[Black] This is my second Austrian Audio product (I also have an OC18), and I can say for sure that the company has a commitment to build quality. These things are absolutely gorgeous. They are also fairly light weight and incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods while working (for me, typically, 6-10 hours a day). Another concern was ear cup size, as I've got fairly large ears, but there's plenty of room in there.



As for the sound, I love them, with one big caveat: In my opinion, these are not at all for someone who casually wants to sit down and listen to music. While they have a great soundstage for closed-back cans, they are neutral and very clinical. You're not going to get that huge bass bump, and smoothed out highs that you find in the consumer-focused market. You will hear every fault with both the performance and mixing/mastering. That said, I do enjoy them when I've had music on in the background when I was too lazy to swap them out for my Beyerdynamics.


I'm using these primarily for audiobook production/post-production work, and they suit me perfectly. Both in the booth while recording and out of the booth for proofing and editing, they are bang on. In the booth, they allow me to hear my voice (which is in the baritone range) quietly, while accentuating mid-and high-range noises that might be easier to rerecord, rather than deal with in editing. Also, the leather ear cups are tight enough to prevent any bleed into the mic, while still remaining unbelievably comfortable.


During post-production, again, they help block out unwanted external sound so I can hear what I'm working on, while providing a focused reference for what is happening in the recording--good and bad.


While I can't speak to how they would work in a studio setting for musicians, I can absolutely recommend them for VO recording/post-production.

[0.075 lb] I bought these on a whim after reading a review in What Hi Fi an english audio magazine. I was looking for a closed-back headphone that wasn't expensive mainly for listening to music at night thru a Schiit headphone amp. These exceeded my expectations- well balanced sonically and very good detail without being analytical. Also, they are light weight and easy to wear for long periods. I'm not a headphone expert and I'm sure there are better 'phones out there but I wasn't willing to go 4 figures to find out. For my needs, the performance way exceeds the asking price. They are keepers!

[Black] These allow the sparkle, depth and dimension to come through. Any closed back over-ear will get a tad warm a couple hours in, but these are ultra light and easy to just leave in the amp and grab. Put them down for 10 minutes. Put them back on.

The value is there, but these are not 'budget' headphones. I've left my AKGs on the shelf for these - at least for day-to-day work-from-home use. Soft over-ear padding. No discomfort at all. Ever.

Easy to wear, easy to buy, easy, fun and engaging listen.


Mash the 'buy' button.

[Black] Accurate, balanced sound across the whole spectrum. Plenty of meat on the low end, and large open light and airy sound stage on the high end. Lightweight and comfortable. More musical than my AKG 240 (which are a tad clinical and dry) - the HiX15 is more punchy down low and more crisp, articulate up high. Plenty, but not too much bass. NOT scooped or weak in the midrange, where all the real action is. Very pleased - better overall balance than ATH-M50x, more musical and articulate then ATH-M40, way more interesting than AKG-240, much less sibilant than BeherDynamic and ATH-AD700X (which hurt my ears they are so bright and screechy) wider sound stage than Shure offerings, and just a nice, overall pleasant result - so comfortable I can wear them for extended periods. Works for me. JR

[0.075 lb] Good for monitoring podcasts.

[0.075 lb] My reference for years has been the Sennheiser HD650, and I've been an open-back guy ever since I first heard them. But the AA Hi-X55 is better in nearly every way, especially in comfort and detail. It may lack just a bit of that airiness that is the signature of open-back 'phones, but in staging and definition it's a significant step up. I can't speak to durability--only a week in--but so far I am thrilled. Highly recommended.

[Black] I upgraded to these from a cheap pair of headphone. What a difference. Now it seems like I am there whatever music I am listening to. Never expected such a vast difference. And comfortable too.

[0.075 lb] Best value in a quality headphone.

[Black] These are, by far, the best headphones I have ever used. I have heard things that I've never heard before in music I've been listening to for 40 years! They are very comfortable and solidly made as well.

[Black] This product is so terribly hard to find oh my goodness. I’m so glad for this company and this product that someone sells this. My cats chewed through my original set and ruined them and it took my weeks to find a replacement cable. It’s OEM and works as intended.