From the Latin meaning to uncover or open, the critically acclaimed APERIO headphone system reveals the true beauty of recorded sound.
Optimal audio performance
A reference studio monitor headphone system revealing the definitive audio recording, without embellishment or colouration.
Award-winning technology
Two generations of patented electrostatic transducers, resulting in the most remarkable and immersive acoustic experience.
Precision engineering
Each component meticulously selected. Every element designed to bring you music in the most exquisite detail.
APERIO Amplifier
An integrated energiser, pre-amp and DAC configurable into either analog or digital audio chains from a fully featured set of input options, engineered to deliver the perfect balance of performance under all operating conditions.
A complete sound system
The APERIO headphone is designed to be paired only with our remarkable APERIO electronics.
BD-HPEL transducer
A Balanced-Drive High Precision Electrostatic Laminate (BD-HPEL) revolutionising sound.
'Open' ear cups
Minimal materials around the transducer to not to impede airflow to impair the quality of sound.
Ear cushions
Designed for optimal performance and comfort covered in the finest, sustainably sourced Cabretta leather.
Cutting-edge components
From high-voltage discrete transistors to 0.5% tolerance metal film resistors, every element of the electronics is designed for superior audio performance.
Analogue line output
Includes a novel Class A circuit that can output very high voltages with prodigious current.
Dual 32-bit, 8-channel DACs
Transforms your music files into sound waves using state-of-the-art digital-to-analogue converters (DACs).
Input cables
Cables have been designed to be impervious to noise, interference and emissions.
Specifications
Headphone
Configuration:
Open-back; circumaural type
Transducer:
Balanced-Drive High Precision Electrostatic Laminate (BD-HPEL)
Effective Diaphragm Area:
3570 mm2
Frequency Response:
10 Hz - 60 kHz
Output Level (SPL):
Compliant with EN 60065/A12:2011 (EN50332) when driven by APERIOelectronics (for all inputs); digital input: ∽ 104 dB; analog input: ≥ 106 dB (continuous, est.)
Ear and Headband Cushions:
“Cabretta” top-grain, sheepskin leather; perforated surface on ear cushions
Input:
Polarized, 4-pin, self-latching connectors for left and right channels
Drive Cable:
Dual mono, shielded, ultra-low capacitance; silver-plated OFHC ultra-fine stranded copper, with silicone insulation and Kevlar reinforcement; 2 meter length
Weight:
405 grams (14.3 oz.), without cable
Electronics
Balanced Analog Inputs:
Dual (female) XLR jacks; switchable (high / low) input range; 18 dBu / 10 dBu
Unbalanced Analog Inputs:
Dual RCA jacks; switchable (high / low) input range; 5.0 Vrms / 2.1 Vrms
USB Digital Input:
Type B jack; USB 2.0; accepts digital audio formats up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD (DSD64/DSD128/DSD256) via DoP or Native
Network (Ethernet LAN) Digital Input:
RJ45 jack; DLNA-compatible; accepts digital audio formats up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD (DSD64/DSD128/DSD256) via DoP or Native
AES3 (AES/EBU) Digital Input:
XLR (female) jack; accepts digital audio formats up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM
S/PDIF Coaxial Digital Input:
RCA jack; accepts digital audio formats up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM
Line Outputs:
Balanced and unbalanced, high current outputs; +5 dB gain; switchable
Digital Formats:
PCM: 16-32 bit / up to 384 kHz; DSD: up to 256 fs DoP and Native
Digital Signal Processing (DSP):
64-bit (double-precision) fixed-point processing at native sample rates
Switchable Gain:
Rear panel switch; high level / low level selection for balanced analog input (professional audio and consumer levels) and unbalance analog input
Source Selection:
Multi-position front panel selector with indicator LEDs for all sources
Level Control:
Front panel, 31-position; digital and analog domain volume control (HP & Line Out)
Status Display:
Front panel, 51 mm, full color, QVGA, TFT LCD (240 x 320 pixels)
Display Functions:
Digital readout and bar graph of volume control setting; display of digital audio data format; display of rear panel analog input (gain) settings; display of Ethernet and USB data link transmission lock; display of detected fault modes and output clipping
Auto Fault Detection:
Automatic detection, display and protection for: output amplifier clipping, unplugged connections and malfunctioning wiring, over-temperature conditions and internal electrical faults
DAC:
s2 x dual mono, 32-bit / 384 kHz DACs with balanced outputs, for PCM & DSD inputs
Amplifier/Energizer:
Balanced, discrete MOSFET, high-bias, single-ended Class A output; dual mono topology, including power supply; 1800 VDC bias (charge) voltage
Distortion + Noise:
< 0.001%
Bandwidth:
> 65 kHz
Enclosure:
CNC-machined 6063 aluminium; earth-grounded
Power Supply:
External: world voltage compatible (90-264 Volt AC, 50-60 Hz); 24 Volt DC, 200 VA (8.333 A), fixed frequency, class B-compliant SMPS. Internal: isolated, dual mono; switching and ultra-low-noise linear regulation
AC Mains:
Types B, G, F, I; IEC-60320 C14, earth- grounded power cable; 1.5 meter length
Dimensions:
H x W x D: 68 mm (2.68 in.) x 413 mm (16.26 in.) x 351 mm (13.82 in.)
Weight:
7.4 kg (16.28 lbs.), without Power Supply