ULTRASONE Edition 9 S-Logic Natural Surround Sound Headphone (Limited Edition)

by Ultrasone

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000IGOCQO
• Item model number: Edition 9
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 30, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer For the discerning audiophile and headphone enthusiast, Ultrasone presents the new Edition 9 headphone. Hand-crafted in Germany, the exclusive Edition 9 features Ultrasone’s patented S-Logic natural surround-sound technology, high-quality titanium-plated Mylar drivers, and MU metal shielding to deliver astounding sonic clarity and safety--not to mention the sensation of really being there "front row". The Edition 9’s eye-catching aesthetic and attention to detail are apparent by the use of black chrome in both the ear cups and nameplates, and by luxurious Ethiopian sheep leather in the ear pads and headband to ensure maximum listening comfort. The headphones come in a sleek, metal attaché case for safe storage and transportation.

The Limited Edition 9 provides ultimate luxury and performance

Designed to Perfection

Ultrasone’s new Edition 9 sets the standard as one of the best headphones in the world...and for good reason. In designing this headphone Ultrasone painstakingly researched all materials and components to ensure they work perfectly together to provide simply the best sound possible. Real Ethiopian sheep leather for the earpads and headband was selected for its velvety-soft and dense texture that helps to manage the high frequencies of this headphone--ensuring a smooth sound while providing an exceptional level of comfort. Between the driver and your head is placed a Mu Metal bufferboard designed to shield the listener from low frequency electro-magnetic emissions produced when the headphone converts an electric signal to an acoustic one. In accordance with our ULE (Ultra Low Emission) standard this material shields you from up to 98% of electro-magnetic radiation that is typically produced by all headphones. These features combined with our 40mm titanium drivers produce a sound that is smooth, well-defined, and crystal clear.

Providing this great sound for our Edition 9 is our finest quality 40mm titanium-plated Mylar driver. With its sought-after properties of high rigidity and low weight, titanium makes an ideal material for precision headphone drivers. The low weight of titanium allows the driver to move faster by comparison and therefore reproduce high frequencies with greater accuracy. This light weight also provides a better transient response which is important for fast-occurring sounds like snare drum hits and horn stabs.

S-Logic Natural Surround Sound

Ultrasone’s patented S-Logic natural surround sound system is a revolutionary advance in how we listen to headphones. S-Logic creates a natural three-dimensional sound field that gives the listener more depth to their music. S-Logic gives the listener a more lifelike listening experience and protects their hearing at the same time.

Click on the demonstration above to learn more about S-Logic Technology

How Does S-Logic Work?

The outer ear, or pinnea, allows us to perceive distance and direction when we hear sounds in the real world. As sounds come into the ear, they bounce off the folds and peaks of our outer ear creating cues that help our brains figure out where the sound came from and how far away it is. Ultrasone headphones with patented S-Logic are the first headphones to utilize your entire ear, including the pinnea, in the listening experience. Through the use of decentralized driver positioning, S-Logic headphones aim the sound at the pinnea instead of directly down the ear canal. The sound does not go directly down you ear canal as with conventional headphones, but instead filters off the outer ear as you listen. By doing this, your perception of distance, depth and instrument placement are greatly enhanced. You can hear the mix exactly as the engineer heard it in the studio. Your ears are very sensitive, so you should take extra care of them especially when listening to headphones. An added benefit of S-Logic technology is an up to 40% (3-4dB) drop in SPL (sound pressure levels) for the same perceived volume. This means the Ultrasones put less pressure on your eardrum than any other headphones. Because of this, the risk of hearing damaged is greatly reduced and you can listen for longer without fatigue.

ULE Technology

ULE technology was systematically developed by Ultrasone for users who spend many hours in the headphones. All headphone drivers produce low-frequency magnetic fields. In response, Ultrasone developed a special MU metal shielding (ULE technology) to reduce the radiation by up to 98% compared to ordinary headphones.

Product Description

Edition9 is hand-made in Germany. Edition9 is a new pair of headphones with extraordinary qualities. Designed and manufactured with a maximum of attention. You are interested in a pair of headphones with the most sophisticated sound system and the most exclusive materials. Exclusive beauty and high technology at the same time. Take your time and enjoy the finesse in manufacturing and choice of materials. The patented S-Logic technology is described as Natural Surround Sound. No other digital surround system can compare with this new standard. As the sound of normal headphones will sound direct and even on both sides, the S-Logic system pushes the sound around your head. It appears as though you are listening to speakers meters away. Even at very low levels, this spacious sound allows you to hear precisely. Edition9 uses titanium-plated drivers which offer the most accurate and finest sound reproduction. And on top, the S-Logic technology does not require additional electronic equipment.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not the best, August 1, 2007

By 

Amazonian (San Francisco<P>San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: ULTRASONE Edition 9 S-Logic Natural Surround Sound Headphone (Limited Edition) (Electronics)

The Edition 9 has taken a cue from Bose, attempting to justify its inflated price tag by calling it "The World's Most Expensive Headphone." You'll find more pleasing ways to power your iPod elsewhere. Moreover, it is strongly recommended to sample competing models to decide which "sound" is best for you. While the Edition 9 performs well, it may in someways fall short of perfection. (And in all accuracy, the Edition 9 is half the cost of its limited Edition 7; it's already contradicting its own ad copy before it's even out of the gate.

- The case is astonishing, offering full production in an aluminum-lined enclosure almost worthy of protection in itself. The problem is that, with daily use, a case like this is likely to be stored in a closet. And protection may be a long-term an issue; while most listeners are satisfied, a few have complained about flaking the outer surface flaking. Since these phones are presumably going to be used for a long time, wear is a potential issue. The other "problem" is the Edition 9's ability to be folded away like the Sony V6; but it does not fold into its portable carrying case, rendering the case rather useless.
- The are made of Ethiopian sheep leather, an exclusive material offers good softness and long the ability to listen with better-than-average ease.
- The Edition 9 has a forgiving sound with a prominent bass (thanks to its closed design). The treble is more delicate and clear, but probably not ideal for those who crave detail.
- A great-sounding headphone is worth the price. However, a superior collector's phone like the Grado HP2 can be acquired for less than the price of an Edition 9, and perfectionists (with a larger sound system) may favor the exceptional detail of the AKG K1000 - which, with the right set-up, may be the best dynamic phone out there. Even current phones from Audio-Technica may surprise. Before falling for Edition 9 ad copy, do a lot of listening.

Can a headphone be "the best?" Only your ad copy knows for sure. But anyone who paid $3000 for the Edition 7 probably isn't counting pennies, either.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly lifelike- but MUST have Great amplification and system matching., July 27, 2010

By 

John A. Gilmour - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: ULTRASONE Edition 9 S-Logic Natural Surround Sound Headphone (Limited Edition) (Electronics)

I am an audiophile. but not in the way so many people are audiophiles.

So many audiophiles go for a hyper clear sound which bears no resemblance to real music in real spaces. Some want imaging that is so defined that it is even clearer than in real life. Others want ridiculous forward presence of a vocalist or - extreme close mic'ing of instruments to believe they are closer to the music- I dub this "false front row syndrome" (Sennheiser 595's) . Some "Audiophiles" seek subterranean bass that simply isn't present at all in the live performance.

Other "audiophiles" are able to live with huge subtractions in octaves from their music so as not to add any distortions whether "euphonic" or not. (Stax headphones that have no true low bass--the midrange however is glorious)

I can say- that at one time or another... I was impressed by the same things that impressed these other audiophiles...until I "got it" and dialed in a system that I felt was live. For instance... A system where you just did not hear Eric Clapton's voice, but you heard his throat, his sinuses and his true live voice and the nuances that make his voice recognizable from a 100 different imitators/impersonators. Bass notes that are cleanly delineated with appropriate attack and decay. Piano that is readily identifiable as not only a Steinway, but a Steinway grand with the cover open and made in the 1960's. Toss on Eagles Hotel California live..and you are there 8th row center in a Cherry picker... or pop on George Michael's "Papa was a Rolling Stone" and at the 2:00 mark- the bass kicks in and sets off the crowd cheering..and YOU ARE THERE).

Caveat: So with these headphones... I must say... right out of the box... they won't get you there. But with a little care/modding they will get you far past just about any headphone.

All other Headphones biggest shortcomings????

1. Lack of realistic tactile bass.

2. Imaging without true depth other than it sounding like the music is in a bubble in your head instead of being a performance in front of you and around you.

3. Clarity at life like volume levels.

Requirements:

You MUST recable this headphone - an additional $300 expense with A Pure Sound's V3 cable or the highs will sound like a glaring titanium tweeter and the midbass hump of this headphone will mask its incredible low bass and make it somewhat muddied in the lowest octaves- the V3 recable will remove this hump without killing the lowest bass. ALO also makes a recable for this headphone which is also good- but not quite as low in the bass dept as it rolls off the bass a bit too much.

A quality headphone amplifier. One with a good amount of current.

1. Best one for Portable use is the TTVJ Millet Portable Tube amplifier.
2. Next in line would be a well burnt in Ray Samuels Audio Predator (at least 500 hours)
3. Then the ALO portable.

Ibasso is also an excellent choice. Likely ranking just below the Millet but I could no a/b this one against the Predator but is very satisfying.

A good Line out dock (if you use an IMOD or Ipod) for this is the ALO audio 22 gauge cryo dock works well.

A 5.5G Imod from ALO audio or redwine audio now with a whopping 240 gig harddrive. This will bypass the crummy amp in the iPod but keeping the very musical DAC- which still is the best sounding of the iPods and iPhones (yes I have tested them all) if you don't want an iMod I would suggest the Ipod touch 2nd Generation.

If you want to use these for home use... Again you will need to recable them. The output of the Apogee Mini Dac is quite good for the money- don't bother with the Lavry DA-11. Other high buck amps are good as well.


These headphones have such good bass that you need not try to augment the bass using a thicker LOD cable. In fact you can overdo the bass and drown out the midbass and midrange.

There isn't a single moment that I am not thrilled to put these on my head and I love the expression on peoples faces when I put these on their ears. I have never been a fan of live rock recordings but these headphones do bring recorded live rock venues to life. Objectively- Classical music could use more bloom- though Jazz is very pleasent. Dance music is off the charts... you are in the dance club with these. IN THE CLUB...REALLY.

Anyway..I hope this review helps offset the other silly one. At headphone meets I have shown this combo to many other respected reviewers who have all heard the same improvements.

If you find you can not afford all the above things to make these truly sing... buy the Proline 900 Ultrasones..while not as detailed- they will require no cable upgrades and can be very musical even with a lesser amp. Its about 85-90% of this Edition 9... but won't put you there like the Edition 9 will.