Austrian Audio HI-X60 Review: Studio Headphones with Superior Sound and Comfort

Explore the exceptional sound quality and comfort of Austrian Audio HI-X60 studio headphones, featuring deep bass and impressive passive noise isolation.

Introduction: Heritage and Craftsmanship

Austrian Audio HI-X60 headphones, priced at $399, are closed-back headphones boasting 44mm dynamic drivers, dual detachable cables, and metal hinges designed for ultimate durability. Crafted in Vienna, these headphones stand toe-to-toe with premium competitors like OLLO S5X ($489), SIVGA SV023 ($499), HIFIMAN Edition XS ($499), and KLH Ultimate One ($400).

Austrian Audio emerged as the natural successor to AKG after its Vienna offices closed. With a team of 22 former AKG engineers specializing in acoustics, electronics, and testing, the company carries a legacy of over 350 years of combined engineering experience. Since 2017, they've focused on delivering high-quality audio solutions that honor AKG's heritage while setting new standards in sound quality and reliability.

The company primarily sells through third-party vendors rather than direct online sales. Given the AKG roots, build quality and dependability are top-notch, so you can expect these headphones to withstand heavy use.

Disclaimer: This review is an independent opinion based solely on personal experience with the HI-X60 sample provided. No incentives were offered.

Build Quality, Design, Fit, and Comfort

Right off the bat, it's clear the Austrian Audio HI-X60 is engineered for studio work and can endure heavy daily use. I personally used these headphones daily for two months, two hours at a time, paired with a Shanling UP5 Bluetooth receiver during workouts. Guess what? Not a single part showed wear or damage, including the earpads.

Passive noise isolation is solid at 20-25 dB—not as high as in-ear or custom-fit models but impressive for closed-back cans. While a little sound leakage occurs at very high volumes, it’s negligible in typical studio or FOH environments. The design follows Austrian Audio’s signature HI-X6 series style, making them perfect for noisy surroundings.

Comfort is exceptional. I can run for 35-45 minutes wearing them and continue workouts without discomfort. The earcup clamping force strikes the perfect balance—not too tight but secure. The earpads are plush though not as velvety as some flagship models, yet surprisingly soft for closed headphones. The headband features a dual-part split design to reduce top-head pressure.

Included are two non-symmetrical detachable cables: a 1.2-meter and a 3-meter version, plus a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter. The headphones require moderate amplification, but most portable devices handle them well.

Technical specs include a frequency response from 5 Hz to 28 kHz, THD below 0.1%, recommended input power of 150 mW, and high sensitivity at 110 dB. The impedance is a low 25 ohms, and I noticed zero background hiss even with sensitive sources like the Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000T.

Earcups offer plenty of room, ensuring comfort during extended listening sessions. These might just be the most comfortable closed-back headphones I've worn yet.

The HI-X60 employs a large-stroke driver with a robust magnet system enabling strong magnetic fields, ensuring quick membrane response with minimal unwanted resonance despite the modest 44mm size.

Sound Quality: Precision and Punch

Starting with sound character, the HI-X60 delivers an incredibly clean, neutral, and highly detailed sound profile. Their clarity and depth rival headphones priced $1000 to $1500, with a somewhat cool tonal signature perfect for studio use. Having tested them over months, including workouts, I’ve grown quite fond of their sonic performance.

I powered them with various devices: Astell&Kern ACRO CA1000T, iBasso DX320, Lotoo PAW 6000, Shanling M3 Ultra, EverSolo DAC-Z6, and Hiby R6 III. While energy-efficient, they lose some magic on low-power sources like the Shanling M0 PRO or HIDIZS XO but shine with mid to high-tier gear and even with the Shanling UP5 in gym sessions.

The bass is deep, clean, and controlled, reaching down to 20 Hz, impressive for $399 headphones. There’s a notable sub-bass presence, especially pronounced in electronic music tracks where the bass practically vibrates on your head. Don't underestimate the power of those 44mm drivers!

For example, tracks like Zomboy’s "Born To Survive" showcase bass that remains powerful yet controlled despite the song's aggression. Similarly, Maroon 5’s "Not Coming Home" reveals low-end nuances rarely heard clearly on other headphones.

Midrange tones take a slight backseat compared to sub-bass and highs, giving a modest U-shaped sound curve. Yet, vocals remain forward and natural for both male and female singers, never buried or recessed.

The headphones accurately follow the recording’s intent—aggressive tracks sound aggressive, smooth tracks sound refined. Instrument separation and stereo imaging are excellent, turning even simple songs into engaging audio experiences. In Maroon 5’s "Harder To Breathe," for instance, the guitar is upfront and punchy, and Adam Levine’s voice shines.

High frequencies extend well to 16 kHz with energy and precision, rendering bright or sharp recordings authentically. This makes the HI-X60 ideal for lively genres like metal or electronic music, where cymbals and percussion sparkle to keep motivation high during workouts.

The overall soundstage is broad and holographic, projecting a three-dimensional listening experience that’s rare in this price class.

Comparisons: How HI-X60 Stacks Up

Austrian Audio HI-X60 vs. HIFIMAN Edition XS ($399 vs. $499)
Both offer roomy earpads and comfort. Edition XS feels lighter but lacks passive noise isolation. HI-X60 sounds U-shaped with strong sub-bass and bright highs; Edition XS is mid-focused and smoother. HI-X60 delivers better resolution and a wider soundstage but colder mids.

Austrian Audio HI-X60 vs. KLH Ultimate One ($399 vs. $400)
Ultimate One is smaller, less comfortable for long sessions. Both are similarly demanding to drive. Ultimate One leans towards bass-heavy, smooth sound; HI-X60 is more analytical with superior soundstage. HI-X60 is preferred for precise, closed-back sound.

Austrian Audio HI-X60 vs. SIVGA SV023 ($399 vs. $499)
Both detailed but SV023 is open-back and more challenging to power. SV023 offers richer mids and dynamics; HI-X60 excels in sub-bass punch and versatility. HI-X60 suits varied genres and environments better.

Austrian Audio HI-X60 vs. OLLO S5X ($399 vs. $489)
HI-X60 provides more comfort and passive isolation. S5X is warmer with more bass but softer highs. HI-X60’s soundstage is wider and imaging sharper. S5X better for casual outdoor listening; HI-X60 excels indoors, especially for quiet, detailed sessions.

Value and Conclusion

The Austrian Audio HI-X60 is a standout in price-to-performance ratio. They combine exceptional detail, comfort, moderate amplification needs, and an attractive design. Personally, they've earned a place in my audiophile hall of fame and remain my go-to workout companions, delivering the energy and motivation needed to push through exercise routines.

If you’re hunting closed-back headphones with a wide soundstage, precise instrument separation, deep yet controlled bass, sparkling highs, and superb comfort—even after a whole day of use—Austrian Audio HI-X60 should be at the top of your list.

"Austrian Audio HI-X60 delivers clarity and depth rivaling far pricier headphones, with comfort that keeps you going all day." – Personal Review

FAQs

• How durable are the Austrian Audio HI-X60 headphones? These headphones feature robust metal hinges and high-quality materials, withstanding heavy daily use without visible wear or damage.
• Do the HI-X60 provide good noise isolation? Yes, they offer about 20-25 dB of passive noise isolation, making them suitable for studio or noisy environments.
• Are these headphones comfortable for long listening sessions? Absolutely. With a lightweight design and soft ear pads, they remain comfortable for hours on end.
• What type of sound signature do the HI-X60 have? They have a slightly U-shaped sound with deep bass, clear highs, and slightly recessed mids, ideal for critical listening.
• Do the Austrian Audio HI-X60 require a powerful amplifier? They are moderately efficient and perform well with most portable sources, though higher-end sources bring out their full potential.

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