These luxury headphones promise "the ultimate audiophile experience" – but can they beat their 5-star Focal rival?

(Image credit: Shanling)

Chinese audio brand Shanling has announced the launch of its big bucks HW600 wired open-back headphones.

Designed to "deliver the ultimate audiophile listening experience" while setting a "new benchmark in the audio industry", the HW600, combine cutting-edge acoustic tech with a classic retro design in a bid to tempt would-be buyers to part with a rather sizeable chunk of cash. Hovering over the £1000 / $1000 mark, they'll certainly have to pull out all the stops.

Central to the new headphones is a high-performance dynamic driver which utilises an oversized 86 x 110 mm diaphragm. Deploying ultra-thin polymer driver materials, the new headphones aim to reach the highest and lowest frequencies for an "excellent full-range performance with extra rich dynamics". The rigid driver design also strives for a widened soundstage and detailed reproduction, aided by the cans' aircraft-grade aluminium earcups.

That open-backed design is also central to the new cans' sound. By optimising airflow through the HW600's dual acoustic chambers, Shanling claims that the new headphones offer a sound that blends spaciousness with intimacy across a wide range of musical genres.

Shanling HW600 on a white background — (Image credit: Shanling HW600 HD)

Further design aspects aim to make the HW600 as comfortable as possible, with a high-density memory foam headband and earcups striving for a soft yet secure fit for even the longest listening sessions. The earcups themselves offer a three-axis swivel mechanism, while the headphones use bamboo joints based on traditional techniques to create the cans' unique triangular aspect. Happily, many of the key components, including the ear cushions and cables are replaceable if you're sustainably-minded.

The Shanling HW600 come equipped with what the maker describes as an "audiophile-grade cable" which has been designed to secure an unblemished signal path for maximum audio fidelity. Thanks to the headphones/ detachable design, users can switch between single-ended and balanced audio connections, with the HW600 coming fitted with 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended adapters.

The Shanling HW600 are now available with an MSRP of £1099 / $1099 / €1099. For that kind of money, they're pretty much going head-to-head with the five-star luxury Focal Clear Mg (currently £1299 / $1490 / €1500).

MORE:

Best wired headphones: the 7 top pairs tested by our in-house experts

These are our favourite open-back headphones

Like (much cheaper) wired headphones? Read our Sennheiser HD 620S review

Harry McKerrell is a senior staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. During his time at the publication, he has written countless news stories alongside features, advice and reviews of products ranging from floorstanding speakers and music streamers to over-ear headphones, wireless earbuds and portable DACs. He has covered launches from hi-fi and consumer tech brands, and major industry events including IFA, High End Munich and, of course, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or trying to pet strangers' dogs.

2 Comments Comment from the forums

Friesiansam

What Hi-Fi? said:
while the headphones use bamboo joints based on traditional techniques to create the cans' unique triangular aspect.
I think somebody needed to read Shanling's website more carefully before typing. They actually say, "Inspired by bamboo traditions. The design of the HW600 was based upon the traditional way of creating of creating bamboo joints, with the HW600 integrating the look into the the unique triangular geometry of the earcups."

No mention of any bamboo actually being used in the construction, of the stamped piece of aluminium, bearing the triangular design.
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OldGreyPunk

But no plans to actually review them? I guess Shanling aren't sending you a free pair then (or any other less obvious 'encouragements'........)
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