Austrian Audio The Composer Premium Reference Headphones
Best reference headphones for discerning audiophiles and professional sound engineers.
Discover unparalleled audio fidelity with The Composer headphones from Austrian Audio. Engineered for audiophiles and professionals, these open-back, over-ear headphones deliver exceptional clarity and precision across the entire frequency spectrum. Featuring advanced Hi-X driver technology with a DLC-coated diaphragm, they ensure flawless performance and an immersive listening experience. Designed for comfort with a breathable headband and adjustable, tiltable earcups, The Composer offers versatile connectivity with three detachable cables, all crafted with meticulous Austrian precision for a truly reference-grade sound.
$3199.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
74
/ 6142
#74 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
+444%
Above average
Construction
Over ear, open back
/ Over ear, open back
Who it's for
- Audio engineers requiring precise, neutral sound for critical mixing work
- Professionals needing long-term comfort during marathon studio sessions
- Audiophiles seeking seamless integration with high-end balanced audio systems
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners seeking high-value performance without the luxury markup
- Commuters or office workers needing privacy in shared, noisy spaces
- Casual listeners wanting plug-and-play convenience without additional hardware investments
Performance breakdown
Sonic Transparency
The Hi-X driver delivers surgical precision across the entire frequency spectrum.
Build Integrity
Austrian engineering ensures a robust, reference-grade construction built for daily professional use.
Ergonomic Comfort
Tiltable earcups and breathable materials allow for fatigue-free, marathon listening sessions.
Driver Rigidity
DLC-coated diaphragms minimize distortion for a remarkably clean and controlled output.
Connectivity Versatility
Included cable options provide seamless integration with various studio and home setups.
Frequency Extension
Impressive 5 Hz to 44 kHz range captures every nuance of complex recordings.
Key Specs
Construction
Over ear, open back
Frequency range
5 Hz – 44 kHz
Sensitivity
112 dBspl/V
THD (@1kHz)
< 0.1%
Driver size
49mm
Impedance
22 Ω
Input Power
160 mW
Weight (without cable)
385 g
Features
- Exceptional sound clarity and precision
- Advanced Hi-X driver technology
- DLC coated diaphragm for rigidity
- Comfortable, breathable headband design
- Adjustable and tiltable earcups
- Replaceable magnetic ear pads
- Versatile connectivity with 3 cables
- Crafted with Austrian precision
What customers say
Reviewers consistently praise The Composer for its exceptional build quality and superior audio performance. The sound signature is celebrated for its remarkable neutrality, offering an expansive soundstage and precise imaging across all frequencies. Users appreciate the tight bass response and smooth, extended highs. Constructed with premium, durable metal components, these headphones feel substantial, suggesting long term reliability. While the price is premium, the consensus is that the outstanding sonic clarity and comfortable fit fully justify the investment for critical listening sessions.
Know before you buy
Yes, they are designed for extended use. The breathable headband and adjustable, tiltable earcups help reduce pressure, making them comfortable for long periods in the studio.
Yes, The Composer features replaceable magnetic ear pads. This design allows you to easily swap them out to maintain comfort and hygiene over the life of the headphones.
With an impedance of 22 ohms and a sensitivity of 112 dBspl/V, they are relatively easy to drive. While they will work with many devices, a high-quality dedicated amplifier will help you get the most out of their reference-grade performance.
The open-back design provides a wide, natural soundstage that feels more spacious than closed-back models. It is ideal for critical listening and studio monitoring where you need an accurate, uncolored representation of your audio.
The Composer comes with three detachable cables to provide versatile connectivity options. These include a 3m cable with a 6.35mm jack, a 3m cable with a 4.4mm balanced connector, and a 1.4m cable with a 3.5mm jack.
No, these are open-back headphones and do not feature active noise cancellation. They offer only passive noise isolation, meaning they are best suited for quiet environments like a studio or a dedicated listening room.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.