XELENTO (2ND GEN) – THE EVOLUTION OF AN ACOUSTIC MASTERPIECE

XELENTO (2ND GEN) – THE EVOLUTION OF AN ACOUSTIC MASTERPIECE

From the beginning, the very first XELENTO stood for perfection down to the smallest detail. But for our customers, we are always looking for ways to further improve comfort and the listening experience. For this reason, we have developed the next generation of XELENTO, bein the (2nd gen), which has even more sophisticated technology - the latest version has allowed us to optimize the sound again. Our acoustics engineer Oliver Schaal brought in all his expertise to think outside the box and give the XELENTO a surprising sound upgrade.

TESLA.11 – SMALL DRIVER, GREAT LISTENING PLEASURE

Named after AC pioneer Nikola Tesla, our Tesla Driver 
has been the reference for masterclass sound for a number of years.

With the idea of ​​updating the XELENTO, i.e. the new XELENTO of the second generation, the idea of ​​improving the smallest member of our Tesla driver family also came up. But how do you optimize something that has been playing in the top league for years?

"The challenge was to go one step further and perfect the headphones." Said Oliver Schaal 

HIGH FREQUENCY RANGE – EVEN FINER, EVEN MORE PLEASANT

An even more filigree sound and more lightness should give the second generation XELENTO a sound upgrade. A special acoustic filter was installed in front of the loudspeaker for this purpose, which "smoothes" the high frequencies and thus ensures an even more appealing, comfortable sound. At the same time, the filter slightly emphasizes the high-frequency range, which achieves the desired lightness and filigree and makes it audible.

But treble is not everything in the sound of a headphone. The mids have to be right too. In order to avoid tonal discolouration, the middle frequency ranges were tuned very neutrally and almost linearly by our acoustic engineer.

Numerous measurements and listening tests gave us the certainty: the high-frequency resonator of the first generation is already so perfect that we also want to use it for the second generation. Because this enables a pleasant, constant increase in level to high frequencies, which accommodates the hearing sensitivity of the human ear.

BASS THAT'S FUN

The bass reproduction often gives a headphone the decisive spice. The low frequencies should by no means become spongy and at the same time form the balanced counterpart to the highs. We were able to achieve this acoustic "balancing act" using a special filter from hearing aid technology, which dampens the loudspeaker so that the bass, including the lowest frequencies, is reproduced with absolute accuracy.

"Well, you've never heard such a bass!"  Oliver Schaal

A phenomenally low THD value is generated by the high damping of the speaker in combination with the powerful drive.

BRIEFLY EXPLAINED: WHAT IS THE THD VALUE?

THD stands for Total Harmonic Distortion, better known in German as distortion factor. The THD value defines the distortion of the signal during a signal analysis. The smaller the THD value, the lower the distortion and the more accurately the music is played back.

Distortions are frequencies (tones) that are unintentionally added to the sound image and negatively alter the original sound. Distortions are caused, for example, by airflow noise or membrane deformations in the loudspeaker.

OFTEN UNDERESTIMATED - THE EARTIPS

To ensure that the second-generation XELENTO, whose cable is routed behind the ear, also fits perfectly, our engineers have developed a new eartip series together with the construction and design departments. For this purpose, in addition to ear impressions, MRI images were also taken and data were determined from them. The evaluation of this data has shown us that with the seven sizes included in the scope of delivery, every listener gets the right pair of ear molds for his or her headphones - even with special anatomical conditions.


IN BRIEF: THIS IS ALL ABOUT THE RIGHT PAIR OF EARPIECES

An eartip not only has to stay in the ear canal, it also has to seal it. This is extremely important, especially for the bass range. If the bass is bad or not audible, the eartip often does not sit properly in the ear canal and does not seal it properly. A different size should be chosen.

SMALL ADJUSTMENTS - BIG EFFECT

While the magic inside doesn't look like much on the outside, it's crucial to the unparalleled sound of our newest member of the in-ear family. The second generation XELENTO combines the interdisciplinary cooperation between design, acoustics and mechanics. And thanks to the two variants as a remote or wireless model, everyone will find the right XELENTO.

You can find more information about our new audiophile Tesla in-ear headphones on our XELENTO product detail page.

Reading next

beyerdynamic Reimagines its Classic M Series Microphones
New Blue BYRD (ANC) Active Noise Cancelation Headphone