Review: Audeze Sine Dx

Disclaimer: The Audeze Sine DX was sent to us for the duration of this review. The sample will be returned to Audeze after publication. Audeze is not a site advertiser.

 

Audeze Sine

In Audeze’s description of the SINE DX ($599), it says, “You have made it clear; an open-back version of our critically acclaimed SINE closed-back is what you want to hear!”  Damn right I say!  Having reviewed the original SINE here (https://www.headfonia.com/review-audeze-sine-spot-on/), I can say with some authority that an opened back version of the SINE is what everyone should want.

Reacquainting myself with the original SINE for this review, I find myself enchanted with it all over again.  The fact that I haven’t bought it yet really makes me feel stupid.  To refresh everyone’s memory, the SINE is a closed-backed, on-ear headphone that was unique as it was the first on-ear headphone to use planar magnetic drivers.  The SINE DX might only be the second.  I would recommend that everyone check out my review of the original SINE as, in terms of build and styling, the SINE DX is almost identical. Actually, I will be cutting and pasting from my earlier review, so, I hope you don’t mind.  First, the build…

Audeze Sine DX  – Looks & Comfort

Before that, just to be clear, from now on, I will be referring to the SINE DX as the DX.  If I am referring to the closed-back SINE, I will be calling that the SINE.

“I am not one to really get too hung up on the way a headphone looks, but hot damn are these some sharp looking cans.  The headband is real leather and pretty well padded.  Then there is the solid, aluminum construction.”  I have never been very poetic when it comes to describing the look or build of a headphone, but the look of the SINE DX, much like its older brother, is phenomenal: sleek, stylish and tough.  The only difference between the DX and the regular is that, being open backed, the DX has openings on the back of the ear cups.  It is still an eye-catching design and I still think the SINE series produces Audeze’s best looking headphones, despite being costing only a fraction of what some of their other models do.

“The cable connectors on the SINE are, by far, my favorite on any headphone I have yet seen… It uses a 3.5 inch connector to plug into the ear cup.  The connector is at a 30 degree angle, and when plugged into the headphone, the part of the connector that sticks out runs flush along the ear cup, making it virtually impossible to pull out accidentally.  When plugged in, at a quick glance, it looks like the cable is hardwired to the headphone.  This is a great design and I applaud Audeze for it.  I hope to see other headphone manufacturers follow suit.  The cable itself is flat, but flexible, and it terminates into 1/8 plug (of course a ¼ inch adapter is included).”  Although not surprised, I am ecstatic to see these cables make a return appearance on the SINE DX.  This cable feels extremely well built, and my love for it has not diminished.  I really don’t have anything more to say about it.  Except that I love it one more time, that is.

It should come as no surprise that comfort is basically identical with what the original SINE offered.  It’s a 6 out of 10, or so.  Everything is, you know, reasonably comfortable.  The ear pads aren’t super lush and are a little stiff, but they aren’t irritating and caused no discomfort (although my ears could get a little sweaty during a long listen).  The headband is padded well enough where it didn’t feel like I had metal pressing down on my head, but the weight isn’t as evenly distributed as other headphones (the Elear, for example,  while weighing considerably more, sat more comfortably on the head).  But still, the comfort is good enough where it never becomes an issue preventing you from enjoying the sound the SINE DX is putting out.  According to Audeze, the DX is actually 10g lighter than the SINE at 290g to 300g respectively.  Maybe a benefit of the now open design.

A quick note: if you read my review of the SINE, you will see that I listed the weight as 230g.  Maybe it is 230g without the cable, and 300g with?  I’m not sure.  But their website is currently listing it as 300g, so that is what I will go with.

Accessories & Specifications

The accessories package is the same as before: a ¼ inch adapter and a cloth carrying bag.  As the price is $599 and not $449, I think a hard case should definitely been included.  I am also sad to see that it doesn’t look like you can buy the SINE DX with the Cipher Lightning cable for use with i-devices. I thought that the Cipher cable was really cool and a great option for those who use their iPhone as their main music player.

(Sound on Page 2!)

Style On-ear, open-back
Transducer type Planar magnetic
Magnetic structure Fluxor
Magnet type Neodymium N50
Phase management Fazor
Diaphragm type Uniforce
Transducer size 80 x 70mm
Maximum power handling 6W
Maximum SPL >120dB
Frequency response 10Hz – 50kHz
Total harmonic distortion <0.2% @ 100dB
Sensitivity 102 dB/1mw (at Drum Reference Point)
Impedance 18 ohms
Optimal power requirement 500mW – 1W
Weight 290g

The part on sound with comparisons can be found on the next page, after the click HERE or the jump below

4/5 - (58 votes)
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4 Comments

  • Reply September 25, 2017

    Rebecca Dean

    This type of headset is really good.Thank you for your sharing.I think I’ll go and buy one to try.
    I have also written some articles about headphones, which can be read and expressed if interested.

  • Reply December 8, 2017

    Mark

    It took Audeze more than a month to ship the headphones…. so not quite the right headphones if you’re in a rush as they are clearly not.

    • Reply January 3, 2018

      Sam

      Same for me. It took almost 6 weeks before I actually get it in my hand. But the wait is worth because the sound quality is very pristine.

  • Reply September 10, 2018

    Roman

    Thanks for the great review! Does that mean the Cipher cable will not work with these even if you manage to obtain one?

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