MrSpeakers VOCE is designed and built in San Diego, CA and comes with the following innovative features:
In the spirit of avoiding waste and making packaging functional, our attractive shipping box is actually a hardwood headphone stand and case which serves as a stylish and functional way to store a MrSpeakers VOCE (or any) headphone.
First, if you are new to electrostatic headphones it’s essential to understand that they require dedicated electrostatic energizers or amplifiers. Energizers are typically more cost effective, while dedicated amplifiers deliver a higher level of performance.
Energizers take the output of a loudspeaker amplifier and increase the voltage swing, while adding the required bias voltage. Electrostatic amplifiers typically are dedicated to electrostatic headphones, though Malvalve produces a universal headphone amplifier that can also work witih planar magnetic and dynamic headphones.
Energizers are available from Woo Audio, iFi, and Stax, while amplifiers are available from Headamp, Malvalve, and Stax.
Second, it is not uncommon for electrostatic headphones to make a “ripping” or “zipping” sound when the diaphragm contacts the stator (this is sometimes called a “stat fart,” or something similar). This typically occurs when putting the headphone on, or taking it off, or if you press on the headphone cup while listening. This is considered normal behavior and is not indicative of a problem with the headphone, unless the diaphragm doesn’t release (which causes audible distortion).