Beyerdynamic T1 Tesla – this is the full name of the flagship headphones from the German company Beyerdynamic. The name of the famous physicist is mentioned here for a reason – the headphones use magnets with induction greater than 1 Tesla. The use of such powerful magnets allowed to achieve high sensitivity of radiators and as a consequence the low requirements of headphones to the amp power.
Tesla headphones
The Beyerdynamic T1 earcup construction deserves attention. First, like the Sennheiser HD800, they are very deep. Second, the radiators are not centered as usual, but closer to their front edges. Plus, relative to the “traditional location” the radiators are turned at a small angle – so that they “look” directly into the user’s ear canals. Their unusual positioning, according to the manufacturer’s calculations, should provide a more realistic build-up of the imaginary scene than the usual positioning of the transducers.
Ergonomics
The weight of the Beyerdynamic T1 is 350 grams. This is no small thing, but the headphones feel surprisingly light on your head. The contact pressure of the cups is optimum – the headphone stays on the head strong enough and at the same time does not exert excessive pressure on the listener’s head. Beyerdynamic T1 ear cushions are velour. They fit your face comfortably and do not cause irritation.
Additional comfort is provided by the deep cup depth of the Beyerdynamic T1, which, like the Sennheiser HD800, helps the listener to disengage from the headphones and immerse himself in the music.
Sound
At first glance, the Beyerdynamic T1 Tesla, along with the Alessandro Music Series Pro, deserve the title of the most versatile headphones in their class.
The bass and midrange are reproduced almost flawlessly by the Tesla. Is that, in comparison with Alessandro, the bass in Beyerdynamic T1 lacks speed a little – fast bass beats in heavy compositions are played back with them somewhat blurred, not as clear as we would like it.
The Beyerdynamic T1’s main problem, or “taste” – it depends on how you say it – lies in the high frequencies. For the rest of the frequency range, they are grossly overpowering, far more so than the Alessandro Music Series Pro.
On the one hand, it imparts airiness and spaciousness to the sound, and also creates a sense of high detail. But, on the other hand, it adds sharpness.
On some compositions, this sharpness is very useful: it makes their presentation more energetic, adds “drive” and “passion” to them. But some other compositions, especially those with initially overdriven high frequencies, it becomes problematic to listen to – excessive high-frequency range and unpleasant “hissing” when playing whistling and hissing consonants quickly tires you out.
The overdrive of high frequencies in Beyerdynamic T1 will probably be appreciated by those who enjoy the abundance of small details in the sound, which often have nothing to do with the music – noises, creaks, etc. d.
Those who do not like it can “struggle” with it by matching the headphones to a “pale” source. With some of these sources, the Beyerdynamic T1 can really “turn” into one of the most versatile headphones.
How does the sound quality of the Beyerdynamic T1 headphones compare to other high-end headphones on the market?