The Palma DHS-1 was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the Palma DHS-1 is €2195 and you can buy it directly from Palma Audio.
I was the first audio journalist – reviewer to receive the Palma DHS-1. I would like to thank Palma Audio for their trust.
This is the world’s first review of the Palma DHS-1 after the review I wrote at Greek language for hxosplus printed edition.
The birth of Palma DHS-1
In a time not so distant, two friends named Mario and Pascual shared a passion for audio. Mario, a dedicated audiophile and headphone connoisseur, possessed top-tier audio gear but often expressed his frustration to Pascual about the dilemma of choosing between closed-back and open-back headphones. This predicament required him to maintain separate pairs for home use and travel. It was during one of these discussions that they envisioned a headphone capable of seamlessly switching between closed and open configurations.
Upon exploring the market, they found a lack of high-performance options with this feature, prompting them to embark on a journey to create their own. Thus, the concept for the Palma DHS-1, a convertible high-end headphone, was initiated, though they could not have anticipated that the process would span over three years.
You can read the whole history here.
A flashback in history
To ensure fairness and acknowledge the history of headphones, it is important to note that the Palma DHS-1 is not the inaugural model capable of functioning as both open and closed headphones. The HIFIMAN Edition S, a full-sized planar magnetic headphone, featured the ability to switch from open to closed by attaching a plastic cup to the outer surface of the ear cups. However, while the underlying principle may be similar, the approach taken by the Palma DHS-1 is distinctly different, utilizing a novel and innovative mechanism that significantly enhances user convenience.
Palma DHS-1 / Open or Closed?
The Palma DHS-1 is a premium convertible headphone that allows users to effortlessly transition between open and closed configurations by simply rotating a shutter disc located on the outer surface of the ear cups. This functionality is enabled by a patented mechanical system, ensuring consistent reliability over the product’s lifespan.
To accomplish this goal, the Palma integrates carefully calculated circular perforations arranged in a “golden ratio” pattern at the rear area of each ear cup, along with a movable external aluminum cover that functions as a shutter. This design effectively combines the expansive soundstage typical of open headphones with the impactful bass and superior isolation found in closed headphones.
The user simply needs to rotate the external shutter disk by 14 degrees in the reverse direction to switch from closed to open mode, or in the forward direction to transition from open to closed mode. This action can be executed with the palm of the hand, allowing the user to keep the headphones on. The shutters move effortlessly and smoothly with minimal force applied.
The open mode provides a more spacious sound experience, enabling extended listening sessions without causing fatigue. Conversely, the closed mode creates a barrier from external noise, allowing for an immersive music experience without interference from others or disturbing them. In either mode, the DHS-1s delivers true high-fidelity sound quality that satisfies even the most discerning listeners.
Frequency response measurement
Each Palma DHS-1 headphone features its own frequency response measurement, demonstrating that the transition from open to closed mode results in only a slight alteration to the frequency curve. This is a significant accomplishment, ensuring that the sound signature remains consistent across both modes.
Technical features
Similar to a loudspeaker, the housings of the Palma have been meticulously designed to be an essential component of the product rather than merely serving as an aesthetically pleasing enclosure for the transducers. Constructed from Sapele, a wood renowned for its superior acoustic properties and commonly used in musical instrument manufacturing, these housings ensure durability and precision. The DHS-1 headphones offer the transducer an ideal acoustic load, resulting in a nearly flat tonal curve in both open and closed configurations, thereby ensuring optimal musicality at any volume level.
At the core of the Palma DHS-1 is the driver featuring a neodymium magnet and a voice coil measuring 26mm in diameter. This configuration facilitates the movement of a 50mm composite membrane, which comprises a central dome constructed from pressed rigid cellulose. This design effectively mitigates bending during operation and diminishes intermodulation distortions. Additionally, the suspension ring is crafted from ultra-thin polyamide, which not only lowers inertia and mechanical fatigue but also enables the driver to endure extremely high power levels without experiencing saturation.
You can read more here.
Build quality and appearance
The Palma DHS-1 headphones are exceptionally well designed using only high-quality materials, with no plastic components present. Instead, they feature wood, metal, and authentic leather throughout their construction. The ear-cups are crafted from sapele wood, complemented by an aluminum outer frame and shutter disc. The ear-pads are removable, they feature genuine leather on the exterior and are filled with memory foam for added comfort. The headband is equipped with a spring-loaded mechanism, featuring a soft cushion on the inner side and an outer layer of genuine leather. Its width ensures a comfortable fit on the head, preventing any pressure points. Their weight is 490gr, not the most lightweight headphones but the weight gets evenly distributed at the head so they don’t cause any fatigue.
The headband connects to the ear cups via a double stainless steel wire, which allows for easy length adjustment. A screw mechanism can be tightened to prevent any further movement. The wire is sufficiently long to fit larger head sizes, and the clamping force is adequate to keep the headphones secure without applying excessive pressure. Although the ear cups do not swivel, they fit comfortably due to the spacious ear pads that fully enclose the ear without making contact with the driver. The Palma DHS-1 is designed for comfort, enabling extended wear without discomfort, though some perspiration may occur on warmer days.
Stock cables
The Palma DHS-1 is equipped with a detachable cable system that utilizes a 2.5mm plug interface. Upon inquiring with Palma about their choice of a 2.5mm connector over the more commonly used 3.5mm, they explained that practical considerations made the latter unfeasible. The larger dimensions of the 3.5mm female plug would take up essential space within the ear-cup chamber, affecting the carefully calculated tonal balance of the headphones.
The Palma DHS-1 features three premium cables: a 1.2-meter cable with a 3.5 mm plug, a 2.8-meter cable with a 6.3 mm plug, and an additional cable with a balanced 4.4 mm plug. These cables are expertly crafted, incorporating aluminum connectors and a fabric covering. They are designed to be lightweight and flexible, minimizing microphonic noise. (The balanced cable is not pictured in the photo)
In order to ensure maximum transparency and the best audio performance i eventually switched to my favourite pure silver cables by Lavricables.
Accessories
In addition to the three cables, the Palma DHS-1 comes with a premium carrying case and two pouches: a larger one designed for the headphones and a smaller one intended for the cables. Additionally, you will find the individual frequency response measurement for your headphones included inside. An all-inclusive bundle worthy of a flagship, however a set of spare ear pads would be a nice addition.
Sensitivity and associated gear
The Palma DHS-1 features impressive sensitivity levels of 107dB/1mW in open mode and 109dB/1mW in closed mode, along with a low impedance of 32Ω, making them remarkably easy to drive. They do not require a headphone amplifier, and a high-quality portable source is adequate for optimal performance. Nevertheless, while they do not necessitate additional power, they exhibit remarkable scalability with higher-quality sources due to their outstanding transparency and exceptional fidelity. For this review, I primarily utilized digital audio players such as the FiiO M15S and the iBasso DX260 and DX320. Additionally, I employed a Lavricables Master Line Sky-blue cable to achieve the highest level of audio clarity.
Listening impressions / Open mode
The Palma DHS-1 stands out as one of the most neutral and linearly tuned headphones I have encountered. Its frequency response closely resembles that of certain HIFIMAN models, such as the Arya SE and HE1000SE, yet it features more pronounced mids and a less intense treble. Additionally, the DHS-1 offers exceptional transparency and a fidelity that is akin to a mirror, effectively showcasing both the strengths and weaknesses of your audio setup. Therefore, careful pairing is strongly advised.
The DHS-1 exhibits a monitor-like quality similar to professional headphones; however, its sound signature is far from clinical or sterile. In other words, it does not introduce any sterility on its own, and it maintains emotional engagement and musicality, provided that the source used is capable of delivering those elements. The Palma is versatile enough to pair well with a wide range of sources, offering an enjoyable experience across various music genres, but it requires the listener to maturely comprehend the fundamental essence of the DHS-1 and to refrain from anticipating any sound alteration from the headphones themselves.
The low-end
The low-end performance is a dream for audiophiles, offering a perfectly neutral and tonally precise sound. It can reach deep frequencies as required, without adding any unnecessary emphasis. The bass remains nearly flat up to the mid-range, ensuring that the mid-bass is uncolored and does not obscure the mid-range frequencies. The Palma DHS-1 is exceptionally well-suited for critical listening, not only due to its remarkable tonal accuracy but also its outstanding clarity. Users can discern and appreciate every instrument, even the faintest notes, amidst complex musical passages. Whether it’s a powerful ensemble of double basses, cellos, and trombones, the delicate solo of a bassoon playing softly in the background will not go unnoticed.
The DHS-1 features a 50mm driver that demonstrates impressive technical capabilities, delivering fast and precise bass that is both tight and well-controlled, free from any noticeable cup reverb. The sound textures are reminiscent of a planar driver rather than a dynamic one, offering excellent resolution and remarkable layering akin to high-quality planar magnetic headphones. However, the textures may lack the visceral weight typically found in other dynamic driver headphones within the same category. While the bass of the DHS-1 is somewhat lean and not overly full-bodied, it avoids being described as dry. The headphones can produce a dynamic and impactful sound when required, showcasing remarkable macro and micro contrast, yet they fall short of the raw physical impact offered by top competitors like the Focal Utopia.
Rising higher
The mid-range exhibits a nearly neutral character, with a slight emphasis in the upper mid-range. While the amplitude is moderate, it remains distinctly perceptible due to the previously mentioned flatness in the lower mid-range. Consequently, individuals who are sensitive to this specific frequency range may perceive it as somewhat overly vibrant and pronounced. Conversely, most listeners are likely to be impressed by the remarkable clarity, outstanding definition, and exceptional resolving capabilities of the mid-range.
The treble is vibrant and lively, exhibiting a crystal-clear and transparent quality without veering into overly bright or harsh territory. The Palma DHS-1 headphones deliver a mildly bright and airy sound profile, while the treble remains smooth and well-controlled, avoiding any significant spikes across the frequency spectrum.
These headphones are characterized by their quick and dynamic sound, ensuring that the audio is neither dull nor lifeless. They provide flagship-level detail retrieval while maintaining a balance that prevents an overly analytical sound. The textures are relatively lean, yet they maintain a consistent quality from the lower to the higher frequencies, resulting in a cohesive sound where all instruments in the symphony orchestra are represented with equal weight, without thinning out as the frequencies increase.
More in-depth analysis
The sound profile is characterized by a neutral temperature, neither warm nor cold. Both vocals and instruments are given equal importance, allowing the headphones to reproduce the mix authentically without highlighting or diminishing any elements. The listening experience is largely influenced by the quality of the recording and the sound signature of the source. A clinical recording will maintain its clinical nature, while a musical one will retain its musicality, with the headphones neither enhancing nor detracting from the sound. The tonal accuracy and realism of timbre are impressive, and the DHS-1 adapts seamlessly, capable of delivering both critical reference sound and a more relaxed, enjoyable listening experience depending on the audio setup.
The timbre lacks any notable metallic quality or artificial characteristics; however, increasing the volume may introduce some discernible resonances or ringing in the higher frequencies. Nonetheless, this effect is not pronounced enough to induce treble fatigue. The DHS-1 headphones are exceptionally resolving and refined, delivering sound that is free from any perceived roughness or graininess, and their overall performance justifies their flagship status.
The soundstage presents a varied experience, characterized by an airy and spacious quality with impressive imaging and separation. However, it tends to be predominantly arranged along the horizontal plane, lacking significant depth layering. The sound appears to emanate from the front of the listener’s head, creating a sensation of being positioned a few rows back, yet it falls short of providing a truly holographic dimensionality. Ultimately, the key aspect is that listeners can effortlessly track individual instruments and appreciate a grand symphonic composition without experiencing any congestion or deficiency in ambient atmosphere.
Listening impressions / Closed mode
Transitioning from open to closed mode has a negligible effect on the frequency response and overall sound quality of the headphones, as previously mentioned, representing a remarkable feat of engineering.
The bass performance does not exhibit any of the typical drawbacks linked to closed-back designs. Clarity and definition are preserved without compromise, and the bass maintains a level of tightness and control, free from any noticeable cup reverb or additional resonances. While one might contend that the bass may become slightly slower and lose some of its remarkable layering, it simultaneously benefits from increased physical impact and weight. This enhancement could lead many users to prefer the closed mode for a more robust bass experience.
It is important to highlight that the bass quantity remains unchanged; the closed mode does not affect the measured frequency response in the low-end. Any differences in frequency response between the two modes are minimal, with the closed mode simply smoothing out the upper mid-range peak, making it less prominent. As anticipated, the closed mode does reduce some of the airiness and spaciousness of the soundstage, but this effect is minimal. In fact, the closed DHS-1 offers a more open sound than many open-back headphones.
One drawback unrelated to audio quality is that the Palma DHS-1 does not provide the same level of isolation as true closed-back headphones, which are specifically engineered to create a better seal and enhance passive noise reduction.
How it fares against the competition
The neutral tuning of the Palma DHS-1 is reminiscent of the oval-shaped planar magnetic headphones from HIFIMAN, albeit with a significantly less pronounced treble. In comparison to the Neumann NDH-30, the DHS-1 excels in sub-bass extension, presenting a slightly subdued brightness and a more authentic timbre in the higher frequencies, while also demonstrating superior technical performance.
The HEDDphone 2 is another strong competitor, as both models exhibit a similar monitor-like neutrality. However, the DHS-1 offers a deeper bass response and a smoother treble. There is a notable difference in treble quality though, with the ATM drivers of the HEDDphone 2 providing superior resolution, refinement, and texture shaping.
In general, the DHS-1 lacks the dynamic range and physical impact found in other dynamic driver headphones, such as the Focal Clear Mg or the significantly pricier Utopia. Its textural qualities are more akin to those of planar magnetic headphones or possibly the Sennheiser HD800S. The bass response is relatively lean yet highly tactile and detailed, while the DHS-1 exhibits a monitor-like quality in its reproduction of higher frequencies. Ultimately, the technical capabilities of the Palma DHS-1 are exceptionally strong, standing confidently against its competitors, whether they are planar or dynamic.
In the end
The Palma DHS-1 stands out as a groundbreaking product, being the first headphones designed to switch between open-back and closed configurations without requiring removal from the head. Additionally, the most notable feature is that the frequency response and sound quality remain unchanged across both settings, ensuring an exceptional listening experience.
The Palma DHS-1 is highly recommended not just for its dual nature but also for its exceptional tuning and technical proficiency. This headphone offers class-leading neutrality, fidelity and transparency, making it an outstanding option for audiophiles who engage in critical listening.
Considering its outstanding build quality, extensive accessory collection, impressive drivability, and attractive price point, it is evident that the Palma DHS-1 stands out as one of the top value options in the premium headphone market.
The most remarkable products emerge from love and passion rather than mere commercial gain, and the Palma DHS-1 embodies this principle on the highest level. This exceptional new headphone from an unknown brand is poised to soon become a widely discussed topic. Trust me, i know what I am talking about.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Exceptional audio performance
+ Class leading neutrality and precision
+ Class leading fidelity and transparency
+ Flagship level technicalities
+ Excellent bass extension
+ Energetic but smooth treble
+ Resolving and refined mids
+ Spacious with excellent imaging
+ Open and closed modes with a simple rotation of a disk
+ No loss of sound quality between the two modes
+ No frequency response differences between the two modes
+ Very easy to drive
+ Excellent build quality with premium materials
+ Comfortable and roomy
+ Aesthetically pleasing
+ Detachable cable
+ All-inclusive accessory pack
+ Excellent value for money
- Slightly lean textures
- The bass is not that dynamic impactful as the class leaders
- Extremely revealing and unforgiving
- Rather flat soundstage
- Heavier than average
- Doesn't isolate as well as true closed headphones
- A set of spare ear pads would be nice
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