Ultrasone Edition 8

Can it be possible for 2 new reference headphones to rule the top of the Hill? With the very long anticipated wait of the Sennheiser HD 800 headphones, a second reference phone has hit the street. Is there room for 2 references in my stable? I say hell yes. The new Ultrasone Edition 8 and the new Sennheiser HD 800 are very different sounding animals. The Sennheiser HD 800 is an open back design that is very transient sounding. Very punchy and extremely light on it's feet. But will require quiet surroundings to enjoy. The are extremely open to outside noise. So for headphone listening on a reference level with the ability to shelter you from the outside world, please welcome the Edition 8.

In comparing to the Edition 9, the Edition 8 has a cleaner sound with tighter transients and snap. with no increase in forwardness over the Edition 9. The Edition 9 has sometimes been complained of having sibilance to some listeners. I have never experienced this but for those of you who have I feel you will be relieved to know they have solved this issue for you.

The Edition 9 has a softer sound when compared to the Edition 9. The Edition 8 has improved bass attack over the 9's I feel. The 2 phones sound very different. The comfort to my big head has been improved over the Edition 9. The cups are smaller but now are oval for a much better seal around my ears. The phones are amazingly light due to the new aluminum headband which is a work of art. New materials have been utilized to make them extremely resistant to scratches and abuse. I can definitely see myself doing a lot of traveling with these phones.

The Palladium Finish is strictly a cosmetic difference. It has a brushed finish vs a shiny finish. The Palladium LE includes Brown Leather Pads, wooden inlays and a Brown Leather Storage Box.

The Edition 8 Ruthenium incorporates stunning attention to detail in every aspect of headphone design. The outer ear cups are covered in Ruthenium. This precious metal is known for its brilliant metallic sheen and durable properties. The outer ear cups are emblazoned with a decorative clasp of noble metal. The interior ear cups of Edition 8. Ruthenium headphones and the headband are covered in very soft genuine black Ethiopian sheepskin leather. This is the finest leather available and provides the finest isolation of any leather. The metal headband of Edition 8 typifies latest scientific knowledge in headband design and development. This unique progression of headband design made by Ultrasone is highly developed and technical precision work; specifically engineered for the Edition 8 series. The headband is also covered with the very soft genuine black Ethiopian sheepskin leather. Edition 8 Ruthenium comes with an exclusively manufactured bag made from smooth, fine grain Madras goatskin produced in France for storage and transportation. In addition to a titanium plated tri-bass-tube driver, this Edition series headphone follows Ultrasone´s S-Logic Plus Technology which results in a most neutral sound impression with more vivid perception of voices and instruments. The Edition 8 Ruthenium also contains MU-Metal shielding (ULE technology) that reduces magnetic field emissions. Naturally, the Edition 8 Ruthenium headphones require the ULE technology as the exclusiveness of these headphones call for the ULE standard.

The Edition 8 Palladium version shows an additional look of luxury and incorporates stunning attention to detail in every aspect of headphone design. The outer ear cups are plated with finely processed and brushed Palladium. On top, the outer ear cups are emblazoned with a clasp of high tech ceramic. This facing shows another premium appearance of extravagance. Edition 8 Palladium´s inner ear cups are covered in very soft genuine black Ethiopian sheepskin leather. This is the finest leather available and provides the finest isolation of any leather. The metal headband of the Edition 8 series typifies latest scientific knowledge in headband design and development. This unique headband design made by Ultrasone is highly developed and technical precision work. The Edition 8 Palladium headband is also covered with the very soft genuine black Ethiopian sheepskin leather. Edition 8 Palladium also comes with an exclusively manufactured bag made from smooth, fine grain Madras goatskin produced in France for storage and transportation. In addition to a titanium plated tri-bass-tube driver, these headphones follow Ultrasone´s S-Logic Plus Technology which results in a most neutral sound impression with more vivid perception of voices and instruments. Of course, the Edition 8 Palladium also contains MU-Metal shielding (ULE technology) that reduces magnetic field emissions by up to 98% compared to conventional headphones.

Edition 8 Limited is hand-made in Germany and the number of headphones is limited. Only 888 pieces of this premium headphones can be purchased. Therefore each Edition 8 Limited headphone holds its own serial number to assure a distinctive identification of the limited production. The outer ear cups of these exclusive and luxurious Edition 8 Limited headphones are made of matt finished Ruthenium. This noble metal is known for its high quality and durable properties. Each earcup is emblazoned with a clasp of manually manufactured American nutwood. Each piece has its inimitable grain. The inimitable grain of each American nutwood inlay with seven layers of lacquer represents limited exclusiveness of each pair of headphones. Each of these inlays is extensively produced by a German master joiner. The Edition 8 Limited shows high-class coating combined with manual precision. The interior ear cups of Edition 8 Limited headphones are covered in very soft genuine dark brown Ethiopian sheepskin leather. This is the finest leather available and provides the finest isolation of any leather. The metal headband of the Edition 8 Limited typifies latest scientific knowledge in headband design and development. This unique progression of headband design made by Ultrasone is highly developed and technical precision work; specifically engineered for the Edition 8 series. The headband is also covered with the very soft genuine dark brown Ethiopian sheepskin leather. Finally, these headphones come with a luxurious in Germany manufactured and lockable stylish brown case. This specifically created case with an embossed Edition 8 Limited Logo is optimal for storage and transportation. In addition to a titanium plated tri-bass-tube driver, Edition 8 Limited headphones follow Ultrasone´s S-Logic Plus Technology which results in a most neutral sound impression with more vivid perception of voices and instruments. It goes without saying, that Edition 8 Limited headphones use the ULE technology as the exclusiveness of these headphones call for the reduction of magnetic field emissions.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Impedance 30 Ohm
Frequency range: 6 - 42.000 Hz
Driver: 40 mm tri-bass-tube titanium-plated Mylar drivers
Magnet: NdFeB
Sound pressure level: 96 dB
Weight (excl. cord)260 g
USC Cord with 3,5mm gold plated plug, cable length: 1,2 m (OFC Cable)
USC Extension cable with 3,5mm gold plated plugs, cable length 4 m (OFC Cable)
Adapter 3,5/6,3mm gold plated
3 year warranty
Hand-made in Germany

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