Magnat Audio-Produkte GmbH · Lise-Meitner-Str. 9 · 50259 Pulheim · Germany · www.magnat-LZR.com

12 / 2014

«The LZR 580 offeRs a modeRn design, a LiveLy sound expeRience

and opuLenT accessoRies.»

geLaZeRT

+ LiveLy and Rousing+ veRy pRecise+ poweRfuL in

The deep bass Range+ dynamic

+ can be foLded inTo a compacT shape

+ TRanspoRT case and Two cabLes incLuded as

accessoRies+ seveRaL coLoR combinaTions

+ comfoRTabLe

Magnat Audio-Produkte GmbH · Lise-Meitner-Str. 9 · 50259 Pulheim · Germany · www.magnat-LZR.com

After its world premiere at the IFA, it finally arrived at our editorial offices. We are talking about the LZR 580, one of the three new LZR headphone models unveiled at the IFA. At a recommended retail price of just EUR 99, it is the most reasonably priced LZR entry-level model, offering modern urban elements intended to appeal particularly to the younger generation. At the same time, it boasts high-performance technology and a dynamic, powerful sound. This model comes in four color combinations, including „White vs. Orange”, “Blue vs. Black”, “Green vs. Purple” and “Red vs. Black.” The colors are so vibrant they practically go head-to-head against one another. We tested the performance of the LZR 580 to see, for example, whether the model is „truly laser.“In the „Red vs. Black“ model we received, the color red definitely defeats its opponent black, covering the majority of the surface. The ear pads, the headband pad and the transition from the ear cups to the ear pads are all black. That is why the contrast with the other models looks better because here the plastic ring between the ear cups and the ear pads is a different color than the black of the pad. The red is slightly unobtrusive, giving the headphones a fashionable look. The external surface is primarily made of plastic, which does not make much of an impression at a glance, but it feels solid in the hand. The Magnat lettering on the top side and the LZR 580 lettering on the ear cups are engraved and only visible if you look carefully. Understatement is the trump card here. On the inside, you see that even with the less expensive model, the important components such as the folding elements and the height adjuster are metal-supported. Thanks to its folding elements, the headphones can be folded into a compact shape, so that they will easily fit into the transport case that comes with them.The ear cups themselves are firmly attached to the headband with just a little play so that they can adapt to the user‘s head size. The ear pads rest on the ears without too much pressure and the padded area on the headband seems to be made of a kind of „memory“ foam, creating the starting basis for an absolute high level of comfort. Having tested it thoroughly, even during a longer listening session, we can say without a doubt that the LZR 580 was completely comfortable at all times. The left ear cup comes equipped with a conventional 3.5 mm connecting jack so that if a connecting cable needs to be replaced, a new conventional cable can easily be used.The LZR 580 comes with a transport case that conveniently holds the folded-up headphones and the associated accessories, including a conventional two tangle-free cables, one with a remote control and an adapter for 3.5 mm to 6.35 jacks. The remote control for use with iOS-/Android and Blackberry has a separate button that can, with short sequential clicks, initiate various actions on the user‘s mobile device. One click means accept/end a call or Play & Pause, two clicks means track forward and three clicks mean track back. If you hold it down for two seconds, the smart phone waits for a voice command. The cables included are flat and sufficiently long; the jacks and the adapters feel solid.The headphones are a closed design and outside noises are filtered out really well. In principle, the Magnat LZR 580 is an over-ear headphone. The pads will even cover somewhat larger ears. To celebrate the Christmas season, we will begin our sound test series with the song “Let it Snow,” except that we picked a jazz version by Denis Solee. The Magnat headphones start out with a nice piano and bass elaboration and continue by working the instruments into the piece as it progresses. In this track, the LZR 580 radiates a comfortable warmth, even if we can also somewhat better differentiate between the individual instruments on the stage. The dynamics are delightful and ensure a lively sound experience that you can‘t help tapping your feet to. In the second track “Jingle Bells” by Beegie Adair, the LZR 580 offers a comfortably harmonious stage effect even though we are somewhat missing the foundation, a denser atmosphere. What we really liked was the quick response of the drivers, everything seems very precise and focused. We will now leave the sounds of Christmas and wind our way toward other genres and artists who we are considerably more familiar with.

The first is Joe Bonamassa, who recently performed at the Vienna Opera House for an acoustic evening. Luckily, for those who were unable to attend, the live performance was recorded. When the track „Jockey Full of Bourbon“ starts up, the LZR 580 successfully produces a crisply defined piano passage that only slightly sacrifices the piano‘s characteristic timbre. The percussion instruments are cleanly recorded and reach a powerful, voluminous bass range. It‘s not that the LZR headphones lay the bass on too thick, rather they have a round and distinct bass range, while staying clean and precise in the bass frequencies. The guitar solo also sounds excellent, with the strings coming across with great clarity. For more complex stage formations, the differentiation between the instruments does not succeed one hundred percent perfectly, but not once do the individual sounds mix together to become an acoustic mishmash. Audiophiles familiar with headphones from price ranges higher than the LZR 580 will not be entirely impressed. This is where the subtleties and details of Joe Bonamassa‘s vocals are missing. Nevertheless, it must be noted that for just under EUR 100, these headphones offer a high quality sound. The headphones accentuate the medium and treble range, offering clear structures and brilliance, but nevertheless not quite completely authentic. They reproduce definitively stable levels and demonstrate no weaknesses in terms of sovereignty. Even at high volumes, they never become aggressive, rather offer a very harmonious and comfortable performance.The LZR 580 also solidly delivers when listening to the Eagles, though here, too, some internal tonality from the Magnat headphones can be heard. Those familiar with the jangly steel string sound from the Los Angeles rock band will quickly recognize it through the headphones. It should be added here that this feature also has its advantages. Because those who connect to a more low-performance source or play compressed music files, which, in the Magnat headphone price range, will surely be the case, they still reproduce a very lively and crisply defined sound experience with greater precision and spectacle. Overall, the frequency ranges also sound in tune with one another, which results in a particularly comfortable stage effect. The LZR 580 also achieves a great drum sound, whether in the lower ranges or with elements from higher frequency ranges, the acoustics come across as fleet and nimble. Now let‘s switch over to electronic music – and we have a feeling that this is where the LZR 580 headphones are really at home. The artist Raptor from Digital X immediately demonstrates signal fidelity and packs a powerful kick bass to our ear drums. The accentuated structure perfectly highlights the many, individual synthesizer elements that follow one another in quick succession. In addition, the Magnat headphones achieve a very distinct spaciality and draw the listener into a personal sound experience. The deep bass sounds hard, relatively dry and precise, there is no sign of a post-pulse oscillation. Thanks to the comfortable design, you can easily crank up the volume without the Magnat headphones having to work too hard. Even during the song “F The Bullshit” by Ferry Corsten, a track that has a somewhat more complex structure, the LZR 580 reveals no flaws and differentiates perfectly between the individual elements. Also, the local placement of the effects is outstanding. Rapid, pulsating sounds are no problem for the headphones due to their nimble response. The sound is simply spectacular which makes for pure listening pleasure. As already mentioned, sound fanatics looking for a truly authentic sound will not be necessarily impressed here. But for those who do not exactly have the same demands as an audiophile will truly enjoy the benefits of a very lively and rousing sound experience.The LZR 580 headphones embody urban style not only in form and function, but also in acoustic performance. They may not always be 100% authentic, but they value pure musical pleasure, liveliness and a thrilling sound experience. Fans of electronic music or hip hop who like to listen with the volume cranked up will definitely get their money‘s worth. As far as materials go, the headphones are made primarily of plastic with metal support components in important areas. The workmanship is good overall and the fact that the LZR 580 can fold down makes it super easy to transport. Another feature to positively highlight is comfort. The memory foam on the headband prevents any kind of pressure areas on the listener‘s head. The accessories included with the headphones are two flat cables, a 6.35mm adapter and the transport case.

The LZR 580 offers a modern design, a lively sound experience and opulent accessories.