We all like cool headphones, and when AIAIAI (that’s I-AY-I if you didn’t know) brought out the TMA-1 headphones, it was as if they’d taken the ubiquitous Sennheiser HD 25s and painted them with the more aesthetically pleasing brush. And now with the help of record label Stones Throw, they’re about to get just that little bit cooler.
Here are some words to embellish the obvious coolness of the pictures:
AIAIAI and Stones Throw Records: TMA-1 Stones Throw Edition
Award-winning Danish audio designer and manufacturer partners with legendary indie hip-hop label for a special DJ headphone, and celebrates with a special limited-time offer
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – February 4, 2014 – AIAIAI (www.aiaiai.dk), the Danish designer and manufacturer of award-winning audio technology announces the official release of the TMA-1 Stones Throw Edition DJ headphone in collaboration with Stones Throw Records.
The TMA-1 Stones Throw Edition is a professional DJ headphone derived from the original TMA-1 that was developed in conjunction with 25 acclaimed, international DJs back in 2010. It quickly generated an underground cult following amongst the most credible DJs in the world, including becoming a favorite with the Stones Throw Records family. This minimalist, durable DJ headphone has undergone a few improvements since 2010, the latest of which is, perhaps, the most remarkable to date sporting a bold, new, subtle, purple colorway designed by Stones Throw Records. This headphone also includes two detachable cords, one of which has a built-in microphone.
To celebrate the release of the new collaboration, along with each TMA-1 Stones Throw Edition purchase, AIAIAI and Stones Throw is offering a free limited-edition 7-inch vinyl featuring unreleased material from Peanut Butter Wolf and Dam-Funk. The 45 cover features two Polaroid photos of the artists from the year of the recordings, 1992 and 1993. The releases will only be available to the first 300 buyers of the TMA-1 Stones Throw Edition headphones on the respective web stores of AIAIAI and Stones Throw Records.
In the box:
- Matte black TMA-1 headphones Stones Throw Edition
- Two interchangeable pad types: synthetic and semi-leather
- Two interchangeable & detachable cable types: 1.5m coiled cable and 1.5m straight cable with 3-button microphone
- 1/8-inch to ¼-inch plug adapter
- Carrying pouch
Technical Specifications:
- Transducer Principle: Dynamic, closed
- Driver Unit Size: mm
- Impedance: 32±15% Ohm
- Load Rating: 0.1W
- Frequency Response: to 20.000 Hz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.3%
- Sensitivity: 103±3dB Weight w/o
- Shipping weight: 3lb
The TMA-1 Stones Throw Edition will be available on February 12, 2014 with pre-orders accepted immediately on either www.aiaiai.com or www.stonesthrow.com, distributed worldwide with a $219USD MAP.
It seems that the Stones Throw edition isn’t technically any different, so this is really for those looking for new headphones, or fans of Stones Throw. The irony hasn’t escaped me that in a short space of time, the very limited edition 7″ is likely to change hands among vinyl collectors for more than the headphones. So in that respect, buying a pair is likely to be an investment for the first 300 buyers.
Nice!!!!! had a go on them at phase one and they are pretty amazing. like slightly bulkier hd25s, lovely sound too. this update is pretty cool too
Are these over the ear or on ear headphones?
more on ear id say, if you define HD25s as on ear then these are the same, but they have a good bit of tension in the headband so the isolation is tight
My head size is about 7-3/8 so I’m worried about the soreness of my ears after long use. I’m not sure that the interchangeable earpads will make a difference. I own the biggest size Urbanears (Zinken) has to offer and those on ears make my ears very sore after a while, but my ears aren’t big at all. I had to order the over the ear Sony Digital Noise Canceling headphones to upgrade, as I can wear those to the grave. Finally, you mention tension, so i may have the same problem with tightness, as I have already pre-ordered these babys. I ordered off the strength that some pictures make the cannons look bigger than the Urbanears i have. I could def tell that they may be on ear though, but i had to force it and have them. Especially, with so many respectable DJs backing them up. We will see, appreciate the feedback!
i think you will enjoy em mate, they are not super tight just nice and snug id say
They have a studio versions that sits more over the ear, these give me a little bit of sore ears when using them for producing, ie couple of hours straight.
Great minimal design, but not suitable for DJs who use their headphones for listening as well as playing. Don’t believe me? Put on any other quality DJ headphone and listening to the same track, switch to TMA1. You’ll hear a significant difference where the highs are cut off, mids are more pronounced and bass is over saturated. Also very tight and uncomfortable for long sets.
Received them a couple days ago and am completely satisfied!! Well, the logo is quite inconspicuous, more than I thought it would be. The tightness though, is perfect and just a notch above the Urbanears I have. Sound quality, if my Urbanears are a 7.5, these are an 8. Just the upgrade I was looking for in every way. They are perfect overall! :)