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Austrian Audio The Composer Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£2,200
Avg. price in US: ~$3,200
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Austrian Audio The Composer review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.5

Poor

3.7

Poor

7.6

Very good

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.5
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
1.1
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
1.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
1.1
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#684 in Best Wired Headphones
#763 in Best Over Ear Headphones

Verdict

The Austrian Audio The Composer is an open-back, over-ear flagship headphone featuring a 49mm high-excursion dynamic driver with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated diaphragm and an N52 neodymium ring magnet system. Technical specifications include a wide frequency range of 5 Hz – 44 kHz, a low impedance of 22 Ω, and a high sensitivity of 112 dBspl/V, making it remarkably easy to drive even with portable sources. Its primary strengths are its exceptional reference-grade clarity, holographic soundstage, and fast, linear bass response that mimics the precision of planar magnetic designs while maintaining dynamic impact. Comfort is prioritized through a lightweight 385g build, a breathable mesh headband, and unique tiltable earcups with four adjustable positions. Notable drawbacks include the use of a proprietary banana jack connector system that limits third-party cable options, a price point that places it in a highly competitive bracket, and a lean midrange tuning that may lack the warmth some listeners prefer for vocal-centric genres.

Technical Specifications of Austrian Audio The Composer

Overall score

4.5

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

4.5

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

1.1

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

2.9

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

5.0

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Austrian Audio

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Austrian Audio The Composer vs the average headphone

Why is Austrian Audio The Composer better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Austrian Audio The Composer has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Austrian Audio The Composer has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
Spatial audio support
Austrian Audio The Composer supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Austrian Audio The Composer supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Austrian Audio The Composer has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Austrian Audio The Composer has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
9 mm larger driver size
Austrian Audio The Composer uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (49 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Austrian Audio The Composer uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (49 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.49 mm vs 40 mm
24,000 Hz higher treble extension
Austrian Audio The Composer has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (44,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Austrian Audio The Composer has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (44,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.44000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
0.2 % lower distortion
Austrian Audio The Composer has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Austrian Audio The Composer has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
Open-back design
Austrian Audio The Composer uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Austrian Audio The Composer uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
Open-back design
Austrian Audio The Composer uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Austrian Audio The Composer has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
Spatial audio support
Austrian Audio The Composer supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Austrian Audio The Composer has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
9 mm larger driver size
Austrian Audio The Composer uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (49 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
24,000 Hz higher treble extension
Austrian Audio The Composer has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (44,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
0.2 % lower distortion
Austrian Audio The Composer has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.

Why is Austrian Audio The Composer worse than the average headphone?

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76.6% higher weight
Austrian Audio The Composer is heavier than the average headphone (385 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
No travel bag
Austrian Audio The Composer does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
Austrian Audio The Composer does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Austrian Audio The Composer has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
Not headset-ready
Austrian Audio The Composer is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Austrian Audio The Composer has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Austrian Audio The Composer does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Austrian Audio The Composer does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Austrian Audio The Composer does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
76.6% higher weight
Austrian Audio The Composer is heavier than the average headphone (385 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Austrian Audio The Composer is heavier than the average headphone (385 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.385 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Austrian Audio The Composer does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Austrian Audio The Composer does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Austrian Audio The Composer has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Austrian Audio The Composer has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Not headset-ready
Austrian Audio The Composer is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.
Importance: MEDIUM
Austrian Audio The Composer is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
24.44x more expensive
Austrian Audio The Composer is more expensive than the average headphone (£2,200 vs £90).
Austrian Audio The Composer is more expensive than the average headphone (£2,200 vs £90).£2,200 vs £90
94.9% worse value for money
Austrian Audio The Composer has worse value for money than the average headphone (3.46 vs 6.736).
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Austrian Audio The Composer has worse value for money than the average headphone (3.46 vs 6.736).3.46 vs 6.74
1 fewer microphones
Austrian Audio The Composer has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2
Austrian Audio The Composer has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Austrian Audio The Composer and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Austrian Audio The Composer?

Exceptional build quality with high-end materials like aluminum and carbon fiber
Outstanding comfort for long sessions due to its lightweight design (approx. 385-398g) and low clamping force
Highly detailed, transparent, and 'reference' sound signature suitable for critical listening
Excellent spatial definition and a three-dimensional soundstage
Innovative design features including a tilt-adjustable ear cup system for a custom fit
Very easy to drive even with lower-powered devices due to low impedance (22 ohms) and high sensitivity
Generous accessory package including three high-quality cables (XLR, 4.4mm balanced, and 3.5mm) and a wooden presentation box
Convenient magnetic ear pad attachment system for easy replacement

What customers dislike about Austrian Audio The Composer?

Proprietary 'banana jack' cable connectors limit third-party cable options
Analytical and lean sound profile may feel 'sterile' or lacking in warmth for casual listeners
Treble-forward tuning can occasionally sound bright or sharp on certain recordings
Lack of tolerance for poor-quality recordings or highly compressed audio files
Significant sound leakage and lack of isolation due to the open-back design
High price point places it in a competitive market against established luxury flagship models

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

27/11/2023

Austrian Audio Composer - Headphones - Head-Fi Would you like a summary of the technical specifications or comparisons with other flagship open-back h...

The Austrian Audio The Composer is a high-end, open-back flagship headphone featuring a lightweight, ergonomic design and an analytical sound signature noted for its immense soundstage, excellent instrument separation, and high-resolution micro-details. It offers high efficiency, allowing for easy driving with a 22-ohm impedance, while providing superior comfort through its...Read more

audiomatome.com

06/09/2025

Austrian Audio The Composer Review: Vienna's Acoustic Masterpiece

The AudioMatome review identifies the Austrian Audio The Composer as a top-tier, analytical, open-back headphone, praising its outstanding clarity, low distortion, and impressive bass extension. It is lauded for its extreme comfort and lightweight design, featuring specialized Hi-X49 DLC drivers. However, the review highlights the use of proprietary "Banana Jack" connectors, which...Read more

headfonics.com

13/04/2024

Austrian Audio The Composer Review - Headfonics

The Austrian Audio "The Composer"Go is a €2,499 flagship open-back headphone designed with a reference tuning that emphasizes exceptional clarity, speed, and resolution alongside a vast, deep soundstage. Pros include a lightweight, highly comfortable design, effortless instrument separation, and low-impedance drivers that are easy to power. However, the sound signature leans...Read more

head-fi.org

27/11/2023

Austrian Audio Composer - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Austrian Audio The Composer open-back headphones are characterized in Head-Fi reviews as a lightweight, ergonomic, and highly resolving, delivering a large, airy soundstage with excellent instrument separation. They are praised for a clear, detailed, and relatively balanced sound signature, combined with a comfortable, secure design suited for long listening sessions....Read more

soundonsound.com

15/08/2024

Austrian Audio The Composer & Full Score One

The Austrian Audio Composer open-backed headphones (£2249 / $2699) and Full Score One all-analogue headphone amplifier (£1299 / $1499) successfully bridge the gap between high-end studio monitoring and the audiophile market. The headphones deliver impressive clarity, a highly detailed yet restrained 5kHz high-frequency lift, and a smooth, unhyped bass response. They provide...Read more

techradar.com

10/04/2024

Austrian Audio's The Composer headphones are crashing the high-end audio party

Austrian Audio's "The Composer" is a pair of high-end, wired, open-backed over-ear headphones priced at $2,699 / £2,249. Designed by ex-AKG employees based in Vienna, these headphones feature a sleek, minimalist design constructed from aluminum and pleather, housing 49mm dynamic drivers coated in Diamond-Like Carbon. They offer a highly expansive, neutral, and natural soundstage...Read more

stereonet.com

01/05/2024

Austrian Audio The Composer Headphones Review

The StereoNET review of the Austrian Audio The Composer headphonesGo highlights an open-back design that delivers exceptional detail, speed, and a vast soundstage. Key strengths include a highly articulate midrange for immersive vocal reproduction, along with a comfortable, durable build for long listening sessions. The headphones are described as balancing high-fidelity analysis...Read more

trustedreviews.com

26/07/2024

Austrian Audio The Composer Review - Trusted Reviews

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Austrian Audio The Composer highlights these flagship, open-back headphones as an exceptionally successful and highly capable step into the ultra-premium audio market. They deliver a remarkably neutral and natural sound with extensive detail, combined with a comfortable, adjustable design and a generous selection of detachable cables. However,...Read more

sound-advice.online

07/03/2024

Austrian Audio The Composer - Sound Advice Review

The Austrian Audio The Composer is a premium, open-back reference headphone priced at £2249 that leverages the extensive engineering expertise of former AKG personnel. It features an innovative 49mm carbon-coated diaphragm driven by a powerful neodymium ring magnet, resulting in an exceptionally accurate, lightweight structure under 400g. A major highlight of the physical design is...Read more

majorhifi.com

22/01/2024

Austrian Audio The Composer Review - Major HiFi

The Austrian Audio Composer is a high-end, open-back flagship headphone priced at $2,699 that prioritizes functional design and reference-grade accuracy. Mechanically, it stands out with its unique adjustable earcups that allow users to customize the angle for a better seal and proprietary banana jack connectors. Its "Hi-X" technology utilizes a 49mm driver with a diamond-like...Read more

t3.com

06/06/2024

Austrian Audio The Composer review: wired, wondrous sound - T3

The Austrian Audio "The Composer" is an exceptionally capable pair of open-backed, over-ear wired headphones designed for the high-end audiophile market. Built by a team of former AKG employees in Vienna, these headphones feature 49mm full-range dynamic drivers coated in diamond-like carbon (DLC), delivering an incredibly wide frequency response from 5Hz to 44kHz. They excel at...Read more

whathifi.com

03/04/2024

Austrian Audio The Composer review - What Hi-Fi?

The Austrian Audio The Composer is a premium, open-backed flagship headphone that delivers an exceptionally mature, balanced, and insightful sound presentation. Built by a team of ex-AKG personnel, this precision-engineered metal model excels at revealing deep layer details and micro-dynamics without sounding sterile or unnaturally hyped. Its 49mm diamond-like carbon-coated drivers...Read more

headfonia.com

22/04/2024

Austrian Audio The Composer Review - Headfonia

The Headfonia review characterizes the Austrian Audio The Composer as a top-tier, open-back dynamic headphone featuring exceptional build quality, fully serviceable mechanical design, and supreme comfort. Acoustically, it is praised for a detailed, natural sound signature with expansive soundstage and excellent midrange, while offering high versatility by being easy to drive with...Read more

headfonics.com

13/04/2024

Austrian Audio The Composer Review

The Headfonics review of the €2,499 Austrian Audio The Composer highlights a high-end, reference-grade headphone designed for clinical accuracy and exceptional comfort due to its advanced engineering. Key strengths include deep sub-bass extension, high resolution, rapid transients, and a low 22Ω impedance that makes it easy to drive. Conversely, the review notes a lack of warmth in...Read more

open-end-music.com

02/02/2024

Review: Austrian Audio The Composer", "Austrian Audio The Composer Test

The Austrian Audio "The Composer" is designed as an uncompromising piece of high-end audio gear tailored strictly for demanding music lovers who prioritize an authentic, uncolored presentation. Reviewers describe its performance as highly analytical and unforgiving, noting that it will quickly expose flaws in any subpar audio chain or poorly matched components. While its native...Read more

open-end-music.com

27/11/2023

Austrian Audio Composer Review: Open-Ended Music Professional

The Austrian Audio Composer is a high-end, open-back flagship headphone that offers a neutral, bright, and exceptionally detailed sound signature reminiscent of electrostatic models. It is praised for its outstanding build quality and robust design, appearing built "for eternity," and features a unique adjustable headband and rotatable earcups for a customized fit. Unlike many...Read more

stereoguide.de

19/10/2023

Austrian Audio The Composer: This is how it sounds on the new Astell & Kern Kann Ultra

The Stereoguide review highlights the premium pairing of Austrian Audio's The Composer open-back headphones and the Astell&Kern KANN Ultra player as a 4,000-Euro high-end system. This "dream team" is lauded for exceptional synergy, where the player’s immense power drives the headphones' fast, inertia-free impulse response to achieve tight, deep bass and extreme, transparent...Read more

likehifi.de

12/09/2025

Review: Austrian Audio The Composer Headphones & Full Score One

The Austrian Audio The Composer open-back reference headphones and Full Score One headphone amplifier represent a highly successful, premium audio pairing engineered by a team of former AKG experts in Vienna. In testing, the combination excelled with an analytical yet deeply musical presentation, proving itself capable of rendering the fine nuances of complex vocal tracks and large...Read more

musicalhead.de

01/02/2024

Review: AUSTRIAN AUDIO THE COMPOSER - Musicalhead", "Testing the AUSTRIAN AUDIO THE COMPOSER - Musicalhead", "AUSTRIAN AUDIO THE COMPOSER Review - Mus...

Austrian Audio The Composer is a high-end, open-back dynamic headphone developed by former AKG engineers in Vienna. Priced at €2,499, it features newly designed 49 mm DLC (diamond-like carbon) coated cone drivers and a lightweight CNC-machined ring magnet system. The headphone is exceptionally easy to drive due to its high sensitivity of 112 dB/mW and low 22-ohm impedance, making it...Read more

kopfbox.de

03/02/2024

Austrian Audio "The Composer" | Review - Kopfbox.de

The Austrian Audio "The Composer" is a high-end, open-back over-ear headphone handcrafted in Vienna for around €2,500, utilizing a 49mm "Hi-X" driver with a diamond-like carbon-coated diaphragm. Tonal performance is characterised by a highly detailed, studio-neutral signature inherited from the brand's AKG heritage, which balances analytical precision with long-term listening...Read more

on-mag.fr

04/03/2024

Austrian Audio The Composer: review, opinions, specs, price

The Austrian Audio The Composer is a premium, open-back wired headphone designed for studio professionals and audiophiles alike. Created by a Viennese company founded by former AKG employees, this flagship model retails for a substantial 2,500 euros. Its core technological highlight is the implementation of 49 mm Hi-X dynamic drivers featuring a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coated...Read more

on-mag.fr

04/03/2024

Austrian Audio The Composer review: a king of sound and space

The Austrian Audio The Composer is an open-back electrodynamic headphone designed for both audiophiles and studio professionals, retailing for €2,500. On the positive side, the review praises its impeccable metal construction, highly sophisticated mechanical design, and exceptional comfort. Weighing a relatively light 385 grams, it features rotatable earcups, incredibly soft and...Read more

audioessence.ch

25/04/2026

Austrian Audio The Composer - Premium Headphones

The Austrian Audio "The Composer" is a premium, open-back over-ear headphone handcrafted in Vienna, Austria, designed for audiophiles seeking clarity, resolution, and high precision. It features newly designed 49mm Hi-X dynamic drivers with diamond-like carbon-coated diaphragms, which deliver an incredibly transparent listening experience characterized by precise treble...Read more

hifilivemagazine.com

13/09/2024

Austrian Audio The Composer & Full Score One - HiFi Live

Austrian Audio Review Summary The Austrian Audio The Composer open-back headphones and Full Score One amplifier deliver a radical, reference-grade neutral sound profile with exceptional build quality,. Created by former AKG engineers, this flagship combination stands out for its arrolling resolution, massive holographic soundstage, and flawless tonal balance,,. Pros include the...Read more

digitalvideoht.it

02/05/2024

Austrian Audio The Composer | Digital Video HT

The Digital Video HT review praises the Austrian Audio The Composer as a flagship, open-back dynamic headphone that offers an incredibly transparent, linear, and emotionally engaging acoustic experience. Born from former AKG engineers, the headphone features meticulously designed 49mm "HI-X49 DLC" drivers coated in diamond-like carbon, housed inside an all-metal chassis with...Read more

hifi.nl

11/03/2026

Austrian Audio The Arranger Takes Studio Sound and Adds Fun

The Austrian Audio The Arranger is a high-end headphone priced at 999 euros. It is built by former AKG engineers. The design is robust, gold-brown, and can fold up. It weighs 320 grams and feels very comfortable. The headphone is 100 percent repairable. It has a special 44mm dynamic driver. It works well with many different music devices. The sound is detailed and very...Read more

hificonnect.eu

29/01/2026

Austrian Audio The Arranger vs The Composer (First impressions)

The review from Hificonnect provides a first impression of The Arranger, a €999 open-back headphone that bridges a massive price gap in Austrian Audio’s lineup between their €349 PRO model (HI-X65) and their €2,495 flagship HIFI model (The Composer). Tested using a Cayin HA-6A tube amplifier, a Hifirose RS451, and Austrian Audio’s Full Score One amplifier, the reviewer highlights...Read more

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