All -rounder - Spirit Torino Mistral

A new era

A new era has just begun at Spirit Torino in Italy: They have launched their first own Bluetooth headphones, the Spirit Torino mistral.

Me too?

Now you might say, "Yeah, sure. Like everyone else, they're now bringing out Bluetooth headphones!"

That the whole thing is not a "Me too" Project is, becomes clear at the latest when you see the Mistral in your hands or puts it on. - This is serious hi-fi. Do you know Andrea Ricci, boss and mastermind of Spirit Torino, a little bit, then you know that this man doesn't compromise on sound just to follow trends.

For home and on the go

The Mistral is available in two versions: a version with Bluetooth and a "Pro" version with a premium cable.

Standard copper cable for the Bluetooth version.

Professional cable for the "Pro" version.

The special feature: The Bluetooth version also has a high-quality A cable is included, so the headphones can be used on the go with your smartphone or at home with an amplifier to unlock their full sound potential. Hardly any other manufacturer offers this!

Here's the Bluetooth version: The headband is designed to accommodate the ES100 MKII Bluetooth module. It sits between the headband and the headband and doesn't interfere with wear.

The "Pro" version without Bluetooth. The headband is decorated with the Spirit Torino logo.

Quality you can touch

Customers can also choose between two color options: brown mahogany or blue lacquered birch. The wood is genuine, by the way, and not a cheap veneer like other manufacturers. The headband is two-piece and consists of a metal frame and a genuine leather headrest. So, no expense has been spared on high-quality materials! The Mistral is also entirely handmade in Turin.

Uncomplicated and frugal

The Spirit Torino Mistral is not picky about its source. It plays with desktopheadphone amplifiers as well as with portable
Hi-Fi players (DAPs) And, of course, via Bluetooth with smartphones, tablets, and computers. It's undemanding in terms of performance and delivers great performance even with minimal power.

Thanks to its low weight of around 300 grams, it is also comfortable to wear and ideal for use on the go.

No experiments

Spirit Torino has chosen the Bluetooth module By the way, they rely on purchased technology, and that's a good thing! They decided to focus entirely on the headphones and their sound—on what they can do.

At the Bluetooth module is the ES1000 MKII A Bluetooth receiver from Earstudio, which Spirit Torino had already had very positive experiences with in the past, was easy to integrate into the headphones thanks to its small size and design, and supports 24-bit, Bluetooth 5.0, and the LDAC codec, to name just a few key features.

But what does it sound like?

Quite simply: you're looking for a real Spirit Torino headphone! 😅
This means that it has the typical sound signature of Spirit Torino, which is designed to create a live atmosphere to reproduce.

These are not "neutral" headphones, but they are not gimmicky either. The clear focus is on vocal reproduction and the midrange. Singers are presented with verve and Presented in abundance, just as if you were there live.

The Mistral is not a "bass monster," and it's not meant to be. That wouldn't be possible due to the physics of open headphones. A test with Hans Zimmer's soundtrack by Blade Runner 2049 However, it shows that the necessary "foundation" is definitely there when needed. "Godzilla" (film soundtrack) is also presented with weight – it's simply enjoyable! No, it's not a blood-curdling radiant bass, but it's enough to enjoy classical music and classic soundtracks.

As is typical for Spirit Torino, the overtones and treble appear somewhat tamed and restrained - but there is no need to forgo details.

The channel and instrument separation is very good and the Mistral creates a realistic soundstage.

Bluetooth or cable?

"To be or not to be?" - That's the question. Or maybe not, because when using Bluetooth, there's little to no compromise on sound quality. No joke!

The built-in ES100 MKII receiver does its job so well that I
was a bit shocked 😱, I haven't had a very high opinion of Bluetooth headphones when it comes to sound.

The Mistral also delivers brilliant performance with Bluetooth. The sound changes quite dramatically: The bass increases significantly, and overall, the ES100 MKII seems to be more geared toward a "mass market" setup. But that's not a bad thing, because the basic signature of the Mistral is thankfully retained.

Who is the Mistral for?

I think that lovers of acoustic music and vocals will be particularly happy with the Mistral. I think these headphones are particularly well-suited to the genres of singer/songwriter, jazz, blues, classical, soundtracks, and unplugged music.

Via Bluetooth, the Mistral can also be used as a "fun machine." I certainly enjoyed listening to Ice Cube, Wu Tang, and M.O.P.! 🤞😁

Oh yes, even rock and metal fans must not do without.🤘 The complex compositions of Cradle of Filth and Dimmu Borgir were skillfully attacked by the Mistral unraveled and Tenacious D becomes an audiophile delight!

Conclusion

With the Mistral, Spirit Torino is the balancing act between flexibility Portability and audiophile qualities have been successfully combined. These headphones can be used anywhere—whether on the go or at home—making them suitable for just about anyone who enjoys Spirit Torino's unique sound signature. Professionals or purists can opt for the Pro version without Bluetooth, but with a better cable.

In any case, you get something special here – haptically and acoustically – that stands out from the grey or black (plastic) mass of the competition!

The Spirit Torino Mistral is now available and can be tested free of charge in both versions at home.

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