Field Test · Studio Gear Review
ArcTec AB 92 SC
Detailed technical analysis of the ArcTec AB 92 SC open-back headphones
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Spec Sheet
- Circumaural
- Open-back design
- Magnetostatic
- Frequency response: 12 Hz – 42,000 Hz
- Impedance: 33 ohm
- Max. sound pressure level: 90 dB SPL/mW
- Driver size: 92 mm
- Housing: Aluminium
- Ear pads made from genuine leather with a velour surface on the ear
- Faux leather headband
- Continuous size adjustment
- Detachable, bilaterally conducted 1.5 m cable with a 6.3 mm stereo jack
- Weight: 540 g (without cable)
- Colour: Silver / black
Studio Log
| Item number | 642164 |
|---|---|
| Sales Unit | 1 piece(s) |
| Design | Over-Ear |
| System | Open |
| Impedance | 33 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 12 Hz – 42000 Hz |
| Adapter | No |
| Replacable Cable | Yes |
| Marrone/Argento | Black/Silver |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB |
| Type Of Connector | Jack (stereo) |
| Weight | 540 g |
Demo Footage
Field Photography
QC Pass — Field Test
Customer Review Summary
Introduction to the ArcTec AB 92 SC
The ArcTec AB 92 SC is a pair of over-ear headphones designed with an open-back system, offering a broad frequency response and specialised components for audiophiles. Priced at £2,111, this model features magnetostatic drivers housed in aluminium, targeting users who seek accuracy and refinement in sound reproduction. We detail the technical specifications to assess their potential performance.
Design and build quality
The headphones adopt an over-ear, circumaural design with ear pads crafted from genuine leather on the outer side, complemented by a velour surface that touches the ear. This combination is intended to balance comfort and sound isolation while maintaining a natural listening experience.
The housing is made entirely of aluminium, contributing both to durability and rigidity. The choice of materials suggests a focus on precision engineering and minimisation of undesirable vibrations or resonances that might colour the sound.
At 540 grams without the cable, the AB 92 SC is moderately weighted; it is not among the lightest headphones but remains manageable for longer listening sessions. The headband uses faux leather and offers continuous size adjustment, allowing the user to find a secure fit.
Acoustic design and drivers
The open-back configuration of the AB 92 SC allows sound to radiate freely from the ear cups, providing an expansive and natural soundstage with less ear fatigue over time. However, this also means less sound isolation from external noise and more sound leak, which users should consider depending on their environment.
Central to its audio performance are magnetostatic drivers measuring 92 millimetres in diameter. This driver size is notable as it can provide effective low-frequency response and detailed midrange and treble reproduction. Magnetostatic technology is known for low distortion and precise transient response, pointing to a headphone capable of revealing recording nuances.
The impedance stands at 33 ohms, which is relatively low for audiophile-grade headphones and suggests compatibility with a wide range of amplifiers and portable devices without requiring a dedicated high-powered amplifier, although an external amplifier may optimise its full potential.
Frequency response and sound pressure
The Arctec AB 92 SC offers a frequency range from 12 Hz up to 42,000 Hz, extending well beyond the standard human hearing range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. This wide bandwidth implies the capacity to reproduce ultra-low bass frequencies and very high harmonics that contribute to a sense of airiness and detail in high frequencies.
With a maximum sound pressure level of 90 dB SPL per milliwatt, these headphones provide a reasonable volume ceiling ensuring clear sound without distortion, provided the input signal is clean and adequate amplification is present.
Cabling and connectivity
Connectivity is handled via a 6.3 mm stereo jack, housed within a detachable 1.5-metre bilaterally conducting cable. The cable is replaceable, an advantage for durability and long-term maintenance, as damaged cables can simply be swapped out without replacing the entire headphone.
The lack of an included adapter should be noted by users who might want to connect to devices using smaller 3.5 mm jacks or other formats, requiring additional accessories.
Colour and finish
The ArcTec AB 92 SC is available in black and silver, providing a sleek and modern aesthetic that will appeal to users favouring understated elegance. The choice of metal housing further complements this design.
Summary
- Build: Premium aluminium housing, genuine leather ear pads with velour surface, faux leather headband, moderate weight (540 g).
- Sound design: Large 92 mm magnetostatic open-back drivers, low impedance (33 Ohm), wide frequency response (12 Hz, 42,000 Hz).
- Connectivity: Detachable, replaceable 1.5 m stereo cable with 6.3 mm jack, no adapter included.
- Comfort: Circumaural fit with continuous size adjustment.
- Output level: 90 dB SPL/mW maximum sound pressure.
The ArcTec AB 92 SC is clearly designed as a high-end open-back headphone focusing on precise, natural sound reproduction. Its magnetostatic driver technology, wide frequency range and premium materials position it as a product suitable for critical listening in controlled environments. The substantial price reflects this specialised engineering.
While no user reviews are available, the technical specifications suggest that the AB 92 SC will appeal to audiophiles and sound engineers looking for clarity, detail and a wide soundstage. Potential buyers should consider the open-back design’s acoustic implications and the lack of included adapters relative to their system setup.
