Astell&Kern Virtuoso

The Virtuoso marks a new milestone in Ultrasone’s Signature range, the result of a collaboration with Astell&Kern. This closed-back, circumaural headphone builds on the legacy of the Signature Master MKII while incorporating substantial improvements. Hand-assembled in Germany, it combines 40 mm titanium-plated drivers, S-Logic 3 technology, and a balanced 4.4 mm connection.

Design and Construction: The Union of Two Philosophies

The Virtuoso’s design reflects the meeting of Astell&Kern’s minimalism and Ultrasone’s craftsmanship. The design centers around an “X” motif symbolizing this collaboration, with gentle curves flowing from the center to the outer shells. The joints allow for rotation and folding, all protected by a rigid aluminum case.

Weighing 400 grams, the headphones strike a balance between sturdiness and comfort. The earpads and headband use Alcantara, a Japanese synthetic textile that combines the tactile qualities of suede with increased resistance to wear and perspiration.

S-Logic 3 Technology: Rethinking Sound Spatialization

S-Logic 3 technology represents the culmination of three decades of research at Ultrasone. The offset drivers allow sound to first hit the outer ear, creating natural reflections similar to listening to loudspeakers.

The major innovation lies in the DDF (Double Deflector Fin) baffles, strategically positioned to segment the intensity of different frequencies. This approach reduces the required sound pressure level by 3 to 4 dB for an equivalent sense of volume, decreasing listening fatigue during extended sessions.

Acoustic Architecture and Sound Performance

The 40 mm drivers use a titanium-plated Mylar diaphragm, a configuration inherited from the Edition series. Neodymium magnets provide a powerful magnetic field in a compact volume. With an impedance of 32 ohms, the headphones remain compatible with a wide range of sources.

The frequency response extends from 10 Hz to 42,000 Hz. DDF technology creates a layered soundstage with improved separation between instruments, allowing for precise localization of sources in three-dimensional space.

Comfort and Ergonomics: FGC Technology

The Virtuoso features FGC (First Gamer Comfort) technology, creating a subtle depression at the center of the headband to redistribute pressure across the entire skull. This design, combined with Alcantara and well-balanced weight, allows for extended listening sessions without physical fatigue.

Cabling and Connectivity: Excellence in the Details

The hybrid cable combines 5N OCC copper and silver-plated OFC in a Litz configuration, reinforced with Kevlar. LumiFlex insulation and a TPE sheath ensure flexibility and durability. The balanced 4.4 mm connection allows for complete channel separation, eliminating crosstalk and reducing background noise.

Electromagnetic Protection: ULE Technology Revisited

ULE technology uses an optimized MU-metal shield, thinner but offering a larger protective surface. According to Ultrasone’s measurements, this configuration reduces electromagnetic emissions by 98%.

Evolution Compared to the Signature Master MKII

The Virtuoso brings several improvements: S-Logic 3 with DDF baffles for better spatial coherence, a revised internal circuit for native balanced connection, and integration of FGC technology for increased comfort during long sessions.

Ultrasone and Astell&Kern: The Meeting of Two Expertises

Founded in 1990 in Bavaria, Ultrasone has made its mark with a unique approach to sound spatialization, holding over 80 patents. Astell&Kern, created in 2013 as the premium division of iRiver, has become the benchmark for audiophile portable players.

This is not Astell&Kern’s first collaboration—they have previously worked with Beyerdynamic, Jerry Harvey Audio, and Empire Ears. The Virtuoso synthesizes German acoustic expertise and the modern Korean vision of high-resolution portable audio.

Technical Specifications

Transducers and Audio Technologies

• 40 mm dynamic Mylar drivers with titanium plating
• Exclusive S-Logic 3 technology: natural spatialization, reduced listening fatigue
• Double Deflector Fin (DDF): layered and detailed soundstage
• Neodymium magnets (NdFeB)

Electroacoustic Characteristics

• Type: closed-back circumaural headphones
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 42,000 Hz
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Maximum sound pressure level: not specified

Construction and Materials

• Weight: 400 g
• Elegant design created in collaboration with Astell&Kern
• Premium finish
• Rigid aluminum carrying case included

Connectivity and Cabling

• Connector: 4.4 mm balanced jack
• Premium hybrid cable
  • Length: 1.3 m
  • Structure: 5N OCC copper + silver-plated OFC
  • Litz wires with DuPont Kevlar sheathing
  • Insulation: LumiFlex™ and TPE jacket
  • Cable diameter: 4.4 mm

Contents and Accessories

• Ultrasone VIRTUOSO headphones
• 4.4 mm balanced cable (silver-plated OFC copper)
• Rigid aluminum carrying case