Warwick Acoustics Aperio - Pure Reference!

Finally, it's here! We waited a long time and now the time has come: The Warwick Acoustics Aperio Music System has "landed." 

When I saw the package in front of our door, I couldn't believe how big and heavy it was. That was quickly explained when the probably largest Peli case I have ever seen appeared! 

Well padded in thick foam, the Aperio headphones, electronics, and user manual are found on the upper level.

On the second floor, we have all kinds of connection cables.

And below are some impressions of the entire Aperio music system.

Our demo unit is the Golden Sound Edition, a sonically slightly revised version of the Aperio.

Let's get started

For my tests, I first need a player or streamer. Somehow the music has to get to the Aperio system. The options are diverse here, as the Aperio offers all kinds of inputs. 

Analog sources can be connected via RCA & XLR as well as digital sources via AES/EBU, Coaxial, USB, or even via network connection. 

For simplicity, I use my beloved Lotoo Mjölnir via AES/EBU. This bypasses the internal DAC in the Mjölnir, and the Lotoo serves only as a music transport or streamer. 

Since I know the qualities of the Mjölnir, I don't have to expect any compromises in sound quality here, because the Lotoo performs at an extremely high level.

Can it get any better? Possibly.

Another test will take place, for example, with the Rockna Wavedream NET as a streamer, and also the Wavedream DAC, an absolute R2R DAC, will show whether even more can be gotten out of the Aperio system. 

An external DAC is basically not needed either, because the electronics of the Aperio music system already have an excellent DAC built in. Nevertheless, an external DAC can be connected to change or possibly even improve the sound. 

Cameron from Golden Sound conducted corresponding experiments in his detailed review. The video comprehensively explains everything else you need to know about the Aperio, and therefore I recommend it as "required reading" for all Aperio enthusiasts.

And because Cameron considers the Aperio the best headphone in the world, Warwick Acoustics teamed up with him and developed the so-called "Golden Sound Edition," which offers a slightly altered tuning that I will discuss later.

The Mission

It takes some time and patience to grasp the Aperio as a sound instrument, because this is a system that was not made for gimmicks and "magic tricks." 

The Aperio or the Aperio System (after all, we're talking about headphones plus proprietary electronics) was developed to achieve the most neutral and uncolored sound reproduction ever achieved with headphones.

So, there was no attempt to implement any "Harman curves" or to impress as many music lovers as possible, but solely to reproduce the music exactly as it was recorded. No more and no less.

First Impressions

All my following impressions are exactly that: first, subjective impressions of a music lover who has already tested many headphones and in-ears, and with that, of course, I am just as "biased" as anyone else who knows what they know and likes what they like. 

I have a personal sound preference that leans away from neutral/reference toward a more musically emotional tuning, because I want to feel something when listening to music, not dissect and analyze it. 

And with that, the Aperio shouldn't really be made for me—or should it?
But enough preamble, what did I hear?

Reference tuning with feeling

If I've ever heard a true "reference tuning," this is it! 

Nothing is exaggerated. The Aperio's playback is neutral in the best possible way and could therefore be used in any recording studio. I don't know what the frequency curve of the Aperio looks like—surely there are competent sources online that have done measurements—but I suspect it is quite linear.

And yet the Aperio doesn't sound flat or dry at all. It captivates my attention like only a true virtuoso can and pulls me directly into the music. I catch myself reacting physically to the music.

When I play "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC, I get goosebumps all over: The sheer intensity of the groovy rock rhythm makes me nod my head and drum in the air. And I'm not even an AC/DC fan. 😅

Highs & Details 

The highs are ethereal and extend far upwards to reach ultimate detail. 
According to Cameron from Golden Sound, the Aperio is the headphone with the most detailed sound he has ever heard, and I can only agree. Still, there are no tiring sibilants, even with critical tracks. 

The GSE tuning (Golden Sound Edition) might help a bit here, as it adds a little warmth and silkiness. Compared to the "standard" Aperio, it's not a big difference, but just enough to "tame" this resolution monster. 

Voices

Voices, both female and male, are placed incredibly intensely in the space and are far in the foreground. They clearly stand out from the rest of the action yet integrate seamlessly into the ensemble. They sound absolutely natural and sonorous. That's true artistry! 

Bass 

Some might see this as a weakness or the "Achilles' heel" of the Aperio, as it seems to offer less bass overall than we're used to from "modern" tuned headphones. 

Give it some time, and you'll change your mind: The bass of the Aperio is precise and lightning-fast. It goes deep and provides a satisfying sub-bass rumble when you listen to your favorite soundtracks by Hans Zimmer (or other composers). 

When I play "Gangsta Rap made me do it" by Ice Cube, I'm surprised at how intense the pumping bass line sounds on the Aperio. 

Remember: This is a pure reference tuning that offers you everything that is in the music – no more and no less.

Spatiality 

When I listen to "Misa Criolla" by Mercedes Sosa, I imagine the huge church where the (live) album was recorded. The reverberation, the airiness, the grandeur – everything felt realistic and right. 

The feeling of really being there live is rare and usually only achievable with absolute top components. And the Aperio is no exception here. It achieves something usually reserved for very expensive systems with large speakers: a sense of space or three-dimensionality that places you right in the middle of the action. 

By the way: Listen to the first track "Kyrie" on the album "Misa Criolla" and then tell me that the Aperio can't do bass! 😮🤩

Golden Sound Edition

The present Golden Sound Edition (GSE) does not differ significantly from the original Aperio. The basic character remains fully intact. The differences lie in nuances in the tuning, achieved by revising various areas of the electronics. 

In short, the GSE version offers a somewhat "warmer," silkier tuning compared to the original, "cooler" tuning. As mentioned, the differences are marginal and you have to listen very carefully to notice them, but yes, it makes a difference.

But let's let Cameron speak for himself and explain the differences in his tuning:

Owners of the original Aperio system can have it upgraded to the GSE by Warwick (for an additional charge), and if you want a Golden Sound Edition as our customer, please let us know and the upgrade will be done directly after the production of your Aperio at the Warwick Acoustics factory.

Conclusion

The Aperio from Warwick Acoustics is not just a headphone. It is a complete hi-fi system that gives the term reference tuning a new meaning, or rather redefines it in the headphone sector. 

The Aperio system can do what only some of the best stereo systems can: It lets the listener immerse themselves in the music and experience it "live." 

I can't think of much more to say here, and I can't really summarize more either, because you have to try the Aperio system yourself, experience it yourself, convince yourself.

And that's why I'll keep it short and invite you, dear readers, customers, potential customers, to test this special system yourself in our showroom!

You can arrange a demo appointment with us at any time:

Tel: +41 77 403 35 26
Email: info@audioessence.ch