Delivery time approx. 1-2 weeks

These exquisite magnetostatic headphones (planar headphones) are based on ultra-thin membranes only 1.5 µm (!) thick with conductor tracks made of pure silver. An impressive bandwidth of > 50 kHz is achieved, resulting in fascinating clarity – especially with transient-rich music.

"A stunning experience. An innovative, uncompromising approach to the best possible music playback."

Reviews

TEST RESULT: FUNDAMENTAL. DECISIVE. TRANSPARENT.
Rating: 92/100 points

"Comparing these headphones, which cost €2,400, to the room-filling sound towers that often cost five-figure sums, one can say they are very affordable and offer a truly captivating sound experience, even when paired with the iFi headphone amplifier that cost €8,000 at the time. As far as sound is concerned, there is absolutely nothing to complain about." - Michael Lang, Stereo

"The ArcTec AB 92 Airborne is a classic looking and well-built planar magnetic headphone with a transparent character you don’t very often see in the newest planar designs. Its strengths lie in its open, natural, spacious and musical presentation, vocal delivery and sound stage width."

ArcTec AB 92 Review - Headfonia

Silver membrane technology

When considering conductor materials in terms of specific conductivity and weight, silver proved to be the clear winner. Our ultra-thin 1.5 μm membranes deliver an unprecedented bandwidth of over 50 kHz.

• Membrane thickness: < 1.5 μm

• Bandwidth: > 50 kHz

• Conductor: Pure silver

Free rear sound radiation

AB stands for "AirBorne" — literally floating in the air, free from reflections. The fully open design prevents any sound coloration caused by reflected sound.

• Design: Fully open

• Reflections: Eliminated

• Soundstage: Natural 3D

Precision engineering

Machined aluminum rings with exceptional stiffness, carefully damped to eliminate resonances. Black anodized and glass bead blasted for lasting beauty.

• Material: Machined aluminum

• Surface: Black anodized

• Damping: Acoustically inert

Why silver?

• 6.30×10⁷ S/m (Conductivity): Highest of all metals

• 10.49 g/cm³ (Density): Optimal power-to-weight ratio

• 99.99% (Purity): Electrochemical deposition

• < 1.5 μm (Thickness): Ultra-thin conductor

Construction & Design

The AB 92 is a planar headphone that stands out due to two design features: - All supporting parts are made of aluminum, which is nickel-plated, chrome-plated, and either: the yokes are mirror-polished or black anodized and bead-blasted. They will serve you for many years. 

The drivers are carefully designed and stand out for excellent performance in terms of frequency response and distortion factor. The housing shells are completely open, so practically no reflections of the radiated sound occur. In fact, obstacles behind the diaphragm are avoided wherever possible. The mechanics of these extremely open headphones therefore produce almost no resonances or reflections and ensure a fascinating sound reproduction.

The diaphragm is only ≤ 1.5 µm thick, taking into account the conductor paths made of pure silver. This allows the AB 92 to achieve an extraordinary sound level characterized by the highest resolution and a very clear and deep-reaching bass range. 

However, you don't have to just take our word for it, try it yourself:

 "The decisive criterion is listening"

Sound signature

In the spectral distribution, HighFidelity plays the decisive role, the goal being to achieve a faithful reproduction. This is not easy to determine given today's music productions and preferences, as there is no comparison with the original when electronic sound generation or modification is involved: there is no original to refer to for truth, like a synthesizer. 
"Really" sounding no one can say, because there is no acoustic original.

Of course, one can subjectively find this good and others bad, but these are matters of taste that cannot be used to judge "closer to the original."  

At ArcTec, this aspect is taken particularly seriously. As the developer of these headphones, I would like to note that as a classical music lover, I have attended many concerts and also enjoy playing the piano myself. Constant exposure to original sounds is indeed a helpful tool for evaluating sound transducers, whether speakers or headphones. Out of conviction, the treble content in the AB 92 is comparatively moderate, but it is oriented towards the desire for high fidelity, the faithful reproduction of sound.

Technical data

General & design

• Model: ArcTec AB 92

• Type: Stationary over-ear headphones

• Design: Open

• Housing: Machined aluminum, anodized and glass bead blasted

• Weight: 540 g (without cable)

Acoustic properties

• Driver principle: Magnetostatic (planar)

• Driver diameter: 92 mm

• Nominal impedance: 33 ohms

• Sensitivity: 90 dB SPL/mW

• Frequency response: 12 – 42,000 Hz (measurement limit)

Cable & connection

• Included cable: 1.5 m unbalanced cable with 3.5 mm jack plug

• Channel marking: The markings for the left and right channels (L and R) are clearly visible on the inside of the headband.

Scope of delivery

• 1 pair ArcTec AB 92 headphones

• 1 pair ear pads (already mounted on the headphones)

• 1x 1.5 m headphone cable (3.5 mm jack)

• 1x User manual
  
  

Headband adjustment

This is how you optimally adjust the headphones to your head shape:

• Extend: Pull the ear cups evenly downward with both hands. The integrated leather band is attached to flexible springs that yield accordingly.

• Shorten: Simply slide the ear cups back up. The internal springs automatically retract the leather band and securely fix it in the desired position.