Ever since Dr. Dre’s line of Beats headphones came to the market, the over-the-ear type of headphones has had a resurgence of sorts. While companies like Sennheiser and Urbanears have both capitalized on the comeback of this trend, many new players are also jumping into the biz. Denmark-based AIAIAI, one of the new breed of companies in the personal audio space, gets into the game with the Capital, a purportedly over-the-ear headphone that’s aimed at DJs and music enthusiasts. Does it deliver? Let’s find out!
Whenever a headphone is marketed as something that a DJ would use, a high level of comfort and fit is expected. DJs usually spend hours when they’re working the dance floor and comfort is of the utmost priority. Being lightweight is one of the key factors of a comfortable headphone and the ingenious use of nylon that’s reinforced with fiberglass in the construction of the brace of the AIAIAI Capital gives it a huge boost in that department. The nylon brace is not only lightweight, but is also quite flexible, which allows it conform easily to the shape of one’s head without being too constricting. The length of the brace is covered in EVA foam, making it quite well padded and adding an extra layer of comfort. For the ear cups of the Capital, AIAIAI placed a generous amount of cushioning to prevent the ears from chaffing or feeling sore during long stretches of use.
Attaching the ear cups to the fiberglass reinforced brace is hard plastic with a sliding mechanism for the adjustment of the length. Nothing entirely wrong with plastic, but I do wish that AIAIAI used a different material instead of plastic, it just feels a little out of place considering that the brace and ear cups looks and feels so high end. Still, the plastic used on the AIAIAI Capital feels and looks to be of the high end sort, very durable and sturdy. AIAIAI claims that the Capital is also weather resistant and can withstand rain, snow or hail. I can’t confirm this as I haven’t used the AIAIAI Capital outdoors but the product is compliant with IP44 standards which gives the claim some validity.
The cord is pretty much the standard fare of what AIAIAI normally uses. It doesn’t tangle too much and the rubber lining of the cord doesn’t break easily. Attached to the cord is a 3 button in-line remote which makes taking calls and cycling through music a breeze.
No matter how good a technology is inside headphone, it is worth absolutely crap if the fit is bad and for over-the-ear headphones, it takes good engineering to make sure the cups align perfectly on the ear. AIAIAI has nailed it with the Capital, it fits perfectly so all the sound is channeled properly to the ear. Now as far as music quality goes, the AIAIAI Capital is definitely one of the better sounding headphones in the market and I would go on a stretch and say that it ranks among the top in its price range. I really like the neutral sound the AIAIAI Capital produces, as mentioned in my other headphones review, I like my music clear and balanced so the AIAIAI Capital fits the bill perfectly.
Sounds great, durable and very comfortable to wear. AIAIA has another winner with the Capital. I can’t say for sure if DJs are going to love this product, but I can testify that this is one great product that you won’t mind spending money one. I wouldn’t say that it’s a steal at Php 4,450, but it definitely is worth its asking price. And I just have to add, the AIAIAI Capital has got to be the most portable over-the-ear headphone in the market, just check out the picture below. Don’t worry, the AIAIAI Capital is built to withstand being folded that way.
Looks painful, yah? Don't worry, the AIAIAI Capital was meant to be folded this way
Php 4,450
All Buzz (Robinsons Ermita), Digital Hub, Digital Walker and Beyond the Box outlets
