Наушники — Pro-Ject Hear it One Anniversary

The Hear it One Anniversary is a sealed over-ear headphone from Pro-Ject Audio Systems, a company best known for turntables and compact Box Design electronics. Pro-Ject describes it as a mobile headphone with a classic minimalist look, and says most of the budget went into the drivers and the cable rather than into cosmetic parts. It is offered in black, with a price of EUR 129, later reduced to EUR 99.

Key specs that matter

A 38 mm neodymium dynamic transducer sits inside each closed earcup, and the enclosure is fully sealed at the back. The stated frequency response is 10 Hz to 22,000 Hz. Sensitivity is 101 dB at 1 mW and nominal impedance is 32 ohm, so little voltage is needed to reach normal levels. Maximum sound pressure level is 126 dB, and the drivers accept up to 200 mW of input power. The cable is 1.25 m long, made of HPOFC oxygen-free copper in a woven textile jacket, and ends in a gold plated 3.5 mm jack with a 6.3 mm adapter supplied. Without the cable the headphone weighs only 178 g, which suits long wear.

Engineering and use context

The headband is adjustable and covered in leather, and the ear cushions use soft memory foam that shapes itself around the ears. Pro-Ject packs a second set of cushions, called Hi-Res cushions, so the owner can swap between two pad types on the same pair of drivers. The outer parts combine a high gloss surface with metal elements. Because the enclosure is sealed, the headphone keeps outside noise from reaching the listener and keeps playback from reaching people nearby, which fits use on public transport, in an office or at home late at night. The light build and textile cable are intended for carrying the headphone around rather than leaving it on a desk, and the manufacturer lists wearing comfort among its main design goals.

Pairing

Such an easy load means a phone, laptop or portable player can drive it from its own headphone output, and a dedicated amplifier is optional. With the supplied adapter it also connects to the headphone output of a hi-fi amplifier or a desktop unit such as a Pro-Ject Head Box. The power rating sets a ceiling well above the output of most portable devices, but high power desktop amplifiers should be used with the volume kept in check.

Alternatives

The Pro-Ject Hear it Two is a lighter headphone at 77 g with a 30 mm driver, 32 ohm impedance and 107 dB sensitivity, offered in black, red and white.