The Austrian Audio The Arranger is a pair of open-backed, over-ear headphones priced at £899, designed to bridge the gap between the company’s affordable entry-level models and its high-end offerings. The design prioritises function over fashion, featuring a notably broad headband, slatted earcup covers that make it almost semi-open, and a distinctive beige-and-gold finish that the reviewer describes as reminiscent of a mid-1970s British saloon car. While the aesthetic may not appeal to everyone, the construction is solid, with parts that move with reassuring solidity and a standard of finish consistent with Austrian Audio’s reputation, and the headphones weigh a relatively light 320 grams without the cable.
Comfort has been carefully considered, with firm memory foam at the contact points of the headband and earcups, covered in a soft faux-suede material that does not retain body heat as much as one might expect. Both the earpads and headband are replaceable, which is uncommon in this price bracket, and the headphones fold both flat and inwards, making them easily transportable, a feature that is also rare for this class. The clamping force is well-judged, and there is sufficient adjustment to accommodate heads from fairly standard to notably large sizes, contributing to a comfortable experience even over long listening sessions.
The audio is handled by 44mm dynamic drivers with a diamond-like carbon coating on the diaphragm and a proprietary ring magnet, designed to deliver good impulse response, ultra-low distortion, and clean bass extension, with a claimed frequency response of 5Hz to 30kHz. The impedance is a low 25 ohms with a sensitivity of 110dB, meaning they are not difficult to drive and can perform well even with a standard laptop’s 3.5mm output. The supplied cable is 3 metres long, relatively chunky, and connects only to the left earcup via a twist-to-lock mechanism, terminating in an unbalanced 3.5mm jack with a 6.3mm adapter included. Balanced cables with 4.4mm or XLR terminations are available as cost-option upgrades.
In terms of performance, The Arranger are described as versatile performers capable of handling studio monitoring and casual listening alike, and they can make the best of inferior sources or compressed audio files. However, they truly shine when given high-quality content, and the reviewer tested them with a FiiO M15S digital audio player for high-resolution files and an Eversolo DAC-Z10 for vinyl, CD, and network streaming. The sound is praised for its open, detailed, and positive character, with a gloriously spacious presentation that gives each element of a recording room to operate while unifying them into a cohesive whole.
The tonal balance is neutral and uncoloured, making them suitable for monitoring, with a smooth and even frequency response from top to bottom. The bass is described as having considerable punch and substance, with excellent control over attack and decay, while the treble offers shine and bite without being unruly. The midrange communicates eloquently, investing voices with ample information about tone, timbre, character, and attitude, and the headphones are capable of expressing rhythms with real confidence and positivity.
Dynamic range is another strength, with The Arranger able to track sudden and fearsome shifts in intensity, attack, and volume without signs of stress, putting a huge distance between the quietest and loudest moments. The detail levels are high across the board, capturing both broad strokes and more fleeting, transient sounds with equal fidelity. What the reviewer finds most unexpected and enjoyable is that despite their analytical capabilities, the headphones are energetic and engaging to listen to, avoiding the academic or dull presentation that often accompanies such detailed designs.
The reviewer concludes that Austrian Audio has delivered a profoundly competitive headphone in a market segment new to the company, and the The Arranger are a rewarding and invigorating listen in all circumstances. The only significant drawbacks noted are the functional, rather than premium, look and feel, the fact that a balanced cable is a cost option, and the polarising beige colour finish. For those seeking comfortable, high-performing headphones that are versatile and engaging, they come highly recommended.
Source: Trusted Reviews