We recently announced that Pioneer DJ had designed a Premium version of its flagship DJ headphones: the HDJ-X10C, made of carbon in a limited edition, with only a limited number released. The new model features design improvements over the HDJ-X10 and is aimed at professional DJs. We received a unit and put it to the test to offer tangible impressions of the product. Here we go.
Unboxing
The first impression on opening the package was of the utmost attention to detail. Spotless finish quality on the headphones, as well as on the polyurethane case they come in. They use a material exclusive to this HDJ-X10C edition, which delivers superior sound quality. Defined bass with great punch, balanced mids and rich detail in the highs that provide excellent listening clarity.
Construction materials
This is a rugged product that has passed the US MIL-STD-810G shock test (Military Standard)². The carbon fiber, for its part, provides strong vibration damping in the headphone housings, reducing internal noise. The metal coating on the front allows higher-resolution sound reproduction, with a wider frequency range and better placement of the stereo image. External surface vibrations are also minimized. In addition, the grille on the front of the earcup is now made of metal mesh, which provides greater precision in the reproduction of our tracks. The headband is made of breathable, perforated leather, which allows it to fit the head very precisely and also feel comfortable against the DJ's skin.
An edition limited to 1,000 units with distinctive, exclusive features: gold finishes that complement the leather and carbon fiber. Luxury in every detail: design, comfort and sound.
Continuing with the goal of durability, Pioneer DJ has coated the straight cable with aramid¹ for greater durability; it can be swapped for the coiled cable, also included in the box. It's also worth highlighting that they come with a 3-year warranty that ensures a long life in your booth.
Sound and use
As usual in ISP Música reviews, we unboxed the product with great care and interest. The other day I read something I agreed with. It said that when a new piece of gear or instrument falls into the hands of a performer (musician, DJ, engineer, etc.) it awakens a new excitement that drives our creativity. Although I'd add that, obviously, the talent has to be there before, during and after the gear.
As I mentioned above, every detail is extremely well crafted. The headphones fit the head extremely comfortably, isolate us from noise and vibration, and focus our attention completely on listening to the track we're working on. We compared the HDJ-X10C with other extremely faithful studio headphones, specifically from Beyerdynamic, AKG and several others. The idea was to check how this unit altered a "neutral" sound. To our surprise, the sound definition shows no excess coloration at any frequency. I mention this because headphones that aren't strictly "studio" models usually have a marked coloration. Personally, I like them better this way. They deliver a very pleasant sound with very punchy lows, balanced mids and striking clarity of detail.
They also have an attractive stereo image that sharply positions the panning of every detail. They have an identifiable sound, with the Pioneer DJ stamp, which also approaches standards of realism that I find especially appealing. It's always good to know what you're hearing and to have a reliable reference for the sound we're working on.
The breathable leather and the lavish quality of the finishes make the headphones fit the head very well, preventing unwanted sweating during long sessions and the excessive pressure that ends up making the wearer groggy.
They involve a bit of a financial stretch, since they're not "cheap stuff," but to shine among the booth elite, they have plenty of merits to back them up. Why not try them and decide for yourself?
1 Only for the straight cable. The surface of the coiled cable is thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
2 Complies with the MIL-STD-810G Method 516.7 shock standard.
