Palma DHS-1 – Open or closed, freely selectable without loss of sound
Palma Audio describes the Palma DHS-1 as the world's first convertible high-end headphones, based on an ingenious, completely newly developed concept that allows users to switch between open and closed headphones without compromising on sound quality.
- Palma Audio has come up with a completely new concept for the new Palma DHS-1, which can be used either as open or closed headphones.
The beautiful Mediterranean island of Palma de Mallorca is home to the company Tejada House S.L., which has dedicated itself to the development of headphones of a special kind and sells them – fittingly – under the Palma Audio brand. In fact, there is only one model in the manufacturer’s product range so far, but it is said to be a very special one, even a world premiere.
Palma DHS-1 Convertible High-end Headphones is the full name of the headphones from the Balearic Islands, which, according to the manufacturer, are the first of their kind in the world that allow you to switch between an open and closed design. And, as the company explicitly emphasises, without having to accept any loss of sound quality.
The first convertible headphones
This is a completely new concept that can satisfy even the most demanding audiophile music lovers, allowing two sound worlds in one device – open or closed, as already mentioned.
This is crucial because users often perceive the two design principles differently, sometimes favouring one type, sometimes the other. It therefore makes perfect sense to enable both types in one headphone model.
Closed mode or open mode – whichever you prefer…
Naturally, sound is emitted from the driver of a headphone in two directions, namely forwards and therefore directly to the ear, but also backwards into the rear part of the chamber, where it is directed outwards more or less unhindered in an open design, or reflected in a closed design. In both cases, this naturally has a corresponding effect on the sound.
The exciting aspect of the new Palma DHS-1 is that it is based on a purely mechanical concept for which a patent application has been filed. A simple 14° rotation of the locking discs integrated into the ear cups switches between closed mode and open mode.
When the acoustic chambers are open, the reverberation energy is reduced by around 80 per cent, according to Tejada House S.L., promising a more defined sound image and a significantly larger room.
Switch between open and closed mode without loss of sound quality
As simple as the principle used by the developers of the new Palma DHS-1 may sound at first, it was one aspect in particular that posed the greatest challenge, namely to enable this simple switch between closed and open mode without changing the sound. Only the acoustic image should be affected, as the manufacturer emphasises.
Noble workmanship
As a true High-end HiFi solution, the Palma DHS-1 naturally relies on high-quality workmanship with fine materials, which can also fully meet the exclusive claim of the headphones in terms of feel and durability.
Sapele wood was selected for the housing to give the analytical sound a musical warmth. The ear pads and headband are made from the finest lambskin leather for maximum comfort, even during long listening sessions.
The Palma DHS-1 comes with a matching case and a complete cable set. This includes a 1,2 m cable with a 3,5 mm stereo mini jack plug, a 2,8 m cable with a 6,3 mm stereo jack plug and a 1,2 m cable that ends in a 4,4 mm Pentaconn for balanced signal routing.
Prices and availability
The new Palma DHS-1 will celebrate its premiere at the High-end 2025 in Munich, at the distributor audioNEXT GmbH. However, the new Palma Audio headphones can already be pre-ordered now at the recommended retail price of € 2.195,-.
Getting to the point
It is an extremely exciting concept that the Spanish company Tejada House S.L. has developed with the latest headphones from the Palma Audio brand. It’s called the Palma DHS-1 Convertible High-end Headphones and is described as the world’s first headphones for audiophiles that allow you to switch seamlessly between open and closed construction. And without affecting the sound, which is supposed to be at a High-end level.
| Product | Palma DHS-1 Convertible High-end Headphones |
|---|---|
| Price | € 2.195,- |
| Brand | Palma Audio |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Tejada House S.L. |
| Distribution | audioNEXT GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HiFi BLOG |
