The TMA-1s are a special product.
Holding them, you know this… but its not until you put them on that it becomes so personal, so rich and warm, the pressure astounding, so balanced and so wise, summoning an ancient alien force like its namesake…
Yes its true, TMA-1 is a direct reference to the Arthur C. Clark sci-fi novel and kubrick film “2001: A Space Odyssey”. TMA-1 stands for Tyco-Magnetic Anomaly 1, the stark black monolith that appears in the story throughout the millennia. The monolith represents eternity; a time-space continuum with unlimited power; its epic inhumanity radiating throughout the universe. No cooler name for a pair of headphones exists as far as the Discovery One could take you. Just try listening to Also Sprach Zarathustra through these cans, the glistening string arpeggios and brassy stabs have never been more defined.
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What you might not know yet about these headphones is that they have been in the research and development phase for over two years. Working with some of the worlds’ top DJs and electronic musicians (including 2 Many DJs, Boys Noize, Erol Alkan, Hot Chip, James Murphy, Kode 9, Michael Mayer, Matthew Dear, MSTRKRFT, RJD2, Teki Lalex, Tiga & many others), Aiaiai calibrated the TMA-1s to the extreme precision that the professionals need, while retaining a design standard that novists can still be easily seduced by.
The durability is also fascinating; its rubber-coated matte black band can be stretched to its limits, almost completely straight. The cups can be easily removed and replaced, coming packaged with both faux-leather and foam cups, giving you the option for the ‘higher-pressure’ or ‘less fatiguing’ modes of listening. If either were ever to wear out, they can be easily replaced by the manufacturer. Additionally, the cable plugs directly into the cups with a standard 1/8th inch mini plug, meaning any cable can be switched out to preferance or the included cable could easily be replaced if it ever were to short out.
The namesake, design and durability of this product are important talking points, but what it really comes down to is the sound. The world of hi-fi headphone enthusiasts is is critical and nasty; they are quick to judge any new no-names by holding them up to a long-existing standard of expensive, time-tested and highly regarded headphones. Their excitement, however, could not be felt more about the TMA-1s… here is what they are saying over and head-fi.com, the net’s most hostile hi-fi forum:
“…each day seems to just get better and better. Not sure if it’s my ears adjusting or the drivers relaxing ..or both.. but it’s all good.”
“…The TMA’s are punchy and accurate delivering kick drums in a clean and precise manner that didn’t abuse the range or influence the mids/highs. The sound stage was much wider than the 700s with much greater depth and tonality…”
“…The result is a product that’s perfectly refined, instantly iconic, and quite possibly, essential…”
And its true, these headphones sound incredible. At high volumes the pressure is powerful, delivering your music by literally pushing it into your head. Its fun and surprising hearing music like this, the smile I see on the faces of customers trying them on indicates a sort of novelty in their performance. At lower volumes, the TMA-1s become delicate, and the precision and separation become more evident. The bass sounds like bass, which may seem obvious but many new headphone producers push the bass frequencies so hard that they sound reverberated, washed out or dull… leaving the mids and highs to disappear in the cloud of bass. Here, the bass sounds like bass, tight, punchy, warm and isolated, while the mids punch and the highs soar, delivering a clarity and richness in harmonics unmatched by its contemporaries. The tonal coloration is invisible, happening in the background and allowing the natural mixes of your music to determine the equalization.
Until tomorrow, Sunday August 22nd, we’re offering the TMA-1s at their pre-order/introductory price of $179 (15% off from the retail price at $199). Please, even if not to buy a pair, come in to either location and try them out, share with us the euphoria that the TMA-1s produce.
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