I recently had the pleasure of testing the Warwick Acoustics Bravura Electrostatic System, which includes the Bravura Headphones and the Sonoma M1 Energizer/DAC. This high-end audio setup intrigued me as an audiophile, especially given the promise of an exceptional listening experience through its electrostatic design. After a thorough exploration, I am excited to share my insights and impressions.

Look and Build

The Warwick Acoustics Bravura system immediately impresses with its high-quality construction and thoughtful design. The aluminum casing of the Sonoma M1 Energizer/DAC and its components feel incredibly durable and premium. The attenuation knob and switches are robust and user-friendly, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship that defines this system.

Available in both silver and black, the aesthetic is sleek and understated, capitalizing on simplicity with limited controls that prevent the feeling of operating a spaceship. This minimalist design reduces potential failure points, enhancing reliability. However, I noted that the black color option comes at a higher price, though the reason for this remains unclear other than its limited supply.

I personally tested the silver edition, and it beautifully complemented the Bravura Headphones. The design language, from the venting to the driver housing, is consistent and cohesive, contributing to a visually pleasing setup. Both the headphones and amp are durable, with excellent heat management that prevents the amp from getting excessively hot despite its power.

Comfort

Comfort is crucial in any headphone design, particularly for prolonged use. The Bravura Headphones feature soft earpads and a thick magnesium headband, which eventually conforms to the user's head. However, the clamp force is notably strong—the strongest I’ve ever experienced—making them less comfortable for those who wear glasses or hats. While the headband eventually adapts to your head shape, the intensity of the clamp force hinders the overall comfort.

The amp, although bulky, justifies its weight with its powerful specifications. Its size is a necessary trade-off for the high performance it delivers.

Design and Features

The Bravura system showcases a seamless integration of design and functionality. The built-in ESS Sabre Reference DAC in the amp is both practical and high-performing, ensuring excellent sound quality. However, the absence of a DAC bypass mode means that even when using an external DAC, the dual 32-bit chips remain active.

The Class-A amp boasts very low distortion, operating at a high bias to perfectly power the electrostatic headphones. Additionally, it employs an AKM Premium ADC and custom 64-bit double-precision fixed-point DSP, contributing to a high-precision, ultra-low noise, low distortion system.

A minor design consideration is the Ultra-phonic cable, which, while high-quality, is stiff and proprietary to the amp. This stiffness can transmit noise, but the headphones' high clamp force ensures stability, minimizing movement-induced noise.

Listening Impressions

Soundstage

The Bravura system delivers a soundstage that is both expansive and immersive. Listening to "cigarette in your bed" by My Bloody Valentine, the reverb on the pads and guitars created a vast, enveloping soundscape, while the vocals and drums felt more intimate and defined. The precise imaging, aided by a slight dip in bass frequencies, makes these headphones ideal for professionals requiring exacting audio fidelity.

In "Bump" by Yosi Horikawa, the subtle panning shifts were incredibly clear, showcasing the headphones' ability to render both detail and expansive wetness. The soundstage's height and width rival some of the best flagship headphones, making the Bravura a competitive choice in its price range.

Lows

The Bravura Headphones deliver bass that is understated yet precise, adhering to a flat, reference-quality response. In "Rack Everything That You Need" by Clique, the kick drums were tight and punchy, with transients captured with precision. While the bass might not slam like bass-heavy headphones, the overall balance and timbre were satisfying.

For those who enjoy a neutral sound signature, the bass is ample and non-fatiguing. However, tracks like "Pillowhead" by Failure revealed a slight lack in the rumbling bass quality some listeners might prefer in headphones like the Fostex TH-808. The Bravura system prioritizes clarity and balance, which might not cater to bass enthusiasts but offers an honest representation of the music.

Mids

The midrange performance of the Bravura system stands out as its defining feature. Vocals, guitars, and drums have a fantastic timbre, providing a rich listening experience. In "Late Night Walk" by Ichika Nito, the shimmering guitar tones were clear and full-bodied, blending seamlessly with static noise effects due to the headphones' flat tuning.

The slight bump around 1kHz adds punch and character, allowing these electrostatics to excel across various music genres. Similar to the Sennheiser HD600 but with enhanced clarity and balance, the Bravura system shines in the mids, making it perfect for both casual listening and professional use.

Highs

Warwick Acoustics has done an exceptional job tuning the Bravura Headphones. Unlike some electrostatic models that can be overly bright, these headphones follow the Harman curve, achieving a balanced high-frequency response. In "Litha" by Stan Getz, cymbals exhibited fantastic clarity without sounding harsh or exaggerated.

I appreciated the harmonic details in "Liebestraum No. 3," performed by Daniel Barenboim. The headphones captured the dynamic shifts and timbre changes beautifully, providing an analytical yet non-brittle listening experience. For those sensitive to treble, the Bravura system offers a smooth, detailed high-end without overwhelming the listener.

Verdict

The Warwick Acoustics Bravura Electrostatic System offers an exceptional audio experience, marked by its precise and expansive soundstage, high-quality build, and impeccable attention to detail. Although the headphones' clamp force may be too strong for some, and the bass might not satisfy every listener, the system excels in clarity, balance, and detail across the frequency spectrum.

For audiophiles and professionals seeking a high-end reference system, the Bravura offers a compelling option, merging cutting-edge technology with exceptional sound quality. Whether analyzing complex mixes or simply enjoying your favorite tracks, the Warwick Acoustics Bravura system provides a captivating and immersive listening experience that sets a new standard in the world of electrostatic headphones.