ll have to decide if you’re better off looking for an alternative to the Verum.
@@NoThemeReviews Thank you very much for your detailed answer and the time you took on writing back to me!
Solid point on Igor's warranty. It would probably be a crazy problem and I'm no longer interested in them! Much respect for him being a one man army still though!
My final battle comes down to the HD650 VS DT1990 VS X65 VS Sundaras.
I want detail, but I also don't want to skip out on bass. I listen to a bit of everything from Jazz to Metal, Hip Hop, EDM, Rock, Progressive Metal, Indie.
Right now from watching all your reviews I see the x65 as the ideal contender. I'm worried sennheiser will be too tame and precise and Beyerdynamic will be well, excuse the pun, dynamic to the point it loses sharpness, I'm also worried the Sundaras won't be "fun" enough.
X65 Seems like the perfect balance for best of all worlds. Do you think i am correct in my analysis? Thank you again for all the things you put out to help people!
@@BrunoSilva-pf3tx The x65 has a bass roll-off. In some respects it's similar to the 1990 regarding bass response. The HD650 has noticeably greater bass, and overall a warmer tonality. Among the four options you mentioned, the 650 is probably the one headphone that is suited for a "fun" response. As for the sharpness to the 1990--it's pretty sharp in treble and sibilance. If that's what you're looking for, then either the x65 or 1990 will give you emphasis in sibilance and treble.
I have both x15 and x55. Ear pads are feel better quality on 55, have more room inside cups. Cable is different on x15, it’s 1.5 long and thinner then one on x55 or 1.2m on x65 but still feel robust.
Yeah, I agree. The x55 earpads are roomier.
I was about to buy the akg k361(non bt), but your review popped up on my recommendations, and I am very interested. I really like the close to harman tuning of the k361, although it lacks detailing significantly. How would you compare the two headsets? I really didn't like the dt 770 pro due to thin vocals.
Would you say the x15 have better bass than the k361? Anything below that might be a little too tame for my taste, and I want to get a detail heavy headset without losing a little fun, if that's possible
The 361 has a lot more bass. It is bass-heavy compared to the x15. The x15 will give you plenty of clarity and detail, but not the warmth of something like the 361, 371, or HD6xx
To each their own, but I will never listen to the X55 again, I found it so horrible when I tested it with a 10 song playlist over an hour. The 361 and 371 are wonderful in my opinion.
@@NoThemeReviews thanks for the input, I think I will stay with the k361. I also heard from a user on head-fi that the tonality is similar to dt770, which really didn't suit me. Really makes me wonder, if there is any headphone in this range(
The x15 and x55 sound nothing like the 770, but that’s besides the point
@@NoThemeReviews yeah, I think the sibilance and lack of bass will be a issue for my preference. Thanks so much for the help!
Mine just arrived,everything is great,sound,comfort ...except ear pads create some vacuum sensation,feels weird...
I hope AA's founders will eventually start interacting with the audiophile community and take interviews on their vision and design philosophy.
Very interesting results! I struggle to think of a headphone at this pricepoint with as much detail.
Some other youtuber is saying the earcups act like a vacuum suction. Causing terrible discomfort and it sounds bad. You haven't experience this right? I only own the Hi-X65 and I haven't experienced anything like this.
No. That’s such a silly thing to say I can’t believe that person was serious. No, the earpads do not cause suction. I’ve never worn any headphones or IEMs that cause suction. That’s ridiculous.
@@NoThemeReviews I'm starting to think that people are coming up with dumb excuses to dislike AA headphones. Looking forward to the Hi X-25 review. Curious about the Bluetooth performance which is such a low bar to beat lol.
Yeah, the vitriol against the headphones is astounding. If anything, it shows how utterly self-absorbed reviewers are. If a headphone doesn’t fit their personal sound profile, then it’s shit. But, if they like the sound, they’ll make any and every excuse or ignore blatant issues with the product or company, and hype it. What a double standard
@@epicmike3915 What is AA headphones ? Batter headphones ?
Who is that youtuber ?
Can you do a review on austrian audio pg16 please thanks in advance
Hi! I'm interested to these headphones, but at minute 18.49, you are talking about warm, smooth and relaxing signature, that the hi-x15 it doesn't seem to have in it's nature, so do you have any suggestions? Because your channel have a tons of videos 😀. Thank you in advance, best regards
If you're looking for smooth, relaxing sound signature, or even a neutral rendition, then here are a few options: Rode NTH100, Beyerdynamic DT880 / DT900 Pro X / DT700 Pro X, Avantone Planar, Blue MoFi, Blue Ella, Harmonicdyne Zeus/Poseidon, Shure SRH 1540, Ollo S5X, Sennheiser HD6xx/660s
Awful headphones, earpads are not breathable and 15 minutes was max time I could wear
I sadly have to disagree.
The hi x60 was mediocre in terms of sound but good with details cause they shove them aggressively in your ears it's unpleasant but respectable.
But the hi x15 is a whole another level of bad.
It's a hearing damage compensation tool, someone needs to have bad treble hearing and bad mids hearing cause it's shouty.
Even I who don't sell it return headphones I did just that with these two.
I returned the hi x60 and I sold the hi x15 to my uncle who's 57 years old for a peanuts amount of money lol.
You have similar opinion about x55?
I have similar experience.I've been trying to get used and learn X15 but after 2 weeks I have to give up. They have very awkward tuning. Deprived of almost all mids ( 200-800Hz) and then very deep scoop at 1,4kHz - 2,5kHz (-9dB at 2kHz!) Awful shouty treble 6dB boost from 5kHz to 15kHz, not resolving and detailed like the guy says here, treble just sounds messy. Old DT770 are far more detailed for me and at the same price they are clear winner against X15.
Aren't these considered one of the worst tuned headphones on the market? The X55 at least are the worst I've ever heard. An unbelievable mess where some instruments just disappear while some others become harsh and fatiguing.
@@CardinalsFanever Not sure who or what that is, but I've heard it from a few places particularly regarding the X55, which I can attest to as well.
I've never experienced instruments disappearing with the x55, x65, or the x15. These are not the typical headphones. I mean, neither are the HD800s or HD700 or DT990. You really have to know whether you want the sound signatures of these types of headphones...and most people don't like it. A statement like "the worst tuned headphones on the market" is really hard to to defend objectively. I could say that same thing for a wide swath of headphones.
@@NoThemeReviews Well that was at least my experience with some songs where I could barely hear something that was prominent with every other headphone I've ever heard. The X65 is fine though.
@@hartyewh1 It might be helpful to know what exactly you're talking about. I've got the x55 and x65, and I have never experienced loss of instruments.
Fair enough