Palma DHS-1 | Electro-Dynamic Headphones

Palma DHS-1 is the World's First Convertible Audiophile Headphone

• First Convertible Closed-Back and Open-Back Headphone
• Electro-Dynamic Driver with Neodymium Magnet
• Crafted from African Sapele Wood
• Transparent and Balanced

The World's First

Before the DHS-1, listeners had only two choices: open-back or closed-back headphones. Palma was surprised that nobody had rendered a design capable of switching seamlessly between both. So, they set out to create one.

After more than three years of development, they arrived at a headphone with a uniquely transparent and natural sound. Through their patented rotating shutter mechanism, you can now experiment the isolated differences between open-back or closed-back mode simply by opening or closing the acoustic chambers while listening.

Audiophile Performance with a Twist

Since its introduction, the DHS-1 has earned recognition throughout the audiophile community. Conceiving a new idea is one thing; bringing it successfully to life is another. Developing a headphone capable of switching between open-back and closed-back operation while maintaining genuine high-end performance in both modes required more than three years of dedicated engineering and fine tuning.

Judging by the response from specialist journalists, musicians, recording engineers and audiophiles alike, Palma achieved their goal. Its transparency, detail and versatility have been widely praised, with one reviewer describing the convertible design as “…nothing short of ingenious.”

Appearance Matters

The DHS-1 was not designed from the outside in; it was engineered from the inside out. Throughout development, function took precedence over form. Only once every acoustic and mechanical objective had been achieved did the aesthetic details fall into place. Palma believes there is a timeless beauty in purposeful design. These are headphones built to outlast passing trends and remain relevant for years to come.

Sapele Wood

Considerable effort went into refining the acoustic chambers and identifying the ideal enclosure material. Palma's approach was closer to loudspeaker design than conventional headphone design, treating each enclosure as a carefully tuned acoustic space.

Sapele, a prized African hardwood frequently used by luthiers, stood out for both its acoustic properties and distinctive reddish hue. Its rigidity and density allow exceptionally precise machining while ensuring long-term dimensional stability. The result is an enclosure that contributes to both the performance and longevity of the DHS-1.

It All Starts Here

At the heart of every Palma headphone lies a carefully engineered driver. A powerful neodymium magnet drives a 26 mm voice coil, which in turn controls a 50 mm composite diaphragm. The diaphragm combines a rigid pressed-cellulose central dome with an ultra-thin polyamide suspension. This construction minimises flexing during operation, reduces intermodulation distortion and lowers moving mass, while maintaining excellent power handling and long-term reliability.

The voice coil’s low impedance and exceptionally low inductance of less than 0.1 mH ensure excellent compatibility with a wide range of amplification systems, including integrated amplifiers whose headphone outputs often employ passive attenuation and offer relatively low damping factors.

The Perfect Fit

However impressive the music or the sound quality, comfort remains essential to a rewarding listening experience. The DHS-1 sits securely and naturally on the head, distributing pressure evenly so effectively that it is easy to forget you are wearing it. The headband adjusts easily to suit a wide range of users, while generous memory foam ear pads wrapped in supple lambskin provide lasting comfort. Open the enclosures and settle in for hours of listening free from both acoustic and physical fatigue.