D8000 DC Pro Edition

The D8000 has been completely redesigned

The name DC comes from the musical term “Da Capo,” meaning “return to the beginning of the score.” Seven years after its release, the previous model, the “D8000 Pro Edition,” has been a best-seller, with over 2,000 units shipped both domestically and internationally. The design of this new flagship headphone was completely redesigned from the ground up. The driver unit’s diaphragm has been redesigned, including the manufacturing technology, and the proprietary “AFDS: Air Film Damping System*” technology has been redesigned by redesigning the hole diameter, pitch, and pattern of the perforated metal. Furthermore, by removing the magnet in front of the driver, the aperture ratio has been increased by approximately 70% compared to the previous model. The ear pads are 1.5 times thicker than previous models, increasing the volume of the acoustic space. In addition to the previously achieved sound that combines a sense of openness and voluminous bass with delicate high frequencies, each note is more detailed, creating a vast soundstage.

Furthermore, these design changes have reduced the weight of the headphone by approximately 100g, and the use of special washi paper fabric provides a comfortable, dry fit without a closed-in feel.

*”AFDS: Air Film Damping System” is a trademark or registered trademark of final Co., Ltd.

Equipped with the evolved “AFDS: Air Film Damping System”

With conventional planar magnetic drivers, the diaphragm comes into contact with structures at low frequencies where amplitude increases, making it necessary to raise the low-frequency range that the driver unit can reproduce. The previous model, the D8000, overcame this issue with its proprietary “AFDS” technology, which uses air viscosity to control diaphragm movement, making it possible to lower the reproduction frequency of low frequencies. This solved the weakness of planar magnetic models—poor bass reproduction. This technology can be considered a reinvention of planar magnetic models.

Furthermore, the D8000 DC Pro Edition further evolves this “AFDS” technology, redesigning the hole diameter, pitch, and pattern of the perforated metal used. It also uses different perforated metal patterns on the front and back of the diaphragm. This, combined with breathable ear pads, delivers a rich, open bass sound. The ultra-lightweight film diaphragm is formed by etching extremely thin aluminum foil. This eliminates the need for the structure unique to dynamic models, which glues the coil’s lead wires to the diaphragm, reducing the vibration system weight by approximately one-third. By pursuing fundamental correctness, we have achieved delicate high-frequency reproduction that was previously unattainable.

Machined aluminum-magnesium alloy housing

Achieving AFDS requires an extremely high level of precision compared to a typical driver unit. High rigidity is also necessary to prevent unnecessary resonance and to firmly support the driver. For this reason, the machined aluminum-magnesium alloy housing is machined with extremely high precision and is then hard anodized.

A structure with a higher opening ratio in front of the driver

With the conventional D8000, the front magnet was the cause of small peaks and dips. By removing this with the D8000 DC Pro Edition, the front aperture ratio has been increased by approximately 70%, which has improved the reproduction of high frequencies in particular and made it possible to reproduce each and every sound with greater definition.

Newly developed open-type ear pads made from special fabric using washi paper

Many headphones, not only closed-type but also open-type headphones, characteristically extend the reproduction frequency range to low frequencies that the driver unit cannot normally reproduce by sealing the ear pads. However, to reproduce the natural, expansive, high-quality bass frequencies inherent in the sound source, the driver unit itself must be capable of reproducing low frequencies, and breathable ear pads with a loose seal are required. However, with all conventional planar magnetic headphones and most general dynamic headphones, low frequencies are lacking with ear pads that are not tightly sealed.

With the D8000 DC Pro Edition, AFDS has been able to extend the bass reproduction range, allowing sufficient bass reproduction based solely on the driver unit’s capabilities, even with ear pads that are not tightly sealed. The ear pads, which have a significant impact on sound quality, are proprietary products developed using a special fabric made from washi paper that combines a dry feel and durability with highly breathable foam. Furthermore, with the DC, the thickness of the ear pads has been increased by 1.5 times compared to previous models, increasing the volume of the acoustic space. This results in a wider sound field and smoother reproduction of the human vocal range. The headband is also made of the same material, making it resistant to moisture and highly durable.

Produced in our own factory with a focus on precision

The D8000 DC Pro Edition is produced at our headquarters in Kawasaki. Product assembly precision depends not only on the precision of the components, but also on the precision of the jigs used to support assembly. We design and manufacture our production jigs in-house, allowing us to fine-tune even the slightest variations in component precision during assembly. We

also develop specialized production equipment, such as diaphragm molding machines, and measuring instruments, such as diaphragm tension meters, in-house.

To create truly high-quality products, we must be proactive in processing the materials ourselves. The beauty of “Made in Japan” is that we can obtain cooperation from material manufacturers. We achieve high product quality by consistently controlling everything from the source of the components (i.e., the raw materials) to product assembly.

Designed for long-term use and easy repair

To ensure that you can use it for a long time after purchase, almost all parts are designed to be disassembled with screws, allowing for long-term repairs.

Two types of detachable cables included

Two types of silver-coated cables are included: 4.4mm/1.5m and XLR/3m.

<Silver-coated Cable (4.4mm)>
Cable length: 1.5m
Input: 4.4mm, 5-pole
Output: 3.5mm, 2-pole (with locking mechanism) Compatible
models: D8000 DC/D8000 DC Pro Edition, D8000/D8000 Pro Edition, SONOROUS VIII/VI/IV/III/II

<Silver-coated Cable (XLR)>
Cable length: 3m
Input: XLR, 4-pole
Output: 3.5mm, 2-pole (with locking mechanism)
Compatible models: D8000 DC/D8000 DC Pro Edition, D8000/D8000 Pro Edition, SONOROUS VIII/VI/IV/III/II

Includes a protective case that can store various cables

The product and accessories are stored in a protective case that is easy to carry. It can be locked with the included dedicated key.
*Please note that the specifications of the case may change without notice.

Differences between the D8000 DC and D8000 DC Pro Edition

The D8000 DC Pro Edition retains the delicate sound quality of the D8000 DC, and is a product that has been adjusted to suit the human hearing characteristic whereby bass frequencies become easier to hear as the listening volume increases. Please select the sound quality that is appropriate for your own listening volume.