As the Glasgow-based, UK company details, the CL2 Planar is built around the most compact planar magnetic driver ever released. Developed by RHA over four years, the ten millimeter driver consists of a planar coil and 16-micrometer diaphragm perfectly suspended above two matched magnetic fields, achieving a superior reproduction from 16Hz to 45,000 Hz using wired connections. The new model complements the CL1 Ceramic dual transducer in-ear headphones, introduced in 2017, and which was until now the company's flagship model.
"This advanced driver technology produces unprecedented performance. RHA has achieved the revered response and accuracy of planar magnetic technology in a ten millimeter diameter driver – allowing for fully portable, high-fidelity audio. The combination of industry-leading technology and remarkable materials used in the CL2 Planar results in a headphone like no other. The miniaturization of planar magnet technology is a feat of engineering and the sound generated reflects this," explains Colum Fraser, Marketing Manager, RHA.
“As well as being technologically advanced and sounding great, the CL2 Planar is hi-fi Bluetooth compatible. We believe this creates a very special offering for people who love amazing audio and want that experience wherever they are.”
The Product Design team at RHA developed the CL2 Planar using superior materials and manufacturing processes, taking inspiration from the aerospace and fine jewelry industries. Zirconium dioxide is used to create near-indestructible, flawless housings for the CL2 Planar. The uniform molecular structure of zirconium is also used to make synthetic diamonds and protect jet engines. The smooth internal surface encourages an uninterrupted flow of audio waves from driver to ear.
“At the start of the design process for the CL2 Planar, my team were faced with the challenge of creating a new standard in acoustic engineering. We spent years researching and testing, and what we have produced is a world-first in magnetic driver technology - a true testament to the creativity and innovation at RHA.
“We needed to develop something strong and aesthetically superior to protect the incredibly intricate driver. The precision-engineered, injection-moulded zirconium dioxide housings are light, durable and scratch resistant. These beautiful pieces are the result of our inventive design, superior workmanship, and years of experience in true-to-life audio reproduction,” states Kyle Hutchison, Head of Product Design at RHA.
The CL2 Planar comes with detachable 3.5mm and balanced 2.5mm cables as well as a modified version of RHA’s SecureFlex 12-hour Bluetooth neckband. The variety of cables allows users to listen via different devices, with wired or Bluetooth connections. This feature enables custom combinations with personal audio equipment.
Apart from the wireless neckband, the new RHA headphones are supplied with oxygen-free, copper, detachable 3.5mm and balanced 2.5mm cables with high-purity OFC cores that transmit analogue audio signals without distortion. Braiding gives the cables extra strength and a beautiful aesthetic while ensuring kinks and bends don’t interfere with the analogue signal traveling to the driver.
Compatibility with a new, modified version of RHA’s Bluetooth SecureFlex neckband ensures that the CL2 Planar can be used wirelessly. The tactile, contoured silicone provides luxurious comfort and practicality, while the flexible shape of the cable delivers reassuring stability and remains unobtrusive. The unique, black stainless-steel finishes are produced using a magnetized vacuum with superheated plasma and powdered dye to create an unblemished, scratch-proof coating.
The Bluetooth SecureFlex neckband provides 12-hour battery life and a universal remote which allows users to switch between music, calls and digital assistant functions at the touch of a button. The Bluetooth 4.1 neckband is compatible with aptX and AAC streaming.
Listeners can use the SecureFlex neckband to access their device’s digital assistant. This means they can send messages, use navigation apps, or have text read out using only the remote on the headphones - without interacting directly with the device. The neckband can connect simultaneously with multiple devices and sends vibrations through the silicone neckband to make sure no call is missed. The tap-and-go pairing (NFC) function facilitates hassle-free connections and the neckband has a Bluetooth range of 10 meters for any connected device.
www.rha-audio.com
