Part 1 of the 8 best retro headphones in history
Many advances have been made in the audio world. Lo-Fi has migrated to Hi-Fi and Hi-Fi has been pushed to its absolute limits. However, a lot can still be said about classic designs. Some of the notable materials visible on a classic vintage headphone are leather and metallic. Many manufacturers incorporate wood into the design to reinforce the old-school look of the headphones.
Although vintage devices don't always deliver the objectively best sound, they have a sound quality that simply cannot be replicated with modern devices. For seasoned audiophiles, sitting next to a turntable with a giant pair of headphones and a coiled cable is something all too familiar. In honor of nostalgia, we've summarized our picks for the top 8 best vintage headphones in 2 parts. Although all of these headphones are no longer made, their popularity in their day means you can probably find a pair on eBay or Amazon if you look long enough.
1.Koss Pro-4AA
Koss still makes headphones today. Their legendary Pro-4AAs have been redesigned a few times since the original design, but this iteration still tells a very special story.
The Pro-4AAs exude a vibe, with an attractive (if you like vintage things) army green color scheme with a bright silver band. The 8 foot coiled cable is really nice compared to the Pioneer Monitor 10s cable and doesn't wind up too much on the coils. With a ¼ inch plug, these headphones can still be used today. Koss has a lot of legacy, but these headphones are particularly impressive. The Pro-4AAs were the first dynamic headphones to offer true high-fidelity, full-frequency performance and pushed the audio world in a new direction.
Overall, the Pro-4AAs still prove to be an incredible pair of headphones to this day. They have a certain vibe, aesthetically and sonically, that simply cannot be replicated.
Buy KOSS Pro-4AA here:https://www.amazon.es/dp/B00004Z7G9?linkCode=gg2&tag=allsoundlablasso-20
2. Stax SR Lambda
The Stax SR-Lambda is truly a special pair of headphones, especially on this list. These headphones are electrostatic, meaning they use an incredibly thin membrane (1.5 microns thick in this case) to produce sound without any parts actually touching each other. It's a very complex process to delve into, but all you need to know is that they sound absolutely incredible.
The outstanding feature of these headphones is the freedom from distortion even at extreme volumes. Every aspect of a track can be heard very clearly, nothing mixes together. Every dub and layer seems to sit in its intended place.
The best way to describe these headphones is nuanced. Listening closely reveals things that other headphones don't, despite their young age. The unique design of these headphones (or ear speakers as Stax calls them) is something straight out of another era. The vintage aesthetic is also strong here.
You may find your SR lambda here:https://picclick.com/Popular/stax-lambda
3.AKG K340
To this day, AKG produces all sorts of products for consumer and professional audio. The K340s aren't the only headphones that made this list, but they are some of the best.
The actual frequency response of them is severely limited, especially by today's standards. A severe lack of bass can sometimes make the headphones sound thin and weak.
Otherwise, the K340s do something very special. The separation between all instruments is excellent. Each instrument doesn't stick out, but sits exactly where you would expect it to. You can hear every nuance, which is only surpassed by a headphone like the SR-Lambdas.
This is due to an incredibly unique design from AKG. These headphones employ a dual-driver system in each of the ear cups, containing both an electrostatic and a dynamic driver. The result is a headphone that offers the benefits of dynamics while maintaining separation and clarity at extreme volumes.
Despite the somewhat lackluster frequency response performance, the K340s are something very special that every vintage enthusiast should try out for themselves.
4. Beyerdynamic DT 48
The Beyerdynamic DT 48 have been manufactured in one form or another since 1937. Yes, you read that right, 1937. Needless to say, these headphones have something special for vintage enthusiasts.
The sturdy metal construction looks like a prototype of modern headphones, with exposed nuts and steel connecting the various plastic parts together. This look is something very special, especially compared to modern headphones from Beyerdynamic.
Ergonomically, these headphones also look like a prototype. Instead of hovering on your course, the DT 48s grab your head with full force and don't let go. They're not necessarily uncomfortable, but they leave little to no room around your ears. The grip is so tight that some owners even suggest checking from time to time to see if the sweat is drained from them.
These headphones display a very colorful frequency spectrum. Although intended for studio use, the DT 48 heavily distorts the frequency spectrum. However, that's not a bad thing. These headphones tell a story with their sound and while it's not even close to the best, it's something special to hear.
Next week in part 2 of the 8 best vintage headphones, we will introduce you to a few tried and tested headphones. There should be something for every retro fan.
For our selection of the best 10 vintage style speakers click here:https://mysoundbook.eu/News/vintage-News/
