Astell&Kern VIRTUOSO 40mm Driver (1DD) Balanced Wired Over-Ear Headphone

With technology S-Logic®3, the VIRTUOSO delivers a natural sound experience.

S-Logic®3

The cutting-edge proprietary S-Logic®3 technology provides a more natural listening environment. This technology is the result of over 30 years of research and development by ULTRASONE, enabling natural surround sound reproduction. The latest S-Logic®3 technology delivers a natural spatial effect based on innovative design, providing a listening experience that is nearly indistinguishable from professional studio monitors. With ULTRASONE's S-Logic®3 technology, the Virtuoso provides a personal, portable listening environment similar to that of high-quality studio monitor speakers in an acoustically tuned studio space. It also reduces the sound pressure level (SPL) by up to 40% at similar volume levels, effectively minimizing listening fatigue, while delivering an expansive and highly detailed soundstage.

DDF (Double Deflector Fin)

The DDF (Double Deflector Fin) technology is specially positioned within the soundstage to refine the intensity of sound events. This technology is designed to partially mask lower midrange frequencies while preserving the directional midrange signal components, further enhancing the S-Logic effect. DDF creates a multilayered stage that achieves a wider sound field, increased detail, and depth. The spatial imaging is rendered naturally, providing exceptional separation and transparency in the audio experience.

Equipped with a closed dynamic 40mm titanium-plated Mylar driver

The VIRTUOSO boasts a balanced sound across the entire frequency range, featuring a 40mm titanium-coated diaphragm Mylar driver inherited from the Edition series. This driver ensures a wide playback frequency range while maintaining the excellent delicacy and detailed sound tuning of the previous generation model, providing low distortion along with deep and powerful bass. Additionally, it delivers clear sound that allows for precise monitoring down to the sub-bass level, achieving low distortion across all frequency ranges.

LE (Ultra Low Emission) Technology

The VIRTUOSO adopts ULE (Ultra Low Emission) technology, a proprietary technology that reduces electromagnetic radiation generated by the drivers. This technology focuses on minimizing the low-frequency magnetic fields produced during the process of converting electrical signals into acoustic signals in the headphones. The VIRTUOSO uses an upgraded material based on “MU Metal”; a special military metal used in the original ULE technology. This new material allows for reduced shieling thickness while increasing the overall size, and is installed between the source of the electromagnetic radiation and the human body, resulting in enhanced protective capabilities over previous technology. This setup bends the direction of the electromagnetic waves before they reach the body, reducing emissions by approximately 98%. This ensures safe listening over extended periods and provides users with a more comfortable listening experience.

Balanced Connection

The VIRTUOSO supports a balanced connection, delivering optimal performance in various audio environments. Based on feedback from audio enthusiasts, the internal circuit board of the headphone has been redesigned to accommodate a 4-pole balanced connection. As a result, VIRTUOSO comes with a 1.4m straight cable featuring a 4.4mm balanced plug, allowing users to expand their sound possibilities based on their needs and connection options.

Cable Technical Specification

• 2 Core Conductors each core 0.08X20 strand – Silver Plated OFC (Type 1 Litz Wire with strain relief 200D Kevlar DuPont Filament) (26 AWG)
• 2 Core Conductors each core 0.08X20 strand- 5N OCC Copper (Type 2 Litz Wire with strain relief 240D Kevlar DuPont Filament) (26 WG)
  * AWG(American Wire Gauge) – The smaller the wire gauge number indicate the thicker the diameter of the wire and greater the electric current can carry
• Core conductor insulation material-LumiFlex ™ (PVC mixture with secret technique by Luminox Audio, lower insulation density greatly reduce the surface contact between insulation and conductor, reduce impedance improve sensitivity)

VIRTUOSO features FGC technology, which incorporates a subtle indentation in the center of the headband to enhance comfort. This design minimizes edge pressure, extending the amount of time the headphones can be worn comfortably. FGC technology effectively disperses the pressure at the top of the head where the headband rests, maintaining a comfortable fit when worn for long periods.

Additionally, the headband and ear pads are made with Alcantara material, which offers superior fit and reduces the load on the ears and head. This design guarantees a pleasant and comfortable experience, even for prolonged use.