Features
- All new and innovative 40mm Sapphire dynamic driver consisting of cermet (ceramic-metal composite) layered on a thermoplastic polymer film stabilizer.
- Our foremost goal with project GHOST has been to redefine our tonal balance for headphones and match it with uncompromising audio quality.
- GHOST’s tuning has been calibrated to match the acoustics of the human ear’s auricle and pinna.
- The open-back design allows natural airflow across the outer acoustic cavity of the driver.
The GHOST utilizes an all new and innovative 40mm Sapphire dynamic driver. The foundation of the driver is a new diaphragm consisting of cermet (ceramic-metal composite) layered on a thermoplastic polymer film stabilizer.
After numerous testing for composition makeup, we selected a particular mix of titanium alloy and polymer ceramic oxide for the cermet, which is then plated through magnetron sputtering. While incredibly painstaking, the vacuum magnetron sputtering process plates 30 even layers of our cermet molecule by molecule to achieve ultra-thin, yet extremely precise 180 nanometer thin sheets, which is then cut up to form our diaphragm.
The resulting sapphire diaphragm has been extensively tested and measured with a high average density of 1.4 g/cm3, young’s modulus of 7.45 Pa, driver reflex of 2301 ns, and an internal damping factor of 0.032. In comparison, the same polymer film plated with nickel only measured with a Young’s modulus of 5.82 Pa, reflex of 2002 ns, and internal damping factor of 0.029, while graphene plating measured with a Young’s modulus of 6.21 Pa, reflexibility of 2162 ns, and internal damping factor of 0.027. Details of our findings can be read in our upcoming report.
Qualitative listening characterized the Sapphire dynamic driver as having extremely high responsiveness and transients, clarity, and power in the bass. To sufficiently provide enough magnetic flux across the diaphragm, strong N52 magnets were utilized in the GHOST.
A New Chapter for THIEAUDIO’s Headphone Lineup
The GHOST is a new precedent for THIEAUDIO’s headphone audio engineering. Our foremost goal with project GHOST has been to redefine our tonal balance for headphones and match it with uncompromising audio quality. To achieve this, we have completely redesigned the acoustic airflow of dynamic drivers and their acoustic cavity to finely adjust the pressure across the diaphragm membrane. After countless miniscule acoustic tuning modifications, we have achieved a tonal balance that perfectly matches the perceived hearing of the human ear at every frequency interval.
Of particular note, the GHOST's tuning has been calibrated to match the acoustics of the human ear’s auricle and pinna. This delivers a vibrant and crisp bite to every instrumental and vocal note, without any harshness or sharpness. The mids have been tuned to be natural, yet not sterile. Our careful engineering has achieved an ever slightly warm texture and lushness to the body of instruments and fullness in vocals, all while staying clear from any signs of bloating or muddying in the mids. The bass is rich, but not overpowering in order to maintain the natural tonal balance.
For users desiring a bass-dominant presence, a simple swap for thicker ear pads can provide all of the bass one can desire. This lends an incredible versatility for the GHOST, which presents a professional natural tuning, with the option to occasionally provide a fun and bass-heavy ride.
Open-Back Design
A key goal for project GHOST was to deliver the most natural sound possible in a headphone context. In order to achieve this, we have opted for an open-back headphone design. The open-back design allows natural airflow across the outer acoustic cavity of the driver. This provides greater driver for the driver, as well as peripheral perception for the listener. GHOST's open-back design delivers a life-like stage presence to every song and successfully mimics the full audio experience of listening to stereo speakers.
About THIEAUDIO
THIEAUDIO was established in 2019 as a creative endeavor of Linsoul Audio. Our team is composed of only a handful of dedicated engineers and enthusiasts from China, South Korea, Mexico, and Singapore that have come together to craft the finest audio solutions. THIEAUDIO’s goal has always been to deliver the best audio quality at transparent price points for everyone to enjoy. Our innovative work throughout the few, but fruitful years have revolutionized the global industry and have set new standards as to the audio quality that should be expected in the market. THIEAUDIO’s milestones in the global industry include our in-ear monitor lineup such as the Monarch, Monarch MKII, and the V16 Divinity, while our headphones, like the Phantom, have been beloved by many DIY enthusiasts. Our team is dedicated to continue the pursuit of achieving paramount audio performance and sharing it for all to enjoy.
DRIVERS: 40mm Sapphire Composite Dynamic Driver
Specifications
- IMPEDANCE: 60 ohms
- SENSITIVITY: 91dB @1kHz
- FREQ. RESPONSE: 20Hz-20kHz
- CABLE TERMINATION: Interchangeable 3.5mm wire
- HEADPHONES CONNECTORS: Dual 3.5mm