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Delivery time approx. 1-2 weeks
Durandal features a unique triple-driver configuration combining Sonion dual-diaphragm bone conduction drivers, a custom-built dynamic driver, and four balanced armature drivers. A carefully engineered four-way crossover fully utilizes the strengths of each driver type.
Thanks to this unique driver arrangement and crossover design, Durandal impresses with both its bass performance and its resolution and detail in the mid- to high-frequency range. The reproduction of mid-range and vocals is natural, rich, and full-bodied. For users seeking natural, lifelike vocal reproduction, powerful bass, and clear, precise highs, Durandal is an excellent choice. The innovative driver arrangement and crossover design ensure a comprehensive and coherent sound.
Technical data
- 7 individual drivers, Tribrid design
- 1 dynamic driver – bass
- 2 bone conduction vibrators – 2 medium-low
- 4 balanced armature drivers – 2 mid-high, 2 high
- 4-way crossover design
- Spiral Flow Device
- Impedance: 15 ohms at 1 kHz
- Frequency response: 12 Hz – 30 kHz
- Sensitivity: 115 dB at 1 kHz, 1 mW
Hruodland Cable
Nostalgia Audio has partnered with Vortex Cables to develop a high-quality, custom cable for its Durandal headphones. The Hruodland cable features a unique four-color design, utilizes a single-crystal silver conductor for enhanced conductivity and signal transfer, and is engineered to match the characteristics of the Durandal, ensuring seamless compatibility and synergy between the headphones and the cable.
Ultra Twins Pair
The Hruodland cable utilizes a proprietary Ultra Twins Pair design, which builds upon the basic Shielded Twins Pair structure. The Hruodland cable features the latest Litz Type 9 design principle, in which the overall AWG (American Wire Gauge) of the conductors and the overall AWG of the shielding layer are matched. This innovative Ultra Twins Pair construction not only provides excellent EMI shielding performance but also optimizes conductivity and signal transmission quality, resulting in purer and more refined sound reproduction for the Durandal.
Japanese NUC “air injection technology”
Vortex uses the "air injection" technique to create the outer skin of the insulation layer from polyethylene. Because 25% of the insulation material is air, the insulation layer has an even lower dielectric constant than PTFE, further reducing the accumulation of microcharges in the insulation material and improving the precision of the high-frequency signal.
Composite insulation damping
In addition to using air-injected polyethylene for the core's main insulation and twisting the positive and negative terminals, Vortex has, for the first time, added a damping layer to counteract external vibrations and further improve the already quiet background noise. Internal damping is often used in hi-fi applications due to its significant effect, but is rarely found in headphone cables due to the limited wire diameter. Conductors already account for a large percentage.
CABLE SPECIFICATION
- 2 strands
- 21.3 AWG
- 4N OCC silver and silver-plated 5N LC-OFC copper
- Shielding, SZ stand with shielding Intertwined pair design
- Custom-made flexible nylon sheath
- gold-plated high-quality 4.4 mm symmetry connector
Custom-made royal blue Symbio W earplugs
The Durandal IEMs come with a custom version of the new Symbio W eartips in our signature royal blue color. This collaboration allows us to offer an even more personalized listening experience, perfectly matching the renowned comfort and noise isolation of the Symbio W with the impressive sound quality of the Durandal.
Dynamic drivers
The Durandal features a custom-designed 9.2 mm dynamic driver, engineered and tuned by Nostalgia Audio's R&D team. Thanks to advanced manufacturing techniques and quality control measures, the driver delivers exceptionally deep, impressive bass reproduction with deep resonance. Remarkably, the driver maintains excellent resolution and detail, vividly reproducing even the most subtle nuances in the bass range, resulting in captivating low-frequency performance.
Balanced armature driver
The Durandal headphones feature a multi-driver design with four balanced armature drivers. Two drivers deliver a rich, natural mid-high range, while the other two provide exceptional clarity and detail in the high frequencies. This carefully engineered configuration results in a refined, coherent soundstage that will satisfy even the most demanding audiophiles, providing a live experience with precise reproduction of vocals and instruments.
Sonion dual-diaphragm bone conduction driver
The Durandal's exceptional mid-range and vocal performance is achieved by Sonion's dual-diaphragm bone conduction driver. This specialized driver utilizes bone conduction to directly transmit sound vibrations, bypassing external interference and achieving clear, authentic vocal and mid-range reproduction. Thanks to the driver's performance, the Durandal delivers high resolution and rich detail even with its powerful low-frequency reproduction, resulting in a natural, high-quality sound experience that will satisfy even the most discerning audiophile.
Front chamber made of stainless steel
The Durandal's dynamic driver is complemented by a custom-made stainless steel sound chamber, which ensures optimal reproduction of low frequencies and a balanced sound balance, thus enabling a fascinating listening experience.
SFD – Spiral Flow Device
The SFD was specifically designed to improve midrange reproduction in the Durandal. A spiral formation, integrated as a ridge, induces a spiral flow pattern, thus reducing losses caused by the nozzle curvature.
Custom-made titanium sonic nozzle
Inspired by convergent-divergent designs, the Durandal's titanium nozzle manipulates airflow to enhance sound clarity, dynamic range, and stereo imaging for an immersive, enhanced listening experience.
Design concept
The Durandal by Nostalgia Audio, a collaboration with Vortex Cables, is inspired by the legendary sword Durandal from the Carolingian epic “La Chanson de Roland”.The name symbolizes unwavering strength and bravery, which are reflected in the carefully developed driver configuration and the harmonious, lifelike sound of these exceptional headphones.
Packaging
- Durandal 1DD 4BA 2BC IEM
- Hruodland OCC silver cable
- Aluminum protective cover
- Metal card
- Exquisite leather upholstery
- Commemorative coin and necklace
- Nylon protective bag
- Nostalgia Audio XWB earplugs
- Custom-made royal blue Symbio W earplugs
