JM Audio XTC Carbon Universe
Best bespoke closed-back headphones for discerning audiophiles seeking a personalized sound.
Experience unparalleled audio with the JM Audio XTC Carbon Universe headphones. These custom-tuned, closed-back headphones feature forged carbon fiber cups and adjustable tuning ports for a personalized sound. Equipped with 50mm dynamic beryllium drivers and oversized 52nm magnets, they offer exceptional clarity and resonance cancellation. Choose between 31 or 300 ohms impedance options. Each pair is meticulously tuned to your specific amplifier, DAC, and preferences, ensuring a unique listening journey after a three-week production period.
$1599.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
791
/ 6142
#791 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
+172%
Above average
Driver Size
50
/ mm dynamic beryllium
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking absolute clarity and expansive soundscapes
- Listeners valuing durable, resonance-free build quality
- Users planning long, fatigue-free listening sessions
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking accessible high-end audio
- Minimalists wanting a simple, plug-and-play setup
- Impulse shoppers requiring immediate availability and local auditions
Performance breakdown
Acoustic Customization
Adjustable tuning ports offer unparalleled control over your personal sound signature.
Build Craftsmanship
Forged carbon fiber construction delivers exceptional rigidity and striking visual aesthetics.
Driver Precision
Beryllium drivers provide lightning-fast transients and remarkable clarity across all frequencies.
Personalization Depth
Bespoke tuning to your specific gear ensures a truly optimized listening experience.
Passive Isolation
Closed-back design effectively blocks external noise for focused, immersive studio monitoring.
Long-term Support
Lifetime retuning service guarantees your headphones evolve alongside your audio preferences.
Key Specs
Driver Size
50mm dynamic beryllium
Magnet Size
52nm (oversized)
Cup Material
Forged Carbon Fiber with CNC cuts and adjustable tuning ports
Acoustic Materials
JM Fractal Porous Carbon™, Fractal Fiberglass Mesh™, JM Nautilus Fractal Spiral™
Impedance Options
31 ohms or 300 ohms
Efficiency Options
111 dB SPL/mW (31 ohms) or 101 dB SPL/mW (300 ohms)
Manufacturing
Hand made/CNC machine, assembled and tuned in NY USA
Driver Size
50 mm
Features
- Forged carbon fiber cups for superior acoustics
- Custom 50mm dynamic beryllium drivers
- Adjustable tuning ports for sound customization
- Personalized custom tuning service
- Lifetime retuning service included
- Closed-back design for passive isolation
- Multiple premium ear pad sets included
- Limited Edition with unique flake variations
What customers say
The JM Audio XTC Carbon Universe delivers exceptional sonic performance, earning praise for its expansive and three dimensional soundstage. Listeners note impressive clarity that reveals subtle audio details while preserving a natural timbre, effectively preventing listening fatigue during extended use. Its dynamic range is superb, offering deep, controlled bass and articulate highs that revitalize music. Although positioned at a premium price point, serious audiophiles find the resulting fidelity strongly justifies the investment for those seeking the absolute best sound experience.
Know before you buy
When you order, you provide details about your specific amplifier and DAC setup, as well as your sonic preferences. JM Audio then hand-tunes the headphones to optimize the driver performance specifically for your equipment and listening style.
The 31-ohm version is highly efficient and easier to drive with portable devices or standard desktop gear. The 300-ohm version is designed for high-end dedicated amplifiers that can provide the voltage swing necessary to extract maximum detail and dynamics.
The tuning ports allow you to physically alter the airflow within the earcup, which changes the bass response and soundstage width. This gives you a degree of manual control to fine-tune the sound signature to match your current environment or mood.
The combination of the forged carbon fiber cups and the included premium ear pads provides significant passive isolation. While they do not feature active noise cancellation, they are highly effective at blocking out ambient office or household noise.
If your listening preferences change or you upgrade your amplifier, you can send the headphones back to JM Audio to have them re-tuned. This ensures the headphones remain perfectly matched to your evolving audio chain throughout their lifespan.
No, the forged carbon fiber process creates unique flake patterns and textures for every set of cups. Because each pair is handcrafted, your headphones will have a one-of-a-kind aesthetic appearance.
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$1599