Warwick Acoustics APERIO GoldenSound Edition Electrostatic Reference System (Special Order)

Available for demo at Audio46 until the end of 2025

Aperio Headphone System GoldenSound

From the Latin meaning to uncover or open, the critically acclaimed APERIO headphone system reveals the true beauty of recorded sound.

Same excellence. Different listen. Leading audio expert, GoldenSound, has retuned our APERIO system to create a thrilling new version of the ultimate headphone experience.

Warwick Acoustics

Developers of the world's most advanced headphone audio systems.

Best ear in the business

GoldenSound

High-end audio expert, whose masterful reviews have earned him a large following among headphone enthusiasts.

This signature edition combines Gen 2 BD-HPEL transducers with redeveloped analog and digital pathways to bring you a wholly new perspective on the APERIO sound.

Every Element Custom Tuned

No aspect of the APERIO's tuning was off limits for our collaboration. Total control, zero compromises. This is what an audiophile's dream sounds like.

More Lifelike Than Ever

With incredibly lifelike timbre, authoritative bass and an expansive soundstage, this unique collaboration delivers a new perspective on a flawless listening experience.

Headphone

Optimal audio performance

A reference studio monitor headphone system revealing the definitive audio recording, without embellishment or colouration.

Award-winning technology

Two generations of patented electrostatic transducers, resulting in the most remarkable and immersive acoustic experience.

Precision engineering

Each component meticulously selected. Every element designed to bring you music in the most exquisite detail.

Comfortable design

Advanced materials and optimal geometry allow you to listen in luxury and comfort for as long as you choose.

Amplifier

An integrated energiser, pre-amp and DAC configurable into either analog or digital audio chains from a fully featured set of input options, engineered to deliver the perfect balance of performance under all operating conditions.

A complete sound system

The APERIO headphone is designed to be paired only with our remarkable APERIO electronics.

Technology

BD-HPEL transducer

A Balanced-Drive High Precision Electrostatic Laminate (BD-HPEL) revolutionising sound.

'Open' ear cups

Minimal materials around the transducer to not to impede airflow to impair the quality of sound.

Ear cushions

Designed for optimal performance and comfort covered in the finest, sustainably sourced Cabretta leather.

Headphone comfort

Made from magnesium, engineering polymers and other advanced materials, the APERIO headphone weighs just 405 grams.

Cutting-edge components

From high-voltage discrete transistors to 0.5% tolerance metal film resistors, every element of the electronics is designed for superior audio performance.

Analogue line output

Includes a novel Class A circuit that can output very high voltages with prodigious current.

Dual 32-bit, 8-channel DACs

Transforms your music files into sound waves using state-of-the-art digital-to-analogue converters (DACs).

Input cables

Cables have been designed to be impervious to noise, interference and emissions.

Specification

Headphone

• Configuration: Open-back; circumaural type
• Transducer: Balanced-Drive High Precision Electrostatic Laminate (BD-HPEL)
• Effective Diaphragm Area: 3570 mm2
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 60 kHz
• Output Level (SPL): Compliant with EN 60065/A12:2011 (EN50332) when driven by APERIO electronics (for all inputs); digital input: ∽ 104 dB; analog input: ≥ 106 dB (continuous, est.)
• Ear and Headband Cushions: "Cabretta" top-grain, sheepskin leather; perforated surface on ear cushions
• Input: Polarized, 4-pin, self-latching connectors for left and right channels
• Drive Cable: Dual mono, shielded, ultra-low capacitance; silver-plated OFHC ultra-fine stranded copper, with silicone insulation and Kevlar reinforcement; 2 meter length
• Weight: 405 grams (14.3 oz.), without cable

Electronics

• Balanced Analog Inputs: Dual (female) XLR jacks; switchable (high / low) input range; 18 dBu / 10 dBu
• Unbalanced Analog Inputs: Dual RCA jacks; switchable (high / low) input range; 5.0 Vrms / 2.1 Vrms
• USB Digital Input: Type B jack; USB 2.0; accepts digital audio formats up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD (DSD64/DSD128/DSD256) via DoP or Native
• Network (Ethernet LAN) Digital Input: RJ45 jack; DLNA-compatible; accepts digital audio formats up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD (DSD64/DSD128/DSD256) via DoP or Native
• AES3 (AES/EBU) Digital Input: XLR (female) jack; accepts digital audio formats up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM
• S/PDIF Coaxial Digital Input: RCA jack; accepts digital audio formats up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM
• Line Outputs: Balanced and unbalanced, high current outputs; +5 dB gain; switchable
• Digital Formats: PCM: 16-32 bit / up to 384 kHz; DSD: up to 256 fs DoP and Native
• Digital Signal Processing (DSP): 64-bit (double-precision) fixed-point processing at native sample rates
• Switchable Gain: Rear panel switch; high level / low level selection for balanced analog input (professional audio and consumer levels) and unbalance analog input
• Source Selection: Multi-position front panel selector with indicator LEDs for all sources
• Level Control: Front panel, 31-position; digital and analog domain volume control (HP & Line Out)
• Status Display: Front panel, 51 mm, full color, QVGA, TFT LCD (240 x 320 pixels)
• Display Functions: Digital readout and bar graph of volume control setting; display of digital audio data format; display of rear panel analog input (gain) settings; display of Ethernet and USB data link transmission lock; display of detected fault modes and output clipping
• Auto Fault Detection: Automatic detection, display and protection for: output amplifier clipping, unplugged connections and malfunctioning wiring, over-temperature conditions and internal electrical faults
• DACs: 2 x dual mono, 32-bit / 384 kHz DACs with balanced outputs, for PCM & DSD inputs
• Amplifier/Energizer: Balanced, discrete MOSFET, high-bias, single-ended Class A output; dual mono topology, including power supply; 1800 VDC bias (charge) voltage
• Distortion + Noise: < 0.001%
• Bandwidth: > 65 kHz
• Enclosure: CNC-machined 6063 aluminium; earth-grounded
• Power Supply: External: world voltage compatible (90-264 Volt AC, 50-60 Hz); 24 Volt DC, 200 VA (8.333 A), fixed frequency, class B-compliant SMPS. Internal: isolated, dual mono; switching and ultra-low-noise linear regulation
• AC Mains: Types B, G, F, I; IEC-60320 C14, earth- grounded power cable; 1.5 meter length
• Dimensions: H x W x D: 68 mm (2.68 in.) x 413 mm (16.26 in.) x 351 mm (13.82 in.)
• Weight: 7.4 kg (16.28 lbs.), without Power Supply