Those who found the dynamic heads of Platinum Audio in the 90s of last century, probably heard the name of the outstanding engineer Dan Clarke, who developed electronic equipment in the world of Hi-End for many years. Soon Clark realized that he wanted to create audio technology under his own brand - so appeared the company MrSpeakers.
Now it is one of the most authoritative players in the market of headphones, which captivates not only engineering achievements, but also exclusivity, because all models are developed and manufactured in California, the USA. One of the company's debut models was Ether, which was "born" under rather simple circumstances: Dan Clark realized that it's better not to waste time and effort on improving existing planar-magnetic headphones (including Fostex), but to release new ones where everything will be worked out to trifles. Actually, it happened.
The peculiarity of Ether is that they use special V-Planar radiators, which have V-shaped punches in cross-section for increasing detail, accuracy and frequency range. Ether Flow is characterized by the use of TrueFlow technology: it implies the absence of sharp edges and obstacles in the air path, so that it flows around the magnets smoothly, rather than chaotically.
Ether Performance
- Sound-emitting type: Isodynamic
- Headphone type: Open
- Impedance: 23 Ohm
- Speaker diameter: 2.75 "x 1.75"
- Frequency range: 10-20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Cable: Straight Y-shaped
- Weight: 370 g
Ether Flow Features
- Sound-emitting type: Isodynamic
- Headphone type: Open
- Resistance: 22 Ohm
- Speaker diameter: 2.75 "x 1.75"
- Frequency range: 10-20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 92 dB
- Cable: Straight Y-shaped
- Weight: 390 g
Equipment
As well as it is necessary Hi-End-to headphones, the complete set at both models does not differ set of rags, films and adapters - only necessary. First of all I want to note a hard case with a soft coating inside - here you can fold the headphones and cable when moving or just in between listening.
The cable has a 4-pin connector and is securely fixed on both cups. The length of 1.2 meters is enough for stationary use (you will not go to the street with them exactly). By the way, the potential buyer can choose one of several cables: balanced XLR, unbalanced 1/4 ", unbalanced 3,5 mm, balanced 2,5 mm.
Actually, on this talk about the delivery kit can be completed, and start another - about the appearance and sound.
Design
Externally, the headphones are very similar, the main differences here are still hidden inside - in particular, they relate to the technologies used. The frame of the headband is made of nitinol - an alloy of titanium and nickel, which has the property of remembering the shape. As the substrate is used natural Italian leather with microscheme, soft cups are made of it. The latter are located slightly at an angle: so the manufacturer takes into account the features of the anatomical structure of the auricle. All parts of the headphones, even the screws, are made to order.
The ergonomics of Ether and Ether Flow are beyond praise - Americans somehow manage to create such headphones that sit perfectly on their heads. When the headphones are on the head, they do not want to move or move - as if necessary. Weight is also one of the smallest among planar-magnetic headphones, due to what you can sit with this seemingly massive construction on your head for several hours and not get tired.
Despite the fact that both models are open type, the headphones are well damped, so you will not hear any sounds around. Of course, there is no question of full noise isolation, but for this type the manufacturer has done everything to leave the listener alone with music - even the ear pads are oriented by the radiators at a special angle to improve noise insulation.
Sound
The following equipment was used for listening:
- Amplifier QUESTYLE CMA 800I
- Astell & Kern AK380
- Cowon Plenue S
- High Definition Records in Lossless Formats
Before listening to the headphones were warmed for 72 hours.
Brand drivers V-Planar in Ether are immediately noticeable - they clearly improve the sound of planar radiators in the bass range and add dynamics. The sound of these headphones is analytical, light, with excellent resolution and very low distortion. This is definitely not a model for everyone, it is clearly oriented towards connoisseurs of honest and not embellished sound. "Audiophile" sound, you can say, to which it is necessary to grow.
Bass at Ether is pleased with the speed characteristics, the midrange is good unconditionally. A low level of distortion made it possible to achieve a very clean and accurate feed, which is characteristic of high-level isodynamides. Emotionality, the study of images, the transfer of the nature of instruments - all these data headphones can do just fine. The imaginary scene is perfectly worked out, pleases both width and depth. The upper frequencies do not cause any complaints.
At Ether Flow, the level of distortion is even lower, the TrueFlow technology here gives its own. It provides detailed sound and low distortion by optimizing the passage of sound waves, and this is noticeable after the first listening of the composition. The bass is simply magnificent, the dynamics are incredible, inherent in magnetic-planar models. Medium frequencies are pronounced, the sound resolution is close to that on which the best electrostatic models are capable.
The upper frequencies are also well developed, they are detailed and good quantitatively.
Ether Measurements
Ether Flow Measurements
Compatibility
Both models are serious for home and studio use, do not even think of listening to them with an iPhone or a budget portable audio player. By the styles of music, jazz, classical music, and live music are very suitable for them. Metal and electronics are unlikely to be fully revealed, but hip-hop and other "bass" genres are quite. With these headphones, it's really worth trying to find good tracks in lossless.
And here are a few tracks for an example.
David Bowie - Space Oddity. In general, vocals are the hobby of both models, and one of Bowie's best albums reveals it perfectly. The performer has a great command of voice, and these headphones perfectly convey this.
Lindsey Stirling - Crystalize. One of the most interesting works of an ascending violinist, with which you can feel all the detail of the sound. Only one violin, but sounds like a symphony orchestra, and as if in the same room as you.
The Weeknd - Starboy. A modern track with a moderate bass and decent vocals, despite the fact that the performer likes to indulge in auto tuning. Listened to it with the very different headphones, but Ether Flow revealed it from a completely different angle.
conclusions
Obviously, Ether and Ether Flow from MrSpeakers are very interesting models among planar-magnetic headphones. They obviously fall into the segment of hard-hitting Hi-End, but they do not have many zeros in the price tag, although they are also enough.
Learn more about Etherphones
Learn more about Ether Flow headphones
Pricing policy - from 120 to 140 thousand rubles, but lovers of quality sound, it rarely scares. Of course, these headphones are not for everyone, but to listen to them in the same store, in any case, is worth, as they say, to touch the beautiful. And there who knows - from the first bass to love one step.
The article is based on materials .
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