The heirs of the amazing AKG engineering tradition, the Vienna-based company made a very strong comeback in 2019, when they surprised the market with innovative studio microphones and interesting headphones. Unfortunately, Austrian Audio made a very common mistake of launching too many different products too quickly, building an overwhelming catalog of headphones for professionals and more recently home audio use. Every design offers unique features, but there isn't one model that has managed to place Austrian Audio in the map as yet.
The no-thrills design of the Hi-X20, which the company calls "A fresh take on an Austrian Audio standard," might be just the recipe that the company needs if it ever wants to find its own rival to the ATH-M50 or the MDR-7506 headphones in the professional market. Bearing in mind that virtually every studio monitor brand now also offers headphones and that powerful companies such as Røde also entered the segment with a single, but very good product, this is a tough challenge for the humble Hi-X20 headphones.
According to Austrian Audio, the Hi-X20 headphones were designed as a tool for professionals and enthusiasts alike, combining performance and comfort. The Hi-X20 are designed based on customer feedback and using the same proprietary Hi-X (High Excursion) Drivers that power all Austrian Audio professional headphones, which means that these headphones offer an already recognized sound quality, now carefully tuned to deliver exactly what professionals are looking for. Austrian Audio calls it "a fresh take" on its own sonic signature, aiming for honest frequency response, fast transients, and minimal distortion in the bass range.
Looking at the overall design - and although Austrian Audio hasn't yet found the correct balance between its distinct earcup profile and the overall construction and materials - the Hi-X20 headphones are certainly the most elegant and simple design (in a good sense) of the range, so far. As the company reinforces, "Beneath its sleek black and red aesthetic, the Hi-X20 is built to last, with metal hinges and a metal headband. Its foldable design allows for easy storage and transport in a rucksack or bag. Smooth, memory foam padding grants for years of reliable, comfortable listening."
"The development of Hi-X20 was very much a collaborative effort with our customers who offered us thoughtful feedback," adds Austrian Audio CEO Martin Seidl. "The result is a different tuning and a fresh look that will appeal perfectly to audio professionals and musicians."
The Austrian Audio Hi-X20 headphones are now available and ship with a long, detachable 3 meter cable, perfect for professionals who need flexibility in their workspace. Austrian Audio products are available in online and brick-and-mortar stores as it should be.
www.austrian.audio
