Popular headphone maker Beyerdynamic has unveiled its new Xelento wireless, which it calls the “first wireless in-ears for audiophiles”. While competitors have rushed to flood the market with a multitude of cord-free options, Beyerdynamic has largely steered away from this trend. That changes today thanks to a unique design that stands out from the competition in a few ways. Most notable is a necklace-style wire that diverts from the typical behind-the-ear style we’re used to.
So whatdoes an audiophile-focused pair of wireless headphones entail? Head below for more.
There are some that would argue words like audiophile and wireless don’t belong anywhere close to each other. Beyerdynamic is hoping to address those concerns with a few standout features. First up is a focus on “high-resolution Bluetooth quality”. Beyerdynamic uses the familiar atpX and AAC codec to support a higher 24-bit rate where possible. The press release claims this will deliver an audio experience on-par with cabled headphones.
Building a new pair of Bluetooth headphones can be a rather tricky proposition, as it’s a fine balance between a slim design and battery life. The new Xelento wireless comes in at around 7 grams and features up to 5.5-hours of use on a full charge. In this way, it goes the direction of popular Beats-style in-ears versus a bulkier design that’s not as conducive to long workouts. However Apple’s W1 chip continues to keep its in-house Bluetooth headphones above the competition, thanks to its incredible battery life and range.
Beyerdynamic claims that it has balanced its focus on high-end audio with comfort and features. Xelento earphones ship with three anatomically-shaped earbuds that are designed to fit ear canals of all shapes and sizes. The forward-facing necklace also sports a built-in remote made from solid aluminum. If users run out of battery after five hours, the same cable converts into a standard 3.5mm connector.
There’s no doubt that Beyerdynamic is looking to cater towards design-focused shoppers with Xelento. That said, it’s unique design and purported high-end features will certainly make it desirable for some looking for an alternative to the usual plastic neckband.
Beyerdynamic is set to release its new Xelento Bluetooth earphones in July following its unveiling later this month at High End in Munich. Interested? You might want to sit down. Although we’re basing this off the Euro price tag alone, we’re expecting Beyerdynmic to charge somewhere around $1,300 for this pair of in-ears. That’s a hefty price tag for any wireless headphones.
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Xelento wireless: beyerdynamic presents the first wireless in-ear headphones for audiophiles – with Bluetooth, aptX™ HD and Tesla technology
Heilbronn, May 2017: High-end sound and wireless transmission? Many would claim that’s hardly realistic. In their experience, Bluetooth headphones in particular hamper the listening enjoyment. That is until now. beyerdynamic has succeeded in achieving what was seemingly unthinkable before, ridding the audiophile headphones of “dead weight” through a product so small and comfortable that the hardware itself takes a back seat – all that remains is sound in its purest form. This development has a name: Xelento wireless.
In-ear innovation “Made in Germany”
The Xelento wireless exists thanks to a culmination of technologies that could only have been possible in Heilbronn. After all, it was here at beyerdynamic’s company headquarters where the miniaturised Tesla transducers came into being, making a superior in-ear possible in the first place. This is also where the machines are located for winding the tiny voice coils, and where our highly specialised employees handcraft all headphones with ultimate precision. The result is an audible piece of jewellery, a luxurious body of sound that allows music to be experienced up close – without burdening the wearer with cables.
Hi-res Bluetooth quality
For the technology produced by the Heilbronn-based audio specialist to play fully to its strengths, the transmission quality must meet highest standards. That’s why beyerdynamic has opted for Qualcomm® aptX™ HD audio. The high-resolution audio codec allows for a quality of sound that is otherwise only associated with cables. It transmits 24-bit signals in full resolution. The excellent dynamic range belies the fact that player and headphones are connected wirelessly. The Xelento wireless switches automatically to aptX™ or AAC as a codec on playback devices that do not support aptX™ HD, thus allowing Apple users to also enjoy the best possible Bluetooth transmission.
Uncompromising sound
The latest member of the Xelento family uses the same exclusive Tesla transducers as the wired Xelento remote. They have been redeveloped from scratch. Ring magnets – 16 times smaller than in the reference T 1 headphones – and ultra-fine voice coils deliver an impulse fidelity that is second to none among in-ear models. The extended frequency response makes every sound detail audible, while a powerful, precise bass rounds off the sound profile without pushing itself into the limelight. In other words: The Xelento wireless is the embodiment of technical feasibility in its class.
Ultimate wearing comfort
As soon as put them on you realize – you can barely feel a thing. That’s because on the one hand, the Xelento wireless weighs just seven grams. But on the other hand it also feels as if its shape had been crafted for each unique user. Over the course of extensive test series, beyerdynamic has measured dozens of ears, produced silicone casts and evaluated computer data. This has resulted in anatomically shaped eartips in no less than seven sizes – from XS to 3XL. Their oval shape means they fit like a glove in the auditory canal without the otherwise usual feeling of pressure. The specialist Comply™ eartips are also available in three different sizes for fans of classic foam moulded attachments.
Well-conceived down to every detail
A remote control button positioned conveniently in the handle controls playback and allows phone calls to be conducted via the integrated microphone. Silver-plated cables with an aramid-fibre core are connected to the rechargeable battery pack, which can be secured to clothing using a clip. The slim aluminium cylinder supplies power for up to five and a half hours of permanent use. The USB port on the notebook or smartphone charger is then sufficient to top up its reserves again. And if charging is not an option on the go, the additional detachable cable converts the Xelento wireless into a classic in-ear with jack plug. All the various parts can be stored in an elegant carry case with magnetic fastener, which protects the headphones during transport and ensures appropriate storage.
Première at High End in Munich
beyerdynamic selected the gathering of sound enthusiasts as the perfect setting for the world première of the Xelento wireless. Visitors to High End 2017 in Munich, which takes place from May 18th to 21st, can experience the first Bluetooth headphones with Tesla technology at beyerdynamic’s booth (Hall 4, Stand V02/W03). The Xelento wireless will be available from July at a price of 1,199 euros in qualified specialist stores or directly via the manufacturer at www.beyerdynamic.com
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