2026 is the yr for closed-backs. Between the addition of the Strada to the Meze lineup and a few new gaming headphones from Beyerdynamic, corporations in all places are attempting their hand at some high-end closed-back headsets. One particularly that has caught our eye at Audio46 is the Ultimate Audio DX4000CL, a headphone that is just one of three new merchandise from the Japanese firm. This headphone retails for round $1k and has some large hype round it. On this evaluate, we sort out all the main points of the DX4000CL and what makes it a brand new monarch amongst closed-back headphones.
The DX4000CL would not include a lot, however it does include precisely what you might want to begin listening to your headphones proper out of the field. Contained in the packaging, you may discover the next:
- DX4000CL Headphones
- Silver-coated cable (enter: 4.4mm/5 poles, output: 3.5mm/2 poles)
- 4.4mm to six.35mm Adapter
Ultimate Audio has created a signature design that makes their headphones immediately recognizable. It adopts a bodily form first seen within the SONOROUS line, and has now turn out to be acquainted in all of the D sequence headphones. The DX4000CL takes on an all-black colour palette that makes the silver cable stand out, and the model emblem is immediately recognizable on the edges. The headphone itself may be very light-weight, which makes lengthy listening classes all the better. The textured outer shell makes this headphone immune to apparent fingerprints which will include time. The DX4000CL is about to appear like a premium headphone for longer.
The DX4000CL is a really snug headphone, because of the reminiscence foam and artificial leather-based earpads. Even whereas sporting glasses, this headphone was snug to put on for lengthy listening classes with out situation. I discovered the clamping drive not as harsh, however it was nonetheless secure on the pinnacle to put on for very long time intervals. The DX4000CL cable is thick and made from high-quality silver, terminating to 4.4mm for simple integration into any setup.
SOUNDSTAGE & IMAGING
The DX4000CL reveals a variety of the everyday sonic qualities that you’d count on out of a closed-back headphone. The darker signature comes from a extra pronounced bass response, and the passive isolation retains the soundstage extra intimate than that of an open-back. Nonetheless, even with the closed-back privateness and intimacy, you have got a really huge picture in entrance of you while you hearken to the DX4000CL. You get an trustworthy sound signature that’s dynamic and enjoyable versus chilly and medical, making it an ideal companion to any style you throw its approach. You are able to do some good analytical listening from the imaging that’s introduced within the horizontal stereo discipline, and even some respectable dynamics from the vertical top.
Total, the signature of the DX4000CL is trustworthy and dynamic. It is not strictly analytical, however the element and pure sound replica permit you to hear all of the minute parts in your tracks. I’d suggest this extra for the informal listeners, for individuals who need extra leisure from their listening versus analytical work or detailed listening. Whilst you positively will get the sound privateness you need and a great degree of element, there’s a dynamic and colourful aptitude that makes this extra geared in direction of leisure and delight versus a mixing instrument.
BASS FREQUENCIES
The bass within the DX4000CL is thick and heavy. Fortunately, this attribute is not the one high quality of the bass; as a substitute, you have got one thing with a variety of element and readability to make parts simply distinguishable. The low finish is crammed by the bass frequency extension, particularly in EDM and pop tracks that stretch even additional into the sub-bass area. It offers music the physique and thickness you need to actually get immersed within the listening, in addition to an excellent basis. Every part builds up from the bass, so with this type of presentation, you’re arrange for achievement in the remainder of your listening.
MIDRANGE FREQUENCIES
The midrange frequencies are equally as detailed as that within the bass. The DX4000CL’s midrange comes ahead ever so barely in opposition to the treble and bass to ensure the vocals and different melodic parts are most noticeable within the tracks. Even within the presence of a punchy and ahead bass, the midrange nonetheless comes ahead sufficient to focus on a variety of instrumental element. You’ll be able to hear the textures and timbres of devices clearly and distinctly, so you’ll be able to respect the main points which will get veiled in different headphones. I used to be a fan of all of the textures and layers that had been introduced within the DX4000CL’s midrange, which highlighted the depth of the layers and the way far again they expanded within the soundstage.
TREBLE FREQUENCIES
On the very prime of the signature, you have got a really ethereal treble response that brings a great general steadiness to the DX4000CL. In a headphone that’s darker in signature and positively has a bigger bass response, it’s good to listen to the treble push ahead to carry a pleasant brightness and far wanted reprieve in opposition to all of the lows. The treble aids to the sound throughout the signature, highlighting vivid element and textures so every thing sounds cleaned up and pristine. I used to be impressed with the openness the DX4000CL introduced, with the treble having loads of house and airiness to make every thing much less compressed and smoother on the very prime. The roll-off on the ultra-highs felt pure versus awkward or jarring, so you bought a welcome naturalness from the whole signature.
Who actually competes with the sound signature of the DX4000CL? It’s simple to check it in opposition to the opposite closed-backs launched by Ultimate Audio, particularly the DX3000CL. The DX3000CL is a superb worth for an ideal $600, however it would not carry the identical dynamic aptitude that the DX4000CL so seamlessly recreates. In case you are in search of one thing extra pure, the DX3000CL does have the slight edge, however for extra leisure and versatile use instances, the DX4000CL is a greater valued selection.
From different manufacturers, you may discover a good comparability is made between the DX4000CL and the Meze Strada. The Meze Strada is one other newer closed-back headphone, with an equally as tight bass and dynamic presentation that’s an unbelievable worth at $799. The DX4000CL presents a wider soundstage for all of your monitor parts to reside on, and the Meze Strada is only a tad smaller in presentation. You get related soundstage in one thing just like the Dan Clark Noire X and even the E3, although they’ve much less colour and are extra geared in direction of flatness than one thing extra entertaining. The Dan Clark E3 might have extra colour just like the DX4000CL, however it does come at over double the associated fee, so the DX4000CL is a way more engaging selection.
The Ultimate Audio DX4000CL is a incredible selection for individuals in search of a pleasant closed-back possibility that may be a step above the remainder. It retails for simply $999.99, making it an ideal worth as a high-end possibility with out crossing into the 4-digit ticket value. You have got nice sound isolation, premium consolation, and a sound signature that’s outfitted to deal with any style with ease. You should use the DX4000CL with any amplifier it’s possible you’ll have already got, and you will be all set to do some high-quality listening. For these trying to improve, the DX4000CL is an possibility you need to closely contemplate.
You may get the Ultimate DX4000CL at Audio46 as we speak.
