Austrian Audio The Composer Review: Wired Headphones Delivering Stunning Sound

Experience the rich, precise sound of Austrian Audio The Composer headphones, a premium wired marvel for audiophiles seeking ultimate audio fidelity.

From Vienna to High-End Audio Glory

Ever wondered what happens when a legendary audio company takes a bold leap? Back in 2016, when the parent company of AKG, Harman, moved operations from Vienna to California, a group of steadfast AKG veterans stayed behind and birthed Austrian Audio. Since then, this brand has carved a niche as a leader in producing top-tier wired headphones.

Fast forward to 2024, Austrian Audio is shaking up the high-end headphone market—the playground of giants like Audeze, Grado, and Sennheiser—with their flagship release: the Austrian Audio The Composer.

At a price point of $2,699, The Composer isn’t playing in the entry-level sandbox. That kind of investment immediately puts them squarely among serious contenders. It’s not just a purchase; it’s a commitment to sound excellence.

Availability and Pricing Insights

While Austrian Audio The Composer is an ultra-premium product, fans in specialized markets can get their hands on these beauties primarily through high-end audio salons under special order. The price may fluctuate between roughly $2,700 and $4,000 due to currency ties and shipping costs, making them a rare gem in typical electronics stores.

Owning The Composer: What You Should Know

Buying The Composer means owning an exclusive piece of audio artistry. But don’t expect to plug-and-play with just any device. These headphones demand a high-caliber setup: a top-notch DAC and a powerful amplifier—sometimes costing as much as the headphones themselves.

Audiophile communities thrive with second-hand high-end gear, making it easier to assemble a suitable system. The unique banana plug connectors on the ear cups require original or custom-made cables crafted by specialized audio artisans, highlighting the attention to detail Austrian Audio has invested.

What’s New with The Composer?

The Composer are wired, open-back headphones that embrace simplicity without sacrificing function. They come housed in a robust wooden case lined with plush fabric, accompanied by three cables to cover all connection scenarios:

• 3-meter cable with a standard 3.5mm jack and 6.3mm adapter
• 3-meter cable with a 4-pin XLR connector
• 1.3-meter cable with a 4.4mm balanced Pentaconn plug

This comprehensive set ensures you’ll have the right setup for any high-fidelity environment.

The ear cups use proprietary two-pin banana plug connectors that attach to the external suspension frame rather than the cups themselves. This design offers robust durability and ease of cable replacement.

At their heart lie a pair of 49mm dynamic drivers with diaphragms coated in diamond-like carbon (DLC), delivering rigidity, lightness, and responsiveness. Austrian Audio claims a frequency range starting at a breathtaking 5Hz, soaring up to 44kHz—a range that promises to unveil even the subtlest sonic details.

The Performance That Transports You Into the Music

If you’re used to headphones that gloss over the imperfections of your music source, be warned: The Composer won’t forgive mediocre quality. Playing low-bitrate Spotify streams through a laptop? These headphones will not only fail to shine but leave you feeling guilty for the sonic sacrilege.

However, feed them with a high-quality DAC or amplifier and superior lossless audio or vinyl, and The Composer come alive. Their sound is vibrant, precise, and astonishingly musical, effortlessly transporting you right into the core of the recording.

The frequency response strikes a perfect balance—neutral and natural whether sinking into a lush orchestral classic or an energetic electronic track. Their ability to dissect the most complex mixes and extract minute details is downright spellbinding.

The soundstage is expansive and perfectly controlled. Every instrument is given its own space, and the headphones honor not just the notes, but the silences between them, painting an immersive sonic picture. Complex arrangements are separated into their components yet reassembled into a cohesive masterpiece.

Dynamic range? Enormous. From sweeping symphonic crescendos to the delicate nuances of a solo piano, The Composer handles it all with finesse. The bass is detailed and textured with impeccable rhythmic precision.

The only way to dull their brilliance is by feeding them poor-quality MP3s. Otherwise, these headphones are endlessly enjoyable and comfortable enough to wear for hours on end without fatigue.

Design and Comfort: Thoughtful Engineering

No flashy gimmicks here, but every detail reflects careful engineering. The headband’s double-layer design features a soft inner mesh and faux leather pad that gently hugs the head, while the outer aluminum arch provides sturdy support.

The ear cups swivel and tilt in four distinct positions, each with a reassuring click that ensures a perfect fit for any head shape.

The mesh pattern on the headband echoes the metal grille covering the open-back cups, through which the driver backs are visible, reinforcing the open design ethos.

Branding is subtle—a stylized letter "A" and a modest "The Composer — Made in Austria" inscription grace the inside of the headband, keeping the look refined and elegant.

Weighing in at just 385 grams, these headphones promise comfort for marathon listening sessions.

Final Thoughts on The Composer

Yes, The Composer headphones demand respect—not only in terms of gear and audio source quality—but also in the listener’s patience and dedication to sonic excellence. When given the right conditions, these Austrian Audio headphones reward you with an unforgettable musical experience that few others can match.

Worth Considering Alternatives

The Grado GS3000x Statement headphones come close in sound quality and offer varied capabilities at a slightly lower price. Yet, their design and ergonomics feel somewhat dated, making The Composer the more thoughtfully crafted choice for comfort and style-conscious audiophiles.

“If you want to listen to music as the artist intended, The Composer brings you as close as possible to the source.”

FAQ

• What type of headphones are the Austrian Audio The Composer?
  They are wired, open-back dynamic headphones designed for audiophiles and professional use.
• Do The Composer headphones work well with regular music sources?
  They require high-quality DACs and amplifiers and perform best with lossless audio or vinyl. Low-bitrate sources will not do them justice.
• What is unique about The Composer’s cable connectors?
  They use proprietary banana plug connectors attaching to the outer suspension frame, ensuring durability and easy replacement with custom cables.
• Are The Composer comfortable for long listening sessions?
  Yes, their lightweight design and adjustable headband and ear cups provide comfort over extended periods.
• How does The Composer compare to other high-end headphones?
  They stand out for their neutrality, soundstage, and detail retrieval, competing well against top brands like Audeze and Grado.

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