Audiophile, Bluetooth, DJ—three words you rarely see describing the same headphone. Yet, AlphaTheta’s HDJ-F10 aims to break that mold. Priced at $389, this Bluetooth DJ headphone promises ultra-low latency, high-quality sound, and versatility for both club mixing and home listening. But does it deliver on these claims? Let’s explore.
What Comes In The Box
- 1.6 m straight cable
- Ø6.3 mm stereo standard plug adapter (screw-type)
- Two USB Type-C to USB Type-C charging cables (0.5 m each)
- Spare ear pads
- Carrying pouch
- Quick Start Guide
- Precautions for use
These accessories add convenience, ensuring DJs and audiophiles alike have all the essentials.
Design and Build Quality
The HDJ-F10 boasts a sleek, all-black design with a unique bend at the earcups. This minimalistic yet functional look enhances comfort by conforming to the user’s head and ears.
The headphones’ robust build prioritizes durability, but it comes with trade-offs. While the tight clamp force and 356g weight ensure a secure fit, they may cause discomfort for users with glasses or those who prefer a lighter touch. Additionally, the limited swivel adjustment on the earcups could be a downside for DJs relying on one-ear monitoring during live sets. However, interchangeable ear pads and multiple cable options make up for these minor drawbacks.
Features and Functionality
Pairing the HDJ-F10 is straightforward: holding the power button activates pairing mode. The Bluetooth connection remains stable throughout use, offering up to 30 hours of battery life in standard mode.
The standout PEEK-PU-PEEK composite film diaphragm enables high-resolution sound with impressive detail. DJs will appreciate the ultra-low latency provided by the SonicLink connection for real-time audio monitoring. However, this feature limits battery life to about 9 hours, which may fall short for extended gigs.
For $499, users can opt for the HDJ-F10-TX bundle, which includes a transmitter for even greater functionality.
Tech Specs
- Type: Closed, dynamic
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 30 kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Output Sound Pressure Level: 105 dB
- Driver Unit: Ø40 mm dome-type
- Weight: 356 g (without cable)
- Charge Time: 2.5 hours (headphones), 4 hours (transmitter)
- Warranty: 2 years
- SonicLink Max Distance: ~15 m (unobstructed)
- Bluetooth Version: 5.2
- Playback Time: 30 hours (Bluetooth mode), 9 hours (SonicLink mode)
- ANC: Effective active noise cancellation
Listening Review
Soundstage & Noise Cancellation
While the HDJ-F10’s soundstage is relatively narrow, this focused profile delivers an intimate listening experience ideal for DJ monitoring. The active noise cancellation effectively silences distractions, making it perfect for both club environments and noisy commutes. The imaging accuracy is very good and you can place instruments in the field quite easily.
Low Frequencies
Bass is where the HDJ-F10 shines. The sub-bass is deep and resonant, adding powerful energy to EDM, hip-hop, and pop tracks. Despite the strong bass presence, clarity and separation remain intact, ensuring accurate mixing. It may feel overwhelming at times, but looking at the context this headphone would be used in, I could see a strong bass being a bonus.
Midrange Frequencies
The midrange excels in texture and detail. Instruments like guitars and synths stand out with vibrancy, while vocals, though slightly recessed, maintain warmth and tonal accuracy. I was fully immersed in my listening and found myself instinctually looking at my tracks more analytically with these headphones. This tuning emphasizes instrumental clarity, catering to DJs and producers.
High Frequencies
The treble is subtle, avoiding harshness or fatigue during extended sessions. While not overly bright, it provides excellent detail when required, complementing the bass-forward sound signature. If you’re using these for casual listening, you may be disappointed by the limited amount of power these headphones get. However, there is just enough crispness and clarity to be entertaining on your favorite tracks.
Summary
The AlphaTheta HDJ-F10 is an excellent choice for DJs and audiophiles who prioritize bass performance, durability, and advanced features. While its tight fit, weight, and limited earcup swivel may deter some users, the low-latency SonicLink connection and detailed sound profile make it a top contender for professional use. At $389, the HDJ-F10 offers outstanding value for its niche audience, especially when considering its versatile feature set.
For those seeking a headphone that bridges the gap between club-ready performance and Bluetooth convenience, the HDJ-F10 delivers on its promise.
The HDJ-F10 is available today at Audio46.
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