Apos Audio Caspian Review (2) – Big Muscle, Heavy Lifter
In this Article
INTRO
It’s always fun to step over my comfort level in terms of pricier gear since I enjoy the simpler things in life, but I can appreciate a quality built product such as the Apos Audio Caspian tested at $499. With the majority of my headphones made of plastic, only the Oppo PM-3’s finally had a play date with worthy company.
Reminiscent of the difference between an Audi and Volkswagen, or Acura vs Honda, the stylish design borrow inspiration perhaps from the luxury automobile inter trim. Solidly built, a little extravagant with the accessories, and just raw muscle in the bottom end is like driving a muscle car through a parade of luxury SUV’s and laughing all the way. Who knew an open back could get a little night-clubby.
GOOD TRAITS
- Solid Build
- Luxurious pads
- Bottom end bass extension
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
- A little too bassy
- Bass control
THE PACKAGE
Loomis obviously has a superbly written review of the Apos Audio Caspian already, so no point in bringing my Toyota Camry tastes and watering the whole thing down. The build is super solid, not a squeak, flip or flop to complain about. The swivels feel oiled with plenty of resistance so you know they cannot be rushed to do anything.
The styling has some quirks, but it’s all personal taste whether you like super shiny wood that looks like plastic, or a jump rope for a cable that deserves to be plugged into something heavier than my annoying lightweight JDS Labs Atom, there is plenty here to feel you are getting your moneys worth in product.
The premium leather carrying case reminded me of a binocular case, and seemed rather tight for squeezing the headphones into.
SOUND
Tested with my Liquid Spark DAC / JDS Labs Atom
These Apos Audio Caspian’s are not your grandpa’s open back. They will pummel you with their low end that is normally not found on open backs that strive for a more neutral but lacking the subwoofer tendencies the younger generation such as myself like to feel. A little tub-thumping, the bass is meaty and deep although plays as if set in a reverberated room for jazzy music. I thought the Philips Fidelio X2HR were considered bassy for open backs, but these take it to a new level and made sure to include the bottom octaves as well in the party.
The mids do a great job of staying present and not getting lost in the bombastic low end. Everything sounds very full compared to Sennheiser HD6XX and my Philips Fidelio X2HR. I do think as a result of the elevated bass, that some singers get crowded a bit with the instruments.
The treble on a Apos Audio Caspian come in to present a velvety texture, compared to the more energetic Philips Fidelio X2HR, and also sound a bit smoother than the brighter nature of the Drop Sennheiser HD6XX. Occasionally I do catch some grittiness, but overall they are pleasurable. This allows them to work well with unforgiving recordings as some details are smoothed over.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
After several hours of late night listening of the Apos Audio Caspian, they tend to wear me down with the heavier bass output, and I consider myself a bass lover. The vibe I get from them is of hunkering down in a leather arm chair nestled by a fire in a cold winter night with the lights dimmed for an album or two.
The build quality is fantastic for what is considered a mid-level premium open-back headphone so those who find neutral or analytical headphones a bit too boring should consider these.
SPECIFICATIONS Apos Audio Caspian Headphone
- Driver: Graphene-coated multilayered composite
- Driver unit: 50mm
- Frequency response: 5-45,000Hz
- Sensitivity: 115dB
- Impedance: 33Ω
- Maximum input power: 500mW
- Ear cup outer material: Natural sheepskin leather
- Ear cup inner material: Acoustic memory foam
- Thickness of pads: 1” (27mm)
- External dimensions of pads: 4.5” x 3.4” (115mm x 88mm)
- Height and width of ear pad opening: 3” x 1.7” (77mm x 45mm)
- Grille material: aluminum alloy
- Headband materials: stainless steel, natural leather outer lining, bio-leather inner lining, polyurethane foam insert
- Yoke material: stainless steel
- Weight: 13.3oz (378g)
DISCLAIMER
These were on loan from Loomis Johnson. Get it from Apos Audio.
Our generic standard disclaimer.
