It’s five years now since Austrian Audio launched their first product, the OC818 capacitor microphone. Since then, they’ve built up an impressive range of mics, headphones and related items. Until now, all of them have been targeted at studio applications, but with their new open-backed headphones and matching amp, they’re making a pitch for the hi-fi market too. And thankfully, it’s a pitch that is based in science, rather than the pseudo-science beloved of some hi-fi manufacturers.
This is particularly evident with the new Full Score One headphone amplifier. Designer Paul Weinreich has written a lengthy white paper explaining the thinking behind the circuitry, a fascinating document that covers practically every aspect of the design. The most striking takeaway from this is the focus on transient reproduction, which in turn delivers…
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Sound On Sound USA (Digital) - 1 Issue, August 2024