beyerdynamic Aventho wireless review: For that discerning listener
Brands are announcing headphones a dime a dozen nowadays. It seems as though every manufacturer across the globe has their own range of audio products that they claim to be the best in class or custom tuned for enhanced bass output. However, there are just a few brands that can actually stand out from that crowd, and when they flex their muscles, the world has to literally stop and take notice.
One such brand is Germany's audio powerhouse beyerdynamic. The brand has a history of producing some of the best audio products in the world — be it microphones, speakers, conference systems, headphones or wireless audio systems. Their long-running history dates back to the 1920s; so, that’s almost a century worth of expertise and with most of their products being made in their home country, we can all but expect absolute quality; just how German engineering produces some of the best cars in the world, German produced audio equipment is considered second to none.
While the brand’s history is well pronounced, it continues to launch new products that not just keep up with the times, but don’t compromise on audio quality as well.
Earlier this year, beyerdynamic announced Aventho wireless. And finally after a lengthy wait, these premium headphones have finally graced our humble shores. We take a look at a product that oozes class, is drenched in tech, and at the same time promises to offer unmatchable audio quality in wireless headphones.
Design, Build
For starters, the beyerdynamic Aventho wireless is truly high-end headphones that are not for the regular Joe. These headphones are designed for those who want nothing but the best in audio performance, yet have the convenience of wireless cans.
Presently, the market is filled with headphones that feature huge ear cups that have an overbearing presence on a wearers head. This trait is found in a lot of headphones in the sub Rs 40K segment. beyerdynamic has made a conscious effort to keep the size of the headphones down to a minimum, yet adding a luxurious look that’s found in high-end cars. The Aventho wireless comes in two hues — Black-Silver and Brown-Silver. While the Black variant looks good, the Brown variant stands out — it feels as though it’s soaked in luxury yet possessing a vintage retro look. In for a review was the Brown version and boy! does it look classy. While the brown is the most eye-catching aspect, the silver trims take it to a whole new level.
The headphones are constructed using three materials — metal, leather and plastic. The silver metal accentuates the saddle brown leather while the premium black plastic elevates its appeal. Definitely not for workouts, flaunting some truly stylish cans on the aircraft, in office, at parties or your daily commute. Alternatively, the headphones feel right at home — the perfect pair to chill in your living room.
The Aventho is a supra-aural audio accessory which is a fancy word for on-ear cans. They feature soft cups that extend only slightly past the ears. The size was something I found to be perfect as it was a refreshing change from the larger over-ear headphones that currently dominates the market. Also, not having physical buttons here is a great design choice as it helps in retaining the minimalist look. Touch-sensitive buttons take up the right ear cup, and all controls are gesture-based and are pretty accurate.
The headphones are built well, sturdy, and luxuriously, and they sit on the ears just right. This also helps in blocking out a fair percentage of ambient noise, even though these don’t feature ANC.
Moving on, the ear cup and headband cushioning are made out of synthetic leather. The paddings are well designed and wearing the headphones for long periods of time is very comfortable. The light metal frame has a very sturdy build and the right amount elasticity adds to its comfort level — no loose fits, no fall-offs.
To sum it up, the Aventhos are designed in a way where tech meets luxury and the fusion is seamless. If you are looking for a stylish pair and don’t mind spending some big bucks, then the design alone is a reason to cop this one.
Features
At the IFA 2017, beyerdynamic introduced the MIY (Make it Yours) app. This app, as the name suggests is a way to personalise your headphone to an extent that it will suit your hearing. The brand partnered with MIMI Hearing Technologies, an expert in sound tech to build this app and it helps in offering a personalised sound with a range of features. The free companion app is available for iOS and Android platforms. It comes with a hearing test and strangely, but truly, one needs to choose their birth year to get the most out of it's performance. It then issues a customised profile that’s just right for you, at your age.
The hearing test is a series of beeps that lasts a total of 6 minutes, with 3 minutes played on each channel. These beeps are of varied frequencies from high to low. After the setup was complete, the audio sounded a bit louder and spacious. The test needs to be done in a silent area with the source volume set at 50 per cent. This helps in achieving the best possible results.
After the test is done, you get the option to adjust the intensity. This takes a bit of playing around with to hear which sound suits you the best. While the intensity can be adjusted according to your preference, I found that 60 per cent worked the best for me. Again, you will need to adjust the intensity to suit your ears. The app has other features as well, including adjusting the touch sensitivity for the control panel. As for the gesture control, I found that about 50 per cent worked the best as it was not very sensitive, yet responded well. Lastly, this compiled data is then retained within the headphones itself, and if you do happen to switch your phone, your sound profile will be ported to the next device, automatically.
Performance
For a pair of headphones that cost nearly Rs 40K, I expected nothing but hands down superior audio, and the Aventho delivered on every count. The customised tuning played a major role in these headphones living up to its hype. The audio was absolutely spacious with the bass having enough of a boom to hit the sweet spot.
To say that the audio quality is great is an absolute understatement. Featuring the aptX HD codec, you get an audio response that only a German-made beyerdynamic headphone can provide. The mids perform as expected — very few headphones manage perform in this frequency range as most headphones today are catered to enhanced boomy/bass delivery. The midrange is very detailed and lyrics are absolutely crisp with sufficient detail. The minutest of details is considerably audible and noticed even in sibilant sounds.
Though the mids are where the Aventhos sparkle, it does an amazing job of stitching the other frequencies as well. The tonal balance is felt even in bass-heavy tunes — it manages to keep it from overemphasising and this is highly appreciable. The bass is not overpowering and has that right amount of punch (tight). And they don’t over par or mix with the mids or highs. The drum beats can be well distinguished between a piano or guitar, and this isolation is something that very few headphones in this price range can offer.
Initially, first time users may feel that the highs sound a bit elaborate. However, a few hours of use and you will find that they have enough of sparkle to shine through the mids or bass with enough detail and lack of overemphasis. There is enough separation that it’s surprisingly noticeable making these headphones an all-rounder. These headphones deserve to be heard to be believed.
Lastly, the awesome battery life, rated at 30 hours on a single charge, was pretty accurate as per the company's claims. So charging the pair once a week is all I needed with a routine of home-office-gym-home each day. All you need to ensure is having a USB Type-C cable around when you desperately need one.
Verdict
The beyerdynamic Aventho wireless is priced at Rs 36,900 and may feel a bit on the steeper side. However, if you want a pair of headphones that's bred in tech, oozes luxury and offers a personalised audio experience, then these are worth every penny put down.
