R1· Casques

The R1 is a wired canal-type earphone built around a single-pole balanced armature unit. The driver is developed and designed in Japan and is described as sensitive and responsive, with attention to resolution, imaging and spatial presentation. Its acoustic filter is a piece of ruby that has been drilled and cut; the material's hardness is used to limit resonance in the part itself and to add support in the low range without affecting the driver's character.

The housings are machined from aluminium, with a cut-out that leaves the ruby inside visible. The Y-type cable uses braided 4N OFC conductors with silver plating and is made in Japan. It ends in an L-shaped gold-plated 3.5 mm three-pole mini plug, and the design targets wide-band hi-res playback. Two finishes are offered, silver and black.

In the box are silicone ear tips in S, M and L, a Comply foam tip, a replacement earwax filter kit and a pouch made from Japanese cowhide leather. Everything is packed in a black hinged gift box with a sleeve.