[Review] Nostalgia Audio Pendragon: The Thunderous Voice of a King.

Building on the global reputation of its predecessor, Camelot, local brand Nostalgia Audio has launched its new flagship in-ear Earphones - Pendragon, in celebration of its fifth anniversary. Inspired by the prestigious title "Pendragon" from the legend of King Arthur, these earphones not only showcase a regal presence in their design but also consolidate years of acoustic research and development. With an advanced four-driver hybrid structure, multiple patented technologies, and precision craftsmanship, every detail of the Pendragon exemplifies a pursuit of ultimate sound quality and unique aesthetics. When the powerful bass resonates, you can almost feel the shockwave of King Arthur leading his knightly army into battle, thundering along with the drums.


The unique "multicolored carbon fiber panel" incorporates five different metallic hues, creating a stunning effect, especially under light.



The outer shell features a three-dimensional dragon scale texture, so upon first seeing the Pendragon, one is instantly captivated by its strong imagery of Western dragons.


With 14 drivers built in, the Pendragon is not small in size, but it isn't overly burdensome to wear either.


Technology and Specifications

Flagship Four-Driver Hybrid Acoustic Structure

The Pendragon features a proprietary four-driver hybrid architecture, developed over two years, housing a total of 14 drivers, including 2 custom 9.2mm dynamic drivers for low frequencies, 2 Sonion bone conduction drivers to enhance mid-low frequencies, 6 Knowles and Sonion balanced armature drivers for mid to high frequencies, and 4 Sonion electrostatic drivers to extend the ultra-high frequencies.

The precise 6-way crossover design seamlessly integrates each frequency band, delivering more refined sound quality.

The exclusive XBS II ultimate bass system upgrades the dynamic driver connection material to aerospace-grade titanium alloy, combined with a precise 0.015mm micro-nano 3D printed airflow filter, resulting in deep and high-resolution bass performance.

Additionally, the E.S.C. electromagnetic shielding coating effectively reduces 98.7% of electromagnetic interference, ensuring pure and uncolored sound. Coupled with micro-nano printing technology and the SFD II spiral flow device, the Pendragon achieves studio-level performance in dynamics, detail, and vocal accuracy.

In terms of specifications, it boasts a frequency response of 15Hz to 70kHz, an impedance of 19Ω, and a sensitivity of 115dB, making it easy to drive while retaining professional-level sound quality potential.

The outer shell is shaped with a 3D-printed three-dimensional dragon scale texture.

The standard "Sword of Kings" Caliburn cable is specifically designed to match the Pendragon.

Appearance and Wear Comfort

Majestic Visuals Crowned with Dragon Scales

Upon first seeing of Pendragon, one is instantly captivated by its strong imagery of Western dragons. The outer shell frame is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy through five-axis CNC precision machining, featuring a three-dimensional dragon scale texture that is further enhanced with anodized treatment for increased scratch resistance.

The exclusive "multicolored carbon fiber panel" is particularly stunning; it involves integrating five metallic hues into pieces of carbon fiber prepreg, followed by a complex curing process under precise temperature and pressure. Each panel is CNC machined and meticulously hand-selected, showcasing a flowing iridescence that resembles magical reflections in water, akin to the treasure troves of the Arthurian legend.

The shell is shaped using micron-level 3D printing to create layered dragon scale textures, with the internal surface coated in golden micro-particles, emitting a soft glow from the crevices.

In terms of wear, although the device is somewhat bulky and heavy due to the number of drivers, the design fits the ear shape well. In practical tests, it is surprisingly lightweight, remaining comfortable and stable even after wearing it for one or two hours.

It comes with three exclusive ear tips—Symbio W for enhanced bass, XWB for improved high-frequency clarity, and LSR liquid silicone ear tips for a balanced and natural sound, catering to different listening preferences.



It is equipped with a 4.4mm plug.

It comes with three exclusive ear tips: Symbio W, XWB, and LSR liquid silicone ear tips, each providing different sound enhancements to cater to various listening preferences. The design of the ear tip case is also quite distinctive.

Sound Quality Performance

Delicate Sound Quality with Powerful Bass

It was already anticipated that the Pendragon's bass would have the "grand momentum of King Arthur leading his army," but the actual listening experience still comes as a pleasant surprise. Not only is the bass abundant in quantity, but it also showcases a clear layering, quick response, and absolute clarity—far from being a mere "blunt force." This demonstrates that bass can also be enjoyable.

The midrange, aided by the collaboration of bone conduction and balanced armature drivers, is rich and full. While vocals are not overly forward, they are distinctly rendered, with details like lip and throat sounds presented naturally. Particularly when listening to more complex arrangements, one notices many details that are often overlooked, which is quite delightful.

In the high frequencies, the electrostatic drivers provide excellent extension and transparency. Instrument overtones are crystalline and detailed without being harsh. The overall soundstage is expansive, with precise positioning, allowing for an immersive listening experience across genres like symphonic music, jazz, and electronic music, all while maintaining high resolution.

Listening to These New Puritans' "We Want War," the tribal drumming is impactful, and one can also hear the subtle details of air pressure, showcasing precise performance. Playing Nine Inch Nails' instrumental classic "Just Like You Imagined" reveals similar qualities, with explosive drums, distorted guitar effects, synth sounds, jazz piano improvisations, and the electronic hum at the end—all reflecting how well the headphones capture different timbres, resulting in a richly layered overall sound.

It's worth mentioning that the included "Sword of Kings" Caliburn cable is specifically designed to match the Pendragon. It uses a 4N German OFC copper Litz Type 4S four-strand woven configuration, covered with a SoftFlex PVC protective layer made in the USA. The inner shielding mesh is further cross-woven with 5N silver-plated OFC copper wire to effectively resist interference. Its black and gray dual-color design, combined with a unique dragon scale texture, not only resonates with the headphone's theme but also ensures that signal transmission remains pure, further unlocking the flagship-level sound quality potential of the Pendragon.


Impressive Clarity and Definition in Bass

Conclusion

The Ultimate Fusion of Craftsmanship and Acoustics

The Nostalgia Audio Pendragon is a flagship headphone that combines legendary storytelling, aesthetic design, and cutting-edge acoustic technology. It features a unique appearance and high-quality materials, representing a culmination of both technology and art—from the precise four-driver hybrid structure with fourteen drivers to the exclusive acoustic technologies like the enhanced bass system, electromagnetic shielding, and micro-nano filters. Every detail reflects a pursuit of excellence, particularly in the layered and nuanced bass performance, successfully transforming a fictional legend into a tangible and audible reality.

Also noteworthy is the packaging of the Pendragon headphone case, which departs from the previous dark style, adopting a white theme with beautiful watercolor illustrations.


Specifications

Pendragon

Type: In-ear

Drivers: 2 x 9.2mm Dynamic, 2 x Sonion Bone Conduction, 6 x Balanced Armature, 4 x Sonion Electrostatic

Frequency Response: 15Hz - 70kHz

Impedance: 19Ω @ 1kHz

Sensitivity: 115dB @ 1kHz, 1mW

Cable: Caliburn cable, 4N oxygen-free copper Litz Type 4S four-strand weave

Price: $28,800


More Info：Nostalgia Audio Facebook

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Nostalgia Audio Pendragon

Video Review

 

Source By : https://www.spill.hk/headphones/Nostalgia-Audio-Pendragon-review/

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