Beyerdyamic Amiron
FOR Clear and organised sound; insightful midrange AGAINST Nothing of note
If we had to choose one word that encapsulates both the design and sound of Beyerdynamic’s Amiron headphones, it would be ‘comfortable’. But good reviews are usually longer and, besides, the Amirons are talented enough to be worth writing about.
Larger and more spacious
Beyerdynamic has used alcantara microfibres (a blend of polyester and polyurethane with a similar texture to suede) and microvelour on the earcups and headband. The result is that you could wear these headphones for hours on end. They sit on your head easily, without feeling heavy (despite weighing 340g) and the pads around the 45mm drivers give even the largest ears space.
As expected from open-back headphones, the Amirons leak sound like a sieve – while the benefit is a larger, more spacious quality to your music, be aware that people around you will be able to hear your tunes too. The fact your music will sound larger is a definite positive though – the sound quality on these headphones is superb.
Blasting out AC/DC’S It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ’N’ Roll), the Amirons take the bagpipes in their stride, keeping a good grip on the high frequencies without any harshness. The midrange vocals in Fountains of Wayne’s Action Hero come across clearly too, giving an insightful rendition of the way Chris Collingwood drags and emphasises the ends of his words that the Audio Technicas just can’t quite match.
Forced enthusiasm
There’s also tightness to the Amirons’ timing. The regular high-pitched pips that run in the background throughout the song are kept regular and rhythmic. And these headphones do a nice job of keeping track of instruments, even during the clash of distorted synths, drums and guitars in Mitski’s Puberty 2 album. Your Best American Girl remains resolutely organised via the Amirons, building to the climax without losing track of Mitski’s voice and ensuring that stays intact amidst the chaos and feedback.
There’s no question the Amirons can dig down into the lower frequencies too, even without the over-emphasis on bass that is the current fashion. The growling engine sounds in Queen’s Another One Bites The Dust, for example, are both solid and detailed. Other headphones might sound more energetic, but the Amirons don’t force any extra enthusiasm into the song. The dynamism and punch in Queen’s low beats or AC/DC’S power chords comes straight from the music, rather than being hyped up by the headphones.
At this price, Beyerdynamic’s Amirons provide an impressive sound that takes the whole frequency range in its stride. We like the tight timing, and the way they handle messy songs. On the whole, the ability of the Amirons will keep you happy no matter what they’re playing.
“The Amirons leak sound like a sieve. The benefit is a more spacious quality to your music, but be aware that people around you will hear your tunes”