Why You Can Trust CNET Meet the world's most expensive in-ear Bluetooth headphone
Beyerdynamic bills its upcoming Xelento Wireless as "the first wireless in-ear headphone for audiophiles." It ain't cheap.
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The Xelento Wireless will retail for $1,200.
Audiophiles tend to prefer to listen to wired headphones, but they might make an exception for Beyerdynamic's upcoming Xelento Wireless, which will retail for $1,200 (£1,000) when it's released later this year. That converts into about AU$1,625.
I haven't tried the wired Xelento Remote, which costs a mere $1,000, but I've heard from others that it sounds terrific. The Xelento Wireless has the same Tesla drivers but terminates in a Bluetooth transceiver with a built-in battery that delivers up to 5.5 hours of battery life (which isn't great). You clip the transceiver to your shirt.
Shop for Beyerdynamic Xelento Wireless
See all pricesBeyerdynamic Xelento Wireless is the world's most expensive in-ear Bluetooth headphone
See all photosIf you want to listen in wired mode, a cable is included that plugs into the transceiver.
Beyerdynamic, a German company, is debuting the Xelento Wireless at the High End 2017 show in Munich, which takes place from May 18 to 21. We'll let you know how the headphone sounds -- and whether it's worth its high price -- as soon as we get our hands on our review sample.
Technical data
| Transducer type | Dynamic, Tesla |
|---|---|
| Operating principle | Closed |
| Frequency response | 8 - 48,000Hz (cabled use) |
| Nominal impedance | 16 ohms |
| Nominal SPL | 110 dB (1 mW / 500Hz) |
| Transmission | Bluetooth |
| Codecs | aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| Transmission rate | 48kHz / 24-bit |
| Remote control & microphone | Universal 3-button |
| Sound coupling to the ear | In-ear |
| Playing time | Up to 5.5 hours |
| Weight (without cable) | 7g |
| Supplied accessories | Bluetooth connection cable, detachable (MMCX) with remote control, microphone and rechargeable battery pack. 1.3m headphone cable with remote control and microphone (for wired connection), micro-USB charging cable, 7 pairs of silicone eartips, 3 pairs of Comply eartips, 1 pair of replacement protective grilles. Carrying case, clip for rechargeable battery pack, cable clip. |