Ultrasone Edition eleven

For the steep amount, you get more than just headphones. The cases, for example, are made of solid walnut which makes every headset unique due to the visibility of the different grains. Technically, Ultrasone also uses everything that has proven its worth, and it goes without saying that the membrane is displaced in accordance with the company’s own S-Logic Plus technology to support spatial perception. Also on board is ULE (Ultra Low Emission) shielding, which promises to protect the head of the wearer against the magnetic radiation of the drivers. Then, of course, there are the 40-millimetre membranes, which are made of TruTex bio-cell fibre and driven by neodymium-iron-boron magnets. These compete with an impedance of 35.2 ohms (averaged) against the amplifier and are recommended for all sources of input, from an iPad to a high-end amplifier.

Handling

In order to appropriately display the headphones when they’re not being worn, a chic “Motega” stand is included. This massive, heavy base is mainly responsible for the unusually large and heavy packaging. The headphone is powered by a 3-metre long, braided cable, whose ends finish with gold-plated, two-pin plugs, which are plugged into the corresponding jacks on the headsets. There is no mark for left and right. Here, you just have to use the old rule that red in the audio field belongs to the right side.

The Edition Eleven headphone distributes its weight of 316 grams in a very balanced and discreet manner, mainly due to the soft velour ear cushions and the Alcantara headband padding. The ear cushions are provided with adhesive surfaces and can be exchanged in the event of damage. Typical for an open design is the airy, non-restrictive feel, which is very pleasant, especially for long listening sessions. Also, the haptics are premium because nothing wobbles or rattles, and the grip on the clean-cut, wooden side panels is extremely attractive.

Sound Quality

The most important thing first: the Edition Eleven sounds really good. In terms of frequency, everything the gigantic frequency response promises (6 Hz – 42kHz) is delivered. The spatial resolution – thanks to S-Logic Plus – pleases, spreading the stereo field in detail between the ears. In its tonal tuning, the emphasis is clearly on listening pleasure. This is primarily responsible for the strong bass, which hits in powerful subsonic waves on the ear but is never artificial, but instead presents as warm and round. Because tonal weights always work aggressively, this staging works because the Edition Eleven encounters stressful highs and highs with audible calm. Let’s face it, when you buy thousand-euro luxury headphones, you do not want to have an analytical detector for mixing errors, but a headphone that focuses on the sound of harmony and musical enjoyment. Happily, the Edition Eleven fulfils this requirement commendably.