Introducing the all-new D8000 DC and DC Pro flagship headphones from Final.

December 6th 2024, UK: For 50 years, Final has been at the forefront of Japanese hi-fi. First releasing its range of turntable cartridges, then amplifiers and speakers – all implementing unique technology designed in-house by Final’s team of esteemed engineers. This tradition carries on today, with new developments in driver technology and software which looks to the future with the goal of enhancing the audio experience for everyone.

The D8000 planar-magnetic headphones were first launched seven years ago, and brought with them a completely unique driver technology which revolutionised the capabilities of planar. Since then, Final has further developed these techniques, inventing new technology and improving their early designs, paving the way for the D8000 DC and DC Pro.

The Final D8000 DC and DC Pro will be available to purchase from selected retailers in the UK now and available to pre-order in the US (Shipping mid December) - D8000 DC Pro $4,799/€4,799/£4,499 - D8000 DC  $4,299/€4,299/£3,999. For any sample enquiries or to request added information, please contact either John or Kyri at Jackrabbit.

The new Final D8000 DC and DC Pro headphones bring new possibilities to planar magnetic audio with an advanced iteration of its proprietary Air Film Damping System (AFDS) technology. The "DC" in D8000 DC stands for "Da Capo", symbolising a return to the beginning - a complete reconstruction of Final's flagship headphones with a fresh, innovative approach.

Initially developed seven years ago to address limitations in low-frequency response, Final’s AFDS uses air’s natural characteristics to regulate diaphragm movement, providing richer, distortion-free bass reproduction. By overcoming typical planar magnetic constraints, AFDS allows for a deep, balanced soundstage that captures audio with remarkable accuracy across the spectrum.

For the latest D8000 DC and DC Pro models, Final has taken AFDS one step further. Every element of the metal mesh structure surrounding the diaphragm, including its hole diameters, pitches, and patterns, has been thoroughly redesigned. Distinctive mesh patterns placed in front of and behind the diaphragm create an organic, open bass response, while Final’s breathable ‘washi paper’ ear pads add to the sense of depth and spatial clarity. Years of advanced research and engineering has enhanced the D8000 DC and DC Pro’s capacity to deliver a listening experience like no other.

At the heart of the D8000 DC’s sound signature is an ultra-lightweight diaphragm, crafted from etched aluminium foil. This design reduces the weight of the vibration system by about one-third, ensuring fast responsiveness to audio signals. The result is a sound profile that captures delicate high-frequency details with superior precision, bringing an airy, refined quality to the headphones. With these enhancements, the Final D8000 DC and DC Pro stand as a breakthrough in high-end planar magnetic technology, offering a dynamic, authentic listening experience for audiophiles.

Final takes pride in its Japanese heritage, which shows in how the D8000 DC has been produced. Manufactured at Final’s headquarters in Kawasaki, the precision of the product assembly relies on the quality of the machinery involved in production. This is why Final develops its own equipment, such as production jigs, diaphragm moulding machines, and many of the measuring instruments used to create a consistently precise and scientifically controlled manufacturing environment.

With the launch of the D8000 DC and D8000 DC Pro, Final has made sure to consider the use cases of this headphone. The D8000 DC has tuning that is intended to be enjoyed, and while the standard DC model will suit the tastes of many pro users, it is the music listening experience where these have been designed to shine.

The D8000 DC Pro Edition retains the delicate sound quality of the D8000 DC, while being adjusted to suit human hearing characteristics, where bass becomes more prominent as the listening volume increases. Please choose the model that best matches your preferred listening volume and sound quality.  

Both models come supplied with two cables - 1 x 4.4mm and 1 x 4-pin XLR. The D8000 DC Pro has the added benefit of utilising Final's silver braided cable for increased performance and added value.

The Final D8000 DC and DC Pro will be available to purchase from selected retailers in the UK now and available to pre-order in the US (Shipping mid December) - D8000 DC Pro $4,799/€4,799/£4,499 - D8000 DC  $4,299/€4,299/£3,999. For any sample enquiries or to request added information, please contact either John or Kyri at Jackrabbit.

Established in 2007, Final began as a subsidiary of the major American connector manufacturer Molex; in 2014, it went independent through an MBO by the current management team. Now is what you would call, its second formation.

Products such as earphones and headphones belong to a category known as current electrical appliances whose value is the greatest when they are brand new. We, however, would like to create earphones and headphones that people have an affinity for and continue to use in much the same way they have with a mechanical wristwatch, the kind that will be valued as an antique in the future. To that end, it is necessary to embody the design of the product and the way in which it is considered, including the repair system, as a concrete organization or structure.

Our brand concept is simple and has not changed since the company’s inception - “The comprehensive pursuit of things that are fundamentally right”. In our pursuit of this, we have actively adopted cutting edge technology such as 3D printers. We believe that such a pursuit is what creates a brand.