Beyerdynamic Unchains Audiophile Sound with Xelento Wireless In-Ears

By Ryan Waniata May 14, 2017

Xelento-wireless-earbuds-feature-image — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Beyerdynamic is hoping to bring audiophiles into the Bluetooth fold with the new Xelento Wireless.

A Bluetooth version of the exquisite Xelento Remote in-ear headphones, the Xelento Wireless combine the Tesla transducer technology that enables the pristine audio quality of the wired version with Qualcomm’s top-tier aptX HD Bluetooth transmission to create a pair of high-end wireless earphones.

Apart from going cordless, the design for the Xelento Wireless is remarkably similar to that of the wired version. The earbuds are connected to a Bluetooth dongle at the end of the headphone wire, which terminates at about the same spot that the earbud wires converge on the wired version. So, while you’ll still have to deal with some cables, you’ll be untethered from whatever device you’ll be listening to. The dongle houses both the Bluetooth receiver and a battery, which can be charged via micro USB for up to five and a half hours playback time.

Xelento-wireless-earbuds — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The most important point of comparison is the drivers. Like the Xelento Remote, the Xelento Wireless use Tesla transducers — which are made with tiny ring magnets and voice coils — in an effort to offer the same fluid and pristine audio that we loved in the Xelento Remote in a wireless package.

While it’s one thing to be equipped with high-performance drivers, wireless headphones have to contend with the obstacle of connection quality. It may seem unreliable to use Bluetooth as the transmission method, especially when these headphones are being marketed to the audiophile crowd, but Beyerdynamic is opting for the aptX HD codec (for those with aptX compatible devices), which is designed to enable 24-bit transmission at full resolution (Xelento wireless also supports aptX, AAC, and SBC Bluetooth). For those who want the option to listen via wired connection — or in the event your battery runs out — the Xelento wireless’ Bluetooth dongle features a 3.5mm jack to plug into.

Considering the wired Xelento Remote cost a whopping $1,000, it’s no surprise that the Xelento wireless will be going for $1,200. Beyerdynamic will be debuting the earbuds at High End 2017 in Munich, Germany. The show takes place May 18-21.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Ryan Waniata is an audio engineer, musician, composer, and all-around lover of all things tech, audio, and cinema. Hailing…

Culture

The best shows on Paramount Plus to binge in September

Stream these incredible shows on Paramount Plus

Penny Dreadful scene

Having a vast library of good television shows and films is the most important factor in the success of a streaming service. That's part of what transformed Netflix into a global phenomenon, and it's why services like Paramount Plus have worked hard to build a healthy library of series that subscribers can browse through. As is the case with all streaming services, Paramount Plus has a mix of original series that live only on the platform and older shows that were originally on broadcast and have now found a home on streaming.
Although these shows have varied histories, each one of them is a great staple in Paramount Plus's overall streaming library. Paramount Plus will likely continue to develop original content, but these Paramount Plus shows will stand the test of time, whether they're ongoing or have been over for a decade or longer.

Penny Dreadful (2014)

Culture

Here’s what critics are saying about ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’

The sequel is getting a more mixed response thank its predecessor.

Joker: Folie a Deux first look

The review embargo for Joker: Folie a Deux has lifted following the film's premiere at the Venice Film Festival, which means we finally know what critics think about the sequel to the 2019 smash hit. The reviews are largely positive, but some suggest that the movie might not be quite as compelling as the first installment, and that it doesn't have the same electrifying spine as its predecessor.

IGN gave the movie a 5/10 and wrote, "Despite the best efforts of Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, and an opening hour set in Arkham Asylum, Joker: Folie à Deux wastes its potential as a movie musical, a courtroom drama, and a sequel that has anything meaningful to say about or add to the first Joker."

Culture

Here are the longest field goals in NFL history

The top field goals that are in the NFL record books

Field goal from field perspective.

After a wild 2023-2024 season that included everything from big-name players getting into the tabloids for off-field relationships (can we go 5 minutes without seeing Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, please?) to big retirements (we'll miss you, Jason Kelce), the NFL is back.

We're getting ready for the 2024-2025 season and so far, New York City is holding its breath to see if Jets' quarterback Aaron Rodgers can last for more than three plays this season, and the Chiefs are looking to repeat as Super Bowl champs. But as we enjoy the action unfolding on the field, let's not forget about the unsung heroes of the game -- the kickers.