Headphones

In recent months, Vienna-based Austrian Audio has been focusing on its more high-end products, such as The Composer (HFC 514) open-back headphone and companion FullScore DAC, which together cost £3,500. However, it has returned to its more competitively-priced Hi-X series with the new closed-back, over-ear Hi-X20.

Despite the low price, the Hi-X20 uses the same 44mm high-excursion (‘Hi-X’) drivers as others in the range. These provide a healthy 12Hz-24kHz frequency response, while AA’s ring-magnet voice coil design is claimed to reduce total harmonic distortion on lower frequencies, producing firm but clear bass output.

The Hi-X20’s elongated oval earpieces sit right over the ear, encasing it in comfortable memory foam padding. Admittedly, the plastic doesn’t feel quite as robust as some of the more expensive Hi-X models, but the headband and hinges are made of metal so the Hi-X20 should be sturdy enough to cope with a few bumps in a backpack when you’re on the move. More importantly, it doesn’t feel heavy or uncomfortable even when worn for long periods during testing.

The Hi-X20 is purely wired and analogue, with no Bluetooth or other digital features at all, and there’s just a single audio cable included in the box. At 3m long, it’s also good for home use and it has a 2.5mm jack for connecting to the left-hand earpiece, and 3.5mm connector for your audio source – a 6.3mm adapter is included. Other Hi-X models include a second, shorter cable and if you want one it’ll set you back £15 for 1.4m. A hard-shell travel case is also available for £30.

Sound quality
Kate Bush made a rare appearance recently to promote a short animated film based on her 2011 track, Snowflake, and with winter on the way that seems like a good place to start with the Hi-X20. The opening piano notes are crisp and clear, and drift lightly like a gentle snowfall, but the Hi-X20 also catches the contrast as the bass drum rumbles underneath, adding a hint of urgency. Bush duets with her son on this track and her vocal performance is hypnotic as she repeats the simple refrain: “Keep falling…I’ll find you” – and the Hi-X20 reveals all the warmth in her voice as she tries to comfort him from the winter chill.

The 12Hz low-end is the stand-out feature as I switch to Leonard Cohen’s You Want It Darker. The bass guitar riff that flows through the song has a wonderfully full-bodied sound to it, but it’s not over done and the riff glides along with a relaxed, sensuous rhythm. Cohen’s voice is even deeper, and the Hi-X20 delivers the vocal with a gritty, rumble that sounds as though he’s gargling lumps of concrete. But, again, the Austrian Audio knows when to provide contrast and it reveals all the texture and detail in the harmonies of the Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue Choir as they provide some respite from the decidedly melancholy lyrics.

In direct contrast, next up is the country-rock-meets-EDM bombast of Sturgill Simpson belting out Sing Along from his album Sound & Fury. Impressively, the Hi-X20 takes the track’s clashing sounds in its stride. It lands the grinding, fuzz-drenched guitars with real power, but it also clearly picks out the light, ticking percussion that holds the track together. The electronic keyboards fizz with enough energy for an Ibiza dancefloor and the bass drop towards the end of the track swoops in and lands like a punch in the gut.

Conclusion
Overall, then, it’s an admirable performance from a headphone costing just £120 and while it may be a little light on accessories and features, the Hi-X20 genuinely delivers on Austrian Audio’s promise of providing high-quality sound at a low-budget price. CJ    

DETAILS
Product: Austrian Audio Hi-X20
Type: Closed-back over-ear headphones

FEATURES
● 44mm drivers
● Cable: 3.5mm-to-2.5mm (3m)
● 3.5mm-to-6.3mm adapter