Final D8000 DC high-end-over-ear headphones

• Planar magnetic headphones
• AFDS air damping system for perfect control
• Aluminum-magnesium housing for absolute freedom from resonance
• Neutral vote
• Two balanced cables
• Aluminum security case
  

Final D8000 DC & D8000 DC Pro – Highest-End for your ears

With the new D8000 DC and D8000 DC Pro, Japanese manufacturer Final Audio further refines its best high-end headphones. "DC" stands for "Da Capo"—back to the beginning. That's precisely Final's approach: going back to the roots to redefine sound.

The most important things in brief

• Both models utilize planar magnet technology combined with the company's proprietary Air Film Damping System (AFDS). This technology delivers deeper, clearer bass and a balanced soundstage—with minimal distortion.
• The heart of the device: an ultra-light aluminum membrane, developed for maximum precision and fast response – the key to impressively detailed sound.

Although the technology is similar in both models, they differ in their sound character:

• The D8000 DC is absolutely neutrally tuned and is aimed at professional listeners who place the highest value on uncompromising balance.
• The D8000 DC Pro delivers slightly more bass without sacrificing clarity, making it ideal for listeners who appreciate powerful sound.

High-quality cables with 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR connectors are included. The Pro features a robust, silver-braided cable for optimal performance and durability. The Standard DC utilizes a lightweight, functional optical fiber cable.

The details

More than seven years after the launch of the first D8000 – and after over 2,000 units delivered – every central component has been rethought and redesigned. The heart of the camera remains the Planar magnetic driver technology with Finals' advanced "AFDS" – the Air Film Damping System – which is now being used in a revised form.

The hole diameter, pitch ratio, and pattern of the stamped metal have been optimized, as has the diaphragm structure itself, which is made of etched aluminum foil. This delicate, ultralight construction allows for extremely precise reproduction, reduces the moving mass by about a third, and completely eliminates the otherwise conventional, glued-on coil leads.

Another significant change is the removal of the front magnet, which increases the aperture ratio of the sound guide by about 70% compared to the previous model. In combination with newly developed, breathable ear cushions, this results in a more open sound with noticeably extended treble range and at the same time fuller bass reproduction.

The ear pads themselves are now around 1.5 times thicker than the original D8000 and are made from a special fabric based on washi – a Japanese paper material known for its dry feel, breathability and durability.

The increased acoustic volume creates a deeper, more even room illumination in the midrange, which particularly benefits voices and acoustic instruments.The headband is also made of the same durable materials and has been optimized for moisture resistance and long-lasting comfort.

The Housing of the D8000 DC consists of a high-precision milled aluminum-magnesium alloy, which not only ensures high structural rigidity – necessary to stabilize the sensitive driver system – but also provides additional protection against scratches thanks to a leather-like surface coating. This finish is usually only used on high-quality camera bodies.

The complete production finds at Finals Japanese headquarters in Kawasaki There, not only are the individual parts assembled, but the production equipment—including diaphragm forming machines and voltage measuring devices—is also developed and manufactured in-house. This in-house production allows Final to precisely control every aspect of the sound tuning and ensure the highest manufacturing quality. Furthermore, the D8000 DC is designed for long-term use: Almost all components are screwed together and can be easily replaced in the event of a repair—a rare feature in the high-end audio world.

The scope of delivery includes two high-quality, detachable cables: A 1.5-meter, black-jacketed OFC cable with a 4.4 mm 5-pin plug and a 3-meter XLR cable with a 4-pin connector—both with locking 3.5 mm 2-pin outputs. The Pro's XLR cable is silver-braided, while the standard DC's is black. The cables are compatible with several Final models, including older D8000 and SONOROUS versions. The headphones are delivered in a robust carrying case. Security casewhich can be securely locked with a special key – ideal for transport and storage.

The sonic differences between the D8000 DC and the D8000 DC Pro Edition lie in their targeted adaptation to the human ear. While the standard DC offers linear, balanced reproduction with fine resolution, the Pro version boosts the bass more strongly at higher volumes – without losing detail in the treble range. Both models are clearly positioned in the high-end segment, but differ subtly in their characteristics. Which model is a better fit ultimately depends on personal listening taste.

Features and highlights

• Housing: aluminum-magnesium alloy
• Driver: AFDS Planar Magnetic
• Cable: OFC cable
• Cable length: 4.4 mm/1.5 m, XLR/3 m (Pro: silver braided)
• Aluminum transport case
  
  

Technical data

• Sensitivity: 90 dB/mW
• Impedance: 50 Ω
• Weight: 431 g