Technics EAH-DJ1200

Technics RP-DJ1200 was launched in 1996 and they are still one of the most popular DJ headphones on the market today. Their selling point: the unique 270-degree swivel mechanism, which these revised EAH-DJ1200s also benefit from.

When looking at these smart and very beautiful DJ headphones, at first no significant differences are noticeable compared to the previous model. The Technics branding on the ear cups and headband, which was once purple, has now been subtly tinted grey. In keeping with the name of the headphones, the edges of the two oval, lushly padded ear cup cite the stroboscopic mirrors of the SL-1200/10 MK2 turntable from the same brand – a nice detail for DJs. Both ear cups hang from two arms from which they can rotate more than 90 degrees on the x-axis. In contrast, the joint between the ear cup suspension and the bracket extension only adjusts vertically at a small angle. Optimum adjustment for head size is ensured by the bow extensions, which can be extended and locked in eight stages.

With the proven swivel mechanism, both ear cups can be folded into the headband to save space for transport and be turned away from the ear – a popular feature for one-sided monitoring. To ensure that the EAH-DJ1200 also maintains its set position even during violent head movements, the joint is locked by a mechanism. The previous model lacked a replaceable cable, but Technics now takes this into account. There is a 1.5-metre long spiral cable and a 1.2-metre straight cable as well as an adapter included in the package in addition to the standard black bag. Both can be connected below the right ear cup via a mini-jack socket. To prevent them from being pulled out unintentionally, the plug can be locked by turning it 90 degrees.

Processing

The flexible bracket, suspension and ear cups of the EAH-DJ1200 are made entirely of plastic, which does not detract from their robustness or quality. The screw connections only emphasise the high-quality standard. A big shortcoming of the predecessor was the former soft artificial leather, which probably came off the foam by sweat. On the EAH-DJ1200 model, however, Technics has opted for somewhat harder and therefore more robust artificial leather.

Wearing comfort

The plastic construction pays off because it weighs just 233 grams without the cable. Even with the spiral cable connected the weight does not increase significantly. They feel very comfortable on your head, which is also due to the soft, artificial leather-covered headband and the very luxurious padding of the sweat-repellent ear pads.

The slim headband, which makes the headphones suitable for small head sizes, clings to the head safely. In addition, it presses the ear cups on top of the ears without being obtrusive, but providing the necessary support. Thanks to the lockable swivel mechanism, the ear cups sit comfortably and securely even away from the ears.

Sound

For Technics, now a premium audiophile manufacturer, it was a matter of honour to make the EAH-DJ1200 better in terms of sound compared to its predecessor. To achieve this, the Japanese have given the headphones newly developed, powerful 40-millimetre drivers with CCAW voice coils, which play in a frequency response between 8 and 30,000 Hertz. However, even the discontinued model managed 5 Hertz. The impedance of 45 ohms also differs from the 32 ohms of the earlier model. On the other hand, it has improved from its nominal power handling capacity of 1,500 to 2,500 mW, but the sensitivity of 106 dB/mW remains the same.

Although all this technical data may at first seem to take the edge off the excitement, it makes the sound we heard in our test is all the more impressive. Its sound is very balanced and transparent. With Röyksopp’s “Eple”, they prove in the first few bars what they are capable of: reproducing concise beats with deep bass, brilliant highs with bell-like leading sounds. Even if your ears are completely overloaded by the volume, the headphones master all transients accurately and with razor-sharp clarity. The higher nominal load capacity pays off. The same with Moby’s “Rushing”, where the interplay of dirty beats and the piano sounds very natural, tidy and detailed. The well measured bass and the restrained mids, which, however, feel a bit more prominent in the new model, give the highs the promised transparency without exaggeration.

Since the drivers are very close to the ear and the ear cups cover a large area, they also shield you well from the environment, which in noisy environments doesn’t require a signal that is relentlessly loud to cover the noise. But the EAH-DJ1200 are also ideal for home and audiophile playback, thanks to their excellent bass separation and three-dimensional reproduction.