Behind the Design of the All-New NAD HP70 Headphone

With the release of the HP70, we sat down with NAD’s Chief Technology Officer, Greg Stidsen, to discuss NAD’s first wireless active noise-cancelling headphone.

Throughout its 45-year history, NAD Electronics has developed many headphone models, but it wasn’t until the release of the HP50 a few years ago that a renaissance in the category truly began. With a sleek and comfortable design created by longtime NAD collaborator David Farrage, reviewers compared their comfort to a favourite pair of slippers. And when it came to performance, the HP50 quickly became the reference headphone in its price category for leading publications everywhere. With perfect tonal balance that could make vocals eerily real sounding—combined with extended and powerful bass response that was not bloated and loose—the HP50 quickly became a headphone to be reckoned with.

Jump forward to 2018 and NAD is reinventing its winning formula with the HP70. As NAD’s first wireless active noise-cancelling headphone, the HP70 features three listening modes and advanced Bluetooth® technology. Below we take a closer look at what makes the HP70 different from the rest.

The most exciting new feature for headphones in recent years has been the ability to go wireless. We are not the first in the category, but we are arguably the most experienced brand in the market when it comes to amplification and digital engineering prowess. Wireless convenience and battery power can come with a heavy sonic penalty if not done right. Clearly, this is an area that could draw on the expertise of NAD engineering. Starting with the very latest advanced Bluetooth platform makes almost every aspect of the HP70’s wireless performance shine with features like 24-bit aptX HD audio capability. Powerful DSP tools and super quality DACs, combined with best-in-class transmission quality and robustness, make the wireless experience every bit as good as the wired experience. Unlike many wireless headphones that don’t have enough power to play over background noise, these HP70s can really rock. Our rechargeable LiO battery allows 12+ hours of operation on a single charge.

NAD has taken a slightly different approach to noise cancellation than other popular brands. Many brands that provide good noise isolation also create an uncomfortable sensation that your head is in a vacuum chamber and your eardrums are being sucked out. Our approach tackles the fatigue inducing low frequency rumble that is most annoying when traveling, while still allowing some upper frequency sound to come through at a reduced level. Our approach puts you in a quiet room rather than a sealed isolation chamber. 

The NAD HP70 exhibits a refined level of machine-made craft in a symphony of quality materials cumulating in robust elegance. Finely stitched upholstered headband and ear pads provide extended listening comfort in a light weight and flexible architecture. The precision die cast alloy components allow for fluid multi-axis mounting of the ear pads automatically adjusting to the precise contours of the listener’s head. Discreet interface controls give the user confident operation of the headphones, heightening the level of listening luxury and convenience.

Our esteemed acoustic engineer, Paul Barton, has continued to refine his RoomFeel™ transfer function, now enhanced with DSP precision, to make the HP70 one of the most natural sounding headphones on the market. Every nuance of the music is there, often with startling presence, in perfect balance. Regardless of your musical tastes, be it jazz, classical, or pop and hip hop, the NAD HP70 will astound you with its clarity and detail while simultaneously relaxing you with its natural sound and long-term listenability.