Austrian audio hi-x55

The Austrian Audio Hi-X55 are premium headphones from a brand better known for professional-grade microphones. That a company should hit the target so comprehensively at the first time of trying is a rare feat, but it has achieved this with its debut Hi-X range, which also includes the five-star Hi-X50 and budget Hi-X15 (page 55).

These over-ears are beautifully made and certainly account for every penny of their not inconsiderable outlay. All ‘critical’ parts – including the hinges, much of the headband, and the earcups – are metal, but they don’t feel particularly heavy for this type of headphone. Rather, this is without doubt a quality-feeling product.

The earcups hinge to make them more suitable for travel – these headphones are made with portability in mind, and are certainly not intended purely for home use. As they are also designed for extended use in a working environment, they feel built to last, too.

While they look fairly functional and sturdy, the Hi-X55 are comfortable over an extended listen. The memory-foam earpads sit nicely over the ears and even glasses-wearing members of the What Hi-Fi? team have no problem with longer listening sessions. The clamping pressure on these over-ears causes no discomfort or worries, and although our ears do get warm after a good long while, things never get too hot for comfort.

Impressive performance

The Hi-X55 relay music with tempo and rhythms fully intact, with a tight snappy bass that is in no way overbearing – a fault that some closed-back over-ear headphones could be accused of. James Blake’s Limit To Your Love is a regular test go-to, for the bass that kicks in at intervals through the track, and each bass pulse is clearly rendered, with clean edges to the notes and almost no blurring. It’s an impressive performance.

That precision and snap continues elsewhere in the sonic range. The treble and midrange are clean, crisp and detailed, and everything is fairly even across the spectrum. However, there is a slight tend