Every so often, I have an opportunity to test a new product that is unique, a game changer. And today, I’ve had the immense pleasure of trying out the t402v customizable headphones by the fine folks at Torque Audio. Torque Audio is known for its high quality earbuds, but it is their headphones that I bring to your attention today, and for good reason…
The t402v’s offer audiophile’s and headphone snobs a new way of listening. The overall design is sleek and modern, and very clean and classy. The brushed metal speaker housing is very small, yet very high power. The t402v’s come with a range of options, including the rare ability to switch between on-ear mobility and over-ear immersion. Professional grade SoftRide memory foam makes up the two on- and over-ear pads. Each style changes the experience. On-ear is great for quiet places, when you’re not worried about others making too much noise or overhearing, and the over-ears are perfect for total immersion and hard hitting bass. Each ear-pad is configurable with four low frequency settings, and is advertised as ‘one headphone; eight ways to rock.’
Furthermore, Torque promotes the t402v headphones as an ‘example of what can be achieved with the synergy of superior engineering, ideal materials, and timeless design. Soft where it counts, sharp to the eye, and fine details that are out of sight.’ And I’d have to agree. These headphones are some of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure to test. But more on what I think later.
The t402v’s proprietary 40mm bio-cell membrane diaphragm transducers are what sets the audio quality apart from most consumer headphones. But it is also the consumer experience that I find as being most impressive. Why? Because not only are the ear pads comfortable and form fitting, and exchangeable, the whole ergonomic design is superior. The headphones were produced with comfort, quality and ergonomics in mind with the inclusion of a 4-way stretch lux vinyl enhanced seal, and a 3-way articulation and spring steel reinforced headband. A few other features built into the t402’s, as advertised by Torque Audio, include: ‘poly‐urethane internal damper plate for resonance reduction’ and ‘oxygen free copper conductor for improved signal conductivity.’ The mylar shielded cable has a right angle 3.5mm stereo input and is detachable. And microphone functionality for phone and voice commands is included. Additionally, for Mac users, such as myself, there is an in-line iOS compatible remote to control the music. Seems to me they thought of everything.
Furthermore, Torque promotes the t402v headphones as an ‘example of what can be achieved with the synergy of superior engineering, ideal materials, and timeless design. Soft where it counts, sharp to the eye, and fine details that are out of sight.’ And I’d have to agree. These headphones are some of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure to test. But more on what I think later.
The t402v’s proprietary 40mm bio-cell membrane diaphragm transducers are what sets the audio quality apart from most consumer headphones. But it is also the consumer experience that I find as being most impressive. Why? Because not only are the ear pads comfortable and form fitting, and exchangeable, the whole ergonomic design is superior. The headphones were produced with comfort, quality and ergonomics in mind with the inclusion of a 4-way stretch lux vinyl enhanced seal, and a 3-way articulation and spring steel reinforced headband. A few other features built into the t402’s, as advertised by Torque Audio, include: ‘poly‐urethane internal damper plate for resonance reduction’ and ‘oxygen free copper conductor for improved signal conductivity.’ The mylar shielded cable has a right angle 3.5mm stereo input and is detachable. And microphone functionality for phone and voice commands is included. Additionally, for Mac users, such as myself, there is an in-line iOS compatible remote to control the music. Seems to me they thought of everything.
I’ve listened through Sennheisers, Sonys, Grados, and Master&Dynamics, among countless others throughout my life and few headphones make that immediate impression of being of the best of the best. But Torque Audio’s headphones are very cool and dynamic, with a ton of great features, and fantastic sound quality, which is most important. I love a powerful, oozing bass through immersive, over-ear headphones, and Torque did not disappoint. The range of low end with the t402v’s is impressive, and the overall sound quality leaves little, if anything to be desired. I do some of my best writing in headphones like these. The coolest feature is probably the ability to play with the range in sound, so it’s possible to truly nail down what sort of mix you want most, especially when the style of music you’re listening to varies greatly, as it does with my own audio collection.
For a traveler, who is also an audiophile, it can be difficult to find the perfect pair of headphones that are both of high sound quality as well as build. Travelers need strong headphones that aren’t too big, or too heavy, and typically have a hardshell case for protection. While Torque doesn’t provide a hard case, they do include a very nice soft case. Sure, there’s no hardshell case, but I do believe they nailed the other most important attributes for travelers… The t402v’s are built very strong, and built to last, yet they were created smart. Beyond the ability to change ear-pads at will, the structure of the headband was created with travel in mind, or at least rough handling in mind.
If you would like to find out more about Torque Audio, click here.
Article written by Brandon Scott. All photos via © Torque Audio.
For a traveler, who is also an audiophile, it can be difficult to find the perfect pair of headphones that are both of high sound quality as well as build. Travelers need strong headphones that aren’t too big, or too heavy, and typically have a hardshell case for protection. While Torque doesn’t provide a hard case, they do include a very nice soft case. Sure, there’s no hardshell case, but I do believe they nailed the other most important attributes for travelers… The t402v’s are built very strong, and built to last, yet they were created smart. Beyond the ability to change ear-pads at will, the structure of the headband was created with travel in mind, or at least rough handling in mind.
If you would like to find out more about Torque Audio, click here.
Article written by Brandon Scott. All photos via © Torque Audio.
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