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APERITIF
– from Latin, meaning "to uncover, open, reveal." The model name for Warwick Acoustics' flagship reference headphone system perfectly reflects our design goal: to reproduce all recorded audio content authentically and faithfully.
The APERIO was developed for the demanding professional audio market as a reference studio monitor headphone system for producing, mastering, mixing and recording high-resolution audio.
Furthermore, the APERIO is designed to be equally suitable for ultra-high-end home applications. The APERIO reference headphone system strives for the highest audio performance, achieved through our proprietary planar electrostatic technology.
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A complete sound system
The APERIO headphones are designed exclusively for use with our remarkable APERIO electronics.
Technology overview
BD-HPEL converter
A Balanced-Drive High Precision Electrostatic Laminate (BD-HPEL) revolutionizes the sound.
Open ear cups
Minimal material is used around the transducer to avoid obstructing airflow and affecting sound quality.
ear pads
Designed for optimal performance and comfort, covered in the finest, sustainably sourced Cabretta leather.
Headphone comfort
The APERIO headphones are made of magnesium, engineering polymers and other advanced materials and weigh only 405 grams.
State-of-the-art components
From discrete high-voltage transistors to metal film resistors with a tolerance of 0.5%, every element of the electronics is designed for superior audio performance.
Analog line output
Contains a novel Class A circuit that can output very high voltages with enormous currents.
Two 32-bit DACs with 8 channels
Converts your music files into sound waves using state-of-the-art digital-to-analog converters (DACs).
Input cable
The cables are designed to be immune to noise, interference and emissions.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
At the heart of our performance objective is the design philosophy behind the APERIO – a concept that is expressed in every product developed by Warwick Acoustics and is the mantra of our design and development team from initial idea to final production.
In order to reproduce all audio content without distortion, the entire sound reproduction system orEvery element in the signal path must be precise and free of any distortion—in a word: completely transparent. The playback system must not impose any kind of sonic character or coloration on the audio content. All data, whether analog or digital, must be reproduced without distortion. Warwick Acoustics pursues a "Complete System Design" approach for all its products.
Complete System Design encompasses the development and engineering of every element in the sound reproduction system's signal path, from the initial delivery of analog or digital audio content (data) to the final sound perceived by the listener. The APERIO epitomizes this design philosophy, eliminating compromise and demonstrating exceptional attention to detail in every element of the system. A "flagship" or "reference" product, by its very nature, should imply that no compromises in design or execution are acceptable and that every detail matters.
We believe that a "Complete System Design" philosophy is necessary and required to achieve the highest levels of audio performance and sound quality. This is comparable to a computer company jointly controlling and optimizing its hardware and operating system software, or a premium automotive brand developing an ultra-high-performance sports car ('supercar' or 'hypercar').
Top performance levels cannot be achieved with a "hot rod" approach that combines disparate components and technologies, as these are not optimized for synergistic interaction. Developing a complete and fully optimized system will always outperform a top-level combination of separately developed components.
This design philosophy is widely recognized and applied in the computer, aerospace, and automotive industries. We believe the same philosophy applies to sound reproduction. The purpose of the APERIO is to reproduce audio content as purely and accurately as possible—without alteration or distortion. This can only be achieved through a complete system design methodology.
Best materials-best sound quality
Although the APERIO exhibits exceptional audio performance—both electrically and acoustically—it was not designed to meet specific metrics or specifically achieve good results. The performance measurements serve primarily to verify that relevant key performance indicators are met and that no performance deviations impair sound reproduction.
We believe that measurements cannot fully characterize a product's sound quality. However, we consider them a necessary and crucial part of the development process and see them as confirmation that the devices will function properly after assembly.
Warwick Acoustics is one of the few manufacturers that provides end users with individual measurements for each system. One final aspect of our design philosophy for the APERIO should be reflected in its appearance.
This product is constructed from the finest available materials, incorporated into a carefully assembled system of the highest quality. Warwick Acoustics believes in and strictly adheres to the industrial design principle of "form follows function" (after American architect Louis Henry Sullivan), which the APERIO embodies.
We don't design our products to intentionally look "exotic" or overly stylized, like many of the "audio gems" that flood the high-end consumer electronics market.Instead, we strive to make our products look and feel beautiful in an authentic, functional way, with an inherent, timeless element of “quality” in every single piece.
APPLICATIONS/FEATURES
The APERIO was designed for demanding applications requiring extremely high resolution and higher output levels. The APERIO is optimized for reproducing the smallest, quietest details present in all types of audio media. These capabilities must be achieved without distortion artifacts and other anomalies, such as "listener fatigue."
The sound reproduction quality and audio performance should be consistent at all listening levels. The APERIO features a wide range of inputs, including balanced and unbalanced analog connections, AES3 (AES/EBU), S/PDIF coaxial, USB, and Ethernet (LAN). The APERIO is a unique, fully network-capable product that overcomes typical DLNA limitations and enables digital audio playback of native or DoP 256 fs DSD and PCM formats at higher sample rates up to 384 kHz.
In the APERIO, all audio signals remain in their native range and format: analog always remains analog, DSD remains DSD until final conversion to analog, and PCM sample rates are never converted. The signal path is pure, as direct as possible, and unadulterated. The APERIO also features an exceptional line output for driving other electronics and playback components, including external amplifiers and speakers. Balanced and unbalanced outputs can drive very long cables to the highest levels with enormous current delivery.
For studio applications, downstream components connected via 150 meters of balanced cables can be driven to 15 dBu without distortion. The line output capability, combined with a high-performance digital-to-analog converter (DAC), preamplifier functionality, and outstanding sonic fidelity, allows the APERIO to optimally function as the central hub of a state-of-the-art two-channel studio monitoring system or an ultra-high-end home audio system.
The APERIO displays its output level in precise 0.1 dB increments via a high-resolution, full-color front-panel display. This display also alerts the user if errors such as clipping, overheating, or disconnected cables are detected. The APERIO's firmware can be updated via the USB input using a simple app for all Windows/MAC/Linux-based hosts. This feature allows users to keep the APERIO up-to-date throughout its lifetime.
The complete APERIO system (headphones, electronics, and accessories) is housed in an exceptionally robust carrying case made of durable polypropylene. This case is waterproof, shatterproof, and dustproof, and features an automatic pressure equalization valve that equalizes internal pressure and keeps water out. The case also features a retractable extension handle, stainless steel hardware, and four polyurethane wheels. This robust case provides complete protection for the entire APERIO system and allows for convenient transport.
OVERVIEW OF CONVERTER TECHNOLOGY
The most important component of any headphone system is the transducer. The ultimate performance of the entire sound reproduction system is determined and limited by the acoustic performance and fidelity of the transducer.
The APERIO uses a new Balanced-Drive HPEL transducer (BD-HPEL) – a symmetrically driven version of Warwick Acoustics’ High Precision Electrostatic Laminate (HPEL) transducer, originally developed for the Sonoma Model One headphone system.
The BD-HPEL was specifically designed for applications requiring the highest audio resolution and greater output power. The BD-HPEL requires balanced high-voltage drive signals to generate a differential electrostatic force that moves the diaphragm. The BD HPEL has twice the excursion capability, higher linearity, and lower distortion than Warwick Acoustics' first-generation HPEL. This next-generation HPEL transducer is manufactured in the UK at Warwick Acoustics' state-of-the-art R&D facility.
The BD-HPEL is manufactured under rigorous laboratory conditions using proprietary, semi-automated, cell-based manufacturing techniques. We control all aspects of sourcing, production, testing, and quality assurance. Every transducer produced is tested, evaluated, and matched to within 0.5 dB of a complementary device in our laboratory to form a matched pair.
Only the highest-performance, matched pairs of BD-HPELs are used in APERIO headphones. The core technology of our BD-HPEL has been refined over several years to ensure resistance to environmental influences such as temperature and humidity fluctuations, ensure stable performance and sound quality over time (even after years of daily use), and be extremely durable.
These properties were achieved through the simplicity and robustness of the design, the use of only the best available materials, and Warwick's proprietary manufacturing processes. The BD-HPEL also features Warwick Acoustics' patented cell structure, which significantly reduces and disperses resonance phenomena and extends the bandwidth to over 60 kHz. Subdivided cells act as smaller, phase-aligned planar sources, whose parallel-driven outputs acoustically combine to form a coherent planar wavefront.
HEADPHONE TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
When developing the APERIO headphones, Warwick Acoustics pursued two main goals: 1) The headphones must provide optimal mechanical and acoustic conditions for the BD-HPEL transducer to achieve the best possible audio performance and sound quality, and 2) the headphones must be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, even under critical listening conditions.
Many of the design requirements mirror those of the BD-HPEL transducer. Minimizing resonance phenomena was paramount, as mechanical resonances and acoustic standing waves can degrade the transducer's acoustic performance. Key structural components of the headphones, such as the earcups, are made of injection-molded magnesium—a rigid material that is lighter and significantly better damped than aluminum and most polymers. Because the magnesium is injection-molded, complex and precise components are possible that would normally require CNC machining.
Key structural fasteners are constructed of stainless steel for strength and durability. Gaskets are made of closed-cell foams that are well-damped and dimensionally stable. The mechanical design is robust, using the best available materials for each functional purpose. Even the two-stage surface was selected for its excellent damping properties and durability. The result is a mechanical foundation that is extremely rigid, well-damped, and resonance-free. The development team carefully engineered the earcup components to minimize acoustic reflections and diffraction on both sides of the transducer. Likewise, the acoustic impedance on each side of the transducer is optimal.
The APERIO is extremely "open" to the ambient air, with minimal obstructions between the transducer diaphragm and the listener's ear. Unlike most headphones, the APERIO does not have any areas above the transducer covered with acoustic materials that impede airflow or spectrally filter the sound (also known as passive equalization). This common approach is unnecessary with the APERIO and has adverse effects on sound quality, particularly in terms of detail, resolution, and tonal neutrality.
To achieve excellent low-frequency performance, the APERIO requires a small, sealed air volume between the transducer and the listener's head. The APERIO maintains this air volume and the required air seal through key design features that prevent air leakage, even with different head and ear shapes.
To minimize acoustic standing waves within the enclosed air volume, which in turn create resonances, the ear cushions are equipped with acoustically absorbent foam along their inner perimeter. The ear cushions provide the necessary air seal to the user's head while simultaneously absorbing harmful acoustic reflections within the enclosed air volume.
The ear cushions are designed to improve cooling around the user's ears through perforated surfaces and a copper thread mesh that dissipates heat. The ear cushions are covered with the finest, natural, sustainably sourced Cabretta leather.
Specifications
headphones
configuration: Open; circumaural
converter: Balanced-Drive High Precision Electrostatic Laminates (BD-HPEL)
Effective membrane area: 3570 mm2
Frequency response: 10 Hz – 60 kHz
Output level (SPL): Complies with EN 60065/A12:2011 (EN50332) when operated with APERIOelectronics (for all inputs); digital input: ∽ 104 dB; analog input: ≥ 106 dB (continuous, estimated)
Ear and headband pads: Cabretta cowhide leather; perforated surface on the ear cushions
Entrance: Polarized, self-locking 4-pin connectors for left and right channels
Connection cable: Dual-mono, shielded, extremely low capacitance; silver-plated OFHC ultra-fine copper strands with silicone insulation and Kevlar reinforcement; 2 meters long
Weight: 405 grams (14.3 oz.), without cable
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electronics
Balanced analog inputs: Two (female) XLR connectors; switchable (high/low) input range; 18 dBu/10 dBu
Unbalanced analog inputs: Two RCA jacks; switchable (high/low) input range; 5.0 Vrms/2.1 Vrms
USB digital input: Type B socket; USB 2.0; accepts digital audio formats up to 32 bit/384 kHz PCM and DSD (DSD64/DSD128/DSD256) via DoP or Native
Network (Ethernet LAN) Digital input: RJ45 socket; DLNA compatible; accepts digital audio formats up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM and DSD (DSD64/DSD128/DSD256) via DoP or Native
AES3 (AES/EBU) digital input: XLR socket (female); accepts digital audio formats up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM
S/PDIF coaxial digital input: RCA jack; accepts digital audio formats up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM
Line outputs: Balanced and unbalanced high-current outputs; +5 dB gain; switchable
Digital formats: PCM: 16–32 bit/up to 384 kHz; DSD: up to 256 fs DoP and native
Digital signal processing (DSP): 64-bit fixed-point processing (double precision) at native sampling rates
Switchable gain: Switch on the rear panel; selection between high and low level for balanced analog input (professional and consumer level) and unbalanced analog input
Source selection: Multi-selector switch on the front panel with LED indicators for all sources
Level control: Front panel, 31-step; digital and analog volume control (HP & Line Out)
Status display: Front panel, 51 mm, full color, QVGA, TFT-LCD (240 x 320 pixels)
Display functions: Digital display and bar graph of volume control; digital audio format display; analog input (gain) settings display on the rear panel; Ethernet and USB data transfer lock display; detected error modes and output clipping display
Automatic error detection: Automatic detection, indication and protection for: output amplifier clipping, unplugged connections and faulty wiring, over-temperature conditions and internal electrical faults
DACs: 2 x dual-mono, 32-bit/384 kHz DACs with balanced outputs for PCM and DSD inputs
Amplifier/Energizer: Symmetrical, discrete MOSFET, high-bias, single-ended Class A output; dual-mono topology, including power supply; 1800 VDC bias voltage (load)
Distortion + Noise: < 0.001
Bandwidth: > 65 kHz
Housing: CNC-machined 6063 aluminum; grounded
Power supplyExternal: worldwide compatible (90–264 VAC, 50–60 Hz); 24 VDC, 200 VA (8,333 A), fixed frequency, Class B compliant SMPS. Internal: isolated, dual-mono; switching power supply and ultra-low-noise linear regulation
AC network: Types B, G, F, I; IEC-60320 C14, grounded power cable; 1.5 meters long
Dimensions: H x W x D: 68 mm (2.68 inches) x 413 mm (16.26 inches) x 351 mm (13.82 inches)
Weight: 7.4 kg (16.28 lbs.), without power supply
