On this function, James critiques the Palma DHS-1, a uniquely designed twin open and closed-back set of 50mm dynamic driver headphones priced at €2195.
Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to me in alternate for my trustworthy opinion. Headfonics is an unbiased web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or standing. I thank Palma Audio for his or her assist.
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This week I’m reviewing the Palma DHS-1 from Spain. This can be a uniquely designed set of headphones that enables the person to change between open and closed again choices or two sound profiles, and a setup that hasn’t been seen for the reason that extra modest HIFIMAN Edition S was launched in 2016.
Technically, that is even a world-first design for the convertible acoustic chamber – a switching mechanism seamlessly switchable between open-back and closed modes, with no covers or components to fumble with.
At €2195, the DHS-1 is fantastically constructed and is available in a beneficiant package deal with loads of consideration to element.
Is that this innovation a mere gimmick and might it actually compete, if not surpass, conventional open-back or closed designs such because the HD 800S or the COSMO? Let’s discover out.
Options
The Palma DHS-1 is a pair of 50mm dynamic driver circumaural headphones with a patented switching mechanism for twin sound profiles referred to as the convertible acoustic chamber and pitches in the direction of high-end audiophiles with its value level.
The mechanism enabling the 2 sound profiles is centered round a rotating entrance cowl described as a “shutter” on the earcups. This cowl, adorned with round vents aligned within the Golden ratio, may be turned to disclose totally different holes.
One set of holes options dampers beneath, making a extra closed but not completely sealed surroundings, whereas the opposite set permits free of charge airflow, leading to an open design. This revolutionary design permits prompt switching between the 2 modes.
As a result of nature of those adjustments, the DHS-1 frequency response varies on paper from a listed 2-35000Hz in open-mode to 10-30000Hz in closed-back mode suggesting an enhanced extension in open-mode.
The sensitivity additionally jumps to 109 dB/1mW from closed mode to 107 dB/1mW in its open mode, which means that it’s marginally extra environment friendly when the again chamber is closed.
Design
The DHS-1’s stunning design is a seamless integration of steel and wooden, showcasing some intricate design components.
The golden ratio vents, the colourful colours on the elevated brand, the revolutionary turning shutter mechanism, and the meticulously engraved markings coated in white paint create a visually fascinating aesthetic.
I discover the emblem properly harmonizes with the hues of the Sapele wooden nestled between the metallic cowl and the plush earpads, and the machining high quality is top-notch.
The floor therapy utilized to every materials utilized within the headphones exemplifies meticulous craftsmanship, merely probably the greatest builds out there feeling very premium in observe.
The body design of the DHS-1 is minimalist, with a luxuriously padded leather-based headband that feels sturdy. Whereas the headscarf adjustment mechanism could really feel barely inflexible, it securely maintains its place, although it could take a little bit of time to regulate to the storage place for the carrying case.
There are additionally different small particulars for instance the plugs on the swappable cables are embellished with Palma’s brand. These constant components all through the presentation additionally underscore the model’s dedication to precision and element.
Consolation & Isolation
The DHS-1 comes with very comfortable leather-based pads that really feel like sheepskin, which provides simply the appropriate seal for higher bass efficiency with out getting too sticky.
When worn, the leather-based materials feels very premium to the contact and when mixed with the broad headband design and comfortable earpads it feels very snug on the top.
At 490g the DHS-1 is reasonably weighty and feels very strong within the hand, although it’s nonetheless fairly a bit lighter than a number of the heavier headphones just like the LCD 2 at 612g.
The scarf design helps unfold the burden evenly. Curiously the design doesn’t enable the earcups to be tilted, however the comfortable earpads do give a superb match and don’t stress the contacting factors.
Isolation with the closed-back mode is sort of a bit stronger in comparison with the open-back mode, however you possibly can nonetheless really feel a little bit little bit of ambiance leaking by way of for each modes because the closed-back mode makes use of thick dampers however not fully blocking the vents.
The isolation is adequate for use on the streets when switching the shutter to closed-back mode, and the skin will solely hear faint leaks from the within.
Inventory Cable
To my shock, the DHS-1 comes with 3 inventory cables terminated to 4.4mm, 3.5mm, and 6.3mm. I admire this method as utilizing convertors will probably alter or degrade the sign, and have an effect on portability.
On a aspect observe, the three.5mm and 4.4mm terminated cables are 1.2m lengthy, and the 6.3mm one is 2.8m lengthy which lets you lay on the chair and have it plugged in on a close-by stack.
The inventory cables are very comfortable and look moderately intricate with 2.5mm terminations on the headphones finish. The construct feels strong with high-quality sheathing supplies on the cables.
Packaging & Equipment
Palma has executed one thing very particular right here. It’s the first time I’ve opened a package deal that stimulates not solely visible and contact senses, but in addition a nice odor from a picket ball infused with important oils within the carrying case.
A wealthy number of equipment comes with the DHS-1 and all the pieces is personalized, from the carrying case to the leather-based cable binders, and additionally, you will discover small pouches to suit further equipment.
When becoming the DHS-1 again to the case, you possibly can safe it with the elastic band on the case, such that the DHS-1 gained’t transfer in any respect when transported.
Apart from these, there’s additionally a manufacturing certification and a frequency chart of the precise headphones delivered. That is to make sure that each pair made has the identical tuning as the unique.
Sound Impressions
Roughly 100 hours of burn-in time is devoted to the DHS-1, contemplating its wired, dynamic system.
Testing is carried out utilizing the FiiO K19, RME ADI-2 Pro, HIFIMAN EF500, and the Shanling M7. I discover the DHS-1 fairly attentive to supply coloration, in addition to pretty revealing on the standard of the file being performed again.
Abstract
The DHS-1 may be switched to open or closed mode, altering the damping elements within the again chamber.
The alterations are primarily observed within the finer particulars and deeper bass by way of enhanced isolation, and the opened mode sounds cleaner within the lows and tilts extra to the treble as you possibly can subtly really feel the ambiance.
I think that the again of the motive force models is properly dampened, leading to refined adjustments in response when switching between the 2 modes. Beneath each modes, articulation stays swift throughout the spectrum, with an excellent sense of airiness particularly within the higher mids.
The DHS-1 displays appreciable sensitivity, notably when in comparison with its planar counterparts. By way of numerous pairings, the sound signature feels marginally V-shaped with a reasonably quick response.
This helps it to sound clear and revealing on each ends, capturing ample air for instrumentals and possessing authoritative vocals that additionally carry forth a beneficiant quantity of air and brilliance with out getting peaky.
I do just like the uplifting tuning which works very properly with highly effective voices however it could be a bit unforgiving for weaker voices and by revealing extra flaws within the recording, a attribute that some producers are inclined to keep away from in favor of enjoying it secure.
Bass
The low finish of the DHS-1 feels easy and well-extended with sufficient bass energy. It maintains a quick and managed impression with speedy assaults and a reasonably clear decay probably as a result of picket chamber.
The bass kicks reasonably deep into the subs and will get extra elaborative and deeper with hotter, extra highly effective sources to additional enhance the dynamics.
Placing it on the FiiO K19, stronger dynamics are achieved with the next achieve mode. It feels just like the DHS-1 is sort of delicate and it will require good decoding moderately than simply sturdy amplification.
That stated, the DHS-1 sounds fairly energetic and balanced even on transportable sources, and even with dongles there’s sufficient definition and velocity.
With the closed-back mode, the main focus shifts a bit extra in the direction of the bass with added perceived weight and punch, additionally a barely extra elaborative decay as much less ambiance is leaking in.
The opened mode feels extra prolonged with stronger depth, partially due to the ambiance mixing into the combo, and probably as a result of decreased dampening on the again that enables the motive force to maneuver extra freely mechanically, yielding higher dynamics and velocity.
Mids
The bass articulates swiftly to the mids, which is neutrally introduced with air properly preserved and with coloration probably from the chamber, to present sufficient richness and heat to the vocal by way of enriching the harmonics. Regardless of this, the vocals nonetheless sound moderately clear and impartial because the mid-bass isn’t fats.
I examined with some Spanish R&B and Latin Jazz with moist guitar licks and highly effective vocals, which all sound very gratifying, with a punch and uplifting bass.
Audiophile mastering and reside recordings additionally carry out properly when it comes to dynamics. Nonetheless, should you hearken to Okay-pop or tunes which can be much less highly effective on the decrease finish of the spectrum, you could must pair the DHS-1 with a hotter supply to retain a extra forgiving sound signature.
The depth of the vocal is sort of depending on the coloration from the supply and the pitch of the vocalist however typically talking, they continue to be clean in in presentation.
Lighter voices sound extra ahead and the moderately impartial decrease midrange tuning retains the vocals clear and unaltered. Once more, the DHS-1 is sort of attentive to the standard of the file being performed, the place good mastering will sound extra stereophonic and textured.
When in closed mode, it feels fuller within the low finish and vocals, additionally acoustic devices are barely extra weighted and expressive within the decay.
Partially it’s the isolation that enables the listener to focus extra on the reverbs and harmonics, and the closed configuration drags down the response velocity of the motive force a bit, enhancing the perceived bass depth.
Treble
The higher register of the DHS-1 displays ample power, notably suiting brass instrumental and classical music.
It captures nuances, even at increased sound intensities, whereas sustaining good dynamics. Its openness and elevation remind me of the HD800, albeit with much less outstanding and sharp peaks.
There’s loads of air and texture within the higher vocal vary that’s spot-lighted, delivering good brilliance and sturdy penetration energy that feels fairly lifelike however with out being excessively analytical.
The treble feels moderately speedy and exact with adequate agility for swift violin bowings, saxophones, rattling drums, and flutes.
Testing with increased pitching devices the brightness offers me goosebumps. For percussion solos, the cymbals could come throughout as considerably intense, and you could strive balancing it with a tube amplifier.
Notably, there’s a perceptible energy emphasis across the 5-8kHz vary, enhancing the element and texture of instrumentals. Sharper vocals, particularly in lower-quality recordings, could sound considerably breathy as there’s some sparkle round 10kHz which provides the DHS-1 extra revealing energy.
Within the open mode, the perceived excessive frequencies lengthen additional, making a extra borderless and ethereal sound profile, feeling barely much less sharp than when closed. This shift locations extra concentrate on the higher frequencies, leading to a cleaner bass response.
These variations between the open and closed modes are extra pronounced when there are extra devices within the tracks, and when the bass depth is stronger.
Staging & Dynamics
The vast and layered lateral soundstage rendered on the DHS-1 can be one other spotlight of the design. It sounds very expansive and layered on the x-axis even on weaker sources. It will get extra outlined, with extra depth when paired with higher decoding and extra highly effective sources.
Separation is respectable even when powered by transportable sources, with the vocal positioned moderately intimate however properly separated from the backing.
The staging feels much more open on the x-axis when switching to the opened mode. I attempted urgent the sting of the earcups that faces the entrance, tilting the angle a bit, and it appears like there’s higher depth, although the nearer placement additionally weakens the bass barely.
It could be attention-grabbing to listen to the variations with some earpad rolling, probably tilted and barely thicker earpads that will contribute to fuller bass and a extra holographic presentation.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
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