Description
Beautiful OPPO PM-1 Headphones in presentation box with all original packaging. These are from a trade show so extremely rare Open to a buy it now offer Amazing headphones in a stunning wooden presentation box and all original packaging. Ideally should be used with High Grade Headphone Amplifier such as Oppo HA-1. This is typical of the reviews for the Oppo PM-1headphones: Oppos first pair of headphones are a luxurious, resounding success. By What Hi-Fi? Technology Of course, everyone is getting into headphones these days, so its not entirely surprising Oppo wants in. Can any pair of headphones justify spending over 1400? We open the ridiculously large box and our scepticism softens as we pull out a beautifully polished wooden chest, the sort you might expect to hold duelling pistols. By the time we finish listening, our answer is an effusive yes. The Oppo PM-1s offer tremendously good sound in a gorgeous package, and were surprised they dont cost more. Before we talk about that, however, we should say a few words on planar magnetic technology. Most headphones have conventional drivers. A cone is connected to a voice coil, which sits inside a magnet. The magnet attracts and repels the coil, causing the cone to move forwards and backwards which makes sound. A planar magnetic driver has a thin diaphragm, held between magnets. This diaphragm is printed with conductors: when pushed and pulled by the magnets, the whole diaphragm moves, with its surface evenly driven. The idea is to offer greater accuracy and stability, and cut down on distortion. Oppo PM-1 The Oppo PM-1s planar magnetic drivers are a little different. The diaphragm has seven layers the company wont say what materials they are supposedly to enhance longevity and stability under stress. Its also printed with conductors on both sides in a spiralling pattern. This maximises the amount of conductor in the magnetic field, which is meant to yield greater drive force and higher sensitivity. High sensitivity is a point Oppo seems keen to push. With a rating of 102db in 1mW, the PM-1s are supposedly sensitive enough to work on portable devices without the aid of additional amplification. Factor in the weight of 395g and denim carry pouch, and it looks like Oppo really wants you to wear these outside. Were not entirely sure why. These cans are open-backed and unashamedly leaky. People can hear you, and you can hear them. Its the latter that concerns us the most: the sound is too good to be polluted by a bus, even if Oppo wants to emphasise portability. Sound Oppo PM-1 The PM-1s are a lovely listen. Their demeanour is so smooth and welcoming that we listen for hours, and its not a tiring experience. What strikes you immediately is the sense of scale. Its huge. Its spacious and airy. Music doesnt sound like its stuck between your ears, but rather floating around your head with a satisfying and impressive dimension. There is also an extraordinary level of detail. Layers upon layers are revealed, and we hear new things wed never noticed on some of our most beaten tracks. Instruments are not only easily identified, but also wholly convincing. Use a low-quality recording and you will hear a difference. But these headphones wont make a meal out of a recordings flaws. Theyre too polite for that. We play an MP3 of The Flaming Lips Race for the Prize: this can (and often does) sound harsh, but not here. Oppo PM-1 Yet they can pack one hell of a punch. Its a substantial, meaty sound. Leading edges of notes are firm, and theres plenty of power to follow through. Dynamics are strong and far-reaching, and taut timing also helps. Tonally, the sound is nicely balanced. The treble is sweet and sparkly, and the midrange is full-bodied. The low end is particularly impressive: its properly deep and weighty, but tight and agile enough to support the rest of the frequency range. Its rare to get bass this good on a pair of headphones. If we had to nitpick, wed say the smoothness and refinement on hand means theyre not as exciting or as bolder, punchier alternatives. But we dont think thats really an issue. There is plenty here to keep you entertained for hours. Design Oppo PM-1 Its taken some restraint not to discuss the physical side of the PM-1s until this point in the review. They are gorgeous headphones, lavish, with attention to detail. You expect something shiny for 1400, but these really are special. Super-soft lambskin leather covers the headband and removable ear pads, which have dimples for ventilation. Dont worry if you dont want leather on your face there are alternative pads in velour. The cushioning is made of natural latex. This is supposedly springier and more breathable than foam. It also resists moisture build-up from sweat, and has hypoallergenic properties. Elsewhere, the body is mostly made of aluminium. Build quality is exemplary. Oppo was keen to emphasise its intense quality control process. The headbands are stretched 20,000 times. Then they are opened and closed 20,000 times. And then the earcups are swivelled yes 20,000 times. This is to ensure they can take a good battering. We dont tend to give our headphones such a hard time, but wed agree the moving parts are put together very well. Oppo PM-1 The headband opens with solid, satisfying clicks and the ear cups rotate smoothly. Theyre very comfortable to wear even after an hour we didnt find them too tight, hot or heavy. Our only concern is whether Oppo intends to keep going with headphones, and whether there will be after-sale service and parts for years to come. You get two detachable cables in the box. For the home, which is where wed keep the headphones, theres a 3m fabric-coated OCC (ohno continuous casting) copper cable with a 6.3mm stereo jack. Its hefty and clearly built to last. You also get a regular 1m OFC cable with a 3.5mm jack, which doesnt sound as good. Verdict Were still surprised that Oppo has turned its hand to headphones, but the bigger surprise here is just how great they sound. The PM-1s are a resounding success. We love them, and we think everybody should hear them. Yes, 1400 is a lot to spend on headphones, but given the right partnering equipment no smartphones, for heavens sake we think theyre worth it. No longer available and VERY highly regarded. Insured delivery available.
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