The Holy Grail of the Bavarian Alps: Ultrasone Jubilee 25 Edition
The sound can be different: both Japanese (we were convinced of this by the example of Fostex headphones ), and American (thanks Campfire Audio ), and Chinese , but if the Germans get down to business, we consider it our duty not only to reach the top of the sound, but also to make headphones as attractive as possible externally and preferably expensive.
Today, our guest is not just headphones from Ultrasone, but a limited version, the release of which is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the manufacturer. There are not one thousand or even two such headphones: there are only 250 of them all over the world. Meet - Ultrasone Jubilee 25 Edition .
Ultrasone was founded in 1991 and immediately aimed at the most demanding audiophiles with fairly roomy wallets. Of course, for its price, the company offered not just beautiful devices, but many years of research, its innovative technologies and patents, which were embodied in the unique sound characteristics of its headphones. In addition, Ultrasone also produces more affordable models - the same intra-channel PYCO can be bought for 10 thousand rubles, which, however, is 30 (!) Times cheaper than the cost of our today's hero.
The company itself is a true German: its headquarters are located in the city of Vilenbach, at the foot of the Bavarian Alps (almost). Headphones are mainly made in Germany, however, more budget models are still “born” in Taiwan. Of course, headphone production for 300 thousand rubles can hardly be called German practicality, but from the point of view of pricing, these headphones can be compared, for example, to the Mercedes S-class - it also costs a lot compared to budget cars and even business cars, while from head to toe all in expensive materials and top-end characteristics, and indeed a car for connoisseurs. Real buyers take this car not only for the totality of the above factors: they are pleased to own a car that matches their vision of an ideal car and emphasizes status. So, with Ultrasone the same song.
No, we will not justify such a high price for the Jubilee 25 Edition - it is set by the manufacturer himself, and in this case the distributor has no choice but to “obey”. We’ll better try to figure out why the manufacturer decided that his headphones are worthy of just such a price tag, and you’ll draw your own conclusions.
Firstly, as we said, this is a limited edition of 250 pieces - yes, each headphone data model is assigned an individual serial number, here we have version 87. Limited items, as a rule, are much more expensive than public ones, and here wine is not so much the manufacturer as the buyers themselves, who are ready to lay out exclusive money for the sake of owning exclusive money. The rich, as they say, have their own quirks, including when it comes to headphones. And to make our conversation about the price look complete, we’ll first talk not about the Jubilee 25 Edition , but about their appearance and the materials used.
Headphones look not just cool, but straight premium. The bowls are made of hand-crafted ebony - one of the most expensive wood species in the world. They are coated with expensive glossy varnish, a similar technology is used in the processing of pianos and pianos by Steinway & Sons. Finishing - no, not metal, as you might think when looking at the photo, but 925 sterling silver, ear pads and a headband - the skin of an Ethiopian long-haired sheep. You can only imagine the total cost of all these materials, and yet to work with them you still need a first-class specialist who can determine the resources used with one touch. Add to this the fact that each model is assembled manually in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, and we get a very substantial amount.
Jubilee 25 Edition has an adjustable headband, with which you can customize your ideal fit. The cable is removable with a 3.5 mm LEMO connector, the adapter also comes with a 6.3 mm adapter, which allows you to use the balanced connection option, as well as replace the wire if you suddenly don’t like it, it will be damaged (which is unlikely), and so on.
Despite the rather massive design, the headphones weigh only 314 grams. There is no feeling of any bulkiness - you put them on and find yourself on a silk sheet; at the same time, first-class sound insulation is immediately felt.
In general, you can describe the appearance of the Jubilee 25 Edition for a long time, but you are unlikely to look at them while listening to your favorite tracks, here the sound characteristics are much more interesting. As for the price (well, it is impossible to move away from this issue), according to materials and loud marketing slogans, it gradually becomes clear what it is due to.
And their headphones come to their 87 owner in a stylish black box that hides ... an inconspicuous white box. At first you are perplexed, but then you open it, and here it is - a large massive case covered with genuine leather.
A suitcase lock with a key in the kit adds a bit of vintage: apparently, the manufacturer is sure that for the money you want to lock your treasure from the ears of others. But seriously, it’s more an element of style than a precaution. Well, perhaps from children who can start to hammer nails with cups.
In addition to various documentation, rags, cable covers, and other things that buyers of these headphones are unlikely to pay attention to, the most important thing is put in the box - the printed test results of a specific instance, which are indicated in a separate column. The manufacturer does not exclude that different from each other models can behave differently in tests: nevertheless, the assembly is completely manual, not machine.
You can finish this with a complete set, and go ... yes, to the technical specifications.
Headphones have 40 mm drivers with a titanium coating, which provide impressive detailing of sound in the frequency range. In addition, they are equipped with S-Logic's natural three-dimensional sound system: it is responsible for spatial sound, as well as powerful neodymium magnets (NdFeB). Technology Ultra Low Emission (special shielding cups) almost completely eliminates electromagnetic radiation - such is the concern for the health of expensive ears.
Characteristics are, of course, good, but what will be the sound for 300 thousand rubles with their help? You yourself have most likely been waiting for this part of the review.
Before talking about sound, you should try to answer the question: can headphones even sound at such an amount? Probably not, let's face it. However, you can still evaluate the sound characteristics of the Jubilee 25 Edition in ruble terms: of course, it doesn't smell like budget sound, it feels like a real premium. Very (with two exclamation points) high-quality sound insulation - such that neither the hum of the plane nor the noise of trains in the subway will separate you from Frank Sinatra, although the owner of this treasure is unlikely to descend into the subway. However, we took a chance, and hands with legs in place. Again, because few people are able to distinguish silver inserts on cups or metal.
Landing is such that it seems that these headphones have made universal for any ears of the world. Presses nothing and does not crush, the headphones themselves are light. The skin fits nicely, but the ears do not sweat even after several hours of continuous wear. Moreover, after some time you stop noticing them.
As for the sound itself, it is worth noting the incredible focus on each instrument, the optimal balance of mid and high frequencies with a slight bias in bass. According to subjective feelings, it sounds like you really hang out at a concert of your favorite band, right here in the dance zone. What is missing is the one who prevents the bass player from observing his two-meter selfie stick. But seriously, to find fault with the sound characteristics of these headphones did not work, no matter how we tried.
In total, about 60 songs in the FLAC format were listened to, with the help of the Cowon Plenue S player, with which we introduced you earlier . Yes, if you tell Ultrasone engineers that you are listening to the Jubilee 25 Edition with your iPhone or budget player, an avalanche will probably go off somewhere in the Alps. It is understood that if you bought headphones for this amount, then you will not save on a Hi-Fi player either. Probably, it was worthwhile to connect these headphones to some kind of full-size amplifier, but let’s leave it to seasoned audiophiles. We were fine anyway. Highly.
Headphones are not just for those who appreciate a good sound and understand it. They will be truly appreciated by lovers of everything exclusive, a combination of expensive materials and a high-tech “filling”. Someone says that you just need to grow up to them, and together with the owner you have to grow up his wallet. Connoisseurs are unlikely to have to make excuses for buying such headphones, while the rest, as a rule, draw conclusions without even holding them in their hands. But it’s definitely worth a try at least once in their lives!
Today, our guest is not just headphones from Ultrasone, but a limited version, the release of which is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the manufacturer. There are not one thousand or even two such headphones: there are only 250 of them all over the world. Meet - Ultrasone Jubilee 25 Edition .
Ultrasone was founded in 1991 and immediately aimed at the most demanding audiophiles with fairly roomy wallets. Of course, for its price, the company offered not just beautiful devices, but many years of research, its innovative technologies and patents, which were embodied in the unique sound characteristics of its headphones. In addition, Ultrasone also produces more affordable models - the same intra-channel PYCO can be bought for 10 thousand rubles, which, however, is 30 (!) Times cheaper than the cost of our today's hero.
The company itself is a true German: its headquarters are located in the city of Vilenbach, at the foot of the Bavarian Alps (almost). Headphones are mainly made in Germany, however, more budget models are still “born” in Taiwan. Of course, headphone production for 300 thousand rubles can hardly be called German practicality, but from the point of view of pricing, these headphones can be compared, for example, to the Mercedes S-class - it also costs a lot compared to budget cars and even business cars, while from head to toe all in expensive materials and top-end characteristics, and indeed a car for connoisseurs. Real buyers take this car not only for the totality of the above factors: they are pleased to own a car that matches their vision of an ideal car and emphasizes status. So, with Ultrasone the same song.
No, we will not justify such a high price for the Jubilee 25 Edition - it is set by the manufacturer himself, and in this case the distributor has no choice but to “obey”. We’ll better try to figure out why the manufacturer decided that his headphones are worthy of just such a price tag, and you’ll draw your own conclusions.
Firstly, as we said, this is a limited edition of 250 pieces - yes, each headphone data model is assigned an individual serial number, here we have version 87. Limited items, as a rule, are much more expensive than public ones, and here wine is not so much the manufacturer as the buyers themselves, who are ready to lay out exclusive money for the sake of owning exclusive money. The rich, as they say, have their own quirks, including when it comes to headphones. And to make our conversation about the price look complete, we’ll first talk not about the Jubilee 25 Edition , but about their appearance and the materials used.
Design
Headphones look not just cool, but straight premium. The bowls are made of hand-crafted ebony - one of the most expensive wood species in the world. They are coated with expensive glossy varnish, a similar technology is used in the processing of pianos and pianos by Steinway & Sons. Finishing - no, not metal, as you might think when looking at the photo, but 925 sterling silver, ear pads and a headband - the skin of an Ethiopian long-haired sheep. You can only imagine the total cost of all these materials, and yet to work with them you still need a first-class specialist who can determine the resources used with one touch. Add to this the fact that each model is assembled manually in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, and we get a very substantial amount.
Jubilee 25 Edition has an adjustable headband, with which you can customize your ideal fit. The cable is removable with a 3.5 mm LEMO connector, the adapter also comes with a 6.3 mm adapter, which allows you to use the balanced connection option, as well as replace the wire if you suddenly don’t like it, it will be damaged (which is unlikely), and so on.
Despite the rather massive design, the headphones weigh only 314 grams. There is no feeling of any bulkiness - you put them on and find yourself on a silk sheet; at the same time, first-class sound insulation is immediately felt.
In general, you can describe the appearance of the Jubilee 25 Edition for a long time, but you are unlikely to look at them while listening to your favorite tracks, here the sound characteristics are much more interesting. As for the price (well, it is impossible to move away from this issue), according to materials and loud marketing slogans, it gradually becomes clear what it is due to.
Equipment
And their headphones come to their 87 owner in a stylish black box that hides ... an inconspicuous white box. At first you are perplexed, but then you open it, and here it is - a large massive case covered with genuine leather.
A suitcase lock with a key in the kit adds a bit of vintage: apparently, the manufacturer is sure that for the money you want to lock your treasure from the ears of others. But seriously, it’s more an element of style than a precaution. Well, perhaps from children who can start to hammer nails with cups.
In addition to various documentation, rags, cable covers, and other things that buyers of these headphones are unlikely to pay attention to, the most important thing is put in the box - the printed test results of a specific instance, which are indicated in a separate column. The manufacturer does not exclude that different from each other models can behave differently in tests: nevertheless, the assembly is completely manual, not machine.
You can finish this with a complete set, and go ... yes, to the technical specifications.
Features Jubilee 25 Edition
| Type of sound emitter | Dynamic |
| Headphone type | Closed, covering |
| Resistance | 32 ohm |
| frequency range | 5 - 46 000 Hz |
| Plug | 3.5 mm |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB |
| Weight | 314 g |
| Cable | Straight Y-shaped, removable |
| Material | Leather, wood, metal |
Headphones have 40 mm drivers with a titanium coating, which provide impressive detailing of sound in the frequency range. In addition, they are equipped with S-Logic's natural three-dimensional sound system: it is responsible for spatial sound, as well as powerful neodymium magnets (NdFeB). Technology Ultra Low Emission (special shielding cups) almost completely eliminates electromagnetic radiation - such is the concern for the health of expensive ears.
Characteristics are, of course, good, but what will be the sound for 300 thousand rubles with their help? You yourself have most likely been waiting for this part of the review.
Sound and sensations
Before talking about sound, you should try to answer the question: can headphones even sound at such an amount? Probably not, let's face it. However, you can still evaluate the sound characteristics of the Jubilee 25 Edition in ruble terms: of course, it doesn't smell like budget sound, it feels like a real premium. Very (with two exclamation points) high-quality sound insulation - such that neither the hum of the plane nor the noise of trains in the subway will separate you from Frank Sinatra, although the owner of this treasure is unlikely to descend into the subway. However, we took a chance, and hands with legs in place. Again, because few people are able to distinguish silver inserts on cups or metal.
Landing is such that it seems that these headphones have made universal for any ears of the world. Presses nothing and does not crush, the headphones themselves are light. The skin fits nicely, but the ears do not sweat even after several hours of continuous wear. Moreover, after some time you stop noticing them.
As for the sound itself, it is worth noting the incredible focus on each instrument, the optimal balance of mid and high frequencies with a slight bias in bass. According to subjective feelings, it sounds like you really hang out at a concert of your favorite band, right here in the dance zone. What is missing is the one who prevents the bass player from observing his two-meter selfie stick. But seriously, to find fault with the sound characteristics of these headphones did not work, no matter how we tried.
In total, about 60 songs in the FLAC format were listened to, with the help of the Cowon Plenue S player, with which we introduced you earlier . Yes, if you tell Ultrasone engineers that you are listening to the Jubilee 25 Edition with your iPhone or budget player, an avalanche will probably go off somewhere in the Alps. It is understood that if you bought headphones for this amount, then you will not save on a Hi-Fi player either. Probably, it was worthwhile to connect these headphones to some kind of full-size amplifier, but let’s leave it to seasoned audiophiles. We were fine anyway. Highly.
What was that all about?
Headphones are not just for those who appreciate a good sound and understand it. They will be truly appreciated by lovers of everything exclusive, a combination of expensive materials and a high-tech “filling”. Someone says that you just need to grow up to them, and together with the owner you have to grow up his wallet. Connoisseurs are unlikely to have to make excuses for buying such headphones, while the rest, as a rule, draw conclusions without even holding them in their hands. But it’s definitely worth a try at least once in their lives!