Complete headphone systems can be very expensive, but the key advantage they offer is that the purchaser gets a properly matched, one-stop solution for playing music – minus the actual source, of course. Warwick Acoustics already offers its (slightly) more affordable Bravura and Sonoma headphone systems, but here we focus on its flagship Aperio Black package – which is so exclusive that it’s limited to only fifty units worldwide. So, if you want one, you’d better be quick! The system comprises a pair of electrostatic headphones and the Aperio Amplifier – which is an integrated energiser, preamplifier, DAC and network player – plus all the associated cables.

UP CLOSE

The headphones are very well constructed, with the brand using materials like magnesium, which is a third lighter than aluminium and claimed to have better acoustic properties. The open-back design weighs 405 grams without the cable, which might seem a little heavy, but Warwick Acoustics has fitted enough padding on the headband to distribute the weight nicely. So there’s not too much pinching on the crown, even after wearing for a prolonged period. The ear cushions are also very plush, and covered in perforated cabretta leather for better breathability and comfort. The clamping force is slightly higher, but that also helps to keep the headphones secure upon one’s head.

Inside, the headphones feature a Balanced-Drive High Precision Electrostatic Laminate (BD-HPEL) driver, a symmetrically driven variant of Warwick’s HPEL technology. The new transducer is supposed to provide twice the excursion capability, along with greater linearity and lower distortion. As for the Aperio Amplifier, there are plenty of inputs and outputs. On the front, you get the headphone output which has proprietary connectors such that it can only be used with the Aperio headphones. On the rear, you’ll find ports for USB, Ethernet, S/PDIF coaxial, as well as RCA and XLR inputs and outputs.

There’s a display on the front, as well as a volume knob and an input selector knob. My one quibble here is that the volume adjustment isn’t very linear, with rather limited volume steps. It can be hard to get the volume dialled in at first since the volume change is quite different from step to step. This is only really a problem if you typically listen to music at lower volumes, as I do.

The energiser is large and heavy at 7.4kg without the power supply, but that’s due to how it’s constructed. Made with CNC-machined aluminium, the chassis is fastened together with sturdy stainless steel hardware. There’s also external shock and vibration-dampening thanks to special mounting feet, and the analogue circuitry and PCB routing are differential (balanced), with the audio signal passing through as few stages and devices as possible to avoid crosstalk and interference, the company says. 32-bit/384kHz DACs are specified, with balanced outputs and a claimed signal-to-noise ratio of 131dB; DSD256 is supported. The analogue section works in full Class A, using discrete MOSFETs.

THE LISTENING

The Aperio Black headphone system sounds incredibly open and spacious, with phenomenal soundstaging and an excellent and accurate tonal balance. Electrostatic headphones typically have a quick response and fantastic resolution, and that’s present in these headphones, of course. But more than that, this system doesn’t suffer from the common issue plaguing so many electrostatic headphones, which is a lack of body and bass extension.

Indeed, lower frequencies have plenty of bite and thump and are well-textured, too. The bass still isn’t quite as visceral or physical as the best dynamic driver designs, yet sounds super tight due to the lightning-fast transient attack and fine decay characteristics. Other flagship electrostatic headphones can offer a decent showing when it comes to bass, but things can sometimes still feel anaemic. Not here, though. Whether it was with rumbling electronic dance music tracks or modern pop songs, there was more than enough heft and impact from the Aperio Black for me to enjoy.

There is something absolutely exquisite about the sound of a top-tier electrostatic drive unit – as this headphone system proves. The midband is mind-blowing, with beautiful guitar strums, gorgeous vocals, and plenty of crispness and emotion. Timbre and dynamics are fantastic, with realistic and true-to-life sounding instruments and fast transitions handled deftly. Instrumental separation is excellent, even in complex tracks. For example, the meaty guitars in Yellowcard’s Ocean Avenue were nicely offset by the brightness and energy of the drums and cymbals.

Getting to the treble, there is plenty of air in this range, along with beautiful sparkle and energy that lends itself well to female vocals, strings and wind instruments. If you’re a fan of classical music, the Aperio is fantastic. The spatial imaging is pinpoint accurate, allowing you to enjoy each instrument in its own defined space rather than having overlaps. The soundstage is also very wide from left to right, which affords the headphones enough space to show off its accuracy.

THE VERDICT

Warwick Acoustics Aperio Black headphone system is extremely expensive, which is sad because very few people will ever get to experience its genius. It really is incredible sounding, because it connects the listener to the music in an intense, vivid, engrossing and immediate way. So, does that justify its stratospheric price tag? Well, yes, if you’ve got that sort of money!

All-in-one headphone systems are not for the average audiophile, not least because it’s a closed system and you can’t chop-and-change bits of it. So if you do buy this, then it is all or nothing. That works just fine for audiophiles who don’t want to mess around with buying separate components. The Aperio Black proves what’s possible from products like these, offering stellar sound and consummate ease of use. Oh, and if you’re looking to save a few pennies, there’s always the standard silver model you could opt for instead.

For more information visit Warwick Acoustics